8 Things You Must Know Before You Take the Bus From Kampala

Taking the bus from Kampala is not only comfortable, but also a perfect and cheap way to get to other regions of Uganda. Kampala is the starting point for all major routes to different corners of the country. Several bus agencies offer trips on these routes.

Whether you need a bus trip to western, northern or Eastern Uganda, you will get it at an affordable rate. Before you book a ticket, make sure to know these important points explained below.

Cost of Bus ticket

The cost of a bus in Kampala depends on your next destination and operator. For upcountry trips, the bus rates ranges between 10,000 – 90,000 Uganda shillings. If you are going beyond the borders to places like Nairobi, Arusha, Dar es Salaam and more, expect to pay 150,000 shillings or more. Be sure to choose the genuine operator. Don’t depend on the price because you will be disappointed.

When to Book?

Advance booking is the best way to go. Avoid last minute orders. Bus operators use the first come first serve luggage. Trips are scheduled, and go during day and night.

Mode of Payment

Cash payment is the most preferred. Cashless transactions in Uganda are still at a very low rate. Most companies don’t have the machines that can charge the Visa or Master card. If you wish to use it, please first ask the service provider.

Location of Bus stands

Bus terminals are found in Kampala. You can visit the Kisenyi or Namayiba bus station and get yourself a ticket for you trip to Gulu, Arua, Juba, Moroto, Kotido, Kitgum, Mbale, Mbarara, Bushenyi or any other part of the country.

How to get there

If you are traveling from Entebbe Airport, get a taxicab and go direct to the bus stand. Visit an office and buy a ticket. For those who are not sure, please ask the taxicab driver to direct you. Don’t associate with the people standing around the station. Some of them are thieves. If you are coming from a nearby area, use a matatu or Boda Boda, and reach the bus terminal in Kisenyi.

Bus Trips offered and routes

Starting the capital, you can take the bus to western region and reach places like Kasese, Kisoro, Kabale, Ntungamo, Ibanda, Kagadi, Kyegegwa, Isingiro, Mpondwe and more. In the eastern part, you reach places like Mbale, Kapchorwa, Iganga, Busia, Malaba, Tororo, Namayingo, Soroti, Kamuli to name but a few.

For the northern region, you get to areas like Gulu, Kotido, Kaboong, Moroto, Kitgum, Adjumani, Lira, Omoro, Arua, Elegu and more. Other locations include Masaka, Jinja, Mutukula, Ntoroko, Bushenyi, to mention but a few.

Bus operators

The list of some best providers included YY coaches, Link bus, Gaaga, Horizon coaches, Trinity bus, Modern coast, Volcanoes bus, Baby coach, Friends, Global bus, Getway and a lot more.

Passengers onboard

Bus is available for use by everyone. It is shared with locals and foreign travelers. For a special treat, you can book a VIP ticket. This ticket is more expensive than the normal one. In VIP you travel comfortably with an option to adjust the seat in case you need to sleep.

Time friendly or not?

They move on their pace. If you are on time, it is something you shouldn’t rely on. Sometimes they go on stopping along the way to pick more travelers especially when they have free seats. There are after money, but not time spent on the way.

Charge for luggage

There is a specific charge for luggage. If you have some bags, suitcases and other items, you have to pay and there are put in the luggage cabin.

Other alternatives

If not the bus, you can hire a taxicab to take you from the city. For tourists, you can rent a 4×4 car with a driver or for a self-drive holiday.