Dakar is a comfortable overnight-length hop from Paris: a nonstop of under six hours to Senegal’s Atlantic capital, with three airlines flying direct across the two Paris airports. This guide covers who flies the route, what a fair return fare looks like in euros, and when to book to keep the cost down.
Route: Paris (CDG / ORY) → Dakar Blaise Diagne (DSS)
Distance: approximately 4,200 km (2,620 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 5h 30m – 6h 00m southbound
Direct flights: Yes — Air France and Air Senegal fly nonstop from Charles de Gaulle, and Transavia France flies nonstop from Orly. Several departures a day across the two airports.
Fares from Paris to Dakar (EUR)
Dakar is a year-round destination with a warm, dry climate; fares are driven mainly by demand rather than weather. The priciest windows are the summer holidays, the Christmas and New Year period, and the days around major Muslim holidays, when the Senegalese diaspora travels. Spring and autumn are usually the cheapest. The table below shows when the route is busiest. We no longer print per-month fare estimates here, because they were never measured.
| Month | Demand |
|---|---|
| January | high (post-holiday) |
| February | medium |
| March | medium |
| April | medium |
| May | low-medium |
| June | medium-high |
| July | very high |
| August | very high |
| September | medium |
| October | low-medium |
| November | medium |
| December | very high (holidays) |
Reference points from our own deal tracking: a genuinely good return lands around €200–€280, a typical fair price is roughly €340, and anything under about €280 is worth booking quickly. The lowest fares are usually low-cost Transavia departures from Orly; Air France and Air Senegal nonstops sit a little higher but include more.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 5½ to 6 hours):
- Air France — nonstop from Charles de Gaulle, multiple times weekly; full-service with a checked bag on most fares, plus premium economy and business.
- Air Senegal — Senegal’s flag carrier, nonstop from CDG; full-service with generous baggage on international fares.
- Transavia France — low-cost nonstop from Orly; usually the cheapest headline fare, with bags and seats charged separately.
With three carriers competing across two airports, Paris is the best-connected European city for Dakar. If you want the lowest price, watch Transavia out of Orly and book ahead; if you value a full bag allowance and onward connections in West Africa, Air France or Air Senegal are the picks.
When to book & how to save
- Book 1–3 months ahead for the best balance of price and choice; fares climb close to departure, especially around the holiday peaks.
- Avoid July, August and the Christmas week if you can — these are the peak diaspora-travel periods and the most expensive.
- Travel in spring or autumn (March–May, September–October) for the lowest fares and pleasant, dry weather in Dakar.
- Be flexible on the Paris airport: Orly has the cheapest low-cost Transavia fares, while CDG offers the fuller Air France and Air Senegal schedules.
- Compare all-in prices including bags: Transavia’s lowest fares are cabin-bag only, so add a checked bag before comparing with the full-service carriers.
Arriving in Dakar
Flights land at Blaise Diagne International (DSS), near Diass, about 45 km east of central Dakar — noticeably further out than the old city airport it replaced. The usual way in is a taxi or pre-booked transfer, which takes around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes to the city and costs roughly €25–€40 (agree the fare first). A toll motorway speeds the drive outside rush hour. Senegal uses the West African CFA franc (XOF); ATMs are available at the airport.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Paris to Dakar?
Nonstop flights take about 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours from Paris to Dakar. There’s no meaningful time difference (Senegal is one hour behind Paris in winter and two in summer, but on GMT year-round), so jetlag isn’t an issue on this north–south route.
Are there direct flights from Paris to Dakar?
Yes. Air France and Air Senegal fly nonstop from Charles de Gaulle, and Transavia France flies nonstop from Orly. There are several departures a day across the two airports, so a convenient nonstop is almost always available.
How much does it cost to fly from Paris to Dakar?
A typical economy return runs about €280–€450 depending on the season. Good deals dip to around €200–€280, usually low-cost Transavia fares booked ahead in spring or autumn, while July, August and the December holidays push fares toward €550.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Paris to Dakar?
May, September and October are usually the cheapest months to fly. Avoid the July–August summer peak and the Christmas/New Year week, which are the busiest and most expensive periods.
Which airlines fly from Paris to Dakar?
Nonstop: Air France and Air Senegal (from CDG) and Transavia France (from Orly). Transavia typically has a competitive headline fare, while Air France and Air Senegal are full-service with a checked bag included and better onward connections within West Africa.
Which airport do I fly into in Dakar?
You arrive at Blaise Diagne International (DSS), Dakar’s main airport, about 45 km east of the city near Diass. It replaced the old in-city Yoff airport, so allow around an hour for the transfer into central Dakar.
How far in advance should I book Paris to Dakar flights?
Aim to book 1 to 3 months ahead. Fares on this route tend to rise as departure approaches, particularly around the summer holidays and the Christmas peak, so booking early almost always saves money — especially if you need specific dates.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Often, yes — midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) are usually a little cheaper than Friday–Sunday, when weekend and diaspora travel push demand up. Being flexible by a day or two, and comparing Orly with CDG, is one of the easiest ways to trim the fare.
Do I need a visa to visit Senegal?
Most European and many other visitors can enter Senegal visa-free for short tourist stays, but rules change — always confirm the current entry requirements and passport-validity rules for your nationality before you travel. Your passport should have plenty of validity remaining beyond your return date.
Fare guidance based on aifly.one deal tracking and current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — always check the live fare before booking.
