Mauritania offers an authentic Saharan adventure with ancient caravan cities, vast desert landscapes, and unique cultural heritage. Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites like Chinguetti, explore Banc d'Arguin's pristine coastline, and experience traditional nomadic culture in one of Africa's most unspoiled destinations.
- Public
- Very limited informal minibus network in Nouakchott with unclear routes. Not recommended for tourists. Shared sept-places taxis for intercity travel are the primary public option.
- Taxi
- Private and shared taxis are the main urban transport. No meters — always negotiate price before departure. Apps not available. Registered taxis safer than informal ones.
- Rental
- 4x4 with driver strongly recommended for all desert travel. Self-drive car hire limited and requires 4x4 for almost any destination outside the capital.
- Walking
- Tevragh Zeina and Ksar districts are walkable in cooler months. Desert heat makes extended walking dangerous May-September. Most other areas lack pavement.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Taxi (fixed price from airport): 1500-2000 MRU ($38-50), 35-55 minutes
- Shuttle
- Private transfer (pre-booked): 1200-1800 MRU ($30-45)
- Bus
- Hotel shuttle (varies by hotel): Usually included or $20-30
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Informal minibus system in Nouakchott. Routes not well-marked, difficult for tourists. Fares: 30-50 MRU ($0.75-1.25) per ride. Overcrowded and unpredictable schedules.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Shared taxis (taxi collectif) and private taxis available. Shared: 30-50 MRU ($0.75-1.25) per seat on fixed routes. Private taxi base fare: 200 MRU ($5) plus 40 MRU ($1) per km. Negotiate before departure. Always agree on price beforehand. Meters rarely used.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Bush taxis (sept-places, 7-seater Peugeots) are the main intercity transport. Nouakchott to Atar: 6000-8000 MRU ($150-200), 8-12 hours. Nouakchott to Nouadhibou: 5000-7000 MRU ($125-175), 6-8 hours. Departures when full. Bring water and snacks. Some air-conditioned buses on main routes, slightly more expensive but more comfortable.
Flights
Mauritania Airlines operates limited domestic flights. Nouakchott to Atar: $100-150 one-way, 1.5 hours. Nouakchott to Nouadhibou: $120-180 one-way, 1 hour. Schedules change frequently, book in advance. Small aircraft, weight restrictions apply.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
From centre: 25 km north of city center
Options: Taxi (fixed price from airport): 1500-2000 MRU ($38-50), 35-55 minutes; Private transfer (pre-booked): 1200-1800 MRU ($30-45); Hotel shuttle (varies by hotel): Usually included or $20-30; Shared taxi: Negotiate, approximately 800-1000 MRU ($20-25) per person
Nouadhibou International Airport
From centre: 5 km from city center
Options: Taxi: 500-800 MRU ($12-20), 10-15 minutes; Hotel shuttle: Available from major hotels; Private transfer: 400-600 MRU ($10-15)
Atar International Airport
From centre: 2 km from town center
Options: Taxi: 200-400 MRU ($5-10), 5 minutes; Walking possible to some hotels (with light luggage); Hotel pickup: Often arranged in advance
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
No ride apps operate in Mauritania
Uber, Careem, and similar apps are not available. Use hotel-arranged taxis or negotiate with taxis directly at main intersections in Tevragh Zeina.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Always negotiate taxi fares before entering the vehicle — meters are not used anywhere in Mauritania
For desert travel, always hire a 4x4 with an experienced local driver rather than self-driving — road conditions and navigation are hazardous
Bush taxis (sept-places, 7-seater Peugeots) depart when full — be prepared to wait 1-3 hours at the gare routière
Mauritania Airlines schedule is unreliable — always confirm flights the day before and allow extra time
Carry sufficient fuel in jerry cans for any desert journey — petrol stations are extremely rare outside major towns
The iron ore train departure time from Choum is unpredictable — confirm locally and allow 24-48 hours of flexibility