Prepare your documents, favour daytime travel and confirm road conditions before a long journey. With a driver, a local professional handles driving and routing.
On location
Traffic drives on the right. Cotonou is busy, and the yellow motorbike taxis (zémidjans) weave everywhere: keep your distance and check your blind spots. The main coastal roads are paved; inland routes still include laterite tracks where an SUV or 4×4 is more comfortable.
- Suggested duration
- As a guide: Cotonou–Ouidah or Cotonou–Porto-Novo takes about an hour, depending on traffic.
- Local tip
- Avoid driving at night outside towns and agree the journey stops with your driver before setting off.
Before leaving
Check handover time, fuel or charge level, tyre pressure and the support contact. Take time to photograph the condition report with the agent.
Choosing the car
A city car suits most urban travel. For luggage, longer stays or tracks, prefer an SUV or 4×4. Ask for advice if your itinerary leaves the main roads.