Traveling from Lomé to Accra, Cotonou and Burkina Faso: Cross-Border Bus & Border Posts

Traveling from Lomé to Neighboring Countries (Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso)

Positioned in southern Togo along the Gulf of Guinea, the city of Lomé serves as a major West African transportation hub. Its unique geography as a national capital directly bordering Ghana (Aflao border post) and located just a 2.5-hour drive from Cotonou (Benin) makes it an ideal gateway for regional cross-border travel.

Whether traveling to Accra, Cotonou, or northern routes towards Burkina Faso, this practical guide details border crossing procedures, required identity documents, and top transport operators.

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1. Traveling from Lomé to Accra (Ghana): The Aflao Border Crossing

The border between Togo and Ghana is situated at the western exit of Lomé at the Aflao border post.

Border Formalities at Aflao:

• Required Documents:
  • ECOWAS Citizens: Biometric ECOWAS National ID Card or valid Passport (no visa required).
  • Other Nationalities: Passport with a valid visa for Ghana (unless visa-exempt under diplomatic agreements).
• Health Clearance: Yellow International Health Card proving vaccination against Yellow Fever.
• Transport Options:
  • Shared Taxis and Ford Minibuses: Continuous departures from the Aflao border terminal to Tudu Station in Accra (travel time approximately 3h30 to 4h00 for a 190 km distance).
  • Coach Companies: STC Ghana, VIP Jeoun, Chisco (scheduled departures from Lomé or Aflao).

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2. Traveling from Lomé to Cotonou (Benin): The Hillacondji / Sanvee-Kondji Crossing

Lomé is connected to Cotonou via the coastal international highway passing through Aného (approximately 150 km total distance).

Border Formalities at Sanvee-Kondji / Hillacondji:

• Required Documents:
  • ECOWAS Citizens: Valid National ID Card or Passport (visa-exempt).
  • Other Nationalities: Benin E-Visa (obtained in advance on evisa.bj) or exemption.
• Border Control: Joint immigration control by Togolese and Beninese police officers at the border post.
• Transport Providers:
  • Coaches and Minibuses: STTC, Baobab Express, and shared intercity minivans running continuous services from Lomé's Bè-Kpota station to Jonquet station or General Mathieu Kérékou Stadium in Cotonou.
  • Travel Time: Approximately 2h30 to 3h00 depending on border clearance queues.

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3. Traveling from Lomé to Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou / Bobo-Dioulasso)

To reach Burkina Faso from Lomé, the route follows National Route 1 across the entire length of Togo to the northern border post of Cinkassé (620 km north of Lomé, read our Intercity Bus Travel in Togo Guide).

• Long-Distance VIP Coach Companies: LK Express, Rameses Transports, TSR (Transports Sana Rasmané).
• Formalities at Cinkassé: Presentation of passport or ECOWAS ID card, record entry with border police, and customs luggage screening.
• Travel Time: Approximately 14 to 18 hours of driving to Ouagadougou.

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Related Guides & Reading

• 🚌 Intercity Bus Travel in Togo
• 🚗 Getting Around Lomé (Gozem, Zem, Taxis)
• 💳 West African iPass Privilège Guide
• 🛂 Applying for a Togo E-Visa or Expat Residence Permit

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I cross the Lomé-Aflao border on foot?

Yes, the Aflao border post located within Lomé city limits is accessible on foot. After completing immigration checks at the border facility, passengers can catch a taxi or bus directly on the Ghanaian side.

Is the Aflao border post between Lomé and Ghana open 24/7?

Yes, the Aflao/Lomé land border post operates continuously 24 hours a day for passenger and freight traffic.

Is any specific health test required for overland travel to Ghana or Benin?

Apart from the mandatory Yellow Fever immunization recorded on an international yellow card, no additional health restrictions are currently enforced for land border crossings.

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Last verified: September 12, 2026
Official sources: General Directorate of National Documentation (DGDN Togo), ECOWAS Commission