Getting around

Kigali guide Back to Travel & Tourism

5 min read · Updated 2026

Real options and prices

Every way to get around, compared

Fares, speed and the honest catch for each option.

Show prices in

Moto taxi

$0.50–2.0 per ride

Best for:: Solo trips under 20 minutes
Speed:: Fastest across the hills
How to use it:: Hail one anywhere, or book through Bolt, Move or Yego for a metered fare. Helmets are provided by law.
Watch out:: Agree the fare before you sit down if you are not using an app. Not ideal with luggage or in the rain.

Ride-hailing car (Bolt, Move, Yego)

$3.0–8.0 across town

Best for:: Evenings, groups of two or three, rain
Speed:: 10–30 minutes
How to use it:: Download Bolt or Move before you land. Cards and mobile money both work.
Watch out:: Surge pricing around Convention Centre events and Sunday evenings.

City bus (tap card)

$0.20–0.45 per trip

Best for:: Budget travel and long straight routes
Speed:: Slow but predictable
How to use it:: Buy a Tap&Go card at any kiosk, load it with francs, tap on boarding.
Watch out:: Very full at 7–9am and 5–7pm. Routes are numbered, not named.

Airport transfer

$15–25 one way

Best for:: Arrivals with luggage
Speed:: 15–25 minutes to the centre
How to use it:: Hotels will pre-arrange; ride-hailing works from the terminal forecourt.
Watch out:: Kigali International is close to town — you should never pay resort-transfer prices.

Car hire with driver

$60–120 per day

Best for:: Day trips out of the city
Speed:: Door to door
How to use it:: Book through your hotel or a licensed operator; fuel is usually extra.
Watch out:: Self-drive is possible but city parking and moto traffic make a driver better value.

Walking

Free

Best for:: Nyamirambo, Kimihurura, the city centre
Speed:: Hills, so slower than the map says
How to use it:: Pavements are good and the city is safe to walk, including after dark on main roads.
Watch out:: The gradients are real. Budget extra time and water.

Quick answers

Moto taxi

$1–3

Most city trips

City bus

$0.30–0.50

Pay with a Tap&Go card

Airport to centre

$10–20

20–30 minutes by car

Driver per day

$60–120

Fuel often extra

Step by step

1
Arriving at the airport
Take an airport taxi or pre-arranged hotel pick-up; agree the fare first.
2
Get a local SIM
Ride-hailing apps and maps need data — buy an MTN or Airtel SIM with your passport.
3
Short trips: moto
Always wear the helmet offered and agree the price before you sit down.
4
Day trips: hire a driver
Book through your hotel or a licensed operator for trips outside the city.

Safety rules that matter

Kigali's transport is regulated and generally safe. A few habits make it easier.

Moto drivers must carry a second helmet for you — insist on wearing it.
Licensed motos have a numbered vest; avoid riders without one.
Seatbelts are required in cars, front and back.
Carry small notes — drivers often cannot change large bills.

Car-Free Sundays and Umuganda

On some Sunday mornings main roads close for walking and cycling. On the last Saturday of the month (Umuganda), traffic stops from about 08:00 to 11:00 for community work — plan airport trips around it.

Local tips

• Say your destination as a landmark (hotel, market, church) — street addresses are less used.
• Traffic peaks 07:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00; motos are best at those times.
• Tap&Go bus cards are sold at bus stations and some shops.
• Ride-hailing works best in central areas; outskirts may have long waits.