Getting Around Sudan
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use minibuses and taxis for Khartoum and major cities. Rural: Rent a 4x4 for desert and Nile exploration. Coast: Buses and ferries along Red Sea. For convenience, book airport transfers from Khartoum to your destination.
Train Travel
Sudan Railways Corporation
Basic rail network connecting Khartoum to Port Sudan, Atbara, and Wadi Halfa with infrequent services.
Cost: Khartoum to Port Sudan 200-500 SDG, journeys 12-24 hours on older trains.
Tickets: Buy at stations or through agents; cash only, arrive early for seats.
Peak Times: Avoid Fridays and holidays; services can be delayed due to maintenance.
Rail Tickets & Passes
Single tickets available; no formal passes, but multi-journey deals for frequent travelers at stations.
Best For: Budget long-distance travel, savings for 2+ trips along main lines.
Where to Buy: Major stations in Khartoum or Port Sudan; book 1-2 days ahead for sleeper cars.
International Connections
Trains link to Egypt via Wadi Halfa-Aswan route, with ferry integration across Lake Nasser.
Booking: Coordinate with Egyptian rail; advance purchase recommended for border crossings.
Khartoum Stations: Main hub at Khartoum North, with connections to southern lines if operational.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for remote areas like Nubian Desert; compare 4x4 rentals from $50-100/day at Khartoum Airport and cities.
Requirements: International license, passport, deposit; minimum age 25, security clearance may apply.
Insurance: Full coverage mandatory for off-road, verify desert-rated policies.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 60 km/h urban, 100 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways where paved.
Tolls: Minimal on main roads; checkpoints require fees or permits in border areas.
Priority: Yield at roundabouts, watch for livestock; no major tram systems.
Parking: Free in rural areas, guarded lots $2-5/day in Khartoum; avoid street parking at night.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations sporadic outside cities at 1-2 SDG/liter for petrol, but shortages common; carry extra.
Apps: Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation, essential in remote deserts.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Khartoum during rush hours; poor road conditions cause delays.
Urban Transport
Khartoum Minibuses & Buses
Informal network of Aradas (minibuses) covering the city, single ride 5-10 SDG, no day passes.
Validation: Pay cash to driver upon boarding; routes marked on vehicles in Arabic.
Apps: Limited; use local advice or Google Maps for basic routing and stops.
Bike & Rickshaw Rentals
Informal bike rentals in tourist areas like Omdurman, 10-20 SDG/hour; rickshaws common for short trips.
Routes: Flat Nile paths suitable, but traffic hazardous; stick to designated areas.
Tours: Guided rickshaw tours in markets, combining local insights with easy mobility.
Buses & Local Services
Public buses and shared taxis operate in Khartoum, Port Sudan; intercity buses via companies like Al Nile.
Tickets: 5-15 SDG per ride, buy from driver or terminals with cash.
Red Sea Ferries: Local boats connecting coastal towns, 20-50 SDG depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near transport hubs in Khartoum for access, Nile-side for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (Oct-Apr) and festivals like Eid.
- Cancellation: Opt for flexible policies due to potential security disruptions.
- Amenities: Confirm AC, water supply, and backup power before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for security and service updates.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
4G coverage in cities like Khartoum, spotty in rural deserts; 3G/2G elsewhere.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install pre-trip, activate on arrival; roaming from Egypt works in border areas.
Local SIM Cards
Zain, Sudani, and MTN offer prepaid SIMs from $5-10 with variable coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider shops; passport registration required.
Data Plans: 2GB for $10, 5GB for $20, top-ups via vouchers or apps.
WiFi & Internet
WiFi available in hotels and cafes in urban areas, limited and slow in rural spots.
Public Hotspots: Some in Khartoum malls and universities, but unreliable.
Speed: 5-20 Mbps in cities, suitable for basics; VPN recommended for security.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Khartoum Airport 20km from city center, taxi $10-20 (30 min), or book private transfer for $15-30.
- Luggage Storage: Available at hotels or bus stations ($2-5/day), limited options in cities.
- Accessibility: Basic ramps in new buildings, but many sites like pyramids have rough terrain.
- Pet Travel: Pets restricted on public transport; check with airlines and accommodations.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on buses for fee, but rare; carry on ferries if space allows.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Sudan
Khartoum International (KRT) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Khartoum International (KRT): Primary gateway, 20km north of city with taxi connections.
Port Sudan (PZU): Red Sea hub 30km from town, bus to city $5 (45 min).
Wadi Halfa (WHF): Border airport with limited flights to Egypt, for northern access.
Booking Tips
Book 1-2 months in advance for dry season (Oct-Apr) to save 20-40% on fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tue-Thu) often cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly via Cairo or Addis Ababa and connect domestically for savings.
Budget Airlines
Flydubai, Air Arabia, and Ethiopian Airlines serve Khartoum with regional connections.
Important: Include baggage and visa fees; total costs vary with security checks.
Check-in: Online 24 hours prior, airport processes can be lengthy.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Limited in cities, fees $3-5; carry USD cash as backup due to shortages.
- Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard in hotels, rare elsewhere; cash dominant.
- Contactless Payment: Emerging in Khartoum, but not widespread; use mobile wallets sparingly.
- Cash: Essential for transport and markets, keep $100-200 in small USD notes.
- Tipping: Not customary, but 5-10% for guides or drivers appreciated.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid black market; official banks in cities.