Trinity Express bus from Kampala to Kigali

The Kampala to Kigali bus is the shortest cross-border hop on the Trinity Express network. Coaches leave Kampala, run south-west through Masaka and Mbarara, and clear Rwandan immigration at Gatuna or Mirama Hills before the final stretch into Kigali. Budget 9 to 10 hours including the border stop.

Ready to travel? Book the Trinity Express Kampala to Kigali bus on the live seat map, or compare it with the Trinity Express Nairobi to Kampala bus guide and the Trinity Express Nairobi to Kigali bus guide. Crossing a border for the first time? Read the East Africa bus travel requirements guide. Questions about fares or luggage? Contact the Trinity Express booking desk.

Journey time
About 9 to 10 hours
Border posts
Gatuna or Mirama Hills border post

Kampala to Kigali bus stops along the way

  1. 1Kampala terminal
  2. 2Masaka
  3. 3Mbarara
  4. 4Gatuna / Mirama Hills border
  5. 5Kigali

Kampala to Kigali bus ticket price and cabin classes

Fares depend on cabin class: VIP sleeper, business recliner or economy. The live booking form shows the current Kampala to Kigali bus ticket price for each class in the currency you choose — Ugandan shillings, Rwandan francs, Kenyan shillings, US dollars and more — so there are no surprises at the counter.

Kampala to Kigali schedule and departure times

Departures are listed on the booking form once you pick your travel date, so you always see the live Kampala to Kigali bus departure times rather than a fixed timetable that may have changed. Seats are held for 10 minutes while you complete payment details.

Documents for the Gatuna border crossing

Ugandan and Rwandan citizens may cross on a National ID card. Other travellers need a valid passport, and non-EAC nationals should arrange a Rwanda visa or East Africa Tourist Visa in advance. A Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory and checked at the post. Plastic carrier bags are restricted in Rwanda, so repack before you reach the border.

Tips for the Trinity Express Kampala to Kigali bus

  • Carry both Ugandan shillings and Rwandan francs for meal stops on either side.
  • Rwanda is one hour behind Kenya and on the same clock as Uganda minus nothing — plan arrivals in local time.
  • Arrive 45 minutes before departure for manifest and luggage check-in.

Reserve your Kampala to Kigali seat

Pick your exact seat on the live seat map, then confirm payment details on WhatsApp or email.

Book on Trinity Express

Other Trinity Express routes

NairobiKampala

About 12 hours

Overnight coach through Nakuru and Eldoret, clearing Malaba or Busia before dawn.

Read the Nairobi to Kampala bus guide

NairobiKigali

About 18 to 22 hours

The long haul across Uganda into Rwanda, crossing at Gatuna or Mirama Hills.

Read the Nairobi to Kigali bus guide

NairobiJuba

About 24 hours

Full-day service north through Uganda to Juba via the Nimule border.

Read the Nairobi to Juba bus guide

KampalaNairobi

About 12 hours

Return leg from Kampala through Jinja and Malaba into Nairobi.

Read the Kampala to Nairobi bus guide

KigaliNairobi

About 18 to 22 hours

Two-border return run from Rwanda across Uganda into Kenya.

Read the Kigali to Nairobi bus guide

JubaNairobi

About 24 hours

Longest run on the network, south through Uganda from Juba to Nairobi.

Read the Juba to Nairobi bus guide

NairobiBujumbura

About 26 to 30 hours

Kenya to Burundi across Uganda and Rwanda, connecting through Kigali.

Read the Nairobi to Bujumbura bus guide

EldoretKigali

About 15 to 18 hours

Join the Kigali coach at Eldoret and save hours off the Nairobi departure.

Read the Eldoret to Kigali bus guide

KisumuKampala

About 7 to 9 hours

Short western-Kenya hop to Uganda through the Busia border.

Read the Kisumu to Kampala bus guide

NakuruKampala

About 9 to 11 hours

Board the Kampala coach at Nakuru, a few hours into the Nairobi run.

Read the Nakuru to Kampala bus guide

MombasaNairobi

About 8 to 10 hours

Coast-to-capital run, with onward connections to Kampala, Kigali and Juba.

Read the Mombasa to Nairobi bus guide