A layover in Soroti is one of those happy accidents of air travel. Soroti Airport sits just 40 minutes from the city center by local transport, and even a short visit can be surprisingly rewarding. This guide covers everything you need to get out of the terminal and back in time for your next boarding call.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at SRT:
First, verify that you can enter Uganda — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the local transport takes about 40 minutes into Soroti, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — local currency is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Soroti from the Airport
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| local transport | ~40 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~60 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the local transport is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
What to Budget for Your Soroti Side Trip
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Soroti:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Storing Your Luggage at Soroti Airport
Luggage storage options at SRT can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Soroti for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
What to See and Do in Soroti
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Soroti, two standouts are:
- Soroti Main Market — It’s a good place to browse local goods and soak up the atmosphere.
- Soroti Rock Viewpoint (Base Observation) — A quick stop here is rewarding — great for photos.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside SRT, you can spend time at Soroti Airport Waiting Area & Observation or try Aircraft Spotting & Local Atmosphere. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Best Bites Near SRT
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Soroti: The Gardens Restaurant Soroti and Rock View Hotel Restaurant. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Soroti Airport Eatery (Local Bites) or Airside Coffee & Tea Stand. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Sleep & Lounge Options at SRT
Long overnight layover? Your options at SRT include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Uganda also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and SRT is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Soroti and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Soroti genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.