The national airline is Air Burundi (8Y). Other airlines serving Burundi include Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and KLM.

US$20.

Bujumbura International (BJM) is 11km (7 miles) north of the city. To/from the airport: Taxis are available to and from the city. Facilities: Banks/bureaux de change, bars, duty-free shops, post office, tourist information, light refreshments and car hire.

Cargo/passenger ferries ply Lake Tanganyika between Kigoma (Tanzania) and Mpulungu (Zambia) calling at various ports including Bujumbura, when political conditions permit. There are normally some ferries to Kalemi (Congo, Dem Rep) and to Kigoma (Tanzania). The MV Mwongozo ferry sails along Lake Tanganyika between Bujumbura and Kigoma. There are three classes. Ferries can often be delayed depending on the cargo being loaded or unloaded.

It is normally possible to drive into Burundi from Congo (Dem Rep), either from the north or south. Roads from Rwanda are reasonable, but from Tanzania, poor. Visitors are advised against using the Bujumbura to Butare (Rwanda) road unless travelling as part of a UN convoy, due to the likelihood of ambushes. However the viability of crossing these borders depends on prevailing political conditions, and border areas can be very dangerous. Burundi’s border with Congo (Democratic Republic) is liable to close at short notice.

There are no scheduled internal flights at present.

Traffic drives on the right. Most roads are sealed. There are main roads east from Bujumbura to Muramvya (once the royal city of Burundi) and south to Gitega. Both journeys can be completed without too much strain during the dry season, but any road travel can be difficult in the rainy season. Travellers should exercise extreme caution when travelling on roads to Kayanza, Ngozi and Kirundo. Roads can be subject to ambushes and are often closed during military operations; major roads are closed after 1600.

Bus: There are services around Bujumbura and main towns only. Japanese-style minibuses operate between towns and are normally cheaper and less crowded than share-taxis; departures (when the vehicle is full) are normally from bus stations. The destination of the minibus is usually displayed in the front window.

Taxi: Tanus-tanus (truck taxis) are usually available but they are often crowded.

Car hire: It may be possible to arrange some form of car hire via a local garage.

Documentation: Driving licences issued by the UK are acceptable.