Find the cheapest flights from London to Dakar in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: London (LHR) → Dakar (DSS)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 7h 30m – 10h 30m
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €450 | high |
| February | €380 | medium |
| March | €360 | medium |
| April | €370 | medium |
| May | €320 | low |
| June | €340 | low |
| July | €480 | high |
| August | €470 | high |
| September | €310 | low |
| October | €300 | low |
| November | €330 | medium |
| December | €520 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- Royal Air Morocco (connecting): from €310 — Use their official site or Skyscanner; stopover in Casablanca can add interesting travel options at no extra cost.
- Air France (connecting): from €380 — Flying Blue miles can be redeemed on this route; check for Promo Rewards for deals.
- Brussels Airlines (connecting): from €350 — Book directly on Brussels Airlines website for best flexibility on changes.
- TAP Air Portugal (connecting): from €340 — Look for ‘Basic’ fare for cheapest; ‘Classic’ adds checked bag if you need it.
- Turkish Airlines (connecting): from €360 — Istanbul hub is excellent; check for Business Class deals as they sometimes run reasonable upgrade offers.
Booking Strategy
Book 8-12 weeks ahead for the best deals on the London-Dakar route. The cheapest fares typically appear in May-June and September-October when demand drops after the European summer and before Christmas. Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) can save €50-100 compared to weekend departures. Use Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ search to compare all carriers, then book directly with the airline to avoid third-party booking fees. Royal Air Morocco and TAP Air Portugal generally offer the lowest base fares. Avoid booking in December when prices spike to €500+ for economy. Consider booking a ‘hidden city’ ticket if you’re flexible – sometimes flying via Casablanca to another West African destination works out cheaper, though airlines frown on this practice.
Route Tips
- Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS) is 45km from downtown Dakar – factor in 45-60 minutes for the journey and arrange airport transfer in advance for better rates.
- British passport holders need a visa for Senegal – apply online via the e-visa portal (senegal-visa.com) at least 5 working days before travel, costs approximately €50.
- Royal Air Morocco via Casablanca often has the cheapest fares and generous baggage allowance – their Hub in Morocco makes for a potential stopover add-on.
- Avoid arriving on a Friday if possible – airport immigration can be very busy with returning Senegalese diaspora, causing delays of 30+ minutes.
- The cheapest currency exchange is in Dakar, not at the airport – withdraw CFA at the airport ATM and exchange only what you need until reaching the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from London to Dakar?
There are no direct flights from London to Dakar. The shortest connecting flights take approximately 7 hours 30 minutes with one stop, typically via Casablanca (Royal Air Morocco), Paris (Air France), Brussels (Brussels Airlines), Lisbon (TAP), or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines). Most journeys land between 8-10 hours depending on connection times. Overnight flights with early morning arrivals in Dakar are common and convenient.
How much does it cost to fly from London to Dakar?
Economy class flights range from €300-€350 in the low season (May-June, September-October) to €450-€520 in peak periods (Christmas/New Year, July-August). The absolute cheapest deals hover around €290-€300 for Basic fares, typically with Royal Air Morocco or TAP Air Portugal. Business class fares start around €1,200-€1,800 depending on the airline and season. Allow extra for visa fees if required.
Are there direct flights from London to Dakar?
No, there are currently no direct flights between London and Dakar. All services require at least one stop. The most popular connecting hubs are Casablanca (Royal Air Morocco, 4-5 daily), Paris Charles de Gaulle (Air France, 2-3 daily), Brussels (Brussels Airlines, daily), Lisbon (TAP Air Portugal, daily), and Istanbul (Turkish Airlines, daily). You may also find routes via other West African hubs like Accra or Banjul.
What is the cheapest month to fly from London to Dakar?
May and October are typically the cheapest months, with average prices around €300-€320. September also offers excellent value at approximately €310. The most expensive period is December (€500+) due to Christmas travel, followed by July-August (€470-€480) during European summer holidays. Shoulder months like April, November, and March offer a good balance of decent weather and moderate prices around €350-€380.
Which airlines fly from London to Dakar?
Five main airlines operate this route: Royal Air Morocco (most frequent, via Casablanca, from €310), TAP Air Portugal (via Lisbon, from €340), Brussels Airlines (via Brussels, from €350), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul, from €360), and Air France (via Paris, from €380). All include at least one checked bag in economy. Royal Air Morocco typically offers the lowest base fares, while Air France and Turkish Airlines often have better schedule flexibility.
What airport do I fly into in Dakar?
You will fly into Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS), located in Diass, approximately 45km east of Dakar’s city center. Taxis to downtown cost CFA 15,000-20,000 (around €23-€30) and take 30-45 minutes. Private transfers can be pre-booked for €40-€50. The new airport opened in 2017 and has modern facilities. Make sure your visa is arranged before arrival if required.
How far in advance should I book London to Dakar flights?
For the best fares, book 8-12 weeks (2-3 months) before your travel date. This is the sweet spot when airlines release their discounted inventory. Booking too early (6+ months) sometimes catches ‘early bird’ higher fares, while last-minute bookings (under 2 weeks) rarely offer savings on this route. For December travel, book by early October at the latest. Shoulder season trips can sometimes find deals even 4-6 weeks out.
Is it cheaper to fly from London to Dakar on weekdays?
Yes, Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €40-€80 cheaper than Friday or Sunday flights. This is consistent across most airlines on this route. The difference is most pronounced in off-peak seasons. Saturday departures fall in the middle. If your schedule is flexible, shifting a mid-week departure by a day or two can yield meaningful savings. Use fare calendars on Skyscanner or Google Flights to identify the cheapest specific dates.
Data updated: 2026-03
