Transport From Entebbe International Airport
All travelers who visit Uganda by plane get into the country through Entebbe International Airport. Right now, EBB is the only gateway to the pearl of Africa for users of air transport means. Once Kabaale Airport in Hoima is finished, it will be the other alternative.
EBB welcomes thousands of travelers from various parts of the World. It is located some few kilometers from the nearby towns and cities.
You need transport to reach other places. Some clients think about using public means like matatu taxi or Boda Boda. It is possible and you can only find them in Kitolo town.
There is no public transport at the Airport. To get a public taxi or Boda Boda you need to go up to Kitolo. The distance between these two points is about 4-5km. It is a non-walkable distance except for those who are physically fit plus guests who are heading to nearby hotels like Protea.
At 1.7km, the protea hotel by Marriot Entebbe is the closest accommodation facility. If you have luggage then walking isn’t possible at all. To be hustle-free, you should get an Airport cab.
When you move out of the terminal at arrivals, you get next to the waiting space, an area that consists of two tents, kiosks vending soft drinks, money transfer agents, and standing people who wait for their visitors.
From this place, there is a walkway that leads you to the parking area. If you arranged with someone to pick you up, don’t forget to look at the placards raised by people standing in the waiting area. Locate your name, meet and greet.
Some visitors to Uganda get stuck at EBB Airfield. Don’t be one of them. If you need transport from Entebbe Airport, here are the various options for you.
Local Taxicab
An Airport taxicab in Uganda is marked with a yellow horizontal stripe and the word “airport taxi” in black color. Cars used include a Toyota Noah, Premio, Spacio, Alphard, Raum, Wish, Ipsum, and Legius.
If you need a comfortable one, the Toyota Noah is the best. It is spacious and big enough to take 5-6 passengers. EBB Airport taxi fares are affordable, and start from 15 USD.
To have a successful transfer, be sure to book in advance especially if you are arriving late in the night. When you fail to do this expect to suffer because you may arrive when there is no taxicab to take you.
If you make arrangements and the agency fails to turn up, move up to the parking area. There is some space for taxis. Here are the routes covered by Airport cabs from Entebbe.
- EBB to Central
Airport taxi operators transport clients from Entebbe to places in the central region like Kampala, Mukono, Wakiso, Mpigi, Masaka, Buikwe, Kayunga, and a lot more.
- EBB to Eastern part
The service is also available for those who are traveling to the eastern region. Enjoy your ride to places like Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Busia, Mayuge, Iganga, Malaba, Bugiri, Namutumba, Kamuli and more.
- EBB to Northern Uganda
For the northern part, taxicabs go to places like Gulu, Kitgum, Pakwachi, Adjumani, Arua, Kidepo, Moroto, Moyo, Soroti, Lira, Kidepo to name but a few.
- EBB to Western Part
Then for this province, cabs take passengers to areas like Mbarara, Bushenyi, Kyenjojo, Fort portal, Ibanda, Isingiro, Lyantonde, Ntungamo, Kabarole, Kihihi, Kabale, Kasese, Kisoro, and more.
Public means
This is the cheapest, but not reliable for someone who has been on a flight for some good hours. It is shared and a matatu takes 14 passengers. They have no exact time for set off. It depends on the availability of commuters. It goes on off loading and re loading along the way. There is limited space for luggage. So if you have too much luggage like large suitcases it may not be convenient for you. The stage for these public taxis is in Kitolo.
Pick up by a friend or relative
Other than a taxicab, travelers arrange their transfer with relatives or friends and use a personal car to reach the next destination. This is only possible for those who have friends and relatives in Uganda.
Hire a Coaster Bus
For a group of 8-15 people you can use two taxis but if you exceed fifteen passengers, a Coaster bus is the best for you. You can hire a coaster for a group transfer from Entebbe Airport to Kampala or any other place. The rates are affordable.
Scheduled group shuttles
A shared transport service in a bus was available at the EBB Airport but collapsed due to unfavorable factors. Right now there is only one that offers transport from Entebbe or Kampala to Jinja, but chances are less to get a seat. It is not 100 percent active. A private taxicab is the most reliable.
What about Uber?
Some clients from continents like Europe and the United States of America come thinking that they can get Uber at the Airport. Uber is new in Uganda and covers fewer parts of the nation. One of my friends reached the EBB parking area and ordered one using the app.
He waited for 40 minutes when there is no one showing up. After, he was advised to search and negotiate with a local taxicab. He was lucky and found one at the last minute for his trip to Muyenga.
When to Book
Booking in advance is the best advice. The driver will be just outside the terminal waiting for you. There is no need for you to wait or wander around searching for a taxi to take you from Entebbe International Airport. It’s hustle free and no time to waste.
Mode of Payment
You pay cash to the driver on arrival. This option is secure and requires no extra fee for a surcharge. Some clients come with Visa or MasterCard to pay using the machines but most Airport taxi agencies in Uganda don’t use this service. It is better to ask before. You can also use the ATMs at the Airport to withdraw money from your card.