Taxis & Rideshare in Lome (2026) - Grab, Uber & More

Taxis & Rideshare in Lome (2026) - Grab, Uber & More

Taxis and rideshare in Lome: local taxi apps, Uber, Grab, typical fares, and tips for safe, affordable rides around Togo.

In Lomé, the only point-to-point option that is always on the street is the local taxi. These cars are easy to spot: look for the yellow-and-green license plates and the small "TAXI" sign on the roof. Hailing is straightforward, simply raise your hand at the curb or walk to any busy junction. Trips are almost always shared. The driver will pick up additional passengers heading in roughly the same direction. Tell the driver your destination as you board and be ready to pay your portion when you exit. If you prefer a private ride, say "course" (charter) before you get in. The driver will then skip extra pickups and take you directly. For comfort and predictability, chartered taxis are the go-to choice, after dark or when you have luggage. Shared taxis remain the fastest way to cover short hops across town during busy hours. But they follow no fixed route map, just name the neighborhood and the driver will nod if it's on his general path. Because fares are negotiated each time, glance at the live price widget below before you travel so you know the going rate for your distance.

Safety Tips

Look for the official yellow-and-white license plates and roof-mounted taxi signs, unlicensed cars in Lomé often lack both and cruise the Grand Marché area.

Most Lomé taxis don't use meters. Agree on the fare in CFA francs before getting in, and if the driver refuses, simply wave down the next cab, there are plenty.

Locals rely on the Yango app for rideshare. It shows driver photo, plate number, and lets you share your live trip with a contact.

After dark, sit in the back seat, keep bags on the floor, and ask the driver to drop you at a well-lit landmark like the 2 Février Hôtel rather than a quiet side street in Kodjoviakopé.

Common Scams to Avoid

Drivers at Lomé-Tokoin Airport sometimes quote inflated flat fares instead of using the meter. Insist on the meter or agree on a fare before leaving the terminal area.

Taxis near the Grand Marché may claim the meter is broken and demand several times the normal city-center rate. Walk a block away from the market to hail a cab on the street where meters are more likely to work.

Some drivers take unnecessarily long routes through congested side streets to run up the fare. Use a map app to track the route and politely ask to take the main boulevards if you notice detours.