🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Kenya
✈️ Flying to Kenya
Main Airports
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA/NBO) - Kenya's main international gateway, 15km from Nairobi city center. Modern, busy, well-connected to the city via taxi, Uber/Bolt, and shuttle buses.
Other International Airports:
- Moi International Airport (MBA) - Mombasa, gateway to the coast and beaches
- Wilson Airport (WIL) - Nairobi's domestic hub, 11km from city center, serves internal flights
- Kisumu International Airport (KIS) - Western Kenya, Lake Victoria region
Major Airlines Flying to Kenya
From North America: Kenya Airways, British Airways, KLM, Emirates, Qatar Airways (via London, Amsterdam, Dubai, or Doha).
From Europe: Kenya Airways, British Airways, KLM, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Swiss. Daily flights from London, Amsterdam, Paris, Zurich.
From Asia: Kenya Airways, Air India, Emirates, Qatar Airways from India, Thailand, China, Hong Kong.
From Africa: Kenya Airways connects Nairobi to 20+ African cities daily. Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, RwandAir.
💡 Insider Tip
Kenya Airways is the national carrier with best internal connections. Book international flights early—prices fluctuate with currency and government taxes.
🚗 From Nairobi Airport to City Center
Uber / Bolt (Recommended)
Safest and most reliable. Order from arrivals hall. Journey time: 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Cost: KES 1,500-2,500 (€12-20). Upfront pricing, no negotiation.
Official Airport Taxis
Available at designated ranks. Fixed-price system. Journey time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: KES 2,000-3,000 (€16-24). Book at official counter inside terminal.
Airport Shuttle
Shared shuttles to major hotels. Cheaper but slower. Pre-book online. Cost: KES 1,000-1,500 (€8-12).
⚠️ Safety Note
Avoid unlicensed taxis outside the terminal. Stick to Uber/Bolt or official airport taxis only. Nairobi traffic is hectic—expect delays during rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm).
🚌 Other Ways In
Overland from Tanzania—Border crossings at Namanga (for Arusha/Kilimanjaro) and Taveta. Buses available. Most travelers fly.
Overland from Uganda—Border at Busia or Malaba. Buses from Kampala to Nairobi (10-12 hours). Easier to fly.
Overland from Ethiopia—Border at Moyale. Remote, challenging route. Only for adventurous travelers with 4x4.
Mombasa by train—SGR (Standard Gauge Railway) from Nairobi to Mombasa. Modern, comfortable, scenic. 4.5 hours, KES 1,000-3,000 (€8-24). Book at makadararailway.co.ke
Coastal flights—Fly directly to Mombasa if heading to beaches. Skips Nairobi entirely. Check Kenya Airways, Jambojet.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Most visitors need an eVisa for Kenya. US, Canada, UK, Australia, EU, and most passport holders must apply online before travel. Single-entry eVisa costs USD $50, valid 90 days.
Apply at least 7 days before departure. Processing usually takes 2-5 business days. Visa on arrival no longer available—apply online only. Print confirmation to show at immigration.
Apply for Kenya eVisa →Yellow Fever Certificate
Required if arriving from yellow fever risk countries (most of Africa, South America). Certificate must be dated at least 10 days before entry. Not required if arriving from US/Europe directly.
🚗 Getting Around Kenya
Domestic Flights
Fastest for long distances. Kenya Airways, Jambojet, Safarilink fly between Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Masai Mara. Book in advance for best prices. Essential for reaching safari areas quickly.
SGR Train (Nairobi-Mombasa)
Modern high-speed train. 4.5 hours, scenic, comfortable. First class KES 3,000 (€24), economy KES 1,000 (€8). Book at makadararailway.co.ke
Matatus (Local Minibuses)
Cheap but chaotic. Not recommended for tourists. Overcrowded, reckless driving, frequent accidents. Use for short trips only if experienced in Kenya.
Long-Distance Buses
Modern buses connect major cities. Operators: Modern Coast, Easy Coach, Guardian. Nairobi-Mombasa around KES 1,500-2,000 (€12-16). Overnight buses available. Book seats in advance.
🎫 Safari Transport Tip
Most safaris include transport from Nairobi. Don't arrange your own transport to Masai Mara—roads are rough, tour operators handle everything.
🚕 Local Transportation in Nairobi
Nairobi has limited public transport for tourists. Stick to ride-hailing apps for safety.
Uber / Bolt (Best Option)
- Uber: Well-established, reliable, upfront pricing
- Bolt: Usually slightly cheaper than Uber
- InDrive: Negotiate price with driver, often cheapest
- Cost: Short rides KES 300-500 (€2-4), cross-city KES 800-1,500 (€6-12)
Matatus operate within Nairobi but not recommended. Boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) are dangerous—avoid.
Mombasa Transport
Uber/Bolt available. Tuk-tuks common for short trips (negotiate price first, KES 50-200). Walking limited due to heat—use transport.
🚙 Renting a Car
Only recommended for experienced drivers comfortable with Kenyan traffic. Most tourists use tour operators for safaris.
Things to Know
- Drive on the left side of the road (British system)
- Roads vary wildly—smooth in cities, rough in rural areas
- Nairobi traffic is aggressive and congested
- 4x4 essential for safari parks and rural areas
- Speed limits: 50 km/h (cities), 80-100 km/h (highways)
- Major rental companies at airports: Avis, Europcar, local operators
- International Driving Permit recommended alongside home license
⚠️ Safety Warning
Self-driving safaris not recommended. Parks require experienced guides. Wildlife can be dangerous. Roads are unmarked. Book guided safari instead.
🚗 Compare Rental Cars in Kenya
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book flights early: Kenya Airways offers cheaper fares when booked months ahead
- Use SGR train: Nairobi-Mombasa train cheaper than flying, scenic views
- Shared safari vehicles: Join group safaris instead of private—save 50%+
- Avoid peak season: July-October (Great Migration) most expensive
- Use Bolt over Uber: Usually 10-15% cheaper for same trip
- M-PESA for everything: Avoid credit card fees, use local mobile money