Last checked: November 2026
How Do You Get Around Botswana?
Most visitors travel inside Botswana by domestic flight, rental car or pre-arranged transfer. Coaches link the main towns, and taxis and minibuses cover local trips. Botswana Railways has suspended its passenger trains, so don’t plan a rail journey. Distances are long, so choose your mode by where you’re going and how much time you have.
This page covers travel inside the country. For international arrivals, read our flights to Botswana guide, and for route planning, see our Botswana itineraries.
Travel Times Between Main Places
| Route | By air | By road |
|---|---|---|
| Gaborone to Francistown | About 1 hour | About 437 km, roughly 4.5 hours |
| Gaborone to Maun | About 1 hour | A very long drive, so most visitors fly |
| Maun to Kasane | About 45 minutes | A long drive across remote country |
| Gaborone to Kasane | About 1.5 hours on a direct flight | A very long drive, so most visitors fly |
Flight times come from published airline schedules, and road figures from a car rental route guide. Schedules change, so confirm with the operator before you book.
Are There Domestic Flights in Botswana?
Yes. Air Botswana, the national carrier, flies between Gaborone, Maun, Kasane and Francistown. Services in this area change by season, and some routes run on only a few days a week. Check the current timetable on the airline’s own website.
Light aircraft are a separate system. They link Maun and Kasane with Okavango Delta and Chobe camps, and your camp usually books them for you. Baggage limits are strict, so ask for the weight allowance and pack soft bags. See our where to stay in Botswana guide for how camps handle transfers.
Is There a Passenger Train in Botswana?
No. Botswana Railways ran a night passenger service between Lobatse and Francistown, with stops in Gaborone, Mahalapye, Palapye and Serule, but all passenger services have been suspended as of February 2026. Freight trains still use the line. If the service resumes, the operator will announce it, so check Botswana Railways directly before you rely on a train.
What About Intercity Buses and Minibuses?
Coaches run on the main highways, and operators include Intercape and Seabelo Express. Services are most frequent between Gaborone, Francistown, Maun and Kasane, and quality varies by company. Buy tickets from the operator and arrive early at the bus rank.
Minibus taxis, known as combis, are the main form of city transport. They show their route on the front, have blue number plates and leave when full. There is no metro, tram or city rail system, and we found no official travel card or ticket scheme for city buses.
Can You Rent a Car and Drive in Botswana?
Yes, and self-drive is common in some areas. Botswana drives on the left. The UK government says a UK driving licence is valid for up to 90 days, and many guides recommend carrying an International Driving Permit with your home licence. Rental companies set their own rules, so ask them what to bring.
- Main paved roads between towns are generally in good condition.
- Secondary roads and park tracks can be gravel or sand, and some need a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
- Animals can be on the road, especially at dusk, so many operators advise against driving at night.
- Fuel stations are sparse in remote areas, so fill up whenever you can.
- Off-road driving is prohibited in national parks.
Read the UK foreign travel advice for Botswana and the US State Department advisory for current road and safety notes.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
Licensed taxis operate in Gaborone, Francistown, Maun and Kasane. Most are unmetered, so agree the fare before you get in. Ride-hailing apps inDrive and Bolt operate in Gaborone, though coverage outside the capital is limited. Use your hotel or camp to arrange a driver if you’re unsure.
Which Option Should You Choose?
- Choose a domestic flight if you’re covering long distances, such as Gaborone to Maun or Kasane.
- Choose a coach if you want the cheapest way between towns and don’t mind slower travel.
- Choose a rental car if you want flexibility and are comfortable on gravel roads.
- Choose a camp transfer if you’re heading into the Delta or Chobe, where roads are limited.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planning a train journey, since passenger rail is suspended.
- Taking unofficial taxis without agreeing a fare first.
- Driving at dusk or at night, when animals are on the road.
- Trusting an old timetable. Flight and coach schedules change.
- Packing a hard suitcase for a light-aircraft transfer.
Getting Around Checklist
- Confirm domestic flight times on the airline’s website.
- Check your driving licence rules with the rental company.
- Fill the fuel tank before long stretches.
- Agree taxi fares in advance.
- Ask your camp about baggage limits and transfer times.
Before you travel, check entry rules in our Botswana visa guide for tourists and seasonal road conditions in our best time to visit Botswana guide. For the full overview, start with the Botswana travel guide.
Getting Around Botswana FAQs
Is it safe to drive in Botswana?
Driving is manageable with preparation. Main roads are paved, but animals, long distances and gravel tracks add risk. Avoid driving at night, carry water and a charged phone, and check current advice from the UK and US governments before you go.
Do I need a four-wheel-drive vehicle?
Not for the main paved highways between towns. You do need one for many park tracks and sandy roads, especially in the Delta and Chobe areas and the Kalahari. Ask your rental company which roads your vehicle can use.
Are ride-hailing apps available in Botswana?
Yes, inDrive and Bolt operate in Gaborone. Coverage outside the capital is limited, so rely on licensed taxis or a transfer arranged by your hotel or camp in other towns, and always confirm the fare first.
Can I get around Botswana by bus?
Yes, coaches connect Gaborone, Francistown, Maun and Kasane. Journeys are slow, and timetables change, so check with the operator. Buses don’t reach most camps and parks, so you’ll still need a transfer for safari stays.