Getting Around Kigali

Getting Around Kigali

Kigali sits in a landscape of rolling hills, valleys and ridges connected by steep slopes, and that terrain shapes how you move around the city. There is no rail, metro or tram network in Kigali, so visitors rely on a mix of motorcycle taxis, ride-hailing apps, conventional taxis, minibuses and walking. The good news is that the city is generally well served by road, and most journeys are short.

Motorcycle Taxis (Motos)

Motos are the most popular and fastest way to get around town, and for many visitors they become the default option. They are quick, plentiful and cheaper than cars.

• Fares are not fixed, and haggling for the best price is common.
• Most motorcyclists will ask for FRw500–1000 for a typical trip, with fares ranging between FRw400 and FRw1500 depending on distance.
• A trip to or from the airport should cost around FRw1500–2000.
• The main road out to the airport is well sealed and offers nice views over Kigali City, though riders tend to go fast on it.
• Motos are not as safe as a car, so ride with care.

Ride-Hailing Apps

Two main ride-hailing apps operate in Kigali, and both work similarly to Uber. They are recommended over hailing taxis on the street, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local pricing.

• Move — operated by Volkswagen. All cars are VW models, with both sedans and vans available. Rides can be booked in advance. Payment by cash, credit card, or mobile money.
• Yego — a Rwandan app offering both cab and moto rides. Available on iOS and Android, or call 9191 to book. Payment by cash or mobile money.

Taxis

There are many taxis in Kigali, but they are expensive compared to motos. Expect to haggle: a short trip of about a kilometre can cost around FRw2,000, rising to roughly FRw10,000 for an airport run.

Taxis come in two main types: those operated by individuals (usually with some form of yellow stripe on the vehicle) and more professionally run services operated by a single large operator.

• Kigali Taxi Service — one of the two major groups; call 3122 to summon a taxi.
• Kigali Airport Taxis — the other major group; call 476586 to summon a taxi.
• Other taxi companies also operate in the city.

Buses and Minibuses

Matatus and city buses (minibuses) provide major routes throughout the city and are the cheapest way to get around. The minibus in Rwanda is one of the best forms of transport in East Africa — most buses are still new and well maintained.

• Several minibus companies connect Kigali with other cities in Rwanda, and all charge the same price for a given distance.
• There is also an organised and secure city bus network in Kigali, with fares varying by route.
• Each bus has a route identifier number, since different buses serve different destinations.
• City buses operate on a cashless system using Tap&Go cards, which can be purchased at bus terminals and agent locations and topped up via mobile money. Cash is not accepted on city buses.
• A list of routes and fares is available from the Rwanda Utilities Regulation Authority.

Walking

Kigali's hills, valleys and steep slopes make walking a mixed proposition. It can work well for short trips in flat or gently sloping parts of the centre, but the terrain makes longer journeys on foot tiring. For most visitors, motos, ride-hailing and buses do the heavy lifting between neighbourhoods.

Arriving at Kigali International Airport

Kigali International Airport (KGL) is a small and organised airport in Kicukiro District, close to the city centre, and it is rare to encounter any problems there. Note that plastic bags are illegal in Rwanda for environmental reasons, so bring only reusable bags into the country.

Onward transport options from the airport:

• Airport taxis are always waiting for fares. Discuss the price in relation to the distance you have to travel before getting into a cab.
• Buses pass in front of the airport, leading to Remera, Kigali City, and Nyabugogo.
• Moto bikes are also used for transport from the airport, but they are not as safe as a car.
• Airport guides are available to help you obtain these services or hire a car.

The airport itself has a few 24-hour bars and restaurants, duty-free shops and supermarkets, free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, medical services and police on site. A new airport called Bugesera Airport is under construction south of Kigali, but as of 2025 it is not expected to be operational until 2028.

Long-Distance Buses

Nyabugogo bus station is the main hub for buses arriving and departing to many parts of Rwanda and abroad. Kigali public transport departs mostly from the northeast of the station.

• There are a couple of daily buses running directly between Kigali and Kampala in Uganda, with some services continuing to Nairobi. They are sometimes cramped and uncomfortable, but are the cheapest choice.
• There are also a couple of daily buses between Kigali and Bujumbura in Burundi, with morning services run by Yahoo Car, New Yahoo, East African Car Express (big bus) and Belvedere.

Practical Tips

• Use ride-hailing apps rather than hailing taxis on the street if you are unfamiliar with local pricing.
• Agree on a moto or taxi fare before you set off.
• Carry a Tap&Go card for city buses — cash is not accepted on board.
• If you are flying out of Kigali, be aware that some flights (for example Kenya Airways to Nairobi) are often overbooked, and boarding may begin early without announcements — keep an eye on the gate. You may also need a Yellow Fever Certificate at your destination.