Getting Around Goma: An Overview
Goma has no structured public transport system. There is no subway, no streetcar or tram network, and no extensive bus network serving visitors. There is also no passenger rail service in or around the city — the DRC's rail network is largely dilapidated, plays a minor role in tourist transport, and has no Goma-specific service. In practice, getting around Goma means relying on informal, demand-based transport: motorcycle taxis and car taxis. These have no official routes or designated hubs, but drivers will take passengers anywhere within the city limits and generally know the common destinations.
Vehicles are plentiful on main roads and at busy intersections during the day, with operating hours roughly from 6:00 AM to 9–10 PM. Availability drops significantly after dark. Because there is no formal network to learn, the practical skills for a visitor are negotiating a fare, stating a destination clearly, and knowing when to avoid the roads altogether.
Buses and Public Transport
There is no extensive bus network and no official long-distance bus service aimed at tourist travel. What exists for inter-city journeys is the shared transport used by locals — shared taxis and minibuses, known locally as "fiat," often old Mercedes-Benz vehicles. These are inexpensive but overcrowded, uncomfortable, and less safe due to poor maintenance and aggressive driving, and they are not recommended for tourists.
For getting around within Goma itself, buses are not a realistic option. Plan on taxis instead.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Two kinds of taxi dominate: motorcycle taxis and car taxis.
- Moto-taxis (called "Poda-Poda" locally, and "wewa" in eastern DRC) are motorcycles carrying one or sometimes two passengers. They are the most common and cheapest mode, and they are effective on congested and unpaved roads. Fares are typically around 500–1,000 Congolese Francs (roughly $0.25–$0.50 USD) for short distances, negotiated per trip before departure. Be aware that moto-taxis carry a high accident risk, and helmets are seldom provided or worn; they are not recommended for tourists or for carrying luggage.
- Car taxis are private automobiles, often shared or hired. They are typically regular cars, sometimes marked with a yellow stripe, though the markings are inconsistent. There are no meters. A short ride within Goma runs about $5–$10 USD for a private taxi. You can flag one on the street, but arranging one through your hotel or a trusted local contact is recommended.
Fares for all taxis are negotiated per trip before departure, and payment is cash only — Congolese Francs or small USD notes. Drivers may lack change for large bills, so keep small denominations on hand.
There are no major international ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Bolt operating in Goma, and local alternatives are non-existent or unreliable. Tour operators generally arrange tourist transport via private automobiles, which is often the safest option.
When using a car taxi, keep windows closed and doors locked, and avoid traveling alone at night in any vehicle. State your destination clearly; if you do not speak French or Swahili, have it written down or show it on a map.
Walking and Cycling
Walking around Goma is difficult and, outside secure settings, risky. Sidewalks are often uneven or non-existent, and there are no dedicated bicycle lanes. Walking outside secure hotel or lodge compounds, or away from guided tours, carries a high security risk, notably after sunset. Cycling is extremely hazardous. Some local guides offer guided walks in specific, relatively secure areas, but self-guided walking or cycling is not recommended.
Accessibility is a serious constraint: there are no accessibility provisions on moto-taxis or standard taxis, and the infrastructure — roads and public spaces — is not designed for travelers with mobility challenges. Accessibility services are extremely limited to non-existent, and specialist agencies plus extensive pre-planning would be required.
Renting a Vehicle
Car rentals are of limited availability, and self-driving is strongly discouraged because of road conditions and security concerns. Motorcycle and bicycle rentals are generally unavailable and not recommended for tourists. For significant journeys, private hire with an experienced local driver is the recommended option, and this is often included in tour operator packages. Drivers know the road conditions, local customs, and checkpoints.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Goma International Airport (GOM) is a critical hub for eastern DRC, including access to Virunga National Park and Mount Nyiragongo. Domestic flights connect Goma with Kinshasa (N'djili International Airport, the primary international gateway) and other cities such as Kisangani, Lubumbashi, and Bukavu. Schedules are erratic, with delays and cancellations common, and safety standards vary between local airlines — so confirm flight status in advance and book via reputable tour operators or established airlines. Baggage allowances can be strict on smaller planes.
For the transfer into the city, pre-arranging an airport pick-up is advised. Tour operators typically arrange tourist transport in private automobiles, which is often the safest option. If you arrange a car taxi instead, expect to negotiate the fare before departure and pay in cash.
Arriving from Rwanda and Other Crossings
Many visitors reach Goma overland rather than by air. From Gisenyi in Rwanda, both towns sit on the border, and walking between the two city centers takes no more than half an hour. From Rwanda more broadly, there are hourly minibuses from Kigali to Goma, such as Atraco Express and Okapi Car, taking approximately three and a half hours. Alternatively, you can fly to Kigali (KGL) via direct flights from Europe or the United Arab Emirates and continue by road to Goma, using a taxi (roughly $70–$100 USD) or collective public transport bus (around $10 USD).
Crossing at the border called le petite barriere at Cyanika into Rwanda, then reaching Goma through Musanze and Rubavu, is a much safer and faster option than some alternatives. From Kisoro in Uganda, you can take a minibus in Bunagana at the Uganda border, but the road between Bunagana and Rutshuru is not safe. From Butembo, buses can be found at the Butembo bus station and may leave early in the morning.
Boats on Lake Kivu
Daily ferries run from Bukavu via Idjwi Island, with several companies offering the 2–5 hour trip and prices varying from $10 to $40. Regular boat services also connect Goma and Bukavu on Lake Kivu, offering scenic views and a more comfortable alternative to the difficult road route. Local boats (pirogues) and small speedboats serve short distances across the lake and to nearby islands and villages. Arrange these through hotels or local guides, verify the vessel's condition and the availability of life vests, and avoid overcrowded or visibly unsafe vessels. Cross-border lake connections, for example from Rwanda, require full international immigration procedures.
Practical Safety Notes for Moving Around
- Roads are predominantly unpaved, severely potholed, and dusty, with few paved roads and those often in poor repair. Driving laws exist but are loosely enforced, and chaotic driving and aggressive maneuvers are common.
- Avoid all after-dark travel on roads, within Goma and especially in rural areas, and do not walk alone after dark.
- Risks include armed bandits and illegal roadblocks (especially on rural routes), sudden civil unrest or demonstrations, volcanic activity from Mount Nyiragongo disrupting vehicular access and air quality, and wet-season flooding and mudslides that can make roads impassable.
- Emergency services are limited and unreliable, and parking security is a concern with limited formal parking.
- Military and police checkpoints are common on road travel. Carry your passport, visa, and permits (such as park permits) and be ready to show them; a reputable local guide helps navigate these.
- Build buffer time into itineraries, since delays, breakdowns, and schedule changes are common. Carry water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a charged phone with a local SIM, and keep small denominations of Congolese Francs for minor purchases and small checkpoint fees. USD is widely accepted for larger transactions.
- Stay informed on current security conditions in the areas you plan to visit.