Kigali International Airport, also known as by its IATA Code KGL and ICAO Code HRRI, is the largest, main gateway and busiest international airport serving Kigali and by extension the Republic of Rwanda.
This is Rwanda’s International airport; it is a big, modern international airport with all the facilities and conveniences that you would expect from any international airport in the world. It serves Rwanda in addition to being the main transit to Goma and Bukavu airports in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Geographical Location - see map below
Kisumu International Airport is located in the affluent suburb of Kanombe at the most easterly part of the city of Kigali, some 5 kilometers east of Kigali’s Central Business District.
Getting Here
- Taxi – For the 5 kilometer hop to the airport you will be set back some Rwf 10,000 (USD $ 12) there are many taxis operating in the city from individual units with the ubiquitous yellow line to large firms such as Kigali Airport Taxis and the Kigali Taxi Service.
- Preferred Mode – Use the matatus, public service minibuses which are clean, spacious and relatively new and they cost around Rwf 600 (USD $ 0.74) .
- Shuttle Bus – The airport does operate one.
- Alternatives – There are motorcycles which is by far the most popular and fastest way to get about town and they will charge you Rwf 1500 to 2000 (USD $ 2).
- Car Parking & Fees – There is an automated POS parking system with charges that are yet to be confirmed but the charges are certainly more expensive than Kenya or Uganda.
- Auxiliary Information
This is the main hub and the main port of entry into the Republic of Rwanda.
Airlines Using As Hub
This airport is the hub for the country’s flagship airline RwandAir. There are at least 7 airlines which operate here regularly flying to international destinations.
The taxis and car hire vehicles will pick and drop you within the terminal, right at the entrance to the lounge and there are porters ready to help you with your luggage, for a small tip.
Kiosks – There are kiosks that sell curios at the airport terminal in addition to the duty free shops that stock western goods consult TripIndigo for a comprehensive guide.
Hotels & Transit Accommodation
There are several hotels in the city, from budget hotels to 5-stars, within walking distance to the airport and some of them include the Kigali Serena Hotel, Hotel Paradis Malahide and the Hotel Des Mille Collines which was used as the centerpiece for the movie Hotel Rwanda. It is important to note that the whole of Rwanda is a broadband Wi-Fi hotspot that’s free internet for you through and through.