Burkina Faso has one international railway line connecting the country with the largest city in Côte d’Ivoire – Abidjan and domestic line to Kaya with freight traffic only. Construction of the railway line started at the beginning of the 20th century from Abidjan. In 1933 the tracks were extended to Bobo-Dioulasso, a year later the local station was opened and regular train traffic was inaugurated.
Last update: 29.01.2024
In 1954, the railway line Abidjan – Ouagadougou was completed. An international train ran between the cities, famous for slow ride and old rolling stock. In the early 21st century, the connection was suspended several times due to the civil war in Côte d’Ivoire and the unstable political situation in Burkina Faso. For several years, the train route was shortened to Bobo-Dioulasso, later was resumed to Ouagadougou.
Ouagadougou-Kaya railway line, approximately 100 kilometers long, was built in the 1980s.
The international train Abidjan – Ouagadougu was suspended on 20 March 2020 due to coronavirus pandemic.
Train travel in Burkina Faso – current situation
On 17 November 2023 passenger train from Bobo Dioulasso to Ouagadougou was reinstated. Train runs once a week.
Departure from Bobo Dioulasso, to Ouagadougou, Tuesdays at 9:00
Departure from Ouagadougou, heading to Bobo Dioulasso, Thursdays at 9:00.
The train is comprised of two 2nd class cars with total 192 seats. Train will stop at Bobo Dioulaso, Siby, Koudougou and Ouagadaugou railway stations.
There are no passenger trains to Côte d’Ivoire, but freight trains run regularly.
Passengers and freight trains in Burkina Faso are operated by Sitarail.
Fanpage of Sitaral – up-to-date information about freight and passenger traffic
Train travel in Burkina Faso – future
The following investments in Burkina Faso are planned in the future:
– there is a plan to connect Ghana and Burkina Faso by rail. The proposed railway line will start from Tema Port and pass through the eastern corridor of Ghana. In Burkina Faso line will continue from Dakola along the national highway number 5 and ends at Ouagadougou.
– upgrade Abidjan – Ouagadougou railway line
– extension of the Ouagadougou – Kaya railway line to Tambao at the junction of Burkina Faso’s borders with Mali and Niger. There are manganese mines in the Tambao area.
– construction of a railway line connecting Côte d’Ivoire with Niger and Benin.
Related articles:
