Transport guide
Getting between host cities
Flights, buses, border crossings, costs and timing for travelling between Nairobi, Kampala and Dar es Salaam.
Nairobi→
Kampala1 hour · $80–$150
Kenya Airways, Uganda Airlines, Jambojet. JKIA to Entebbe International, multiple daily departures. Book early as prices spike during AFCON.
8–12 hours · $20–$35
Modern Coast, Kampala Coach, Transline. Overnight buses available. Border crossing at Busia or Malaba adds 1–2 hours.
Nairobi→
Dar es Salaam1 hour · $100–$180
Kenya Airways, Precision Air, Fastjet. JKIA to Julius Nyerere International. The only practical option if time is limited.
12–14 hours · $35–$50
Scandinavia Express and Dar Express run the Nairobi–Dar route. Border crossing at Namanga or Holili.
Kampala→Dar es Salaam2–3 hours (often via Nairobi) · $150–$280
Kenya Airways (via Nairobi), Uganda Airlines (direct some days), Precision Air. Check schedules — going via Nairobi adds time but is often cheaper.
20+ hours · $50–$70
Very long journey through Tanzania. Not recommended unless intentionally doing an overland East Africa trip. Multiple border crossings required.
Practical tips
Book flights early
Internal East Africa flights on AFCON match weekends will sell out and prices will spike. Book as soon as match schedules are confirmed — ideally 3–4 months ahead.
East Africa Tourist Visa
The EAC Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda for $100 — but NOT Tanzania. For all three AFCON host countries you need both the EAC visa and a separate Tanzania visa.
Border crossing tips
If going overland, have your passport, visa documentation, yellow fever certificate and travel insurance accessible — not buried in your luggage. Crossings can take 1–3 hours during busy periods.
Nairobi is your hub
JKIA has the best connections across East Africa. If your routing is complex, base yourself in Nairobi and fly out for specific matches.