Flight Duration
About Entebbe Intl. Airport
Entebbe International Airport has a great location on the shore of Lake Victoria which is the largest lake in Africa. The airport started to be built in 1940 in Entebbe, the former capital of Uganda. The airport which was completed in about seven years with the help of the British Colonial authorities was opened by Queen Elizabeth II. In 2006, Entebbe International Airport constructed a new passenger terminal building. In addition to commercial aircrafts, it also operates military aircrafts of the Uganda Air Force. In 2015, with the financial support of the Government of South Korea, the annual passenger average of Entebbe International Airport has exceeded one and a half million passengers as a result of the three phase renovation and expansion initiated at the airport.
Getting to the City Center from Entebbe Intl. Airport
In Entebbe, there is a heavy traffic in general. Although traffic flow is comfortable late at night and early in the morning, traffic during the day is rather heavy. Besides, the drivers in the city don't follow traffic rules. For this reason, renting a car may sometimes be troublesome for those who are not so familiar with Entebbe traffic. However, it is possible to find the offices of many car rental companies in the city center. Considering the heavy traffic, you can prefer motorbike to the car if you are experienced at riding a motorbike. However, you should bear in mind that the most injury cases in Uganda are caused by motorbike accidents. If you are going to ride a motorcycle, at least you should wear your helmet. If possible, it would be a good idea to wear special protective clothing (such as jackets, knee pads). Public transportation in Entebbe may sometimes be very challenging. Especially the careless and dangerous driving of the drivers as well as the old and neglected cars may be frightening for tourists. Means of public transport in the city are the minibuses, which are especially preferred at short distances, and the buses. These vehicles, which are extremely low in price, cover even the shortest distances at a longer time than they should due to the extremely crowded and heavy traffic. Motorcycle taxis called Boda Boda are the most preferred means of transportation in Entebbe. The fact that motorbikes are smaller and have more agility compared to cars come with great advantages in heavy and complicated traffic. However, you should always remember to take the necessary precautions for your safety. Besides Boda Boda, the motorcycle taxis, you can also find normal taxis easily in the city center. Taxis in Entebbe generally don't have fixed stands and a legal status. So anyone may serve his/her car as a taxi if you ask, or they may sometimes offer to pick you up. Taxi service in the city is not very reliable because there are not any regulations for taxis here. None of the taxis has a taximeter; even when they have, the taximeters are mostly broken. For this reason, it is absolutely necessary to negotiate and agree with the driver in advance about the destination and taxi fare. Generally speaking, you shouldn't hesitate to bargain because the taxi fares are very high, especially if you are a tourist. If you want to take a taxi, always try to prefer a taxi that your hotel or, if possible, someone you know recommends you take. Entebbe International Airport serves not only Entebbe city but also many other surrounding cities. Transportation from these cities to Entebbe International Airport is mostly provided through Kampala. It is very easy to reach Entebbe International Airport from Kampala by small minibuses. These minibuses depart every 30 minutes or hourly depending on the density. Ticket only costs 3000 UGX, it means 1 dollar. However, the tourists may sometimes be charged twice a ticket price. The journey takes about one hour. If the traffic is not heavy, the journey time is much shorter. You can also get to the city center from Entebbe International Airport in a very short time. Taxi is the most preferred transportation option from the airport to Entebbe city center, which is very close to the airport. You can also reach the city center by renting a car at the airport. Another alternative is the shuttle-like transfer vehicles run by Uganda Airport Transfers Company. You can easily find a taxi in front of the airport exit. If possible, try to take a taxi you are recommended or ask your hotel to arrange a taxi for you. As there is no taximeter in the taxis in Entebbe, remember to bargain with the driver about the taxi fare in advance. Don't pay the taxi fare in advance. You can find the car rental offices of Hertz and Europcar at the airport. You also save time by renting your car online in advance. Please remember that you must have an international driver's license to rent a car. If you want to take advantage of this option, you should bear in mind that Entebbe traffic is generally quite dense and complicated. In addition renting a car, you can also rent a motorbike, which is a very common option in Entebbe. If you want, you can also rent a car with a driver as well. Unlike the standard airport shuttle services, Uganda Airport Transfers, which is a private company, provides transfer services with various vehicles. Transfer vehicles vary from standard 3-person cars to 25-person buses. Each vehicle takes a luggage per seat. Another different service provided by this company is that it offers "door-to-door" service rather than traveling on a specific route. In addition, you can also benefit from the taxi services provided by this company. A limited number of hotels offer airport shuttle services since Entebbe International Airport and the city center are very close to each other. However, even if your hotel doesn't provide shuttle service, they can arrange an option to pick you up at the airport upon your request.Taxi
Rent a car
Hotel Shuttle Services
Getting to Entebbe Intl. Airport from the City Center
The city center and Entebbe International Airport are very close to each other and you can easily get to the airport. Although there is no public transportation service to the airport, you can take a taxi at affordable prices for transportation to the airport.
