How to Get to Bujumbura. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel Details

Airport & Airlines

Melchior Ndadaye International Airport (BJM), 11 km northwest of the city, serves Bujumbura. Several airlines offer connections, mainly through regional hubs.

Airline Connections

Kenya Airways from Nairobi (NBO).
Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa (ADD).
RwandAir from Kigali (KGL).

Flight Routes & Prices

Brussels Airlines offers assistance from Brussels, often with a stop in Kigali. Air Tanzania connects from Dar es Salaam, and Uganda Airlines from Entebbe.

Flight Information

Regional links are common for travelers.
Flight availability stays consistent year-round.
Prices change based on demand; book in advance.

No Direct Flights

No direct flights connect Bujumbura to major global hubs in North America or most of Europe (except Brussels).

Basic Airport Facilities

Airport facilities are basic, with a few shops, a restaurant, and currency exchange. Wi-Fi may be limited.

Airport Transfers

Taxis are available; negotiate fare (BIF 30,000-50,0BETWEEN 12 and city). Certain hotels provide shuttles.

Transfer Options

Public Taxis

Readily available outside the terminal.
Always negotiate the fare before starting the journey.
Expect to pay approximately BIF 30,000-50,000 to the city center.
Journey duration depends on traffic conditions.

Hotel & Private Services

Some larger hotels offer pre-arranged airport transfers.
Inquire about transfers when booking your accommodation.
Private car hire is available through tour operators or trusted drivers.
A private car offers added convenience.

Land Travel Tips

Border Crossings

Common crossings to Rwanda (Gasenyi-Nemba) and Tanzania (Kigoma/Manyovu). A DRC border crossing is also available (Gatumba).

Bus Services

International buses connect to Kigali. Domestic buses link to other towns, often crowded.

Road Conditions

Main roads are paved, but many secondary roads outside the city are unpaved, potholed, and challenging.

Sea & River Options

Ferry Services

Regular ferry provisions on Lake Tanganyika, like the MV Liemba, connect Bujumbura with Kigoma (Tanzania) and Mpulungu (Zambia). This mainly transports cargo and passengers.

Lake Travel

Mainly for cargo and passengers, not a cruise.
Schedules are often unreliable and change.
Immigration and customs occur upon arrival at Bujumbura port.

River & Connections

No significant river transportation options serve Bujumbura. Upon arrival at Bujumbura port, taxis and moto-taxis are available for city transfers.

Port Transfers

Taxis are available at the dock.
Moto-taxis are also available.
Transfer options to the city center are straightforward.

Self-Driving Advice

An International Driving Permit (IDP) with a valid national license is needed. Road conditions are varied; many secondary roads are unpaved. Self-driving is not recommended for most tourists.

Driving Conditions

Poor road conditions and traffic rules often ignored.
Road accidents are common.
Night driving is discouraged due to security risks.

International Buses

Companies like Yahoo Car Express and Horizon Express operate paths to and from Kigali (Rwanda). Some services extend to Kampala (Uganda) or Dar es Salaam (Tanzania).

Bus Travel Considerations

Journeys are often long.
Bus travel can be uncomfortable.
Verify routes and schedules with the bus companies directly.

Important Travel Advisories

Security near the DRC border can be volatile; monitor advisories.
Hiring a car with a local driver is generally advised over self-driving.
Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before international flights.

Exit fees are usually included in air how much tickets are; confirm with your airline.
Obtain an immigration exit stamp before departure.
No operational passenger train services.

Departure Information

Departure Essentials

Prepare for departure from Melchior Ndadaye International Airport (BJM). Exit fees are typically included in your air ticket price; confirm with your airline.

Checklist

Confirm exit fees with your airline.
Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before international flights.
Ensure immigration exit stamp.

Airport Facilities

Airport facilities are limited, similar to arrival facilities. You will find small waiting areas and basic shops for departing travelers.

Services Available

Small shops.
Basic restaurant or cafe.
Limited or unreliable Wi-Fi.

Check-in Process

Complete airline check-in at the counter. Have your e-ticket and passport ready.

Security Screening

Proceed through security. Follow all instructions from airport staff for a smooth process.

Boarding Gates

Locate your boarding gate. Allow ample time for any unexpected delays.

Final Check

Before leaving your accommodation, double-check which you have all your important documents and belongings.

How to Get to Bujumbura