Kigali - Post Report Question and Answers
Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Local buses look very run down although they started to replace them. They drive very dangerously and are very crowded. Motocycle taxis are another mean of transportation. They can be very dangerous. Taxis are good and reliable. there is an app called yego that works just like uber and you can choose to pay in mobile money or cash. Taxis prefer mobile money as they usually don't have change. - Oct 2023
There are many reliable taxis around down. Most locals use moto taxis, but embassy personnel are not allowed to use them. Most expats do have personal vehicles. - Aug 2023
No. Not safe. RSO does not recommend buses, or motorcycles for taxis. Taking a taxi is safe though. Uber is not here. - Jan 2022
Local transportation is dirt cheap but not really that safe. Motos are off limits for US diplomats--for good reason--and it doesn't seem like anyone should need to take local buses. Taxis are fine and shouldn't cost more than $10 to the airport from just about any neighborhood in Kigali (or $15 from the airport home). - Jul 2020
Mostly yes. For safety reasons, I suggest avoiding moto-taxis. Buses are fine, regular or private taxis are good. - Sep 2019
I have never used them. They are reliable, but in my opinion, the drivers are not great. - Jun 2018
No trams or trains. Buses aren't well regarded and drive like maniacs. Taxis are shoddy and not cheap. Motos are cheap but dangerous and not allowed by the embassy security office. You really do need your own vehicle. - Dec 2017
You can take taxis, but not the moto-taxis. The cost isn't really cheap, and I mostly prefer to drive. You have to have a car here, although it takes 4-6 months to get it. People have relied on the embassy, bought a car here and sold it upon leaving. - Jan 2017
No trains, buses and motos are not safe and off limits for Embassy personnel and taxis are hit or miss. The latter are not at all affordable for daily use. - Apr 2016
Embassy staff may not use public transport. - Oct 2014
Buses/Motos are not safe. There are a few trusted taxis companies that you can take here. - Jul 2014
I think all local transportation is safe. Embassy staff are not allowed to take motos because the drivers are careless and always crashing. - Sep 2013
Moto taxis and buses are cheap ($3 to cross the city), but they drive like mad. Regular taxis are more expensive ($15 to cross the city) and generally safer. Be prepared to negotiate unless you find one of the few metered cabs. - May 2012
There are strict restrictions on riding many of the public transportation options, particularly the mopeds. They are a real hazard on the road with no regard to their own safety, their passengers or anyone else. - Apr 2012
No. The drivers for the motorcycle taxis and small buses are horrible drivers and traffic accidents are increasing. The buses that drive between the cities can be dangerous as the drivers pass on curves and speed down the curvy mountain roads. However, if it is your option for transportation, it is affordable. - Jul 2011
All buses and moto-taxis are off-limits, but there are some other sedan type taxis that cost a decent amount but are safe. - Oct 2010
There are no local trains. Taxis are safe, and both metered and bargained priced taxis are available. There are motorcycle taxis, which are reasonable safe, but the U.S. embassy does not advise people to use them. There is a local bus (van, more like it) system, the buses are very old though, and the drivers questionable. The U.S. Embassy has also spoken out against them due to safety. International bus travel is also available. - Jan 2010
No trains. Bus service is cheap. Mutatus (mini bus even cheaper. Non metered taxis negotiate on the price before getting in. Motor bikes were always available and cheap. - Sep 2008
True expats who have lived in Rwanda utilize the local buses, motorcycles, and taxi's for transportation. The mini buses (vans) will accomodate a minimum of 10 passenger's and are packed like sardines in a can. Motorcycles are available throughout the city and passengers sit in the back as the driver weaves through traffic. Two types of taxis are available: 1) Metered, and 2) Pre-bargaining. The Rwandan government with the help of the private investor have now started large bus transport. It's to early to comment on this system. - Aug 2008
