Kigali International Airport, Rwanda's only international airport, is located approximately 5 km east of the capital's centre, in the Kanombe suburb.
It is the gateway to Africa's cleanest city and the departure point for trekking the mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park.
How to get to Kigali International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to KGL
Parking near Kigali International Airport
A multi-story parking lot is adjacent to the terminal.
Rates are in line with East African regional standards.
How to get to Kigali from KGL
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at Kigali International Airport
The most established car rental companies operate from the arrivals area.
To rent a car you'll need a license, passport, credit card, and generally also the IDP.
Hotels near Kigali International Airport
Kacyiru and the conference district
About 15-17 minutes by car from the airport (7-9 km depending on the route), on the same expressway that also leads to the city centre.
Best for: Business trips and conferences, with the Kigali Convention Centre, embassies and international chain hotels closest to each other.
- The Kigali Convention Centre and the diplomatic district reachable on foot from the area's hotels
- The city's highest concentration of international chain hotels, with pools and spas
- An area designed for business, with little neighbourhood life outside the hotels and their in-house restaurants
- Among the highest prices in Kigali, in line with the 4-5 star positioning
Recommended hotels
- Kigali Marriott Hotel Next to the Kigali Convention Centre, in the financial district of Nyarugenge; outdoor pool, spa and several in-house restaurants, about 9 km from the airport. View availability
- Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre Kigali In the same hub as the Kigali Convention Centre, about 5 km from the airport; 291 rooms with private balcony and two restaurants, designed for large conferences. View availability
- Mövenpick Kigali Opening at the end of 2025 on the site of the old Hotel Umubano in Kacyiru, a few steps from the Convention Centre and BK Arena; heated pool and kids' club. View availability
Remera and Kigali Sports City
About 6 km from the city centre; a distance from the airport similar to Kacyiru, 15-20 minutes by car.
Best for: Those attending an event at BK Arena or Amahoro Stadium, or who prefer a more modern address than Kacyiru.
- A few steps from BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium for concerts, basketball and sporting events
- A recently opened hotel, with modern standards compared with some older properties in the centre
- A just-opened property: still very few independent reviews to rely on
- A less central area for those who want the business district or the nightlife of the historic centre
Near the airport, in Kanombe
About 2 km from the terminal, with free airport transfer included in the stay.
Best for: One-night layovers or very early departures, when even an extra 15 minutes by car toward the centre isn't worth it.
- The shortest possible transfer from the airport, with free transfer included
- Apartments with their own kitchen, handy for those arriving or leaving at times when restaurants are closed
- A peripheral residential district: no street life or restaurants outside the apartment
- For the Convention Centre or the historic centre you still need 15-20 minutes by taxi
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, the country's sole international gateway, is home to RwandAir, the rapidly expanding national carrier.
The recommended time before departure for international flights is 2.5–3 hours.
Map of Kigali International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How much does a taxi cost from the airport to central Kigali?
Roughly 10,000-15,000 RWF to the centre (Nyarugenge), 18,000-25,000 RWF to Kacyiru/Kimihurura/Nyarutarama (the embassy and hotel district, further away); Bolt via the app is often cheaper (5,000-9,000 RWF).
Q. Is Kigali a good base for seeing mountain gorillas?
Yes, it's the main gateway to Volcanoes National Park, where the famous mountain gorilla trekking is organised with licensed guides.
Q. Is it true that plastic bags are banned in Rwanda?
Yes, Rwanda has banned single-use plastic bags since 2008; avoid bringing any with you, as they can be confiscated at customs.
Q. Do you need a visa for Rwanda?
Most nationalities can get one directly on arrival (tourist visa 50 USD) without applying in advance, or apply for it online beforehand.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
