The main gateway to Uganda for most travelers is Entebbe International Airport. Sitting on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is a charming lakeside town that is located 45 km (about 28 miles) southwest of Uganda’s bustling capital, Kampala. As your plane touches down and the excitement of your African journey begins to build, the first thing to ask yourself naturally is: How do I get from Entebbe to Kampala safely?

While the trip between Entebbe and Kampala is short, scenic, and relatively direct, it is essential to take cognizance of the available options, current state of the road, and best-practice methods for traveling both safely and in comfort. Whether one is heading up to Kampala for business, embarking on a safari from there, or meeting your travel operator, knowing how to do so in safety can set the tone for an easy, relaxed trip in Uganda.

The main road connecting Entebbe with Kampala is the modern Entebbe–Kampala Expressway, a dual carriageway that revolutionized travel between the two cities. Opened in 2018, this toll highway has remarkably reduced travel time and increased safety, offering comfort and a well-maintained link between the airport and the capital.

The expressway starts just outside Entebbe town and extends for about 36 kilometers to Kampala, bypassing most of the older routes with heavy traffic that pass through residential areas. Depending on the time of day and flow of traffic, the journey normally takes 45 minutes to one hour via the expressway, in comparison to 1.5–2 hours on the old Entebbe Road.

Because Entebbe International Airport is on a peninsular landmass surrounded by Lake Victoria, this one corridor remains a main access route to Kampala. It’s safe to travel during both daytime and nighttime, but extra precautions-like pre-booking your transport and avoiding unregistered taxis-can make it even smoother and more secure.

There are several ways to get from Entebbe to Kampala: some offer more comfort, safety, or convenience than others. Your choice depends on your arrival time, budget, and preference for either traveling alone or sharing.

The safest and most reliable means of traveling from Entebbe to Kampala is definitely booking a private transfer. Many credible tour companies and hotels in Uganda offer airport pickup services, which can be arranged prior to your arrival.

You will be met by a professional driver at the arrivals area, holding a sign with your name, assisting you with your luggage, and driving you directly to your accommodation either in Kampala or further afield. The vehicles used are usually modern 4x4s and air-conditioned vans. Drivers are trained, licensed, and familiar with both expressway and city routes.

The advantages of a private transfer are comfort, privacy, and peace of mind. You will not need to bother about prices, finding your way through local transport, or getting lost in the busy streets of Kampala. Your driver will also ensure you avoid peak traffic hours and will know the safest rest stops or viewpoints along the way.

Prices can vary from $30-50 USD for a private transfer between Entebbe and Kampala, depending on where your hotel is located and the level of service you are looking for.

Many hotels in the mid-range and luxury categories in both Entebbe and Kampala offer complimentary or paid airport shuttle services for their guests. This is another safe and convenient option, as the hotel will make prior arrangements for everything.

Once you have made your booking, you can forward your flight details, and a driver will be waiting for you upon your arrival. Other hotels even offer 24-hour airport transfers to ensure that even late-night or early-morning arrivals are accommodated safely.

The advantage of a hotel shuttle is reliability—your driver is accountable to your hotel and can assist with check-in upon arrival. However, confirm whether the hotel uses the expressway, and whether the cost of the tolls is included in the quoted price.

There are registered airport taxis available outside the arrivals terminal in Entebbe. These are managed by licensed associations, recognized by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, operating on standardized pricing.

A taxi ride from Entebbe to Kampala usually costs between UGX 100,000–150,000 depending on your destination; the price is about $25–$40 USD. It is always good to confirm the fare before starting the journey.

Otherwise, Bolt and Uber rideshare apps operate around the bigger Kampala area, from which you may request a lift from Entebbe. Still, coverage around the airport is spotty sometimes, especially late at night. Hence, many travelers like to go for pre-booked transfers for increased safety and convenience.

When using any taxi or ride-sharing service, always check the vehicle and driver details match those displayed on your booking and do not accept unsolicited offers from individuals, inside or outside the terminal.

