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How to travel to Kenya from Uganda?

Traveling from Uganda to Kenya is a common route in East Africa, whether for tourism, business, education, or cross-border trade. Since both Kenya and Uganda belong to the East African Community (EAC), it is quite simple for people to travel between the two. The kind of journey you have from Uganda to Kenya depends on your budget, how you want to travel and how much time you have.

1. By Road – Most Common and Affordable Option

The easiest and cheapest way to cross from Uganda to Kenya is by road. Many important highways and points where people pass between the countries are available.

Bus Travel

There are multiple long-distance bus companies operating daily routes between major cities such as Kampala (Uganda) and Nairobi (Kenya).

  • Popular Bus Operators:
     
    • Modern Coast
    • Easy Coach
    • Mash Poa
    • Simba Coach
    • Trinity Express
  • Travel Duration: 12–15 hours (Kampala to Nairobi)
  • Cost: Bus fares typically range from $20 to $50 USD, depending on the company and seat class (regular or VIP).
  • Departure Points: Usually from central Kampala
  • Border Crossing: The main crossing is Busia or Malaba, both well-equipped for immigration and customs procedures

Documents Needed at the Border

  • Valid passport
  • East African Tourist Visa (optional) – allows travel between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for 90 days.
  • COVID-19 vaccination certificate: As of 2025, Kenya has lifted mandatory COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements for most travelers. However, it is still recommended to carry proof of COVID-19 vaccination, especially for international travelers. Passengers exhibiting symptoms may be required to undergo testing upon entry.
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate may be requested.

2. By Air – Fast and Convenient

If you want to travel in a timely and comfortable way, flying from Uganda to Kenya suits you best.

Major Airports:

  • Departure: Entebbe International Airport (EBB) – near Kampala
  • Arrival: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) – Nairobi

Flight Details:

  • Flight time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Airlines:
    • Uganda Airlines
    • Kenya Airways
    • RwandAir (sometimes with stopovers)
    • Airlink and other regional carriers
  • Costs may vary from $100 to USD $250 (it depends on the time of the year and when the trip is booked)

Other Kenyan Destinations by Air

Alternatively, you may fly from Entebbe to Mombasa, Kisumu or Eldoret, but some flights there have layovers or just a few connections.

3. Private Car or Self-Drive

Those wanting privacy while traveling can also take private cars or taxis.

  • Route: Kampala → Jinja → Tororo → Malaba (border) → Eldoret → Nairobi
  • Distance: ~700 km
  • Travel time: 12–14 hours (depending on traffic and border formalities)

Important Requirements:

  • Valid passport and driver’s license
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended
  • Vehicle insurance and Carnet de Passage (especially if using your own car)
  • Yellow fever certificate

4. Rail Travel (Not Direct)

At present, there is no direct passenger train service linking Kampala (Uganda) and Nairobi (Kenya). However, travelers can use a hybrid travel option by first taking a bus or private vehicle to Malaba or Kisumu, then continuing onward to Nairobi and boarding the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Mombasa. This provides a convenient and scenic way to explore Kenya by train. Still, it's important to note that there is currently no international railway connection operating directly between Uganda and Kenya.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

  • Plan ahead:  Book your bus or flight ticket early, especially when it’s a holiday.
  • Currency:  You can use KES or USD, but you can change money using forex at the borders or at airports.
  • Safety:  Stick only to reputable transport companies and try not to road travel at night in new places.
  • Stay updated: Check visa policies and health requirements, as they may change.

Conclusion

Getting from Uganda to Kenya can be done by road, by air or  even by private vehicle  based on what you prefer . Thanks to the strong ties and convenient methods of transport, moving between the countries is easy. No matter if you travel to Nairobi for work or adventure in Kenya’s nature, the trip is straightforward and fun.

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