Getting There & Away: Kigali

Air Travel

Kigali International Airport KGL

Kigali International Airport (KGL) is the main international gateway to Rwanda. It is a modern and well-managed airport, approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of downtown Kigali.

Airport Overview

Known for efficiency and cleanliness.
Single terminal building for straightforward navigation.
Facilities: Currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free, cafes, car rental, SIM card providers, free Wi-Fi.

Airlines & Routes

Several airlines operate regular flights to and from Kigali, connecting it to major cities across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

Flight Connections

RwandAir: National carrier, extensive direct flights across Africa, Europe (Brussels, London, Paris), Middle East (Dubai).
Other Airlines: Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Brussels Airlines, KLM, Air France.
Seasonal price fluctuations: Higher during peak dry seasons (June-September, Dec-Feb) and holidays. Book flights in advance. Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner for deals.

Europe Connections

Direct flights from Brussels, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Istanbul.

Middle East Connections

Direct connections from Dubai and Doha for global onward travel.

North America Travel

No direct flights. Connect through European or Middle Eastern hubs.

Airport Transfers

Transfer Options

Taxis: Readily available outside terminal. Negotiate fare before starting (RWF 15,000 - 20,000 to downtown).
Ride-hailing Apps: Book via "Yego" app (Yego Cabs) for transparent pricing.
Hotel Shuttles: Many mid-range to luxury hotels have pre-arranged pick-up. Inquire when booking.
Moto-taxis: Not officially allowed at terminal. Not for travelers with luggage.

Arrival Advice

Confirm taxi price clearly.
For safety and comfort, opt for taxi or ride-hailing car after a long flight.
SIM card purchase at airport upon arrival is convenient.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings

Rwanda shares land borders with Uganda (Gatuna, Cyanika), Tanzania (Rusumo Falls), Burundi (Akanyaru), and DRC (Rubavu, Rusizi). Have passport, visa/eligibility, Yellow Fever certificate ready. Crossings are generally straightforward.

Bus Services

No passenger rail. Kigali is a central hub for intercity/international bus travel. Nyabugogo Bus Park is the main terminal. Companies like Volcano Express operate. Book tickets at the station for intercity routes. Affordable and budget-friendly.

Self-Driving

Valid national driver's license and International Driving Permit (IDP) needed. Rental agencies (Avis, Europcar) offer 4x4 vehicles. Cost from USD $50/day. Hiring a driver is a popular choice for local expertise. DiscoverCars.com for rentals.

Road Conditions & Safety

Road Quality

Rwandan roads often offer a better quality experience compared to many other African countries, especially within Kigali.

Conditions Overview

Main roads within Kigali are generally paved and well-maintained.
Major highways connecting cities are also generally in good condition.
Rural roads vary from well-graded dirt to rough, unpaved tracks, especially in rainy seasons.

Driving Hazards

Outside urban areas, roads can be narrow, winding, and poorly lit.

Safety Concerns

Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and livestock. They appear suddenly.
Night driving is not advisable due to poor lighting and hazards.
Plan longer journeys to finish before dark.

Sea/River Arrivals

Rwanda is a landlocked country. Kigali is not on a major navigable river or ocean.

Water Transport

Ferry services and cruise ports are not applicable for arrivals directly into Kigali.
River transportation options for arrival into Kigali are not applicable.
Lake Kivu has ferry services connecting towns on its shores, but these are for inter-lake travel within Rwanda, not international arrival points to Kigali.

Departure Information

Prepare for your departure from Kigali International Airport (KGL).

Exit Process

No specific departure tax levied at KGL. Fee generally in airfare.
Arrive at KGL at least 2-3 hours before international flight departure.
Ensure luggage complies with airline regulations for weight/size.

Departure Requirements

Passport and boarding pass ready for inspection.
Rwanda has a strict ban on single-use plastic bags.
Do not carry any single-use plastic bags in carry-on or checked luggage; confiscation is a possibility.

Airport facilities: Check-in, security, duty-free shops, restaurants/cafes, ATMs, currency exchange.
Airport lounge available (business class or lounge membership).
All procedures aim for efficient traveler experience.

International Travel Advice

Connecting Flights

For destinations without direct connections to Kigali, consider connecting through major African, European, or Middle Eastern hubs.

Hubs for Layover

Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines)
Nairobi (Kenya Airways)
Dubai (Emirates, flydubai)

Regional Carriers

Regional airlines connect Kigali to neighboring East African destinations.

Local Connections

Uganda Airlines (via Entebbe)
Jambojet, Auric Air, Coastal Aviation (regional flights)
South African Airways (via Johannesburg)

Timely Bookings

Booking well in advance for peak seasons is a good idea.

African Connectivity

Kigali has comprehensive connections across the continent.

Special Travel Tips

Travel Document Readiness

Keep all essential travel documents easily accessible throughout your journey.

Checklist

Valid passport and visa, if needed.
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
Printed and digital copies of all reservations.

On-Ground Transportation

Consider comfort and safety when choosing local transport.

Options

Opt for licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps (Yego Cabs).
For moto-taxis, always wear the provided helmet.
For longer journeys, plan to finish before dark due to road conditions.

Departure Preparation

Airport Arrival Timing

Arrive 2-3 hours before your international flight for check-in and security.

Luggage Compliance

Confirm all luggage adheres to airline weight and size limits.

Plastic Bag Ban

Avoid carrying single-use plastic bags in your luggage to prevent confiscation.

Final Recommendation

A prepared traveler enjoys Kigali's unique charms with confidence.

Getting There & Away