This is a list of buses that operate between Nairobi and Kampala, one of the most famous route in the East Africa region. This list contains companies that are the most established in this region. To say that these buses are luxury is not an understatement. These are the finest on this route. Long distances require comfortable coaches and these companies have made it possible that there buses are comfortable.
Most of the buses from Nairobi to Kampala have wide legroom, seats that retract backwards so that you can have a comfortable sleep as you travel. Moreover, the also provide charging ports, and entertainment onboard including free Wi-Fi, refreshments and TV.
Below is a list of such buses, where to board them, there prices and links on how to book them.
List of Buses from Nairobi to Kampala
Easy Coach
Easy Coach is one of Kenya’s finest bus companies, among the Top Midsized companies and having been awarded the best-maintained (PSV) in the East Africa region. Easy coach is one of the finest and most reliable on this route. If you want a trip with no drama, then you can trust Easy Coach.
Booking: You can book your ticket at the Railway Office or you can also do it online or by phone in the comfort of your home.
Fare: You will pay Ksh. 2500.00
Contacts: 0738200301, 0726354301, 0202210711
Mash East Africa
Mash East Africa is a bus company that offers services on the Nairobi Kampala route. Unlike Easy Coach, the buses have three different categories. They categories are the VIP section, Business and Normal. The VIP is the most comfortable and the dearest among the three.
Onboard, there is free Wi-Fi, charging ports for your phone and entertainment. The make daily( one at 7.30 pm and the other at 5.00 am trips between Nairobi and Kampala.
Booking: You can walk to their offices in Nairobi on Parklands Road or Book online.
Fare: Ksh. 3500.00 for VIP, Ksh 2400.00 for Business class and Ksh. 2000.00 for normal class.
Cell: +254 723463685
Dreamline Coaches
Dreamline is another bus company you may want to consider. They have some of the best coaches I have seen on the Nairobi Kampala route. Like Mash East Africa, they have three sections, the VIP, business, and normal.
They offer daily services between the two cities and the beauty of it all, you can book online (read how to do it in 2 minutes) at the comfort of your home or office.
Booking: You can book at their office at River Road or do it online.
Contacts: 0716000100/ 0702444422 Email: info@dreamline.co.ke
Simba Coach
Simba Coach is one of the largest bus companies not only in Kenya but also in the East African Region. They operate on famous route within the region such as Nairobi- Kampala, Nairobi- Arusha, Nairobi- Kigali, Nairobi- Mombasa and Nairobi, Mombasa- Dar-es-salaam, and Nairobi-Juba.
Booking: In Nairobi, there offices are located on Kumasi Road, off River Road Nairobi.
Cell:0710 294475
Tahmeed Coach
Tahmeed Coach is one of those bus companies that operate on the Nairobi- Kampala route. It one of the finest buses companies you can give a try if you are an often traveler between Nairobi and Kampala. The have comfortable coaches that you can give you value for money.
Booking: You can book online or walk to their offices at Zahra building on River Road.
Fare: Ksh. 2200.00
Contact: 0729 356561
The Guardian Angel Coach
One a lighter note, who does not want a guardian angel with her/him? This bus company is one of those you must try. There have arguably the best coaches on this route.
If you ever travel with them, then you can bear me witness that they are pure luxury and bliss to travel with and they give the best services for your money. They come with comfortable seats and charging ports for the juice of your phone.
Booking: You can book at their office on River Road Opposite Barclays Bank.
Fare: Ksh. 2000.00
Contact: 0722221290
Modern Coast Coaches
I have personally traveled to Kampala twice on the modern coast coach. It is one of the finest companies in the region. Besides operating on The Nairobi- Kampala route, it has a major presence on most roads in the East African Region.
Moreover, they have luxury coaches that make your journey comfortable and fulfilling. Their coaches come in different names to suit the taste of their customers. Modern Coast is arguably the largest bus company in the region.
Booking: You can book online or walk to their offices on River Road to get a ticket.
Fare: Ksh 2000.00- Ksh3200.00 depending on the class.
Contact: +254 709 897 000 Email: info@modern.co.ke
What you need to know before getting you ticket
Getting a bus from Nairobi to Kampala is not the same as taking one from Nairobi to Mombasa. Mark you; you are going to cross the border to a foreign country. Before to getting that ticket, please note the following.
You do not need a passport
Thanks to the East African Community treaty, Kenyans travelling to Uganda and Rwanda do not need a passport. Currently, you can just use you national identity card. For foreigners who are planning to travel to Uganda, you will need all your travel documents in place. Please also note that you (for all travelers both Kenyans and foreigners) will need a yellow fever certificate to cross the border.
You will need 11-15 hours to be in Kampala from Nairobi and Vice Versa
If the traffic gods smile on you so that there is to traffic jams and you take the little time possible at the border, you need roughly 12 hours of travel. Since this is a long time, the buses often make stops at various town along the way for refreshments and off course natural calls. Be sure to keep an eye on your luggage and do not trust everyone that offers help.
Wrapping Up
Traveling from Nairobi to Kampala is just as simple as walking to River Road; getting you ticket and viola off you go. However, before you do that, I would advise that you get yourself a ticket to guarantee yourself a ticket.
This can get a bit tricky during the holiday seasons and you will need to get your ticket very early enough. On Buses such as Easy Coach, you can book your ticket a month in advance during the high season.
Have you ever traveled on a bus from Nairobi to Kampala? Share with us your experiences with the ShopaXo community.