Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park: road or flight
The park lies in western Uganda, far from the capital. By road from Kampala to Mweya it is about 410 km via Fort Portal and about 420 km via Mbarara and Bushenyi, with at least 7 to 8 hours of driving. Treat that as a minimum, since the start point and the traffic change the time.
The alternative is a scheduled flight from Entebbe to Kasese, which runs in 2026. From there you continue by road into the park area.
Roads and flights compared
The two ways in, side by side.
| Option | Distance and time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Road via Fort Portal | About 410 km, at least 7 to 8 hours | Plan for a full travel day |
| Road via Mbarara and Bushenyi | About 420 km | The longer of the two routes |
| Flight Entebbe to Kasese | Departs 07:00, arrives 08:15 at the first stop; 75 minutes as a planning figure | Minimum 2 passengers; connections change in March, April, May and November |
| Charter | Options to Mweya, Kasese and Kihihi | Ask an operator for current availability |
For most travelers with limited days, the flight saves a long road day. If you travel by road, plan the drive for daylight and stay flexible.
Our pick: a trip that starts at the airport
This tour starts at Entebbe airport and covers the road to Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tours and transfers to Queen Elizabeth
Safaris and trips from Kampala and Entebbe to the park, with live prices and availability. Check the pickup point and what the transfer includes.
Taxi and transfer from Entebbe Airport (EBB)
Getting from the airport to Kampala and onward.
Entebbe Airport (EBB) lies 42 km from Kampala, about 40 minutes, and faster on the Express Highway. The distance is 42 to 46 km depending on where you start and end. Treat the time as a guide, not a guarantee.
An airport taxi to Kampala costs about $40 or UGX 100,000. That figure applies to the trip to Kampala only. A transfer from Entebbe to Mweya or Kasese is a different, much longer journey, so ask for a quote that covers it.
Before the flight to Kasese
Check-in in Entebbe is 60 minutes before departure. On bush airstrips it is 30 minutes. The times belong to the first stop and vary with the routing.
Do not assume a flight to Mweya
Scheduled flights in 2026 serve Kasese for this area. A daily scheduled flight to Mweya cannot be assumed. Ask an operator about charters.
Car rental and parking
Self-drive or with a driver.
The airport offers self-drive and chauffeur rental. The UWA tariff separates driving yourself from driving with a guide and charges for the vehicle. In the tariff for July 2024 to December 2026, vehicle entry per 24 hours is $40 or UGX 20,000 for a car, $50 or UGX 30,000 for a minibus or pick-up, and $150 or UGX 30,000 for a tour or 4WD vehicle. Check the current amount before you book.
| Item | Fee (foreign / Uganda) |
|---|---|
| Car, per 24 hours | $40 / UGX 20,000 |
| Minibus or pick-up, per 24 hours | $50 / UGX 30,000 |
| Tour vehicle or 4WD, per 24 hours | $150 / UGX 30,000 |
| Guide, daytime, private vehicle, per guide | $25 / UGX 25,000 |
| Self-drive without a guide, per vehicle, extra | $10 / UGX 10,000 |
A British driving licence is valid for up to 3 months, after which you need a Ugandan licence or an international driving permit. Check the rule for your own licence. Avoid driving outside larger towns at night. Inside the park, stay on the tracks and keep to 40 km/h. Ask your accommodation about parking, since there is no general rule to rely on. See park fees for the full list.
Kikorongo and the equator stop
On the road toward the park you cross the equator. Equator markings stand near Kikorongo and close to the Queen's Pavilion and Crater Gate area. Check on site whether there is a fee or restricted access for parking.
Before you fly
Entry, short and practical.
eVisa
A single-entry eVisa costs $50. The fee is not refundable, and a bank fee is added. Apply through the official portal. Not everyone needs a visa, so check your nationality.
East Africa Tourist Visa
The $100 visa covers Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda for 90 days. You enter first through the issuing country, it cannot be extended, and a bank fee is added.
Yellow fever
Since October 2026 Uganda's immigration authority no longer requires the certificate for entry. Check the current rule, and note that other countries on your route set their own rules.
Getting to Queen Elizabeth: frequently asked questions
How far is Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kampala?
About 410 km via Fort Portal and about 420 km via Mbarara and Bushenyi. Plan at least 7 to 8 hours by road, depending on the start point and the traffic.
Is there a flight to Queen Elizabeth National Park?
A scheduled flight runs from Entebbe to Kasese in 2026, leaving at 07:00 and arriving at 08:15 at the first stop, with a minimum of 2 passengers. A daily scheduled flight to Mweya cannot be assumed.
How far is Entebbe Airport from Kampala?
42 km, about 40 minutes, and faster on the Express Highway. The distance is 42 to 46 km depending on where you start. An airport taxi to Kampala costs about $40 or UGX 100,000.
Can I drive myself to the park?
The airport offers self-drive rental. The UWA tariff has a vehicle fee per 24 hours and an extra $10 per vehicle for self-drive without a guide. Check the current amount before you book.
Where is the equator on the way?
Equator markings stand near Kikorongo on the road toward the park. Check on site about parking and access.