Four ways into town from Kigali International Airport, with the official fares set by Rwanda's transport regulator.
← Part of our Rwanda travel guide
Kigali International Airport sits about 10 km east of the city centre, so most rides take 20 to 30 minutes. Arriving with luggage or after dark, take a taxi or a pre-booked transfer. Travelling light in daylight, the city bus costs well under a dollar.
| Option | Fare to the centre | Luggage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport taxi | About RWF 7,800–9,200Metered RURA tariff | Yes | Luggage, late arrivals, simplicity |
| Private transfer | Fixed priceAgreed when you book | Yes | Families, night arrivals, hotels outside the centre |
| City bus | About RWF 600–700RURA city tariff | Light bags only | Daytime arrivals on a tight budget |
| Moto-taxi | About RWF 1,300–1,500Metered RURA tariff | A backpack at most | The quickest, cheapest ride |
Taxis wait outside arrivals, day and night. RURA's taxi tariff is RWF 1,500 for the first kilometre, then RWF 700 a kilometre up to 30 km. The first 15 minutes of waiting are free; each extra 15 minutes costs RWF 1,500.
Best if: you have luggage, arrive late, or want the simplest option.
A driver meets you at arrivals with your name on a sign, at a price fixed in advance. Many Kigali hotels arrange this, or you can book one online before you fly.
Book an airport transfer →Partner link
Best if: you are a family, arriving at night, or staying outside the centre.
Kigali's city buses run along the airport road into town. RURA sets city fares at RWF 59.28 per kilometre (April 2026), so the ride works out at roughly RWF 600–700. Buses take the Tap&Go card rather than cash.
Best if: you travel light, arrive in daylight, and want the cheapest ride.
Moto-taxis are everywhere in Kigali, and every rider carries a helmet for the passenger. RURA's metered fare is RWF 400 for the first 2 km plus RWF 117 a kilometre after that (2022 tariff, the latest RURA lists).
Best if: you have only a backpack and want to get there fast.
Kigali is generally calm and orderly for arriving travellers, so the choice is mostly about comfort and budget.
The cheapest and quickest ways into town. Done.
A few extra dollars buys a driver waiting with your name. Book ahead.
The taxi rank outside arrivals is fine. Agree the fare first.
MTN and Airtel both sell SIM cards in Kigali. An eSIM bought before you fly skips the queue entirely.
eSIM optionsHotels take cards, but buses, moto-taxis and small shops want Rwandan francs or mobile money.
Rwanda bans plastic carrier bags, and they can be taken from you on arrival.
On the last Saturday morning of each month, community work pauses traffic and many businesses until around midday.
Fares: RURA tariffs (taxi cabs, effective 15 June 2019; motorcycles, August 2022; City of Kigali public transport, April 2026), with the 2026 revision reported by Rwanda Dispatch and moto fares by The New Times. Checked 31 October 2026. Confirm fares before you pay.
Gorillas, chimpanzees, Akagera and Lake Kivu, with permit prices and a 7-day route.
Rwanda travel guide