Getting Around

By Air
There are government run air services that link Cotonou, Parakou, Natitingou, Djougou and Kandi. There is also the option of chartering 2-seater planes. Domestic air transport is usually handled only by travel agents who occasionally charter planes from Cotonou to the country's three main airports - Parakou, Kandi and Natitingou.

By Road
Minibuses and Peugeot bush taxis are the main means of transport and travel in Benin. There are well-paved roads to Cotonou, Dassa, Malanville and Parakou. Traffic drives on the right. Visitors can hire cars from agencies in Cotonou and one requires an International Driving Permit to drive in Benin. But this can turn out to be expensive option. If one is using public transport it is advised that one take the minibuses that are slightly cheaper than bush taxis; 9-seater bush taxis are cheaper than 5-seaters. There is a surcharge for luggage. Be prepared for hard bargaining; for a rucksack the fee should not exceed US$0.60 for most journeys, although drivers may demand over twice that amount.

By Train
Benin’s only railway line operated by the Naitonal Railway Company, links Continuo with Bohicon and Parakou. There are daily scheduled trips from 9.56am arriving in Bohincon around 1pm and in Parakou by 7pm. The train departs from Parakou at 8am everyday. First-class tickets cost US$ 10 and second-class tickets cost US$ 6. First/second class tickets to Parakou cost US$3/3.