Getting Around, South Sudan Travel and Transport

(South Sudan, SS, North-East Africa)

Travelling around South Sudan is currently classed as risky, due to the country's ongoing and rather troubled political situation. This is particularly the case in the border region with Sudan, which remains an unpredictable place. Visitors are advised to get up-to-date information before making any travel plans.

Anyone planning to travel outside of Juba should also bear in mind that the road infrastructure in the rest of the country is still very haphazard; so too is any form of public transport.

Whilst buses are often available and connect much of South Sudan, timetables can prove to be somewhat reliable and roads are frequently in a fairly poor and deteriorating condition. However, if you embrace the various transport options, engage with the locals, allow plenty of time for your journey and don't come expecting too much, you may find that you have a more positive outlook when planning your excursions.

Juba International Airport (JUB) / Arriving by Air

Address: Juba, South Sudan, SS, Africa
Tel: +249 772360
Entry into South Sudan is normally via Juba International Airport. Situated to the north-east of the city of Juba, it deals with both domestic and international services. Scheduled non-stop services operate between Juba and around ten cities, including Cairo, Kigali, Entebbe, Mombassa, Djibouti, Khartoum and Dubai. Over 40 domestic services depart from the airport each week. In many cases, these internal flights are the only way to access some of South Sudan's remotest areas.

Car Rental

Outside the city of Juba, few of South Sudan's roads are paved. Cars can be rented from the airport in Juba, although these may come with restrictions as to whether or not you can travel outside the city.

Book your South Sudan Car Rental here.

Buses and Coaches

Several overland buses operate on a regular basis between Juba and Kampala in Uganda. The journey by bus transport is certainly by no means short and is often delayed. That said, it is worth it for the glimpses that you will get of the South Sudanese landscape.

Trains

Currently, no rail passenger services operate in Sudan. However, a railway line that links Juba with Uganda is being planned for the future.

Taxis

The best mode of transport in Juba is the ubiquitous 'boda boda'. These motorbike taxis might not be for the faint-hearted, but they are the cheapest, and quickest, way to get around the city.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi or taxi-van. They're very reasonably priced and will get you from your hotel to restaurants and places of interest. Most can be found at the Konyo Konyo Market or by the Customs bus park.

Boat

A weekly barge service operates on this part of the River Nile, taking passengers from Juba to the northern town of Kosti. The journey is not for those in a rush - it takes anywhere up to two weeks to complete. From Kosti, it may be possible to travel on to Khartoum by bus.