Mauritania Airport Transfer Guide (2026) - All Options & Tips
Airport transfers in Mauritania: taxi, bus, train, and shuttle options from the airport to the city center, with costs and journey times in Mauritania.
Helpful Tips
Between Nouadhibou and Zouerate, the Iron Ore Train gives two choices. Pay for a passenger wagon or ride free in open ore cars. Ore cars are rougher. They are also one of West Africa's legendary desert crossings.
Shared taxis, taxis collectifs, leave the gare routière only when full. Arrive early morning. You will depart fastest on intercity routes like Nouakchott to Rosso.
In Nouakchott, agree on the fare before you enter. Taxis lack meters. Negotiate first. Avoid disputes later.
Sept-place Peugeot wagons cover routes the train skips. Seven seats. Quicker and more comfortable than minibuses.
Common Scams to Avoid
At Nouakchott, Oumtounsy International Airport, unofficial touts intercept passengers before the official taxi zone. They quote euros or US dollars. Prices are far above local rates. Walk past arrivals. Reach the marked taxi stand. Settle the fare in Mauritanian ouguiya before boarding.
The 2018 redenomination swapped 1 new ouguiya for 10 old. Confusion lingers. Informal changers near the airport exploit this. They quote or give change in old notes and pocket the gap. Check every bill. Use the airport's formal counter. Denominations are posted clearly.
At Nouakchott airport, unsolicited helpers grab trolleys or steer you through arrivals. They then demand cash. This tactic is common across West Africa. Decline anyone lacking an official uniform. If someone insists before you can refuse, you owe nothing.