Navigating Kampala, the capital of Uganda, offers a variety of transportation options ranging from local public transit to private hire services. Each mode provides a different experience regarding speed, cost, and comfort.
Getting from Entebbe International Airport
Since international flights land in the nearby city of Entebbe (approximately 35 km from Kampala), you have several options to reach the capital:
- Private Hire Taxi: A direct way to reach your destination, typically costing at least 75,000 UGX.
- Ride-Hailing Apps: Services such as Uber, Faras, and Bolt are available, with fares starting at approximately 80,000 UGX depending on your final destination.
- Airport Express Bus: This service runs ten trips daily in both directions, with tickets costing at least $30.
- The Pineapple Express: A shuttle service with fixed departure times that costs 80,000 UGX per person.
- Hotel Shuttle: Many hotels, such as the Sheraton, offer shuttle services for guests which are generally affordable and added to your final bill.
- Boda-Boda and Shared Taxi (Matatu): This is a multi-step process involving taking a motorcycle (boda) to Entebbe city and then transferring to a shared matatu to reach Kampala. The total cost for this route is around 7,000 UGX.
Public Transport: Matatus
Matatus are minibuses that serve as the primary form of public transport throughout the city and the surrounding regions. While they are commonly referred to as "taxis" locally, they operate on pre-set routes.
- Where to find them: Most matatus departing from or arriving at the city center start or end at specific hubs, such as the Old Taxi Park, Cooper Complex (located inside a shopping mall), or the New Taxi Park.
- How they operate: Matatus wait until they are full before departing. They feature a driver and a conductor who manage passengers. When you reach your destination, you can signal the conductor by saying "Stage" to have the vehicle stop.
- Cost and Experience: These are generally inexpensive (typically between 500 and 1,500 UGX). While they can be crowded, they offer a local experience where passengers often interact with one another.
Motorcycle Taxis (Boda-Bodas)
Boda-bodas are motorcycles used for quick transport across the city. They are the fastest way to move through traffic but are considered more dangerous due to the weaving maneuvers drivers may perform.
- Negotiation: It is essential to agree on a fare before starting your journey, as prices can vary based on distance and whether you are a local or a foreigner.
- App-Based Services: For increased safety and transparency, you can use apps like SafeBoda, Uber, Bolt, or Faras. These services provide trained drivers, helmets for passengers, and fixed fares shown in the app before you confirm the ride.
Taxis and Special Hires
For travelers seeking a more private and comfortable experience than a matatu, "special hire" taxis are widely available at central locations.
- Negotiation: Most of these vehicles do not have meters, so you must agree on the price before starting your trip. Many destinations can be reached for between 15,000 and 20,000 UGX.
- Ride-Hailing: Apps like Uber and Faras provide a reliable way to book these vehicles quickly with confirmed pricing.
Car Rentals
For those planning to explore the outskirts of Kampala or travel into quieter areas such as Bugolobi, Kololo, Naguru, Luzira, and Munyonyo, car rentals are available. These can be booked with or without a professional driver.