Flying into Kigali International Airport and out of Entebbe International Airport — or the other way around — is one of the most convenient ways to structure an East Africa trip. It lets you travel in one direction rather than doubling back, saving time and letting you cover more ground.
Car Rentals Kigali offers one-way car hire between Rwanda and Uganda for exactly this kind of trip. Pick up your 4×4 in Kigali, drive through Rwanda and Uganda at your own pace, and drop off near Entebbe before your flight home. This is an extension of our cross-border Rwanda–Uganda car hire service.
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Distance and Drive Time: Kigali to Entebbe
Entebbe is located on the shores of Lake Victoria, approximately 40 km southwest of Kampala.
| Route | Distance | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kigali → Katuna/Gatuna border | ~215 km | 3 hours |
| Katuna border → Kampala | ~345 km | 4 hours |
| Kampala → Entebbe Airport | ~42 km | 45–90 mins (traffic dependent) |
| Kigali to Entebbe (total) | ~600 km | 8–9 hours |
Important: Kampala traffic is notoriously heavy, especially during rush hours (7–9 AM and 5–8 PM). If your flight departs from Entebbe in the afternoon or evening, budget at least 90 minutes from Kampala to the airport. Read our Kigali to Kampala car rental guide for full details on the drive and border crossing.
One-Way Car Rental: How It Works
A one-way rental means you pick up the vehicle in Kigali and drop it off at our agreed location in Uganda (Kampala, Entebbe, or another agreed city). There is typically a one-way drop-off fee — we will confirm the exact amount when you enquire, as it depends on the vehicle type and duration of your rental.
Pickup options in Rwanda:
- Kigali International Airport (KGL) — we deliver the car to arrivals. See our Kigali airport car hire page for arrival details
- Your Kigali hotel or accommodation
- Our Kigali office, Remera-Gasabo
Drop-off options in Uganda:
- Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
- Kampala city (your hotel or agreed location)
- Other Uganda locations on request
WhatsApp us to get a one-way quote →
What’s Included in Your One-Way Rental
- Unlimited mileage within Rwanda and Uganda
- Cross-border insurance (COMESA Yellow Card)
- Vehicle authorisation letter for Uganda
- Temporary import permit
- 24/7 WhatsApp support and roadside assistance
- Vehicle delivery to Kigali airport or your hotel on request
See our full services page for everything included with every rental.
Recommended Vehicles for Kigali to Entebbe
Browse our complete fleet and prices for full options. For this route:
Toyota RAV4 — from $60/day A great all-rounder for the Kigali–Entebbe route if you are keeping to tarmac roads. Comfortable, fuel-efficient, and spacious for two to four people with luggage.
Toyota Prado / Land Cruiser — from $100/day The best choice if you are combining this route with safaris to Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, or gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Read our Kigali to Bwindi self-drive guide if you plan to include Bwindi en route.
Sedan / Economy car — from $40/day Suitable for the Kigali–Entebbe route only if your travel is purely road-based and you will not be going to any national parks.
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Suggested Itinerary: Kigali to Entebbe One-Way Trip (7 Days)
This route is ideal for travellers flying into Kigali and out of Entebbe, combining gorilla trekking and Uganda safari in one linear journey. For a full Rwanda-only itinerary before crossing, see our Nyungwe Forest self-drive guide and Akagera car rental page.
Day 1 — Arrive Kigali Pick up your 4×4 at Kigali airport. Transfer to your hotel in Kigali.
Day 2 — Kigali to Volcanoes National Park Drive 2.5 hours to Musanze. See our Volcanoes NP car rental page for park tips and vehicle advice.
Day 3 — Gorilla trekking, Volcanoes NP Morning gorilla trek. Return to Musanze or drive towards the Uganda border.
Day 4 — Cross into Uganda — Bwindi or Queen Elizabeth Cross at Cyanika (for Bwindi) or Katuna (for Queen Elizabeth). For the Bwindi option, see our Kigali to Bwindi self-drive guide. For a Rwanda vs Uganda gorilla comparison, see our gorilla trekking Rwanda vs Uganda guide.
Day 5 — Uganda safari or second gorilla trek Full day game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park or gorilla trek in Bwindi.
Day 6 — Drive to Entebbe Drive north via Mbarara and Kampala to Entebbe (5–7 hours from QENP). Check in to a hotel near the airport.
Day 7 — Depart Entebbe Drop off the car at Entebbe Airport or your hotel. Board your flight.
Border Crossing Tips: Katuna / Gatuna
The Katuna–Gatuna One-Stop Border Post is the main crossing for the Kigali–Kampala–Entebbe route. It is open daily from approximately 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Full details are in our Kigali to Kampala car rental guide.
- Allow 1–2 hours for border formalities
- Car Rentals Kigali prepares all required cross-border documentation before your trip
- The East African Tourist Visa covers both Rwanda and Uganda if you hold one
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drop the car off at Entebbe Airport directly? Yes. We arrange drop-off at Entebbe Airport or any agreed Kampala location. A drop-off fee applies — ask us when booking.
Do I need an international driving licence? A valid home country driving licence is accepted at most Uganda border posts. We recommend carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well for non-English language licences.
What if I break down in Uganda? We provide 24/7 WhatsApp support and roadside assistance for the full duration of your rental, including in Uganda.
Can I add extra days to my rental while in Uganda? Yes — just WhatsApp us and we will extend your rental accordingly.
Related Guides
- Kigali to Kampala Car Rental — Border Crossing Guide
- Kigali to Bwindi Self-Drive Guide
- Gorilla Trekking Rwanda vs Uganda — Which Park & Which Car?
- Kigali Airport Car Hire
- Cross-Border Rwanda–Uganda Car Hire
Book Your Kigali to Entebbe One-Way Car Rental
Our team is available 7 days a week to help you plan, quote, and book. Contact us by phone or email, or WhatsApp us directly for the fastest response.
