Train travel in Senegal is limited to suburban trains. The first railway in the present day Senegal was opened in 1924. It was railway line from Dakar to Bamako, known as Chemin de Fer Dakar-Niger. Senegal and Mali gained their independence in 1960 and railway line was divided between two countries. Within Senegal lies about 645 kilometers of this line.
Last updated: 29.01.2024
The Dakar – Bamako international train stopped in 2009. The train was famous among travellers for old carriages and very slow ride, but was one of the few international passenger trains in Africa. There are plans to reinstate this train in the future.
A suburban train from Dakar to Thies operated between 1987 and 2016 (80 km). Passenger service, known as Petit train de banlieue, was ceased due to plans to build a new parallel electrified line from Dakar to Diamondo and international airport.
Train travel in Senegal – current situation
On 28 December 2021 Dakar Regional Express Train made his first journey from Dakar to Diaminiado. Route length is 35 kilometers, journey takes 75 minutes. Regional Express Train ride at average speed 16 km/h and serve 13 stations. Trains run very often. Its second phase is currently underway, in the nearest future train will serve Blaise Diagne International Airport (55 km from Dakar).
The line is served by 15 dual-mode Coradia Polyvalent trainsets, intended for both diesel and electric operations. Each train has a capacity 565 passengers in two classes. Low floor trains are equipped with an air conditioning system. Trains are slow but many Senegalese use it instead of buses and taxis, because tickets are much cheaper and primary aim to introduce this train connection was reduce traffic jams in Dakar.
The project also involved the construction of the new railway station of the Thiaroye and Bargny and renovation of the multi-modal stations at the Dakar Plateau and Rufisque. New multi-modal station was built ind Diamniado and new stations were built in Colobane, Hann, Baux maraichers, Pikine, Yeumbeul, Keur-Massar and M’bao.
There is no railway link to Gambia.
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