Overview
Juba, the capital of South Sudan, sits on the banks of the White Nile. It is the country's main gateway for aid, government and business travellers, and every route from the UK involves at least one connection. There are no direct flights from London or any other UK airport, so you will change at a major African or Middle Eastern hub. Before booking, check the latest FCDO travel advice for South Sudan, as entry rules and the security picture can change quickly.
Best time to fly to Juba
Juba is hot all year, with daytime temperatures usually between 30 and 38°C. The dry season, roughly December to March, is the most comfortable time to visit, with clear skies and easier road travel. The wet season runs from about April to November, with the heaviest rain between May and August, when unpaved roads can flood. Fares follow demand more than weather, so check the When to book chart above and the price charts on this page for the cheaper windows.
Airlines and routes
The most established connections from the UK are with Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa and Kenya Airways via Nairobi, both with short onward hops into Juba. Turkish Airlines connects through Istanbul, EgyptAir through Cairo, and flydubai serves Juba from Dubai. From London, expect roughly 7.5 to 9 hours to the hub, then a 1.5 to 2 hour flight to Juba, giving a total journey of around 13 to 20 hours depending on the layover. From Manchester you will normally add a short feeder flight to Istanbul, Amsterdam or Addis Ababa before joining the same onward services. Searches for cheap flights to Juba and flights from London to Juba will nearly always return one- or two-stop itineraries.
Things to do in Juba
Juba is compact and low-rise, and most visitors explore with a local guide or trusted driver. Highlights include:
- Freedom Bridge: the landmark crossing over the White Nile, with wide river views.
- John Garang Mausoleum: the central memorial to South Sudan's independence leader.
- Konyokonyo Market: the city's busiest market for produce, fabrics and daily life.
- All Saints Cathedral: a focal point of Juba's large Christian community.
- Jebel Kujur: a rocky hill on the edge of town, popular for early-morning walks.
At Juba International Airport (JUB)
Juba International Airport lies about 4 km north-west of the city centre, typically a 10 to 15 minute drive. A newer terminal building handles international arrivals. There is no metered taxi rank or ride-hailing app, so the safest option is a pre-arranged transfer with your hotel or host organisation. Seven Zones Travel can help you line this up before you fly.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Juba
- Book around two to four months ahead; last-minute seats on the limited number of services are usually the priciest.
- Fly midweek and outside the December to February dry-season peak where your dates allow.
- Keep your dates flexible and compare the price charts on this page across several weeks.
- Check Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Turkish Airlines side by side, as the cheapest hub varies by month.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa to enter South Sudan, arranged in advance through the South Sudan Embassy in London or the official e-visa system; your passport should be valid for at least six months. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry, and anti-malarial tablets are strongly advised, so book a travel-health appointment well before departure. The currency is the South Sudanese Pound, but this is largely a cash economy: bring clean US dollar notes, as cards and foreign ATMs are rarely accepted.
