Sudan offers an extraordinary journey through ancient Nubian civilization, home to more pyramids than Egypt. From the UNESCO-listed Pyramids of Meroe to the confluence of the Blue and White Nile in Khartoum, Sudan presents a unique blend of archaeological wonders and vibrant Sudanese culture.
- Public
- Public buses and minibuses operate throughout Khartoum at $0.25-0.50 per trip but routes are confusing for visitors and vehicles often crowded
- Taxi
- Yellow taxis available throughout Khartoum; always negotiate fare before departure as meters are not used; typical city fare $3-10
- Rental
- Car rental available for those with International Driving Permit; 4WD essential for archaeological sites; self-drive not recommended - hire with driver
- Walking
- Central Khartoum areas near hotels and the corniche are walkable; extreme heat makes midday walking dangerous; never walk at night in unfamiliar areas
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Taxi: $10-20, 20-30 minutes to center
- Shuttle
- Private transfer: $15-30 pre-booked
- Bus
- Hotel shuttle: Arranged through hotels, $10-25
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Public buses and minibuses (known locally as 'amjad' or 'buses') operate on fixed routes throughout Khartoum
- Cost
- $0.25-$0.50 per trip within city
- Note
- Crowded, limited schedules, routes not always clear to visitors
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, tuk_tuk
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- $2-3
- Apps
- Limited rideshare apps available. Careem operates in Khartoum with limited coverage.
- App Names
- Limited rideshare apps available. Careem operates in Khartoum with limited coverage.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Primary intercity transport with various companies operating routes throughout Sudan
Routes: Khartoum to Port Sudan, Khartoum to Dongola, Khartoum to Kassala, and other major cities
Cost: $10-30 depending on distance
- Companies
- Skybus, Kingdom Bus, and local operators
- Note
- Book in advance for popular routes. Overnight buses available. Conditions vary by company.
Flights
Limited domestic flights when operational
Routes: Khartoum to Port Sudan, Khartoum to El Fasher (when safe)
Cost: $80-200 one-way depending on route
- Airlines
- Sudan Airways, Tarco Air (check current operations)
- Note
- Service heavily impacted by ongoing conflict. Many routes suspended.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Khartoum International Airport
From centre: 6 km north of city center
Options: Taxi: $10-20, 20-30 minutes to center; Private transfer: $15-30 pre-booked; Hotel shuttle: Arranged through hotels, $10-25; Public minibus: $2-3, irregular schedule
Port Sudan New International Airport
From centre: 15 km from Port Sudan city
Options: Taxi: $8-15 to city center; Hotel transfer: Available from dive resorts; Private car: $12-20 arranged in advance
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Careem
Limited ride-hailing service operating in Khartoum with inconsistent availability; useful when functioning as prices are transparent
Google Maps
Useful for orientation but offline download essential as mobile data unreliable; note that many roads not accurately mapped
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Always negotiate taxi fares before getting in - Khartoum taxis do not use meters and foreigners are often quoted inflated prices
Private car with driver is strongly recommended for all archaeological site visits as 4WD is essential on desert tracks
Confirm your driver speaks enough English or bring a bilingual contact card with your destination in Arabic
Intercity buses (Skybus, Kingdom Bus) are the main option between cities; book the day before for popular routes
Khartoum International Airport status should be confirmed before travel as conflict has caused periodic closures
Keep hotel name and address in Arabic on your phone to show drivers as English addresses are rarely recognized