Kindu is linked by rail to the mining areas of Kalemie, Kamina and Kananga to the south.

It also has an airport with a 2,200 metre runway and has historically been an important port along the Congo River system.

The town was an important centre for the ivory, gold and the slave trade during the nineteenth century.

During the rule of Mobutu Sese Seko Kindu was also the capital of the former Maniema subregion of Kivu region.

[8] Goods from Kisangani or further must change from ship to train and vice versa a couple of times to reach Lubumbashi.