Getting There & Away: Kampala

Air Travel

Airport & Connectivity

Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is Uganda's only international airport. It lies approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Kampala, on a peninsula jutting into Lake Victoria.

Airline & Route Information

Major Airlines: Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Kenya Airways, KLM, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Uganda Airlines, RwandaAir, Air Tanzania, and Flydubai.
Typical Routes: Most international flights to Entebbe include at least one layover in hubs like Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Dubai, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Brussels, or Doha.
Direct Flight Options: Limited direct flights from Europe (Brussels, Amsterdam) and the Middle East (Dubai, Doha). North American travel typically connects via European or Middle Eastern hubs.

Seasonal & Airport Info

Flight prices typically rise during peak tourist seasons (December-February and June-August). These periods coincide with the dry seasons, popular for safaris and outdoor activities.

Timing & Facilities

Price Fluctuations: Prices also rise around major holidays. Booking flights several months in advance for peak seasons secures better rates. Flexibility with travel dates also leads to savings.
Airport Facilities: Entebbe International Airport (EBB) provides currency exchange bureaus, ATMs, local SIM card vendor stalls, duty-free shops, and cafes. Wi-Fi is available.
Compensation: Check AirHelp for flight delay or cancellation compensation.

Airport Taxis

Readily available outside arrivals. Negotiate fare beforehand or use fixed-fare services. Expect UGX 100,000-150,000 (US$27-40).

Ride-sharing Apps

Uber or Bolt rides from the airport. Often more affordable (UGX 80,000-120,000). Confirm driver details via the app.

Hotel Shuttles

Many mid-to-luxury hotels offer airport transfer services, often for an additional fee. Inquire upon booking.

Transfer Options from Entebbe to Kampala

Direct Transfers

The journey typically lasts 1 to 1.5 hours, but extends to 2-3 hours during peak traffic.
Private transfers present convenience, especially for late-night arrivals or with much luggage.
Pre-book private transfers through reputable tour operators or private transportation companies.
Dollar Flight Club for finding deals; Skyscanner for comparing flight options.

Connectivity on Arrival

Consider purchasing a local SIM card immediately upon arrival at EBB.
This supports using ride-sharing apps and constant connection from airport departure.
For visa applications, IVisa or VisaHQ stand as consumer visa application services.
First aid supplies for travelers are available at Adventure Medical Kits. Anti-theft bags are at Pacsafe.

Border Crossings & Train Travel

Kenya Borders

Malaba and Busia are frequently used border crossings for overland travel to/from Nairobi. Long-distance buses operate on this route.

Rwanda Borders

Katuna and Cyanika are popular for travelers combining a trip to Uganda with Rwanda's gorilla trekking experiences.

Train Services

Uganda's railway system mainly serves cargo transport. Passenger services face limitations and are generally not recommended for tourist travel.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Bus Options

Long-distance buses offer an affordable and widely used way to travel between Kampala and other towns in Uganda, as well as neighboring countries.

Bus Operations & Comfort

Major Bus Terminals: Kampala has several large bus terminals serving intercity and international routes, including Qualicel Bus Terminal and Arua Park.
Companies: Reputable bus companies include Gateway Bus Services, Link Bus Services, and for international routes, Modern Coast and Mash Poa.
Routes: Frequent services connect Kampala to major Ugandan towns like Jinja, Mbarara, Fort Portal, and Gulu. International routes connect to Nairobi (Kenya), Kigali (Rwanda), and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania).

Self-Driving Considerations

Self-driving in Uganda presents flexibility but also brings challenges.

Driving Requirements & Safety

Requirements: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary in addition to your home country's valid driver's license.
Car Rental: Available from both international and local companies. For travel outside Kampala, a 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended due to varying road conditions. Many travelers hire a car with a driver.
Road Conditions: Main roads between major towns are generally paved. Many rural roads are unpaved, prone to potholes, and can be impassable during rainy seasons. Traffic congestion in Kampala is severe, especially during rush hours.

Border Crossing Details

Uganda shares land borders with Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Sudan.

Border Points

Kenya (Malaba, Busia): These are the most frequently used border crossings for overland travel to and from Nairobi.
Rwanda (Katuna, Cyanika): These crossings are popular for travelers combining a trip to Uganda with Rwanda's gorilla trekking experiences.
Democratic Republic of Congo (Mpondwe, Bunagana): Crossings here can be less predictable due to varying security situations. Always check current travel advisories.

Sea/River Arrivals

Water transportation for tourist arrivals to Kampala faces limitations.

Ferry & River Options

Lake Victoria Ferries: The MV Kalangala ferry connects Entebbe (Nakiwogo landing site) to Kalangala (Bugala Island) in the Ssese Islands. This service is mainly for local transport and island access.
No major cruise ports serve Kampala directly. Large cruise ships do not dock near Kampala.
Local boat services on Lake Victoria for short distances are available, but are not a main mode of entry for international travelers.

Driving Safety Measures

Driving: Left side of the road in Uganda.
Speed Limits: Typically 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 80 km/h (50 mph) on national roads.
Safety: Expect aggressive driving behaviors, erratic boda-boda traffic, pedestrians, and livestock.

Police: Police checkpoints are common. Ensure all vehicle documents (registration, insurance, IDP) are in order.
Night Driving: Street lighting is limited outside urban centers, making night driving risky. Avoid night driving outside Kampala.
Fuel: Fuel stations are available but become less frequent in remote areas. Plan your fuel stops.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

Prepare for your departure from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) for a smooth exit from Uganda.

Departure Steps

Exit Fees: Departure taxes are typically included in the airfare for international flights. You usually do not pay a separate cash fee at the airport upon departure. Confirm this with your airline or travel agent.
Timing: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB) at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled international flight departure. This allows ample time for check-in, baggage drop, immigration, and security checks. During peak travel times, allow extra time.
Security Checks: Security checks at EBB are thorough. Be prepared to remove electronics and liquids from your carry-on luggage.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

EBB provides a range of basic facilities and services for arriving and departing travelers.

Post-Security Amenities

Facilities: EBB has check-in counters for various airlines, immigration desks for exit processing, and security screening points.
Shopping: After security, duty-free shops feature souvenirs, local crafts, and other items.
Comfort: Cafes and lounges are present for relaxation before your flight.

Departure & Travel Tips

On-Time Departure

Account for Kampala's unpredictable traffic when planning your transfer to Entebbe Airport.

Timing Your Journey

Depart with plenty of buffer time, especially during rush hours.
Traffic congestion in Kampala is severe, specifically during morning and evening rush hours.
Consider your hotel's distance from the airport and preferred transport method.

General Travel Flow

A few reminders for a smooth travel experience.

Considerations

Always carry small denominations of Ugandan Shillings for convenience.
Polite bargaining is a common practice in markets and for traditional taxi fares.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded urban centers.

Additional Notes

Currency Exchange

Forex bureaus often provide better rates than banks at the airport or in the city.

Hydration

Uganda's warm climate demands constant hydration. Carry water always.

Cultural Interaction

Warm welcomes and curiosity from locals are frequent. Engage respectfully.

Final Tip for Departure

Verify your airline's baggage allowances before heading to the airport. This prevents unexpected fees.

Getting There & Away