Wondering how to pay for metro and bus rides in Togo - cash only, or do cards work too?
I took several buses in Lomé recently, and fares were all paid in cash. It’s pretty straightforward, but don’t expect card or mobile payments yet. Drivers want exact change in CFA francs. You can find ATMs easily in the city, but have some cash ready for minibuses or rural trips.
Togo’s public transport payment system is a bit behind, still reliant on cash mostly. While a digital ticketing rollout is planned for 2026, right now you must carry CFA francs for bus fares. Card payments are rare and ATMs are limited to big towns. It’s inconvenient if you prefer contactless payments or cards.
If you’re traveling around Togo, carry enough CFA francs in cash for buses. Most urban buses and minibuses still expect cash fares. The government is working on a digital ticketing system launching next year, but it’s not widespread yet. Use local ATMs in Lomé for withdrawals and avoid relying on cards for everyday transport payments outside main cities.
In Togo, most public buses and SOTRAL routes still operate primarily on cash payments as of 2025. The Ministry of Transport plans to digitize all bus ticket sales by early 2026, introducing a USSD-based system for easier digital ticketing. Until then, it’s best to carry West African CFA francs (XOF) cash for buses and taxis. ATMs are available in Lomé and some other towns, but outside urban centers, cash is the way to go.