How to get around Kampala: A list of all Kampala transport options

Kampala, like any other big city, has a variety of transportation alternatives. During rush hour, traffic will be heavy, but it will ultimately move. Visitors to Kampala have various options for getting around, which include by train, car, bus, taxi, or boda bodas.

Train travel is possible from Kampala but to a very limited number of locations. Hopefully rail transport will improve in the future because it's by far the cheapest.

Boda Bodas

The most risky thing you'll do in Kampala is ride a motorcycle, so for the love of God, get a good helmet (or better, bring one from home).

Don't be afraid to speak up! When your driver is scared and risky, ask them to slow down and get off. Pay a fraction of the fare you believe is reasonable if you get off.

If you must travel after dark, travel with a friend or take a taxi (special hire). Make a list of phone numbers so you can reach out to someone you can trust.

For a short trip, the minimum fare is 1,000 UGX, but this will increase depending on distance. Longer trips are usually more cost-effective per kilometer. Drivers don't always have small bills, so keep change on available.

Taking a boda boda in a congested area of town during rush hour is not for the faint of heart - it's dangerous, but also a thrilling wild ride!

Safe Boda, Bolt & Uber drivers are given safety training and have an extra helmet for you (look for orange vests, green for Bolt & Uber or download the app). Recommended.

Driving

When the streets are clogged with traffic, rules go out the window, and you'll need to be aggressive to get anywhere.

If you see buses on the sidewalks or entire lanes of vehicles on the wrong side of the road, don't be startled. You have no option but to embrace the crazy. In cities, vehicles drive on the left and the speed limit is 50 km/h.

Matatus (Known as 'Taxis')

The best way to navigate Kampala and the nearby towns is to take a "taxi," which are minibus-style cabs. The most practical and economical form of transit in cities is this, but be careful not to get overcharged by the conductors, who occasionally try to take advantage of tourists. Although overcrowding still happens in smaller country towns, they typically hold 14 passengers in addition to a conductor. In Kampala, minibus taxis are frequently available, reasonably priced, and capable of making numerous stops.

They follow set itineraries and pick up and drop off passengers wherever they go along the way. Stand at the side of the road and wave your arm if you wish to get on. Saying "stage" will cause the vehicle to halt and let you out at the following boda boda waiting area. You might instead merely say, "Driver, halt at X." You'll have to pay attention to the destinations that the drivers are shouting out the window because they are not labelled with destinations unless you are at the central taxi parks. Ask a nearby driver or conductor if you're unsure of where to board a taxi to get to your location (particularly at Kampala's two enormous taxi parks!).

Taxis (Known as 'Special Hire') 

Private taxis - those which you can hire for yourself only, are called special hire taxis, and are available in most every decent sized town. Fares are negotiable over long distances as there are no meters.

Taxis, which are mainly white Toyota Corollas, are simple to find in congested locations and can be summoned by hotels. Set the rate ahead of time and haggle.

Bus

Buses Usually operate longer routes into other districts but there are a few that operate within Kampala like the pioneer bus (orange in color) and the recent development of kayoola electric bus.

Train

As of late 2021, limited rail services are available in and around the capital Kampala, mainly aimed at commuters. If you reside in Kireka or Namanve, you may even be able to take the train into town! The negative is that the service is infrequent, despite having a daily schedule and being relatively inexpensive.

National operator Uganda Railways Corporation has stated that some intercity passenger trains will return in 2022-2023 but it is unclear which routes are affected.

Ride-hailing apps

This is not a means of transport on its own because they Just utilize The Available options like boda bodas, taxi or even matatus but are super convenient because you get to order for your ride on your mobile phone.

Uber, SafeBoda, Taxify etc.. have taken Kampala by storm but with mixed reviews. Many drivers will only accept your trip if you have your payment method set to cash and if you call them first.