After landing at Nairobi Airport (NBO), also known as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, there are three transfer options to the city centre of Nairobi. You can choose either a taxi, bus or mini-bus. There are various taxi companies operating at Nairobi Airport. A taxi journey will take around 40 minutes depending on whether you are travelling during peak traffic time and the cost will be approximately 40€ (4,500KES). You can also choose to travel by public bus. Line 34 operates Monday to Friday between 06:00 am – 21:00 pm and is the cheapest option. A single ticket costs 0.45€ (50KES) and the service runs every 20 minutes. It takes about 60 minutes to reach the city centre. If you prefer to travel by mini-bus, which the locals call ‘matatu’, you can choose from various operators. It is also worth contacting your hotel to check if they offer a shuttle service.
Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Nairobi at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.- Nothing Found
Getting from Nairobi Airport to City Centre
Comparison of the options
| OPTION | PRICE | DURATION | AVAILABILITY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Pickups | €24 | 40min | 24/7 | |
| Taxi | €40 | 40min | 24/7 | |
| Bus | €0.90 | 60min | 06:00–21:00 | |
| Mini-Bus (Matatu) | €0.90 | 60min | 06:00–21:00 |
How to get from Nairobi Airport to city centre by taxi
There are several taxi providers operating at Nairobi Airport. You can choose to prebook a taxi before your flight or hire a taxi on arrival. Taxis run 24/7 and a ride usually takes 40 minutes, although this can vary a lot depending on traffic conditions. Taxi fare is around 40€ when prebooking a service for up to 4 passengers. There are official taxi companies operating at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. It is advisable to always choose an official provider and avoid unregistered drivers that are known to hassle visitors.
Taxi fare from Nairobi Airport to city centre
During non-peak times, a ride from Nairobi Airport to the city centre of Nairobi will cost around 40€ (4,500KES). If you decide to get a taxi on your arrival prices may be higher, so make sure to decide on the taxi fare with the driver before starting your ride.
(05:00–24:00)
(00:00–05:00)
Cost
40€
Trip Duration
40 Min.
*The final fare can vary depending on the time of your travel and type of vehicle chosen when prebooking.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Taxis at Nairobi Airport (NBO) are available 24/7.
Where do I get it from?
Several companies have desks inside the Arrivals Hall at Nairobi Airport. You can directly book a service by visiting the desk of your choice on arrival. If you have prebooked a taxi ride, your driver will wait for you outside the Arrivals Hall, as drivers are not allowed to enter the arrivals building. There is a designated space for taxis outside the Arrivals Hall exit at Nairobi Airport.
Convenience
Choosing a taxi for your transport to the city centre of Nairobi from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport surely is the most convenient way to travel. When pre-booking a ride, a driver will be waiting for you, assisting you with your luggage and dropping you off exactly at your destination. To make sure you do not pay more, always choose an official taxi provider and negotiate the fare before your ride.
Editor’s Note
A large number of unauthorised drivers are known to approach visitors at Nairobi Airport. Make sure you avoid unregistered drivers as they may try to overcharge and your trip will not be secured.
Useful Tips
How to get from Nairobi Airport to city centre by bus
Bus service 34 connects Nairobi Airport with the city centre of Nairobi. The public bus service runs 06:00 am – 21:00 pm on weekdays and buses leave the airport every 20 minutes. This is the cheapest city centre transport option from Jomo Kenyatta Airport and single tickets are 0.45€ (50KES). Note that ticket prices can slightly change depending on the time of travel. Board the bus between terminals T1B and T1C at the Passenger Boarding bus stop. The journey duration is 60 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
How much is the bus ticket from Nairobi Airport to the city centre of Nairobi?
A single bus ticket to the city centre of Nairobi is 0.45€ (50KES). Bear in mind that ticket prices are not fixed and you pay more depending on the time of day you are travelling. You can buy bus tickets to the city centre on board. Alternatively, approach an information desk at the Arrivals Hall of the airport and they will assist you with your bus transport.
Cost
0.45€
Trip Duration
60 Min.
Traffic can cause long delays, so its is better to plan your journey accounting for the time of the day you plan to arrive.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Bus line 34 runs Monday-Friday between 06:00 am - 21:00 pm every 20 minutes.
Where do I get it from?
The bus stop is located at the Arrivals level, by the roundabout outside the terminals. The name of the bus stop is Passenger Boarding.
Convenience
Taking the public bus to the city centre of Nairobi is certainly a cheap transport option, but it does not offer a relaxing and safe journey. Services are often busy and you may end up in a cramped bus. Traffic can also cause delays. Because of the restricted space, passengers with large or heavy luggage may want to opt for an alternative means of getting to the city centre of Nairobi. The same is true for passengers travelling with children. There is no bus service on weekends or during the night.
Editor’s Note
There have been cases of passengers getting robbed on board the service. If you decide to travel by bus, you are advised to take good care of your personal belongings and be alert at all times.
Useful Tips
How to get from Nairobi Airport to the city centre by mini-bus
Matatus are the most popular means of transport for locals in Nairobi. These mini-buses are privately operated and although they follow similar routes to the public buses and they feature the same route numbers, they are not fully regulated. Taking a matatu to the city centre of Nairobi costs around 0.45€ (50KES) for a single journey, but the ticket price may change due to weather and traffic conditions or journey time. There are many mini-buses operating outside the Arrivals Hall at Nairobi Airport. The journey duration is approximately 60 minutes.
How much are the matatu mini-buses from Nairobi Airport to the city centre?
Single matatu tickets cost around 0.45€ (50KES) with small fluctuations depending on traffic and weather conditions, as well as travel time. You can buy the tickets onboard.
Cost
0.45€
Trip Duration
60 Min.
Matatus do not follow a strict schedule and service frequency is many times tied to demand. Remember that the matatus service is not regulated.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Matatus run during the day
Where do I get them from?
Matatu mini-buses are located outside the International Arrivals Hall.
Convenience
Choosing a matatu for your transport to the city centre of Nairobi is not the most convenient transport option. Services are not regulated, so schedules and ticket prices are not fixed. If you travel with children or carry heavy/large luggage, bear in mind that space is limited. If you arrive at Jomo Kenyatta Airport at night, there will probably not be any matatus to the city centre of Nairobi.
Editor’s Note
Although matatus follow the public bus routes and use the same numbering to indicate route and service, they often don´t follow schedules tightly. If you are short on time, search for an alternative transport method to Nairobi city centre.
Useful Tips
Welcome Pickups transfer
Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line
If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Nairobi. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.
Read more Book Welcome Pickups transferWelcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100
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20 minute gap between transfers
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Regular Car Sanitisation
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Contactless ride
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Sanitiser in every car
Frequently asked questions
How far is Nairobi Airport (NBO) from the city centre?
The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is 19km south of Nairobi.
How many terminals does Nairobi Airport have?
Nairobi Airport has two terminals.
Is there Uber in Nairobi?
Uber operates in Nairobi under the commercial name Uber Chap Chap.
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