Traveling from Kenya to Uganda by plane is one of the most efficient and popular routes for tourists, business travelers, and locals navigating East Africa. The journey is short, affordable, and well-connected by multiple flights daily. Whether you are planning a safari, a business trip, or connecting through East Africa, understanding the air travel logistics between Kenya and Uganda is essential. This guide provides clear, factual information to help you make informed travel decisions. How Far is it from Kenya to Uganda by Plane

What is the Distance Between Kenya and Uganda by Plane?

The direct flight distance between Nairobi, Kenya and Entebbe, Uganda is approximately 500 kilometers (about 310 miles). This is the most commonly traveled route between the two countries and is served by daily non-stop flights.

How Long Does it Take to Fly from Kenya to Uganda?

A direct flight from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) takes between 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. This flight time may vary slightly depending on weather conditions, airline operations, and traffic at the airports, but it is generally consistent throughout the year.

What Airlines Operate Between Kenya and Uganda?

Several reliable airlines operate direct flights between Nairobi and Entebbe. These include:

• Kenya Airways – Kenya’s national carrier offering multiple daily flights
• Uganda Airlines – Uganda’s national airline with regular connections to Nairobi
• Airlink – A regional airline operating flights across Eastern and Southern Africa
• RwandAir – Occasionally offers service with a stopover, so confirm whether the flight is direct

These airlines offer various departure times throughout the day, giving you flexibility when planning your travel itinerary.

What Airports Serve the Route?

• Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi is the largest and busiest airport in East Africa.
• Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is Uganda’s main international gateway, located approximately 45 kilometers (about 28 miles) from the capital city, Kampala.

Both airports are equipped with modern amenities, including immigration services, security screening, duty-free shops, and transport links to their respective cities.

How Frequent Are Flights Between Kenya and Uganda?

There are multiple direct flights daily between Nairobi and Entebbe. Most airlines operate morning and evening flights, with Kenya Airways and Uganda Airlines offering the highest frequencies. These regular flights make it convenient for travelers to move between the two countries for short visits or multi-day trips.

What are the Visa and Entry Requirements?

If you are flying from Kenya to Uganda, you must comply with Uganda’s entry requirements. These include:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity
• A visa to enter Uganda. You can apply for an e-visa online or obtain a visa on arrival, depending on your nationality.
• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travelers entering Uganda.
• The East African Tourist Visa is a convenient option if you plan to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda under a single visa. It allows multiple entries within the three countries for 90 days.

Check with the Uganda Directorate of Immigration or your local embassy to confirm current requirements based on your nationality.

Do Kenya and Uganda Share the Same Time Zone?

Yes, both Kenya and Uganda are in the East Africa Time (EAT) time zone, which is UTC +3. This means there is no time difference between the two countries, making it easy to coordinate flights, meetings, and transfers across borders.

How Much Does a Flight from Kenya to Uganda Cost?

Airfare between Kenya and Uganda depends on the time of booking, season, and the airline. On average:

• Economy class round-trip tickets range from $150 to $250
• Business class tickets may cost $400 to $600

Booking in advance, especially during the peak safari seasons (June–September and December–February), helps you secure the best prices.

Can You Connect to Other Destinations in Uganda by Air?

Yes, after arriving in Entebbe, you can connect to several domestic airports in Uganda via regional carriers like Aerolink Uganda and Bar Aviation. These airstrips serve top tourist destinations such as:

• Kisoro and Kihihi – gateways to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking
• Kasese – for Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Pakuba – for Murchison Falls National Park

Flying domestically in Uganda significantly reduces road travel time and enhances the overall safari experience.

Why Fly Instead of Travel Overland?

While it is technically possible to travel between Kenya and Uganda by road, air travel is far more efficient for most visitors. Driving from Nairobi to Kampala can take over 12 to 15 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing delays. On the other hand, flying takes less than two hours door-to-door, making it ideal for:

• Tourists on a tight schedule
• Safari goers transitioning between Kenya’s Masai Mara and Uganda’s Bwindi Forest
• Business travelers attending regional meetings

What is the Busiest Air Route Between Kenya and Uganda?

The most popular and busiest route is Nairobi (NBO) to Entebbe (EBB). This corridor connects two major East African cities and serves as a hub for travelers moving between East Africa’s key destinations.

Can You Combine a Kenya Safari with Uganda Gorilla Trekking?

Yes, many visitors choose to combine the Masai Mara or Amboseli safari in Kenya with gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This multi-country itinerary is popular for its diversity in wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences.

A common route looks like this:

1. Arrive in Nairobi, explore Kenya’s parks (Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu)
2. Take a direct flight to Entebbe
3. Connect via road or domestic flight to Bwindi for gorilla trekking

This combination offers a world-class African safari experience and is made easier through regular and efficient air travel between the countries.

Conclusion

Flying from Kenya to Uganda is simple, fast, and highly accessible for international travelers exploring East Africa. With a short flight duration of around 1 hour 30 minutes, multiple daily departures, and modern airport facilities, the air route between Nairobi and Entebbe is the best choice for tourists and business travelers alike. How Far is it from Kenya to Uganda by Plane

Whether you’re planning a multi-country safari, attending a conference, or visiting family, flying allows you to move between Kenya and Uganda safely and conveniently. By understanding the flight options, visa rules, and logistical details, you can prepare for a smooth and enjoyable East African journey.