Africa > 🇺🇬 Uganda
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Uganda can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Uganda; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Uganda?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Uganda?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Uganda
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Kampala | EBB |
Because distances are long and public transport is inconsistent, most travellers eventually lean toward yes, but the details matter.
Getting Around Without a Car 🚌🛵
Uganda has many transport options, and each suits a different type of traveller.
Matatus & Shared Taxis
You’ll find matatus (minibuses) everywhere. They’re cheap and sociable, and they run between all major towns. However, they leave only when full, so your timings can vary. Because of that, they work best for slower, flexible itineraries.
Boda-Bodas (Motorcycle Taxis)
Bodas are fast and thrilling, and they dominate city travel in Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, and Fort Portal. Nevertheless, they can feel intimidating, and safety standards differ widely. Use reputable, app-based services when possible.
Coaches
Long-distance coaches cover main routes like Kampala–Gulu, Kampala–Mbale, or Kampala–Fort Portal. They’re far more comfortable than matatus but still don’t reach the national parks directly.
Guided Tours
If you want guaranteed logistics without driving yourself, organised tours remain a great alternative. They reach any destination, including parks with rough access roads.
Driving in Uganda 🚗🛣️
Renting a car gives you maximum freedom, especially for national parks with scattered gates and irregular public transport.
Road Conditions
Main highways between major towns are paved and improving every year. Even so, once you turn off toward national parks, expect dirt roads, potholes, and corrugation. Because of that, a 4×4 is strongly recommended, particularly in rainy seasons.
Navigation
Google Maps works well on main roads, but some park tracks require Maps.me or local guidance. Wildlife frequently crosses roads, so you’ll need to drive slowly and carefully.
Fuel & Breakdown Support
Fuel stations are common on main routes. Many rental agencies include roadside assistance, which becomes essential if you’re entering remote areas like Kidepo, Queen Elizabeth, or Murchison Falls.
Uganda’s Railways 🚆
Uganda has no practical passenger rail service. Although freight lines exist between Kampala, Tororo, and the Kenyan border, trains for travellers do not operate. Therefore, rail doesn’t play any role in planning a holiday here.
National Parks & Why a Car Helps 🌄🦍
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
For gorilla trekking, you need to reach tiny trailhead towns such as Rushaga or Buhoma. Public transport becomes patchy here, so a car or a guided driver makes life much easier.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
You can reach Kasese or Bushenyi by bus, but exploring the park requires your own wheels or a private safari vehicle.
Murchison Falls
Transport reaches Masindi, but you still need a 4×4 to move around inside the park.
Kidepo Valley
This remote, breathtaking park is reachable only by car or organised tour unless you take a small domestic flight. Self-driving is possible but demanding.
Should You Rent a Car in Uganda? 🚗🇺🇬
✔ Yes — if you want to see national parks, crater lakes, and rural scenery at your own pace.
You’ll save time, reach trailheads easily, and enjoy far greater flexibility. A 4×4 is almost always the right choice.
❌ Maybe not — if you prefer structured, low-stress travel.
If you stick to Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, or a few main towns, you can rely on taxis, bodas, matatus, and guided day trips instead.
