In any city getting around is one of the most important aspects given the busy schedules of the different inhabitants. Therefore transport is greatly valued and in Kampala, it has also been made easier, cheaper faster. The means of transport in Kampala include the (motor bikes) Bodabodas, taxis (Matatus), buses (Pioneer Easy Buses), bicycles, and trains. You can easily get around Kampala, the capital of Uganda.
There are several means you can get around Kampala
- Minibus taxis (Matatus) are the cheapest option and can be identified easily by the horizontal blue stripes around the vehicle. Kampala has two taxi parks – the Old and the New.
- “Boda Bodas”, (guys on mopeds/bicycles) are more expensive than matatus but you get taken direct to your destination. Agree the price beforehand!
- “Special Hire” taxis (saloon cars) can be found at various places around town. Identified easily by the horizontal black stripes around the vehicle. Most fares can be negotiated.
- Private Car Rental
- Uber Taxi
Using Public Mini-bus Taxis:
These are locally known as matatus, and many prefer using this mean to travel around the capital city Kampala and they commonly used in Uganda and the entire African countries. The matatus station at the park and wait passages and other pick passengers on the way and then drop them to their destinations within the city and its suburbs. Everywhere within the Kampala, Entebbe, wandegeya, lubaga, nakawa, makindy and another area where you are situated you can’t fail to get a tax. You can get a tax from as low as 500-2000 however this depends on the distance covered.
Private Special Hire Taxis:
Using special tax is more private and reliable than a public tax, and many people travel around the capital city Kampala using private special taxi, taxi are more crowed, however a special taxis covers only you or with your loved one, family and friend. Special taxis are parked within the capital city and its suburbs well maintained with smart drivers who are ever ready to drive you to your destination. They are professionals and they know each and every part of the country. Although they are more expensive than the public taxis but they offer a perfect service. Once you hire a private tax, expect no stopovers along the way you will be driven from point A to B without any stop so you can reach your destination in time. Private taxis rates ranges from 15000 to 30000 per person however this depends on where you are going.
Using ‘’Boda-Boda’’(Motorcycle):
This is known as the quickest mean to use to travel around the capital city Kampala and its outskirts within few minutes you have reached your destination. Although very quick and fast, its known as un safe compared to other means, boda-boda riders are known as the most reckless drivers so chances of colliding is very high they like over speeding and overtaking the cars. Using a Boda boda is a bit expensive than a tax. The advantage with a motorcycle is that it picks you and drops you to the exact point or address not on stop point like a tax does. You can be charged from UGX5000 to 6000 when travelling with in the capital city Kampala but more if you wish to visit the suburbs, the price however is negotiable.
Public Coaster/ Buses:
If you want to hire a car as a group of between 10-30, you can hire a coaster which can accommodate all of you. A bus operate and reaches areas like Masaka, kasese, Mbale, Gulu, Jinja among many other destinations, so if you are travelling to these areas, a bus is a more pocket friendly means of transport. Coasters also reaches Kampala, so, you can get them anywhere within the capital city. If you want to hire a bus or a coaster for a large group, you can contact from a car rental company or you can contact us direct we will book you the car at a fair price and the car is hire to you with a trusted chauffeur.
The pioneer buses (orange in colour) and the trains are the latest introductions in the transport sector in Kampala and also the cheapest. The trains however are not so commonly used since they use routes off the main roads and travel out of town which does not favour many since in most cases the people need to drop off on the way. The buses, however are very convenient as they have a standard price for every stage (Shs500 – Shs800). They carry up to 61 passengers, 30 of them sitted, and 31 standing.
Note
Carry changed money in small notes or coins to avoid inconveniences at the time of paying.
It is good to ask the passers-by about the charges in case you are not sure to avoid being cheated and it might also help you to bargain.
Watch your luggage during the journey and also mind who you are sitted next to.
Choose from one of the above means if you want to travel around the capital city Kampala.