Historically, Khartoum's public transport consisted mainly of minibuses, known as "rakshas" or "amjads" for smaller versions. Larger government-operated buses also ran routes. There was no metro or tram system.
Minibus routes were informal; asking locals or drivers to take you routes was common. Cash payments to the driver were standard, with low, fixed fares.
Public transportation is largely non-operational or extremely limited.
Fighting, road closures, fuel shortages, and pervasive insecurity.
Public transport was generally not accessible for those with mobility challenges.
Routes disrupted by conflict.
Limits vehicle operation.
Danger from armed groups.
Services are not operating for civilians.
Taxis offered a more direct, albeit more expensive, transportation optiabout historically. Now, taxi services are extremely scarce, dangerous, and unreliable.
Within a district: around 5-10 USD.
Across city: 10-20 USD, depending on negotiation.
More distant locations: higher, negotiated rates.
Vehicle rental historically presented its own set of challenges in Khartoum. Now, car rental services are completely unavailable for tourists.
Driving was on the right side of the road.
Standard international rule.
Varied significantly; many unpaved roads outside main arteries.
Required careful driving.
Often informal and challenging in bustling locations.
No official parking systems.
Exploring Khartoum on foot or by bicycle historically offered different perspectives. Now, walking or cycling anywhere is extremely dangerous and strongly advised against.
No specific bicycle lanes or paths existed.
Cycling on main roads was risky.
Areas around military installations or government buildings had restrictions.
Historically, a blend of communal and individual transport, along with bipedal movement in some areas, offered a varied experience of Khartoum. This advice is for background information only.
All local transport options are non-existent or life-threatening.
Khartoum is an active conflict zone with widespread violence.
Consult your government's travel advisories (e.g., U.S. State Dept.).
All historical information on local transportation is presented for context only. Khartoum is currently an active conflict zone.
No safe tourist travel or civilian movement within the city is possible. The risks are extremely high, including direct violence, looting, and severe disruption of all services.
