In Lomé, there is a company in charge of collective bus transportation, namely SOTRAL (Société des transports de Lomé). Created through political will to meet the needs of the Greater Lomé population, it provides regular urban transport service in Togo's capital.

To travel from one city to another or to reach rural areas, the most commonly used means of transportation is the taxi-brousse. These are shared vehicles that transport as many people as possible with their belongings. "As many as possible" means that in a seven-seater van whose mileage often exceeds 300,000 km, a dozen or more people travel together.

Taxi-brousse fares are affordable and can take you to the country's main cities. Subsequently, networks of shared taxis serve the villages. In a taxi-brousse, you can bring all your belongings—suitcases, televisions, chickens, and sheep. The vehicle's interior is for passengers, with limited storage space inside, but the roof is fully utilized for luggage. It is recommended to avoid traveling at night, as accidents are more frequent.

Taxis-brousses are generally found at the bus station, but in Lomé, it depends on your destination. To reach Aného, you'll find your taxi-brousse at the Grand Market or Hollando. For Kpalimé, go to the Kodomé district, and for Dapaong, Sokodé, Kara, and Atakpamé, head to Agbalépédo. There are no fixed schedules—the taxi departs when full. Sometimes there are ticket windows, but you can also negotiate directly with the driver. Expect approximately 3,000 FCFA per 100 km; you'll quickly learn the rates and customs. It's also possible to hire a private taxi, though you'll need to pay for all seats.

Various bus companies traverse the country and cross into neighboring nations. Examples include ZST, Kilimandjaro, SNTV, TSR, BK Lines, and Rimbo Transport. A journey from Lomé costs approximately 6,000 FCFA to Kara, 8,000 FCFA to Dapaong, or 9,000 FCFA to Cinkisse. Once again, avoid traveling at night. The Post Office operates a bus service called "Le Courrier." It connects major cities at prices ranging from 2,000 to 9,000 FCFA, with tickets available at all post offices.

The SOTRAL company also rents special buses by the day or half-day. Rates range from 50,000 FCFA for a half-day and 60,000 FCFA for a full day for a 25-seat vehicle, up to 130,000 FCFA for a half-day and 160,000 FCFA for a full day for a VIP bus with 55 seats and luggage storage.

Getting Around Lomé

The SOTRAL bus company makes it easy to travel within the capital. Vehicles running on 17 lines across 235 km serve passengers from 5 a.m. (5:30 or 6 a.m. depending on the line) to 8:30 p.m. With 85 vehicles, SOTRAL serves 195 neighborhoods with 500 daily routes. As of September 2017, a bus ticket in Lomé costs 250, 300, or 350 FCFA (approximately €0.50) depending on the route. This service is particularly valuable for students, who enjoy a special rate of 150 FCFA regardless of destination—a benefit designed to improve studying conditions.

Another widely used form of transportation in Lomé is the zem (zémidjan), a motorcycle-taxi accommodating one or two passengers. Locals refer to it as "taking in sandwich." Thrill-seekers will love weaving between cars during rush hours—an incomparable sensation. Helmets are mandatory for drivers but not for passengers, though head protection is strongly recommended. Fares vary by route, but it's the most economical transport option in town. Expect at least 100 FCFA per trip.

It's possible to rent taxis by the hour, day, or several days by making a phone reservation, for example with Allotaxi-Togo or Soft Taxis. Some services offer luxury vehicles, and Uber will soon establish operations in Lomé.

Car rental is another option for getting around. It is strongly recommended to rent a car with a driver, at least initially, to familiarize yourself with Togolese driving habits and interactions with local authorities. In Togo, the only driving rule is the horn! Car rental prices vary depending on mileage and vehicle type (compact sedan, spacious car, 4x4), ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 FCFA or more.