Flights to Uganda
Flights to Uganda: Airlines, Routes, Prices and Arrival Tips
Flights to Uganda are easier to find than ever. First, you pick your airline and route. Then you land at Entebbe, where your safari adventure begins. Finally, you transfer to your lodge or hotel, ready for gorillas, chimps and big game.
This guide helps you plan the journey. You will learn which airports to use, which airlines fly there and how long the trip takes. Then you will see typical prices, booking tips and what to expect on arrival.
Flights to Uganda at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Main airport | Entebbe International Airport, code EBB |
| Distance from Kampala | About 40 kilometers |
| Direct flights from Europe | Uganda Airlines from London Gatwick |
| Direct flights from the United States | None |
| Flight time from London | About 8 to 9 hours nonstop |
| Flight time from New York | About 18 to 22 hours with a connection |
| Typical round-trip price | From about £550 from London, and about $900 to $1,800 from New York |
| Best time to book | A few months ahead |
Which Airport Do Flights to Uganda Use?
Almost all international flights to Uganda land at Entebbe International Airport. It sits on the shore of Lake Victoria, about 40 kilometers from Kampala. The drive to the capital takes about one to one and a half hours, depending on traffic.
Entebbe is also the hub for Uganda Airlines, the national carrier. In addition, small airlines and charter operators use Entebbe and nearby Kajjansi airfield for flights to the national parks.
Therefore, you can fly into Uganda, then take a short domestic flight to Bwindi or Murchison Falls. As a result, you can save many hours on the road.
Direct Flights to Uganda
Direct flights to Uganda are limited, but the list is growing. From Europe, Uganda Airlines flies nonstop between London Gatwick and Entebbe. The service began in 2025, and it runs about three times a week. Flights take roughly eight to nine hours.
Uganda Airlines also links Entebbe with many African cities. For example, Nairobi is about one hour and fifteen minutes away. Dar es Salaam takes about one hour and fifty minutes, and Johannesburg about four hours and fifteen minutes.
The airline has also announced new routes for late 2026, including Kigali and Accra. However, plans can change, so check the schedule before you book.
There are no direct flights from the United States. Therefore, travelers from North America always connect somewhere.
Airlines That Fly to Uganda With a Connection
Most travelers reach Uganda with one stop. Many large airlines serve Entebbe through their hubs. This table shows the main options.
| Airline | Usual connection hub |
|---|---|
| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul |
| Qatar Airways | Doha |
| Emirates | Dubai |
| Etihad Airways | Abu Dhabi |
| Ethiopian Airlines | Addis Ababa |
| Kenya Airways | Nairobi |
| KLM | Amsterdam |
| Brussels Airlines | Brussels |
| EgyptAir | Cairo |
| RwandAir | Kigali |
Each hub has its strengths. For instance, Turkish and Qatar often offer good schedules from Europe and North America. Meanwhile, Ethiopian and Kenya Airways give strong links across Africa. Therefore, the best choice depends on where you start.
Flight Times to Uganda From Major Cities
Flight times depend on your route and your connection. Here are typical times to Entebbe.
| From | Typical time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| London | About 8 to 9 hours | Nonstop with Uganda Airlines |
| Brussels | About 12 hours | One stop |
| New York | About 18 to 22 hours | One or two stops |
| Nairobi | About 1 hour 15 minutes | Direct |
| Dar es Salaam | About 1 hour 50 minutes | Direct |
| Johannesburg | About 4 hours 15 minutes | Direct |
These are rough times. Because layovers vary, always check your itinerary. Also, many flights from Europe land very early in the morning, so plan your first day with that in mind.
How Much Are Flights to Uganda?
Flight prices vary a lot by season, route and booking date. As a guide, round-trip flights from London on Uganda Airlines have recently started from about £550 to £600. In contrast, round trips from New York often range from about $900 to $1,800.
Several things change the price.
- Season: July to September and December are the most expensive.
- Booking date: early booking usually costs less.
- Route: a longer layover can be cheaper than a short one.
- Airline: compare nonstop and connecting options.
However, a cheap fare is not always the best deal. For example, a very long layover can waste a safari day. Therefore, compare the total travel time, not only the price.
Best Time to Book Flights to Uganda
Book your flights a few months ahead for most trips. Prices tend to climb as the date gets closer. In addition, good seats sell out in peak months.
Off-season months, such as March, often have lower fares. Meanwhile, July to September and December are busy, so book earlier for those dates.
Also, book your safari and flights together if you can. Because gorilla permits sell out, it helps to lock in your safari dates first. Then you can buy your flights with confidence.
Flying Into Entebbe vs Kigali or Nairobi
Entebbe is the easiest entry point. However, some trips work better with a different airport.
- Kigali, Rwanda: a shortcut to Bwindi and Mgahinga in south-western Uganda, or a base for a combined Uganda and Rwanda trip.
- Nairobi, Kenya: a good option if you combine Uganda with the Maasai Mara.
- Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: useful if you add the Serengeti to your trip.
For example, you could fly into Entebbe and out of Kigali. As a result, you avoid a long drive back. Ask us about these open-jaw routes, and we will plan the transfers.
Domestic Flights Within Uganda
Uganda’s roads are scenic but slow. Therefore, many travelers add a domestic flight. Small planes link Entebbe and Kajjansi with airstrips near the main parks.
- Bwindi area: a short flight to Kihihi airstrip saves most of a day.
- Kisoro: an airstrip serves Mgahinga and southern Bwindi.
- Murchison Falls: an airstrip serves the park.
- Kidepo Valley: a flight avoids a very long road trip.
- Kasese: a scheduled service links Entebbe and Queen Elizabeth.
Small planes have luggage limits, usually around 15 kilograms in a soft bag. In addition, schedules and routes change. Therefore, ask us for current options.
Our 3 Days Luxury Gorilla Tracking Safari is built around a fly-in route. As a result, you can see gorillas in just three days.
What Happens When You Land in Entebbe
Arrival in Entebbe is simple. First, you pass through immigration and show your visa and health documents. Then you collect your bags and walk out to the arrivals hall.
If you book a safari with us, your driver-guide waits with a sign. Afterwards, you drive to your hotel or lodge. The ride to Kampala takes about one to one and a half hours.
Because many flights land early in the morning, ask for an early check-in. Alternatively, we can start your safari straight from the airport.
Visas, Health and Entry Rules for Uganda
In general, most visitors need a visa to enter Uganda. Fortunately, you can usually apply online before you travel. Please check the latest rules for your passport on the official immigration website. Also, make sure your passport has enough validity and blank pages.
- Carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- Ask your doctor about malaria tablets.
- Take out travel insurance that covers medical care and flights.
- Keep digital and paper copies of your documents.
Rules can change. Therefore, check the latest requirements a few weeks before you fly.
Packing and Baggage Tips for Flights to Uganda
Good packing makes your journey smoother. First, pack your essentials in your carry-on, in case your bag is delayed. Next, bring a soft duffel bag, because small planes cannot carry hard cases. Also pack a light rain jacket and sturdy shoes. Finally, leave extra luggage at your hotel in Entebbe, so you can travel light to the parks.
Safari Trips to Pair With Your Flights to Uganda
Many travelers book a safari first, then add flights. Here are popular trips that start and end in Entebbe.
| Trip | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Days Luxury Gorilla Tracking Safari | 3 days | Short fly-in gorilla trip |
| 7 Day Uganda Safari | 7 days | Chimps, big game and the Nile |
| 8 Days Uganda Safari | 8 days | Gorillas, chimps and big game |
| 10 Days Uganda Safari | 10 days | Four parks and Ziwa rhinos |
Ask us about a custom plan. We can then match your safari to your flight dates.
Tips for Booking Flights to Uganda
- Compare nonstop and one-stop options, and check the layover time.
- Book early for July to September and December.
- Check the baggage rules for every flight, including domestic ones.
- Leave a buffer day before your safari starts and after it ends.
- Buy travel insurance that covers delays and cancellations.
- Keep your passport and documents in your carry-on.
Why Book Your Uganda Safari With Steady Safaris?
Steady Safaris Limited is a Uganda-based tour operator. Also, we plan trips across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. We do not sell international flights, but we plan everything on the ground, from your airport pickup to your last transfer.
First, we keep groups small and plans flexible. In addition, we answer messages quickly. As a result, you get one clear price and a clear itinerary.
Want to see more of Uganda? Read our gorilla trekking Uganda guide. Alternatively, ask us to build a custom plan.
Flights to Uganda FAQs
Which airport do flights to Uganda use?
Most international flights land at Entebbe International Airport. In total, it sits about 40 kilometers from Kampala.
Are there direct flights to Uganda?
Yes, from some cities. For example, Uganda Airlines flies nonstop from London Gatwick. However, there are no direct flights from the United States.
How long is the flight to Uganda?
From London, it takes about eight to nine hours nonstop. Meanwhile, from New York, it takes about 18 to 22 hours with a connection.
How much are flights to Uganda?
Round trips from London have recently started from about £550. Meanwhile, round trips from New York often range from about $900 to $1,800. Prices change, so check before you book.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Uganda?
Off-season months, such as March, often have lower fares. However, July to September and December cost more.
Do you sell flights to Uganda?
No. We plan your safari and ground transport. Therefore, you book international flights yourself or through a travel agent.
Can I fly into one country and out of another?
Yes. Many travelers fly into Entebbe and out of Kigali or Nairobi. As a result, they avoid backtracking.
Do I need a visa to fly to Uganda?
Most visitors do. In addition, you need a yellow fever certificate. Please check the latest rules before you travel.
Plan Your Safari After Your Flights to Uganda
Ready to turn your flights into an adventure? Contact Steady Safaris today. Then tell us your arrival date and group size. We will send a clear quote within a day.
