Why you should avoid booking a car at Entebbe Airport (EBB)
For many visitors arriving in Uganda, renting a car at Entebbe Airport seems convenient, but it comes with hidden costs and challenges that can be easily avoided. It is not entirely a bad idea to book your car rental at the airport; only that it has some downsides regarding the cost and vehicle availability.
Many travellers that have rented cars before discourage car rental at Entebbe Airport especially if you’re travelling on a tight budget.
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Here are some reasons why you might want to consider not booking a rental car at EBB and the alternatives to renting a car at Entebbe Airport:
Surcharges:
Surcharges are basically fees imposed by airports on rental companies for operating on airport property. These charges are then transferred to the customers and they can vary depending on the airport and rental agency. Surcharges include airport concession fees which are charged by the airport to the rental company for the right to operate on the airport premises. The airport access fee is charged to customers to cover the costs of accessing the airport and the customer facility charge funds the airport facilities and services.
Car rental companies at the airport pay the airport a fee for each rental transaction and these fees are passed on to the customers in form of service charges. Surcharge fees at EBB may range anywhere between $10-$20 per day depending on the car rental company.
Higher rental rates:
By default, the cost of renting a car at the airport is higher than renting a car outside the airport. This is because the costs of operation for the company are high for instance the cost of office space at the airport may be double that outside the airport and the parking space is also more expensive.
On top of other costs like taxes, the car rental companies have no option but to spike the rates so as to remain in business. Most car rental companies outside the airport provide airport pickups and drop-offs usually at a lower rate than renting a car at the airport so you may want to consider this option, instead of renting directly at the airport.
Fewer rental car companies:
Not all rental car companies have airport locations, which can limit your options. You’ll have very few companies to compare in order to make a decision. The near monopoly means there isn’t much of a difference in their prices.
Limited Self Drive Options
Strange as that might sound to you, if you want a self drive vehicle rental at Entebbe Airport, you might be looking in the wrong place. The few companies that operate from the Airport largely offer Car with a driver services. This is because they focus on airport transfers and business travels. Both cases often prefer car rent with a driver. If you are a tourist and would prefer to drive yourself, renting from a company outside Entebbe Airport with free airport pick up might be the best option for you.
Limited vehicle selection:
Airport rental car companies may have a limited selection of vehicles, especially during peak travel periods. This is because the airport dictates the sizes and numbers of cars a given company can store at a given time and since airports are high demand locations, cars may be booked quickly leaving limited options for last minute renters. Also rental cars at airports are often rented for short periods, which means they are turned over quickly, limiting the availability of certain vehicles.
Moreover, there is limited parking and storage space, making it difficult for rental car companies to maintain a large fleet.
Do not forget that cars at airports may require more frequent maintenance and servicing due to high usage, and may focus on providing vehicles that are in high demand, such as economy or compact cars, rather than offering a wide range of options. Maintaining a large and diverse fleet of vehicles at the airport can be costly, and rental car companies may prioritize profitability over offering a wide range of options.
No Safari Options
If you are going on a road trip to a National Park in Uganda, renting a vehicle at the airport is a very bad idea. Airport rental companies focus on business travel and airport transfer services than safari holiday transportation. To enjoy your holiday you may need more customized features that typically are not available in rental cars at the airport.
Take for example, most tourists going for game drives will need a car with a pop up roof and and clear large windows. Campers my need a car with a rooftop tent while holiday makers may need a car with a fridge. These extras often are not available in airport fleets.
Long lines and wait times:
Entebbe Airport is a very busy airport handling approximately 41 arrival flights per day. On average, although the exact number fluctuates daily and monthly, that is high traffic. Recent data from July 2025 shows a surge in traffic, with 119,127 arrivals in the month. That averages about 3,843 arrivals per day.
Uganda Airlines is the biggest airline operator at Entebbe International Airport. They have the most departures and a significant number of direct flights to and from destinations in Africa and beyond. On top of that, major International Airlines land at the airport daily so you can now only imagine the queues at the few car rental counters. This gets worse during peak seasons of June to September which may result in longer waiting times for pickups and drop-off. To avoid this, always book your car rental away from the airport and arrange for airport pick ups and drop offs.
Additional and Hidden Fees:
Most airports including EBB charge additional fees for services like parking or tolls, and most of these fees are hidden. Some of the mandatory fees may include airport concession fees, Customer Facility Charge and taxes like sales or VAT. These are often not declared before hand in the pricing available on the company websites.
