From Cotonou Airport to Abomey-Calavi: How to Get There

You land in Cotonou and your hotel is in Abomey-Calavi: the trip takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs around 4,000 FCFA by ride-hailing app. Here is how to do it without stress.

Where you land and where you are going

International flights arrive at Cardinal Bernardin Gantin Airport in Cotonou, in the Cadjehoun district. Abomey-Calavi is the neighbouring town, north of Cotonou on the Lake Nokoué side. You cross part of the city on the way, so the time you set off matters.

Three ways to make the trip

• A ride-hailing car (a car with a driver booked through an app). In Benin, the app is Gozem. The price is shown before the ride, so there is nothing to haggle over. Expect about 4,000 FCFA to Tibi-Libi.
• A taxi. There is no meter: agree on the price before you get in, and keep small notes in CFA francs.
• A transfer arranged through your hotel. Tibi-Libi has no shuttle, but the front desk can help you organise your arrival if you let them know in advance.

Directions to give your driver

In Benin, people rarely navigate by street name. To reach Tibi-Libi, tell the driver: Abomey-Calavi, near the military camp fence, on the road to the wholesale market. You can also show the location on Google Maps.

A few tips for a smooth arrival

• Avoid rush hour (early morning and late afternoon) if your flight gives you a choice: the same trip can take much longer than 30 minutes.
• Have CFA francs in cash before leaving the airport: the hotel accepts cash and cheques, not bank cards.
• Download the app and offline maps before you fly, in case the network is weak when you land.
• Send your arrival time to the front desk on WhatsApp, especially if you land in the evening or at night.

Arriving at Tibi-Libi at any hour

The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and check-in and check-out are possible at any hour, day or night. A late landing is not a problem: a room is ready, breakfast is included for one person, and you can then enjoy the pool and the restaurant, open every day from 11 am to 10 pm.