If you prefer, you can also get to the airport very easily by renting a car in the city center. Transfer services provided by a private company is another alternative you can take. Although the airport is so close to the city center, you need to set off taking the potential heavy traffic in Entebbe into consideration and be careful about timing.
Taxi
You can easily get a taxi in Entebbe city center. If you don’t have a luggage or if you are traveling with a hand luggage, you can also prefer the motorbike taxis called Boda Boda. Since there is no taximeter available in the taxis, you should bargain with the driver about the taxi fare and you shouldn’t do the payment in advance. You are advised to get help from someone you know or your hotel to get a taxi because taxis in the city are not considered reliable in general.
Rent a car
You can contact one of the car rental companies in the city center to rent an affordable car. You can rent a car as well as a motorbike. If you prefer, it is also possible to rent a car with a driver. Your hotel can also help you with the car rental procedures and contact information of the car rental companies. If you are going to drive the car yourself, you should keep in mind that you must have an international driver’s license.
Uganda Airport Transfers
The private company named Uganda Airport Transfers provides transfer services between Entebbe city center, Kampala city center and Entebbe International Airport. The company picks up passengers at anywhere they want and take them to the airport. It is especially a good transportation alternative for crowded groups because the vehicles of the company vary from 3-person cars to 25-person buses. You can get the contact information and price list of Uganda Airport Transfers on its website. Your hotel can also help you with this.
Hotel Shuttle Services
Very few hotels in Entebbe provide their guests with airport shuttle services. If your hotel offers this service, you need to get information about its price and make a reservation in advance to take advantage of the shuttle option. Even if your hotel doesn’t have such a service, they will absolutely help you find a transportation alternative to get to the airport. Under any circumstances, you should keep in mind to bargain for the price in advance.
Airport Information
Entebbe International Airport is the most important and largest airport not only in Entebbe but also in Uganda. A large number of airline companies arrange flights to Entebbe International Airport on a daily basis. Many others also arrange flights to the airport every other day or weekly. Many cities in Uganda, especially Kampala which is the commercial center and capital of the country, use this airport air transportation.
Entebbe International Airport is located on the banks of Lake Victoria, in the immediate vicinity of Entebbe city center. The airport is 41 kilometers away from Kampala and regular minibus services are arranged between Kampala and the airport. The airport has a post office, safe deposit box, cash dispensers and banks.
Entebbe Airport also has cafés, restaurants, and duty-free shopping stores. There is also an internet cafe for those who don't want to stay away from internet access at the airport.
Karibuni Lounge serves at the departure terminal for passengers who want to get relaxed while waiting for their flights. The lounge starts to serve 2 and a half hours before the first flight of the day and it is open until the last flight time. At Karibuni Lounge, you can take advantage of the free internet service, watch TV, read the daily newspapers, take a shower, and relax in the cozy sitting areas. The entrance fee for the lounge is only 15 dollars and the time you can stay in the lounge is limited to a maximum of 3 hours.