Walkability & Transport in Kigali (2026)

Getting around

Moderate

Overall4.7/10Harder to get around than about 60% of cities

Sidewalks can suddenly end or force you to share space with vehicles; the hilly terrain means short map distances translate into strenuous climbs.
The public minibus system is affordable but runs on insider knowledge and is difficult for newcomers; stick to motos or apps until you memorize the main arteries.
Taxi apps in Kigali require patience; many drivers still aren't used to using apps and will ring you to confirm pickup and drop-off locations.
Skip the airport metered taxi if you have Yego or Move app; app rides to CBD cost 8,000–12,000 RWF (US$6–9) in 15–25 minutes, faster and cheaper than the airport metered taxi.
Rwanda's local currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF). Current exchange rate: approximately 1,473 RWF = 1 USD.

Availability: Limited compared to major African cities; no Uber or Bolt. While there is no Uber in Rwanda, Volkswagen Mobility Solutions (MOVE) service is one of the most popular alternatives with English-speaking drivers and newer cars, but availability tends to be limited with peak pickup wait time up to 30-45 mins.

Yego (Yego Cabs & Yego Moto)
Payment
Cash or Mobile Money
Pricing
Fares are regulated and distance-based, no surge-pricing
Vehicle Types
Taxis and motorcycles (moto availability currently limited)
Reliability Note
Yego is the larger network; both are reliable. However, user reviews show mixed experiences: drivers cannot use location features or Google Maps and require you to call them and give directions.
MOVE (Volkswagen Mobility Solutions)
Payment
Card payment supported
Limitation
Requires a local Rwandan phone number; availability of cars tends to be limited
Vehicle Types
Premium taxis (Volkswagen cars only)
Characteristics
Drivers tend to speak English and cars are newer
KivuRide
Vehicle Types
Electric ride-hailing (Economy, VIP, Van categories)
Note
Emerging eco-friendly platform offering transparent pricing

Typical Fare: RWF 750
Mid-range typical fare
Safety Regulation: Helmet is required by law in Rwanda; licensed drivers carry spares.
Description: Moto drivers work on (almost) fixed fares based on distance; fares between most parts of Kigali typically cost 500-2,000 RWF.
Metering Note: Kigali government has recently introduced mandatory smart metering on moto-taxis; meters are attached to the bike and can be requested to turn on at the start of your ride.

Metered Standard Ride: RWF 1,000
Approximate typical in-city taxi fare
Airport To City Center: RWF 10,000
Range 8,000–12,000 RWF via app; metered airport taxi 15,000–25,000 RWF

Getting Around Tier: moderate
Getting Around Tier Rationale: Walking infrastructure is improving with car-free zones and pedestrian pathways, but the combination of hilly terrain, inconsistent sidewalk coverage, and limited reliable app-based rideshare (relative to other African capitals) keeps day-to-day mobility at moderate rather than high.
Description: Kigali is pedestrian-friendly with paved roads that allow safer walking without interfering with vehicles and bicycles. However, due to the city's geography, short distances on the map translate into stringent climbs; it is not the flat, grid walkability of a European city but a more strenuous and organic experience. At times, sidewalks will suddenly end, and one is forced to share space with vehicles. Participants experienced Kigali's high level of walkability during car-free zones and during bi-weekly car-free days.

Provider: Kigali Bus Services (KBS)
Fare Range: RWF 110
Low end per route
Fare Range High: RWF 517
High end per route
Description: Organized city bus network with prices between 110 and 517 RWF depending on route. City buses operate on a cashless system using Tap&Go cards; cash is not accepted on city buses.

Typical Fare: RWF 500
Approximate mid-range fare
Description: Public minibus network blankets the city for pocket change but runs on insider knowledge; routes hide from signage, stops appear wherever the conductor bangs the door.

Scooter Daily: RWF 36,825
Average rental scooter per day (€25 converted)
Scooter Weekly: RWF 206,340
Average scooter hire per week (€140 converted)
Motorcycle Daily: RWF 113,538
Average motorcycle rental per day (€77 converted)
Motorcycle Weekly: RWF 546,677
Average motorcycle hire per week (€371 converted)

AI-generated estimateData refreshed September 2026

These are the sources cited in this walkability & transport research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

More About Kigali

Data last updated September 2026 · Verify anything important.