Kigali Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Kigali Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

There is not 24hr access. They only let you in to the airport once check-in has opened. So you have to literally wait outside. There’s nowhere to sit or sleep outside. IT is horrid. I AM THERE NOW. – a traveller (2020)

KGL Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Kigali International Airport.

What to Expect

Kigali Airport (code: KGL) has a main terminal best described as a work in progress, with ongoing construction and limited, often broken facilities. Travellers warn of slow security processes and dirty bathrooms. It seems the only current dining option is a landside cafe. WiFi is free in the waiting area. For added comfort while you wait, economy class passengers can pay to enter an airport lounge.

Sleeping in Kigali Airport

Sleeping here doesn’t seem exactly comfortable. The seating is metal and most equipped with armrests. Airport staff may move you to a designated area. Complaints include poor air conditioning and loud announcements. Don’t plan on staying here overnight, as the terminal closes at night, and there is no seating outside the terminal. There are nearby hotels offering shuttle service within a 10-minute drive. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Kigali Airport Guide.

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Airport Hours

The airport is not open 24 hours. Operating hours may vary depending on flight schedules. (updated by a reader/February 2020)

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in Kigali Airport sounds like a nightmare, there are several accommodations near the terminal.

Martin Aviator Hotel (0.1 mi / 0.2 km) – Mid-range hotel.
Kigali Airport Apartment (0.3 mi / 0.5 km) – Budget accommodation.
Hotel Saint Jean Leopold (0.4 mi / 0.6 km) – Mid-range hotel.

Browse the complete list of hotels near Kigali Airport on Expedia.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there is a lounge that you can enter through a lounge membership program.

Pearl Lounge – Location: Airside, International Departures, near Gates 2–3. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from USD 35) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Business/First Class passengers on eligible airlines.
Dream Lounge – Location: Airside, International Departures, close to the boarding gates. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from USD 30) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Business/First Class passengers on eligible airlines.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.

Akagera Lounge – Location: Airside, International Departures, after security. Hours: Open during flight operations (based on flight schedules). Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Access for Business/First Class passengers of RwandAir and partner airlines • Eligible frequent flyer elites.

Drinking Water

Information is unavailable. Does the airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? Click here to update this guide.

Food & Drinks

Bourbon Coffee operates both Landside and Airside locations. Additional cafés, bars, and small restaurants are reportedly available. One sandwich shop has been reported as operating 24 hours; however, hours may vary depending on flight activity.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

No luggage storage or lockers are available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

A review (Sept 2019) mentioned Airside charging points near the shops. If you know of additional locations, click here to update this airport guide.

Showers

A reader tells us that showers are available. “I’ve just walked into the landside toilets (after security, but before pre-boarding) and they are immaculately clean. Furthermore, there’s a shower in the men’s. Obviously I can’t check the women’s.” (February 2024)

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available throughout the Kigali Airport.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

ATMs / Cash Machines – An ATM is available. Some travellers have reported difficulty using international cards, though the airport website indicates that Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Fees may apply. If travelling internationally, check your bank’s withdrawal limits and consider notifying them before departure.
Currency Exchange – Express Forex Bureau provides currency exchange services. Hours are reported as 24 hours.
Duty-Free and Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available Airside. A small selection of shops selling newspapers, souvenirs, clothing, and travel essentials is also available.
Information Desk – An information desk is located in the main hall.
Luggage Wrapping – Luggage wrapping services are available.
Medical Services – Medical personnel are available 24 hours a day. Defibrillators are also on site.
Postal Services – A post office (IPOSITA) offers stamp purchases and basic postal services. Reported hours are 5:00 AM – 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Travel Agencies – A Rwandan Tourist Office operates seven days a week and can assist with local travel information and arrangements.

Airlines

Kigali Airport is served by the following airlines: Brussels Airlines • Egypt Air • Ethiopian Airlines • Kenya Airways • KLM • Qatar Airways • Rwandair • Turkish Airlines • ZanAir.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

KGL airport is connected to the Kigali Central Business District via city bus. The bus stop is 400 Metres from the terminal. At the time of this update, a one-way ticket costs RWF 300, and a day pass costs RWF 600. A direct shuttle bus is also available for RWF 1000.

Car Rentals

Several car rental companies have counters on-site, some open 24 hours. Alternatively, other companies offer “car on arrival” services when planned ahead.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

Minibus

Travel as the locals do! If your load is light, you can travel at a fraction of the price of a taxi by taking a “matatu” (shared-ride minibus), which passes along a road just a short walk from the airport terminal.

Taxis

Taxis and moto-taxis are readily available for hire in the ground transportation area. Rates must be negotiated before entering the vehicle.

Last updated: 2026-03-02

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.