Capital city in Central Region, Uganda
Getting around Kampala
How to get around Kampala
Ride apps and bodas beat the traffic. Matatu minibuses are cheap but confusing. Plan for jams: 5 km can take 40 minutes at rush hour.
Ways to get around Kampala
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Uber / Bolt cars | 8,000–18,000 UGX per short trip | Best at night and with luggage; surge in rain |
| SafeBoda / boda-boda | 3,000–10,000 UGX | Fastest in jams but most dangerous; ask for a helmet |
| Matatu minibus | 1,000–3,000 UGX | Cheap routes from the old taxi park; shared, crowded |
| Intercity bus | 8,000–40,000 UGX | To Jinja, Mbale, Fort Portal and Kigali |
Ride-hailing apps in Kampala
A 5 km ride costs about USh8,000–18,000 ($2.1–4.6).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Reliable cars; cash or card |
| Bolt | Often cheaper than Uber; also bike rides |
| SafeBoda | Motorbike taxis with helmets via app |
- Street taxis and special-hire cars need a negotiated fare before you get in. Apps show the price upfront.
Arriving in Kampala
Entebbe International (EBB)
Uber or Bolt 70,000–120,000 UGX; airport taxi 100,000–150,000 UGX. About 40 km, 45 min to 2 hours depending on traffic. Expressway reduces some of the delay.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rentals are rare; boda drivers are the norm. Foreign licence plus IDP is advised; traffic is chaotic.
- Driving: on the left. Foreign licences are accepted for short stays with an IDP recommended; boda-bodas and scooters need a motorcycle licence, and police checks are frequent.
- Onward travel in Uganda: Long-distance buses and minibuses link Kampala to Jinja, Fort Portal and Kabale; safari travel is usually by 4x4 with a driver. Domestic flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi reach Kidepo and Kihihi.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Kampala?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, Bolt, SafeBoda.
What's the best way to get around Kampala?
Ride apps and bodas beat the traffic. Matatu minibuses are cheap but confusing. Plan for jams: 5 km can take 40 minutes at rush hour.
How do I get from the airport to Kampala?
Uber or Bolt 70,000–120,000 UGX; airport taxi 100,000–150,000 UGX. About 40 km, 45 min to 2 hours depending on traffic. Expressway reduces some of the delay.
Is Kampala walkable?
You'll need transport.
More about Kampala
Going to Kampala solo?
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Sources
- Uganda Wildlife Authority
- Uganda Tourism Board
- Entebbe International Airport (CAA Uganda)
- Uganda Tourism Board
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.