Flights to Benin
Buy Flights to Benin and Pay Later
Splitting the cost of your flight to Benin with Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) can make your trip more manageable financially. Unlike paying upfront, BNPL allows you to split the cost of your flight tickets into smaller, more budget-friendly instalments.
Many plans offer interest-free payments within a specific timeframe - this can ease budgeting and potentially save your money compared to traditional financing options! Enjoy a stress-free travel experience to Benin with over 40 ways to pay. We work with payment providers such as Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna, Clearpay and PayPal.
Popular Airlines Flying to Benin
Here are some great airlines flying to airports in Benin.
Air France
Air France offers direct flights from Paris (Charles de Gaulle Airport, CDG) to Cotonou. You can also find flights to Cotonou with Air France from other cities, such as London and Manchester, typically involving a layover in Paris.
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Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines offers direct, non-stop flights from its hub in Addis Ababa (ADD) to Cotonou. They are a very popular choice for travellers to and from Benin, and their presence is significant given their extensive network across Africa and beyond.
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Brussels Airlines
Brussels Airlines offers direct, non-stop flights from Brussels (BRU) to Cotonou. These flights typically operate a couple of times a week, often on Mondays and Thursdays. Brussels Airlines is a significant carrier for travel between Europe and West Africa, including Benin. They are a popular choice for people connecting from the Americas.
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Book Flights to Benin
Benin is a tiny country tucked away in West Africa - despite its small size, it's packed full of history, culture and breathtaking natural landscapes all waiting to be explored! Benin was once ruled by the powerful Dahomey kingdom up until the early 20th century.
You can learn about the intriguing traditions of the Fon people and their lasting influence on the nation by visiting the Royal Palaces of Abomey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stepping away from history, you've got Benin's sun-drenched beaches and wildlife havens - it is truly a nation that can please all interests.
Start your search for flights to Benin today with Alternative Airlines. We ticket over 600 global airlines on our platform, making the online flight booking process easier than ever!
To make your trip even more convenient, we offer 40+ ways for you to secure your tickets, including flexible pay-later plans that let you spread the cost of your flights to Benin over time. Book your flights to Cotonou, Parakou, Djougou, Natitingou or Kandi today with Alternative Airlines.
Things to do in Benin
Thinking of visiting Benin but unsure where to start? Here are some great activities to include in your trip!
Explore Ouidah and the Legacy of the Slave Trade
Ouidah is a profoundly significant town, known as the birthplace of Voodoo and a major hub during the transatlantic slave trade. The town's main street is a poignant path that traces the steps of enslaved Africans from the auction square to the "Door of No Return" on the beach, a memorial marking their final departure from Africa. It's a sombre but essential historical experience,
Visit Ganvié, the "Venice of Africa"
This remarkable stilt village on Lake Nokoué is a truly unique sight. Take a pirogue (traditional canoe) tour through the village to witness daily life on the water, with houses, markets, and even schools built on stilts. Experience the floating markets where locals exchange goods from their canoes, similar to what you might see at the river markets in tourist hotspots like Bangkok or Cape Town. You will be able to learn about the history of the Tofinu people, who founded the village in the 16th century to escape slave raiders (who traditionally did not enter water).
Wander through the Royal Palaces of Abomey
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Abomey was the capital of the powerful Kingdom of Dahomey, which flourished from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Take a stroll through the expansive complex of royal palaces, which served as residences for twelve successive kings, and visit the installed museum, which houses an impressive collection of royal artefacts, including thrones, tapestries, and ceremonial objects, providing a good look into the kingdom's era spanning history and traditions.
Looking to Book Cheap Flights to Benin?
If you are searching for affordable flights to Benin, then Alternative Airlines is the place to be! We offer a variety of methods to make your money go further when you travel:
Payment plans
We are proud to partner with some payment providers which allow you to split the cost of your flights into more manageable payments. Whether you are flying economy on an ultra-low-cost carrier or first class with a premium airline, you can find a plan that suits your needs.
Flying with affordable airlines
Looking to snag a bargain to your favourite destination? The best place to start looking is to identify low-cost airlines that can get you there on the cheap. They will charge extra for baggage and other bonuses you would get for free with a full carrier, but if you are fine travelling light and basic, you'll save yourself a lot of money.
Cheapest day to fly
Knowing not only the who and where, but the when of flying can also contribute to cheaper tickets. We have written a guide for you to be able to identify the right time for you, backed up by real data and expert sources. Read our blog for the trade secrets on the cheapest days to buy flights to find out more.
Best fare finder
Still bargain hunting? Well, here's a little secret. We've cooked up a secret weapon. Our best fare-finder tool allows you to easily and quickly compare all of the flight prices on the week surrounding your original search and find the most affordable flight.
Benin Travel Tips
- Prioritize Your Health: Ensure you have your Yellow Fever vaccination (it's mandatory for entry) and consult with your doctor about appropriate malaria prophylaxis, as malaria is prevalent. Always stick to bottled or purified water, and exercise caution with street food to prevent illness.
- Stay Vigilant Against Petty Crime: While generally safe, petty crime like pickpocketing is common in busy areas such as markets and bus stations. Keep your valuables out of sight, carry only necessary cash, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or isolated areas, especially after dark.
- Strictly Avoid Northern Border Regions: It is critical to avoid all travel to the northern departments of Atacora, Alibori, and Borgou, which include Pendjari and W National Parks, and areas within 50 km of the borders with Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria. These regions pose a very high risk of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
- Navigate Local Transport & Respect Local Culture: Familiarize yourself with common local transport like zemidjans (motorcycle taxis) for short distances and bush taxis for inter-city travel, always negotiating fares beforehand. Furthermore, show respect for local customs by dressing modestly, particularly in rural or religious areas, and by observing traditional greetings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What language do they speak in Benin?
Benin is a linguistically diverse country, with French being the sole official language. It was introduced during the colonial period and has remained the language of government, education, and formal communication. While not everyone speaks French, it acts as a crucial blanket language, especially in urban areas and for inter-ethnic communication.
Which season is best to visit Benin?
The best time to visit Benin generally falls during the dry season, which runs from November to March. Temperatures are generally warm to hot, but with lower humidity, making it more comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. You can expect clear skies and minimal rainfall, reducing the chances of travel disruptions due to impassable roads, especially if you plan to explore beyond the main cities.
Is Benin expensive?
Benin is generally considered a budget-friendly to mid-range travel destination, especially when compared to many European or North American countries, or even some more established tourist destinations in East or Southern Africa. Accommodation options range from basic guesthouses for $10-30 USD per night to mid-range hotels ($50-100 USD) and luxury options ($150-200+ USD). Local food is very affordable, with street food and meals at local restaurants costing $2-5 USD, while mid-range restaurant meals might be around $10-20 USD.
Is Benin safe?
Benin is generally considered a safe country for tourists, especially in the southern and coastal regions where most visitors travel. However, like any destination, it has specific safety considerations and risks that travellers should be aware of.
Petty crimes like pickpocketing, purse snatching, and bag snatching are common, particularly in crowded areas like markets (especially Dantokpa Market in Cotonou), bus stations, and near tourist-frequented hotels and beaches.