City in Littoral, Benin
Getting around Cotonou
How to get around Cotonou
Zemidjan motorbike taxis (yellow shirts) are how almost everyone moves; Gozem makes it simpler. Taxis are available but have no meters.
Ways to get around Cotonou
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Zemidjan (moto-taxi) | About 200–1,000 XOF | Agree the fare first; ask for a helmet |
| Gozem car | About 1,500–3,000 XOF for 5 km | In-app fixed price; cars and bikes |
| Shared and private taxis | About 500–3,000 XOF | No meter; haggle before getting in |
Ride-hailing apps in Cotonou
A 5 km ride costs about CFA1,000–2,500 ($1.7–4.3).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Gozem | Cars and zem rides in Cotonou; fixed in-app prices |
- Zemidjan drivers do not use meters; agree the price beforehand. Gozem is simpler and gives a fixed price.
Arriving in Cotonou
Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International (COO)
About 5 km from the center; Gozem or taxi about 3,000–5,000 XOF, 15–30 min.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rentals are rare; locals use zem drivers. Riding yourself is unwise in this traffic.
- Driving: on the right. Foreign licences with an IDP are accepted for short stays; most visitors use taxis or zem motorbike drivers instead.
- Onward travel in Benin: Shared taxis and minibuses run the coastal corridor; zem motorbike taxis are the city default. Buses cover Cotonou–Porto-Novo–Abomey; Cotonou airport is the only international hub.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Cotonou?
No. Use Gozem instead.
What's the best way to get around Cotonou?
Zemidjan motorbike taxis (yellow shirts) are how almost everyone moves; Gozem makes it simpler. Taxis are available but have no meters.
How do I get from the airport to Cotonou?
About 5 km from the center; Gozem or taxi about 3,000–5,000 XOF, 15–30 min.
Is Cotonou walkable?
You'll need transport.
More about Cotonou
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.