Airport transfers in Benin 2026

Cotonou’s airport offers several ways into town. Taxis are the quickest, taking around 20 minutes and available 24/7, though fares vary. There’s no train or metro service. Local minibuses run irregularly and can be crowded, taking 30 to 45 minutes. For travellers arriving late, with heavy luggage, or in groups, a pre-booked transfer offers a fixed price and a driver waiting for you. For solo travellers or light packers, a taxi from the official rank at the airport exit is usually the best value and most straightforward.

No regulated flat fare exists from Cotonou airport, so agree on the price before you get in. The official taxi rank is just outside the arrivals hall; avoid drivers who approach inside the terminal. Meters are rarely used or reliable, so expect to negotiate. Ride-hailing apps are not widely available or trusted here, so stick to official taxis. Watch out for drivers claiming the meter is broken as a way to inflate the fare.

Cotonou lacks train or metro connections from the airport. Local minibuses and shared taxis run sporadically to the city centre, but schedules are unpredictable and vehicles can be crowded. Tickets are purchased on board, usually requiring small local cash. Public transit is impractical late at night or if you’re travelling with children or heavy luggage.

Most travellers don’t need to pre-book transfers in Cotonou. Public transport or a taxi from the official rank suffices. Pre-booking makes sense if you arrive late at night, travel with a group, or want to avoid haggling. Around the World compares regulated transfer companies offering fixed upfront prices, so you know what you pay before you land.