A Scenic Road Trip: Nairobi To Kampala By Bus

The bus journey from Nairobi, Kenya to Kampala, Uganda takes between 11 and 14 hours. There are several bus companies that service this route, including MASH, Modern Coast, Easy Coach, and Dreamline. The average price for a ticket is $20 to $25, but prices can vary depending on the type of bus and the amenities provided. Buses depart multiple times per day, usually in the evening, and there are both daytime and nighttime options available. The border crossing between Kenya and Uganda occurs at the Busia or Malaba border and typically takes around an hour to complete. Overall, this bus journey is a straightforward and relatively comfortable way to travel between Nairobi and Kampala.

The journey from Nairobi to Kampala by bus takes between 11 and 14 hours

There are several bus companies that service this route, including MASH, Buscar E.A Limited, Modern Coast, Easy Coach, and Dreamline. These companies offer both day and night buses, with most buses travelling by night. The departure times vary, but there is usually a bus departing every 30 minutes from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Morning buses are also available, typically departing around 7:00 am or 8:00 am.

When travelling by bus from Nairobi to Kampala, it is recommended to book your ticket in advance, especially since this route tends to fill up quickly. You can purchase tickets directly from the bus company's offices in Nairobi and Kampala, or online in some cases. Remember to bring your passport when buying your ticket, as it is required for booking.

The journey time can vary depending on traffic conditions and the duration of the border crossing. Most buses will cross the border at Busia or Malaba, where you will need to go through passport control. It is essential to have your passport, visa, and other necessary documents, such as a yellow fever certificate, readily available. The border crossing process can take around 30 to 60 minutes or longer, depending on the number of people in line.

Taking the bus from Nairobi to Kampala is a cost-effective and relatively comfortable option for travelling between these two cities. The journey offers a hassle-free and affordable way to explore East Africa, with the added benefit of saving on accommodation costs if you opt for a night bus.

The cost of the journey is between $1 and $35

The bus journey from Nairobi to Kampala is a popular route, with several companies offering services. The cost of the journey is between $1 and $35, depending on the type of bus and the amenities provided. Some buses offer luxury options with higher prices, while others provide basic services at lower costs. It is recommended to compare prices and services offered by different companies to find the best option that suits your budget and travel preferences.

For example, MASH is a popular bus company that offers comfortable and clean buses. They have different seat options, including VIP seats, business seats, and regular economy seats. The price for a normal seat is around $20, while a business seat costs $24 and a VIP seat costs $26. Another company, Modern Coast, offers tickets for around $18 to $35. The average price for this trip is generally between $20 and $25.

It is worth noting that the price of the ticket may also depend on the time of booking, with prices tending to be higher for last-minute bookings. Additionally, some companies may charge extra for luggage, so it is important to check the luggage policy before purchasing a ticket.

Overall, taking the bus from Nairobi to Kampala is a cost-effective option, especially when compared to flying, which can cost between $200 and $300. The bus journey may take longer, but it offers a significant savings for those travelling on a budget.

There are day and night buses available

When travelling from Nairobi to Kampala, you can choose between day and night buses. The journey takes between 11 and 14 hours, so it's understandable that you might want to sleep through it. However, the night buses can be noisy, with music and people chatting, so you might not get much sleep. The day buses can get very hot, so if you choose this option, make sure you don't sit on the side where the sun shines in.

If you take a night bus, you'll have to get up in the middle of the night to queue at the border, but there are plenty of other travellers around at this time, so you won't be isolated.

If you want to see the countryside, a day bus is the best option. However, the journey can be bumpy, so if you want to sleep, the night bus might be preferable, and you can always keep the window shade down so that you can sleep in the dark.

There are several bus companies to choose from, including MASH, Buscar E.A Limited, Modern Coast, Easy Coach, and Dreamline. The average price for the trip is $20 to $25, but prices vary depending on the company and the class. For example, MASH offers VIP seats, business seats, and regular economy class. The VIP seats are basically huge leather recliners, but they are located at the front of the bus, so it can be a little noisy. Business seats are still comfortable and spacious, but cheaper.

You can buy your ticket online, but you may need to pay with M-Pesa, which involves creating an account. You can also buy your ticket at the bus station, but it's recommended that you buy it at least a day in advance, as the route is popular and the buses do fill up.

You can buy tickets online or at the bus station

The journey from Nairobi to Kampala by bus takes approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes. This is a direct bus service operated by MASH, which departs from Nairobi station and arrives at Kampala station. The cost of a bus ticket ranges from $1 to $35, depending on the type of bus and the amenities provided.

You can buy tickets for this bus service online or at the bus station. When purchasing tickets online, you can usually book in advance and select your preferred seat. This is a convenient option as it saves time and ensures you have a reserved spot on your preferred bus. Online booking platforms often provide up-to-date schedules and ticket prices, allowing you to compare different operators and choose the option that best suits your budget and travel preferences. You can also read reviews from other travellers to make an informed decision.

On the other hand, buying tickets at the bus station offers the advantage of in-person assistance. You can speak to ticket agents and get help with choosing the right ticket type, understanding schedules, and making last-minute bookings. Buying tickets at the station can be useful if you have specific questions or concerns about your trip. Additionally, purchasing tickets at the station can be a good option if you are unfamiliar with the online booking process or prefer a more traditional approach.

Whether you choose to buy tickets online or at the bus station, be sure to plan your trip in advance, especially if you have specific travel dates in mind. Compare different bus operators and consider factors such as price, departure times, and onboard amenities to select the option that aligns best with your needs and preferences.

The border crossing between Kenya and Uganda takes around an hour

Make sure you have your yellow fever certificate when you cross this border in either direction—it's an entry requirement for both countries. You'll also need your visa for Uganda, which you must arrange before you leave Nairobi. It's not available on arrival at the border, but you can apply for it online. The visa costs $50 and there is a small processing fee of around $2.50. You can also buy an East Africa Visa for $100, which allows travel between Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda for 90 days.

At the border, you can exchange any leftover currency, but be sure to check the exchange rate first so you don't get ripped off.

Frequently asked questions