# KGL — Kigali International Airport > Machine-readable reference for KGL. Single-airport scope. Re-fetch when content_generated_at changes. Canonical: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl HTML page: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl Markdown alt: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl.md JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/KGL.json (includes live arrivals + weather) Sitemap: https://airport.flights/sitemap-airports.xml Last refreshed: 2026-06-18T07:44:32.287+00:00 --- ## Identity - Name: Kigali International Airport - IATA: KGL - ICAO: HRYR - City: Kigali - Country: RW (RW) - Timezone: Africa/Kigali - Distance from city: ≈5 km (≈3 mi) east of central Kigali - Runways: 1 - Terminals: 1 - Annual passengers: ≈0.7M - Hub for: RwandAir - Official website: http://rac.co.rw ## Overview Welcome Kigali International Airport, unlike many regional counterparts, feels more like a highly controlled embassy than a bustling hub. With ultra-strict security and an overarching sense of order, KGL stands out due to its spotless facilities and stringent regulations. Specifically, Rwanda's strict anti-plastic policy is enforced meticulously here, making it one of the most disciplined airports in Africa. The airport handles approximately 700,000 passengers annually, and while it’s lauded for fast immigration processes when traffic is light, the multi-layered security measures require some extra planning on your part. At a glance Located 5 kilometers east of central Kigali, Kigali International Airport serves as the primary gateway to Rwanda. As a crucial hub for RwandAir, it is equipped with one main runway and a single terminal code-named T1. Expectedly, this compact setup forms a streamlined operation. Blue taxis cap your ride at around 20,000 RWF, while public buses and shuttle services can whisk you into town within 20-30 minutes depending on Kigali's traffic conditions. Terminals & layout Kigali International Airport features a single terminal, T1. This centralizes activit… ## Terminals (1) - **Main Passenger Terminal** — airlines: RwandAir URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/terminals/t1 ## Dining (8) - **Airport Canteen** URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/restaurants/airport-canteen - **Bourbon Coffee** — T1 · Local · Rwandan Coffee · $$ URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/restaurants/bourbon-coffee-t1 - **Duty Free** — T1 · Shopping · Souvenirs URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/restaurants/duty-free-t1 - **Inzozi Coffee** URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/restaurants/inzozi-coffee - **J.L. Lunch Bar** URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/restaurants/j-l-lunch-bar - **Sawa City Restaurant** URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/restaurants/sawa-city-restaurant - **Snack Bar Kanombe** URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/restaurants/snack-bar-kanombe - **VIP Terminal Restaurant** URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/restaurants/vip-terminal-restaurant ## Lounges (3) - **Pearl Lounge** — Main Terminal · access: Airlines + Priority Pass · day pass: $40-€40 / 58,000 RWF · 24/7 URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/lounges/pearl-lounge - **Pearl Lounge Arrivals** — Main Terminal · access: Airlines + pay-in · day pass: 40 · 24/7 URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/lounges/pearl-lounge-arrivals - **Pearl Lounge Departures** — Main Terminal · access: Airlines + pay-in · day pass: $40-€40 / 58,000 RWF · 24/7 URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/lounges/pearl-lounge-departures ## Shops (8) - **ATAK** — T1 · Transport URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/shops/atak-t1 - **Book & Press** URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/shops/book-press - **Crafts of Rwanda** URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/shops/crafts-of-rwanda - **Electronics Corner** URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/shops/electronics-corner - **Kigali Souvenir Shop** URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/shops/kigali-souvenir-shop - **RwandAir Gift Shop** — T1 URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/shops/rwandair-gift-shop - **Telecom Shop** URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/shops/telecom-shop - **Volkswagen** — T1 · Transport URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/shops/volkswagen-t1 ## Parking (5) - **Extended Car Park** — Long-stay URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/parking/extended-car-park - **Main Car Park** — Short-stay URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/parking/main-car-park - **Staff Parking** — Restricted URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/parking/staff-parking - **Taxi Holding Lot** — Commercial vehicles URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/parking/taxi-holding-lot - **VIP Parking Area** — Reserved URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/parking/vip-parking-area ## Ground transport (6) - **Airport Taxi Rank** — Taxi · 20-30 min between airport and central Kigali (≈10–12 km, traffic dependent) · $10-15 equivalent (≈10,000–15,000 RWF) from city centre; blue airport taxis commonly capped around 20,000 RWF · Taxis available throughout the day; no precise interval, but rank described as having cars ready for incoming flights URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/transport/airport-taxi-rank - **Hotel Shuttle Buses** — Bus · About 20-30 min from airport to central Kigali hotels (≈10–12 km, traffic dependent) · Around $20 each way for a typical hotel-arranged car for a ≈10.5 km airport–city transfer, per FlyerTalk report · By advance booking; no fixed frequency, arranged directly with hotel or transfer operator URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/transport/hotel-shuttle-buses - **Kigali City Bus** — Bus URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/transport/kigali-city-bus - **Motorbike Taxis** — Moto taxi · Moto taxis are widely available in Kigali streets throughout the day; no fixed schedule, hailed on demand URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/transport/motorbike-taxis - **Private Hire Car** — Car service · Trip reports describe the drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park as “a few hours” by private car · On demand by advance booking with transfer company or lodge; no fixed schedule URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/transport/private-hire-car - **Yego Cabs** — Taxi URL: https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/transport/yego-cabs ## Insider tips - _Insider_: Plan for arrival delays due to rigorous security checks to enter the airport premises; add 15 extra minutes to your schedule. - _Avoid_: Rwanda enforces strict fines for plastic bags. Ensure your luggage contains no disposable plastics. - _Time_: Airport Wi-Fi can be spotty; keep critical travel documents offline for proof and convenience. - _Local_: For a local SIM, purchase from the arrivals telecom shops rather than waiting, ensuring connectivity as you step out. - _Money_: Carry USD or EUR cash to compare airport purchases or taxi charges, potentially saving on conversion rates. - _Quiet_: Use the arrivals Pearl Lounge for a tranquil landing spot—ideal for a breather or quick refresh before hitting the city. - _Insider_: Early morning departures are smoother with a pre-booked taxi or trusted driver, reducing pre-dawn uncertainties. --- ## Live data Live arrivals, departures, and weather are not in this static reference. Fetch: - https://airport.flights/api/airport/KGL.json — JSON with current live boards + weather (12h cache) - https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/arrivals — HTML page with live arrivals - https://airport.flights/airport/kgl/departures — HTML page with live departures