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Nairobi Taxis

Nairobi Taxi General Information and Tips

TRAINED DRIVERS

Hand picked & english speaking drivers

LOW PRICES

Same price as a regular Taxi from the line

FLIGHT MONITORING

Drivers are always on time

QUALITY SUPPORT

24/7 Email & Phone support

Taxis in Nairobi

Taxis in Nairobi are in ample supply, making them the best and most hassle-free choice when you’re out discovering the city. Nairobi’s public transport can be confusing, crowded, and time-consuming, but you won’t need to worry about any of that with a Nairobi taxi. You’ll find taxis parked at ranks or in busy pockets of the city, but you can also call a local provider, book via a Nairobi taxi app, or flag down a driver.

Although taxis range from sedan cars to minivans, most vehicles are standard in size. Most are yellow, but some are white or black with a yellow stripe, and all should have the driver’s details clearly displayed. You’ll likely notice that taxis in Nairobi aren’t fitted with meters, and you’ll need to agree on a fare with your driver before each ride. This includes when traveling by taxi from Nairobi Airport to the city center.

TRAINED DRIVERS

Hand picked & english speaking drivers

LOW PRICES

Same price as a regular Taxi from the line

FLIGHT MONITORING

Drivers are always on time

QUALITY SUPPORT

24/7 Email & Phone support

How much is a taxi in Nairobi?

Taxi prices Day time
(05:00 - 24:00)
Night time
(00:00 - 05:00)
Duration
FROM NBO TO CITY CENTER 22 € 22 € 30 MIN
FROM NBO TO WESTLANDS 24.30 € 24.30 € 35 MIN
FROM CITY CENTER TO WESTLANDS 5 € 5 € 10 MIN
FROM CITY CENTER TO NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK 14.40 € 14.40 € 20 MIN
FROM CITY CENTER TO GIRAFFE MANOR 23.20 € 23.20 € 30 MIN
Nairobi Taxi

Nairobi taxi prices

Because cabs aren’t metered, Nairobi taxi fares are quite changeable. Nairobi taxi drivers base their fares on the distance to your destination, expected travel time, and traffic conditions. Some may also charge more depending on the vehicle type or number of passengers.

Not all drivers use the following Nairobi taxi rates, but they can give you a rough idea of how much you should expect to pay.

Base fare: €2.20 (KES 300)

Price per km: €1.10 (KES 150)

Waiting time per hour: €2.70 (KES 360)

Before accepting a ride with any driver, you’ll need to negotiate a price. Even Nairobi Airport taxi prices can vary. On average, it’ll cost around €22 (KES 3,000) for the 30-minute trip from the airport to the center, but your driver may offer you a different price. Similarly, prices for taxis from Nairobi Airport to Giraffe Manor can be slightly more or less than €32 (KES 43.50) for the 35-minute journey.

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How to get a taxi in Nairobi

You’ll rarely face a long wait for a Nairobi taxi, as drivers are found all over the city. If you’re not having much luck hailing a driver from the street, all you have to do is walk to a taxi rank or busy area. Alternatively, you’ll have the option of arranging a ride over the phone with a local cab company or via a Nairobi taxi app.

Some of the easiest places to secure a taxi in Nairobi are at the airport or bus station, along with tourist hotspots like the Kenya National Archive, Yaya Center, or Westlands Market. Outside these areas, you’ll often notice taxis congregating at various corners and roadsides throughout the city.

How to get a taxi from Nairobi Airport

Nairobi taxis serve both terminals at Nairobi Airport 24/7. There are ranks outside the Arrivals Hall, but you can also arrange your cab inside with the staff at any of the taxi stands or kiosks. The vehicles here come in all shapes and sizes that can cater to small and large groups for short trips to the center or longer journeys, like from Nairobi Airport to Masai Mara.

How to get a taxi from Nairobi Bus Station

The area around the main bus station is among the busiest in the city, which means it’s also a hub for taxis. Standard-sized Nairobi taxis serve this area, and they’re found outside each of the station entrances throughout the daytime.

How to get a taxi from Kenya National Archives

Directly outside of the Kenya National Archives building, you’ll typically spot a line of taxis parked on the opposite side of the street during the day. Waiting times can be longer for minivans or seven-seaters, but sedan cars are usually easy to find.

How to get a taxi from the Yaya Center

Taxis are in abundance throughout the day outside the Yaya Center. If you don’t notice any drivers parked outside any of the entrances to the mall, you can typically flag down a driver. Vehicles here can range from sedan cars to minivans, though the latter can be in short supply.

How to get a taxi from the Westlands Market

This bustling marketplace has become a popular tourist spot, so Nairobi taxis of various styles and sizes are readily available here. If you’re struggling to find a cab here, walk towards the back of the market and continue to the entrance of the attached Westlands Mall.

