Bujumbura International Airport is Burundi's only international airport, located in Bujumbura on the northeastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, one of the world's deepest lakes.
Bujumbura is the country's largest city and primary economic center (the political capital is Gitega, inland).
How to get to Bujumbura International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to BJM
Parking near Bujumbura International Airport
A short distance from the terminal is a parking area of limited dimensions.
It is not guarded; the rates are not published online but are generally reasonable, consistent with regional standards.
How to get to Bujumbura from BJM
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Bujumbura International Airport
There are some local car rental operators in the arrivals area, generally with driver included rather than self-drive.
For rental you need licence, passport and credit card, plus the IDP in most cases.
Hotels near Bujumbura International Airport
Lake Tanganyika shoreline
Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika is the closest, about 3.4 km (10 minutes) from the terminal; Dolce Vita Resort and Safari Gate are on the same shore but more secluded, 8-9 km away (20-25 minutes depending on traffic).
Best for: Travellers who want a beach and pool just a few minutes from the airport, without needing to go into the city.
- Private beaches on the lake and outdoor pools, an exception for an African airport area
- Closer than any hotel in the city centre, useful for short layovers or early departures
- Few independent restaurants nearby: in the evening guests tend to stay at the hotel
- Moving between the properties along the shore still requires a few kilometres by taxi
Recommended hotels
- Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika The closest to the airport among the lake resorts, about 3.4 km away (10 minutes): 110 rooms in a park opening onto a private beach, 2 pools and 2 restaurants. View availability
- Hotel Dolce Vita Resort On the same lake shore, about 8-9 km from the airport (20-25 minutes): garden and pool, prices below the average for 3-star hotels in Bujumbura. View availability
- Hotel Safari Gate On Avenue du Large, about 8 km from the airport: private beach, outdoor pool and gym, 500 metres from the Musée Vivant. View availability
City centre (Boulevard de l'Uprona)
About 4.3 miles (7 km) and 15-20 minutes by taxi from the airport.
Best for: Travellers who want restaurants, the central market and nightlife close at hand, accepting a longer transfer from the airport.
- In the heart of Bujumbura, a few steps from shops, the central market and Lake Tanganyika
- Rooftop bar and restaurant praised in reviews, convenient even without going out
- Further from the airport than the lakeshore resorts
- An area of offices and shops: less green and less quiet than Kiriri
Kiriri
About 8.7 miles (14 km), 25-30 minutes by taxi from the airport: the furthest among the city's areas.
Best for: Travellers with business at the embassies or looking for a quiet stay in the hills, with views over the city and the lake.
- A quiet residential hill, away from the traffic of the centre, with a panoramic view over Bujumbura
- Embassies (including Rwanda's) just minutes away, convenient for those with official appointments
- The distance from the airport is the greatest among the city's areas, worth considering for short layovers
- Few independent restaurants: in the evening guests mostly stay at the local properties
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is single and compact. From check-in to gate you generally walk 10 minutes.
Customs and health checks can take longer than expected, especially in a context of heightened regional health attention: for international flights it is recommended to arrive at least 3 hours in advance.
Map of Bujumbura International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do I need a visa for Burundi?
Yes, but it can be obtained on arrival for most Western nationalities (40 USD for 72 hours, 90 USD for 30 days). It is mandatory to register online in advance via the entry/exit passenger form to get the certificate needed for issuance.
Q. Is it safe to visit Burundi today?
Bujumbura, Gitega, the beaches of Lake Tanganyika and Kibira park are generally considered safe for tourists with normal precautions; it is still advisable to avoid the border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo and to limit travelling alone after dark.
Q. Is yellow fever vaccination required?
Yes, it is mandatory for entry into the country, along with strongly recommended antimalarial prophylaxis.
Q. Is it worth buying a local SIM in Bujumbura?
Yes, the Econet Leo and Lumitel networks sell prepaid SIM cards, a useful option for having data access during your stay, since credit cards are accepted only at a few international hotels in the capital.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights