Getting around Uganda: boda bodas, taxis, buses and flights

Checked October 2026. Fares and timetables change, so confirm before you travel.

From Entebbe airport

Entebbe International Airport is about 40 km from Kampala. Use an airport taxi, a pre-booked hotel transfer or a ride-hailing app. The Entebbe Expressway is the quickest route into the city. The toll for a car is UGX 5,000 each way, paid in shillings, by mobile money or with a prepaid card.

In Kampala and other towns

• Ride-hailing apps — the easiest option for visitors. You see the price before you ride, and you can book cars or motorbikes.
• Boda bodas (motorbike taxis) — fast through traffic. Always ask for a helmet, agree the price before you get on, and avoid riding at night.
• Special hire taxis — private cars you hire for a trip or a day. Agree the price first.
• Matatus (shared minibus taxis) — cheap and run on fixed routes, but crowded and hard to navigate for first-timers.

Between cities

• Long-distance buses connect Kampala with most regional towns. Book with a well-known company and travel during daylight.
• Private driver or tour operator — the most popular option for safaris and gorilla trekking. Many offer 4x4 vehicles with pop-up roofs for game viewing.
• Self-drive car hire — possible with an international driving permit. Traffic drives on the left. Roads to parks can be rough, so a 4x4 is recommended.
• Domestic flights link Entebbe with airstrips near major national parks, saving long drives — including Kihihi and Kisoro for Bwindi, Kasese for Queen Elizabeth and Kibale, and Pakuba, Chobe and Bugungu for Murchison Falls. Some flights need a minimum number of passengers and run less often in March–May and November. Fares are quoted per trip by the airline.

Tips

• Driving at night outside cities is not recommended.
• Allow extra time — distances look short on the map but roads can be slow.
• Carry small notes for fares and tips.

Plan your stops

Find places to stay and eat along your route on Waynari.