South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, offers intrepid travelers a unique opportunity to explore untouched wilderness and vibrant indigenous cultures. From the wildlife-rich plains of Boma National Park to the White Nile flowing through the capital Juba, this emerging destination rewards adventurous spirits with authentic experiences.
- Public
- Very limited public transport. Minibuses (matatus) operate informally in Juba on undefined routes at $0.50-1/ride but are not recommended for tourists due to safety and reliability concerns. No metro, no tram.
- Taxi
- Taxis are the primary transport mode for visitors. No meters — all fares negotiated in advance. Average city trip $5-15. Hotel taxis more expensive but more reliable. Negotiate firmly before entering.
- Rental
- 4x4 vehicle rental with driver strongly recommended over self-drive due to challenging road conditions and security requirements. Self-drive: $60-100/day. With driver: $80-150/day. Essential for travel outside Juba.
- Walking
- Walking is only practical within hotel compounds and immediately surrounding areas during daylight. Walking any distance in Juba carries security risks and extreme heat; use taxis for all city journeys.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Taxi to city center: $15-25 (negotiate before departure)
- Shuttle
- Hotel shuttle: $10-20 (arranged through hotel)
- Bus
- Ride-sharing apps: Limited availability, $12-20
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Limited public bus service. Minibuses (matatus) operate on some routes in Juba at approximately 50-100 SSP ($0.50-$1) per ride. Service is informal and routes are not well defined. Not recommended for tourists due to safety and reliability concerns.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Taxis are readily available in Juba. No meters - all fares negotiated. Base fare starts around $5-6 within city center. Per-trip pricing rather than per-kilometer. Average trip within Juba: $5-15 depending on distance. Always negotiate fare before departure. Hotel taxis more expensive but more reliable.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Inter-city bus service exists but highly limited. Roads are poor quality and many become impassable during rainy season (May-October). Juba to Nimule (Uganda border): $10-15, 3-4 hours dry season. Travel during dry season only recommended. Security concerns on many routes - check current situation before traveling.
Flights
Domestic flights available between major towns (Juba, Malakal, Wau, Rumbek) operated by small carriers. Prices: $150-300 one-way depending on route. Schedules irregular and subject to change. Book through travel agents or hotels. South Supreme Airlines and other local carriers operate domestic routes.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Juba International Airport
From centre: 5 km northeast of city center
Options: Taxi to city center: $15-25 (negotiate before departure); Hotel shuttle: $10-20 (arranged through hotel); Ride-sharing apps: Limited availability, $12-20
Malakal Airport
From centre: 3 km from Malakal town
Options: Taxi: $10-15; Local transport: Limited; Primarily domestic flights and UN/NGO traffic
Wau Airport
From centre: 4 km from Wau town center
Options: Taxi: $8-12; Mostly domestic and humanitarian flights; Limited commercial service
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
No reliable ride-hailing apps
Uber, Bolt, and similar services do not operate reliably in South Sudan. Some informal apps have emerged but are not dependable. Hotel reception is the best way to arrange trusted transport.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Always negotiate taxi fares before entering the vehicle — never assume a meter exists as there are none in Juba
Use hotel-arranged taxis or trusted drivers for all evening and night travel — do not hail random vehicles after dark
For travel outside Juba, a 4x4 vehicle is essential — most roads are unpaved and become impassable in the rainy season (May-October)
Domestic flights (South Supreme Airlines and others) connect Juba to Malakal, Wau, and Rumbek — book well in advance as capacity is limited and schedules unreliable
Carry copies of your passport and visa in accessible clothing pockets for the many checkpoints on roads around Juba
Allow significantly more travel time than maps suggest — road conditions, security checkpoints, and traffic in Juba all add substantial delays
Keep emergency cash in USD for unexpected transport needs — credit cards are not accepted in taxis or informal transport