For very budget travelers, matatus and airport shuttles run the route along old Entebbe Road from Entebbe town to Kampala. While the cheapest option—less than $5 USD normally—they are also the least safe and least comfortable, especially if you’re with luggage or arrive at night.

They are often very crowded, stop very frequently, and do not maintain strict safety standards. Also, the timetables are never certain, and it is somewhat puzzling on the first day for tourists.

If one prioritizes safety, comfort, and time, it is best to avoid public minibuses and instead get a pre-arranged private transfer or a registered taxi.

Normally, traveling from Entebbe to Kampala is safe, but a few precautions will go a long way in making your journey secure and smooth.

Book transportation in advance using a trusted company to ensure that there will be a reliable driver waiting for you at the airport, avoiding the stress of negotiating prices with taxi drivers and not falling victim to overcharging scams.

Always ensure that your driver will be using the expressway because it’s faster, smoother, and safer compared to the old Entebbe Road. There are tolls along the expressway, ranging between UGX 5,000–10,000 per car, and this cost should be catered for by your driver.

Although it is safe to travel at night, first-time visitors may prefer daytime transfers for better visibility and comfort. The airport operates 24/7, but late-night arrivals should ideally use private or hotel transfers arranged in advance.

As with traveling anywhere around the world, keep your passport, phone, and cash close to your person. Do not show expensive jewelry or electronics if traveling and making stops along the way.

Purchase a local SIM card (available at the airport) so you can communicate with your driver or hotel if needed. Airtel and MTN Uganda offer reliable coverage and affordable data packages.

Drive on the left-hand side in Uganda. All passengers must wear a seat belt, and it is considered good manners to greet your driver and thank him or her for his or her service—Ugandans appreciate friendliness and respect.

Kampala normally experiences heavy traffic during the morning and evening rush hours, that is, 7–9 am and 5–8 pm, respectively. If you have appointments or connecting transport, you may journey accordingly, or ask your driver the best time to leave. The Scenic Side of the Journey Besides issues of safety and logistics, the trip from Entebbe to Kampala is a lovely, easy introduction to the Ugandan landscape and culture. As you leave Entebbe, you will pass by lush gardens, small fishing villages, and glimpses of Lake Victoria glistening in the distance.

The expressway gradually ascends toward Kampala’s hilly skyline dotted with red-tiled roofs and green valleys. Along the way, you may see roadside markets, boda-boda, or motorbike taxis, and colorful billboards welcoming visitors to the capital. The journey offers the first real taste of Uganda’s vibrant rhythm: a gentle transition from the shores of Entebbe to the lively heartbeat of Kampala. Upon Arrival in Kampala Upon arrival in Kampala, your driver will deliver you directly to your hotel or residence.

The city may be overwhelming and full of energy on arrival, but it is warm, welcoming, and vibrant. Most major hotels have secure parking, 24-hour reception, and on-site restaurants where a weary traveler can relax after their flight. If you will only be in Kampala briefly before embarking on a safari or gorilla trekking tour, then it’s possible for your driver or tour operator to book next-day transport to one of Uganda’s national parks or a regional airport.

Many visitors come to Kampala just as a stopover before moving on to other destinations such as Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth National Park, or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

 It will be easy to get from Entebbe to Kampala safely if you plan in advance and choose a suitable form of transportation. The modern expressway, professional drivers, and quality transfer services all combine to make the route one of the most straightforward and safest in East Africa. Whether you step off into the afternoon sun or under a velvet night sky, Uganda’s welcome is sure to come across loud and clear from the instant you set foot outside the airport.

For those travelers who want to have peace of mind, comfort, and well-organized transfers, it’s worth trusting in a reputed and experienced local operator who knows the best routes and rhythms of the country. Experiya Tour Company does transfers from Entebbe to Kampala and throughout Uganda and East Africa in a reliable, safe, and comfortable way, including tailor-made safaris. Equipped with professional drivers, well-maintained vehicles, and attention to detail, they make sure that your journey is not only in safe hands but deeply enjoyable from the very first mile.