Though not compulsory, you may be charged for insurance such as the collision damage waivers, liability and personal accident insurance. You need to read and understand the insurance policies of the rental company before making a reservation. If you have your personal insurance, you will not need to pay for this.
Additionally, you’ll be charged for additional driver fees, child seat fees, GPS or young driver fees at higher costs compared to off-airport prices.
Comparing Airport Car Rentals and Off-Airport Rentals: Pros and Cons
| Feature | Airport Car Rental | Off-Airport Car Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Usually higher due to airport concession fees, taxes, and convenience charges. | Lower daily rates with no airport surcharges. More price flexibility. |
| Convenience | Very convenient—pick up the car immediately upon arrival. | Requires a short transfer or pickup, but many companies provide free airport pickup. |
| Hidden Fees | Additional fees: premium location fee, parking charges, insurance add-ons, young driver fees. | Fewer hidden costs; more transparent pricing and easier negotiation. |
| Vehicle Options | Limited variety—often basic sedans or business-oriented vehicles. | Wider selection including SUVs, 4×4 cars, safari vehicles, and budget cars. |
| Self-Drive Availability | Less common; many airport companies focus on driver-included rentals. | Excellent self-drive options especially for tourists and long trips. |
| Inspection Time | Rushed inspection due to airport traffic and time pressure. | You get more time to inspect the car, read the contract, and ask questions. |
| Customer Service | High passenger traffic means slower service and longer queues. | More personalized service with direct contact to the rental company. |
| Flexibility | Strict policies, firm pricing, limited negotiation. | Better room for price adjustments, add-ons, and custom travel needs. |
| Best For | Business travelers, last-minute rentals, short trips. | Tourists, families, budget travelers, long-term rentals, safari trips. |
FAQ: Renting a Car at Entebbe Airport
1. Is it safe to rent a car at Entebbe Airport?
Yes, it can be safe to rent a car at Entebbe Airport, but travelers should exercise caution. Airport car hire desks and unofficial agents sometimes offer vehicles with limited inspection time, unclear insurance terms, or higher fees. The cars at Entebbe Airport also tend to have fewer options for self-drive travelers. For a safer experience, it’s better to pre-book with a reputable rental company in Entebbe town or Kampala. You will have more time to inspect the vehicle and review the contract.
2. Why is renting a car at Entebbe Airport more expensive?
Renting a car at Entebbe Airport is usually more expensive due to airport concession fees, premium pricing for convenience, limited vehicle availability, and the higher demand from arriving passengers. Many airport rentals also include extra charges that are not always clearly disclosed upfront. This is why many travelers prefer arranging their car rental in Entebbe town or Kampala. Here, prices are more competitive and the vehicle selection is wider.
3. What is the best alternative to renting a car at Entebbe Airport?
The best alternative to getting a car at Entebbe Airport is to book with a trusted local company in Entebbe town or Kampala. These off-airport rentals often provide better rates, clearer insurance terms, and a wider choice of vehicles for self-drive or car-with-driver services. Most reputable companies also offer free or affordable airport pickup. This makes it far more cost-effective than renting directly at the airport.
4. Can I get airport pickup if I rent from Kampala or Entebbe town?
Yes. Most established car rental companies in Kampala and Entebbe town offer airport pickup and drop-off services. When you rent a car outside Entebbe Airport, the company can meet you at arrivals, hand over the vehicle, and guide you through a proper inspection. This allows you to avoid the higher airport rental costs while still enjoying a smooth and convenient pickup experience.
Final Tip for Travelers
Much as airport rental cars provide an unmatched level of convenience, it is worth noting that they shouldn’t be an option especially for someone travelling on a budget. It is important to carefully review the rental agreement and ask about any fees before signing.
If you are on a budget, consider renting from a location outside of the airport. They may offer lower rates and a wider selection of vehicles. Also remember that off airport companies also provide airport pickups usually at a very low cost or even free of charge.
Ultimately, whether or not to book a rental car at the airport depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you do decide to book at the airport, be sure to research and compare rates, and factor in any additional fees or costs.
Not Interested in booking a car at Entebbe Airport and want alternatives to renting a car at Entebbe Airport? You are in the right place. To Book a car with us and enjoy free airport pick and drop off services. simply contact us on +256702525877. You may also email us at ask@topcarhireuganda.top. We have a 24/7 free airport pick up service for every car rental.
Top Car Hire Uganda is the Best Car Rental Service provider in Uganda with over 14 years experience. We specialize in Self-drive and car rental with a driver. Our fleet has Saloon cars, 4x4s and group transportation rental vehicles. WhatsApp us on +256702525877