Most popular Nairobi taxi apps

Various Nairobi taxi apps have become available in the city in recent years, including UberBolt, and inDrive. With most of these apps, you’ll be given a fixed price at the time of booking, and your driver will be meet you at your desired pickup spot. LittleApp and JimCab are also worth checking out, as they’re some of the most popular ride-sharing apps in Nairobi.

Using a taxi app is a great way to lock in set fares, but waiting times can be long. Nairobi is notorious for traffic jams, especially during rush hours, so this may not always be a suitable option.

If you’re short on time or have a flight to catch, booking a taxi or Nairobi Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups may be a better fit for you. We guarantee on-time pickups and offer competitive, fixed rates, along with a bunch of exciting extras.

Useful Nairobi taxi numbers

Those of you who don’t want to download an app onto your phone might prefer to call a reputable cab company over the phone. If you’d rather not make the call yourself, you can ask your hotel to make a pickup request for you. When traveling with kids or dealing with bad weather, this is often a more practical way to arrange a Nairobi taxi.

In most cases, the Nairobi taxi service you call will ask for your name, contact number, pickup point, and destination. Although convenient, you might find that ordering a cab over the phone is quite costly, as it usually comes with added charges.

Nonetheless, it’s always a good idea to have some Nairobi taxi numbers on hand. Some local providers include:

  • JimCab: +254 71 108 2153
  • Absolute Cabs: +254 72 140 0422
  • Kenatco Taxis Limited: +254 70 964 2000

Booking your Nairobi taxi in advance

When you arrive in a new city, especially one that’s as lively as Nairobi, the last thing you want to do is spend your time stressing over transport. That’s why we suggest booking your taxi in Nairobi in advance.

Well-regarded operators like Welcome Pickups are dedicated to providing reliable, seamless rides. If you arrange your taxi or Nairobi Airport transfer with us, you’ll travel in style with added peace of mind, knowing that your transport is taken care of.

Nairobi taxi tips

  1. If you're planning to take taxis frequently during your stay, it may be more cost-effective to hire a driver.
  2. Make sure you agree on a price before accepting a ride, as Nairobi taxi costs are sometimes unpredictable.
  3. Though tipping isn't expected, adding a small tip of 5-10% for longer journeys will always be appreciated.
  4. Ask your hotel about trustworthy Nairobi taxi services to avoid traveling with unlicensed drivers.
  5. Try to have some small notes on hand when you're paying your driver, as many won't have much change.
  6. Pre-booking your Nairobi taxis is recommended for larger groups, as minivans or seven-seaters are more difficult to find than sedans.

Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Nairobi

While some Nairobi taxis may be able to store foldable wheelchairs in the trunks, most cab companies have very few provisions for passengers with reduced mobility. Should you require a wheelchair-accessible vehicle during your stay, reach out to operators like Nairobi Airport Transfers, who can organize suitable, adapted vehicles for you. It’s also worth checking out UberASSIST. While they don’t offer vehicles with ramps, they can make getting around the city much more manageable.

Safety and complaints for taxis in Nairobi

Most taxi drivers in Nairobi are friendly and honest, but unfortunately, there’s no guarantee you won’t run into others who will try to overcharge you or drive carelessly. It’s also common to find unauthorized drivers offering rides. For this reason, it’s essential to check your driver’s details each time you start a trip. If they can’t present you with their credentials or behave inappropriately in any way, make a note of their registration and contact the local authorities at +254 (20) 355 6780 to file a report.

 

Frequently asked questions

How do I call a taxi in Nairobi?

You have plenty of options available when it comes to booking a taxi in Nairobi. Many people choose to call a Nairobi taxi number to secure a reliable driver, while others prefer to arrange a ride using a Nairobi taxi app. It’s also possible to find cabs parked at taxi ranks or in busy areas. Flagging down drivers on the street can be tricky in quieter parts of the city, but it’s another good option if you’re in the center.

How much does a taxi in Nairobi cost?

In Nairobi, taxi fares are dependent on distance and travel time. Furthermore, cabs aren’t metered, so you’ll need to negotiate a price with your driver before beginning a trip. Because of this, fares can vary significantly. For example, a taxi from Nairobi Airport to the city center will cost you around €22 (KES 3,000), but different drivers may offer higher or lower prices.

Are taxis expensive in Nairobi?

Nairobi taxi cabs are generally very affordable. That said, some drivers may try to overcharge you, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with average prices before your visit. For instance, a Nairobi Airport taxi usually comes to about €22 (KES 3,000).

Which taxi app works in Nairobi?

There are multiple Nairobi taxi apps that are popular in the city, such as Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Welcome Pickups. Some handy alternatives include LittleApp and JimCab.

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