Mombasa Moi International Airport
Airport guide 2026

Mombasa Moi International Airport MBA

Kenya

Moi International Airport serves Mombasa, Kenya's main coastal city on the Indian Ocean, approximately 9 km from the city center.

It is the main access point to Kenya's coastal beaches, including Diani Beach and Watamu.

Content verified on 04/09/2026

How to get to Mombasa Moi International Airport

Mombasa city center is about 9 km from the airport: transfer takes approximately 15-20 minutes by taxi.

By Car

Travelers arriving by car reach central Mombasa in approximately 15-20 minutes.

By Train

There is no direct railway connection for the airport; Mombasa railway station is connected to Nairobi via the SGR line.

By Bus

Some urban bus lines connect the airport to the city centre.
💡
Tips Taxis in Mombasa are generally not metered: always agree on the price with the driver before getting in to avoid surprises.

Average travel time to MBA

TrainNot available
Shuttle busLimited service
Taxi / Private hire15-20 minutes (KES 2,500-3,500)

Parking near Mombasa Moi International Airport

Opposite the terminal is the airport-recognized parking lot.

Parking prices are average for the area.

How to get to Mombasa from MBA

By Train

No direct train service is available to the airport.

By Bus

Some urban buses connect the airport to the center.

By Taxi

Taxis charge approximately 2,500-3,500 KES (about 18 EUR) to the city center; always agree on the price before departing, as fares are not always metered.

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

Car rental at Mombasa Moi International Airport

Major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, useful for reaching the beaches along the coast.

Bring a driver's license, passport, and credit card; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually also required; remember that in Kenya driving is on the left.

 

Hotels near Mombasa Moi International Airport

Moi International airport is in the south of Mombasa Island, 10-12 km from the historic centre of Old Town: a taxi ride takes 15-30 minutes depending on traffic. Most properties close to the airport are furnished apartments rather than big chains, clustered between the CBD and the Ganjoni district; travellers after a beach and family resorts instead look to Nyali, north of the channel, 16-18 km and 20-35 minutes by car over the Nyali bridge.
City centre

CBD and Old Town

About 10-12 km from the airport, 15-30 minutes by taxi depending on traffic; Old Town is reachable on foot from the CBD.

Best for: Travellers passing through for work or who want the Swahili-Portuguese historic centre within walking distance.

Pros
  • The part of Mombasa closest to the airport among the areas in this guide
  • Old Town, Fort Jesus and the markets are within walking distance of the CBD
Cons
  • Busy streets not well suited to evening strolls outside Old Town
  • No beach: for the sea you still need to travel to Nyali
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Nyali

About 16-18 km from the airport, 20-35 minutes by car depending on traffic over the Nyali bridge; Nyali beach is a few minutes from the district's apartments.

Best for: Travellers who want a beach, City Mall and family resorts north of the Mombasa channel.

Pros
  • City Mall a few minutes' walk from the district's apartments
  • Nyali beach and its resorts just a few minutes by car
Cons
  • The longest stretch from the airport among the areas in this guide, especially at rush hour
  • A car or taxi is needed for almost every trip, including the bridge to Mombasa Island
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport is the primary air gateway to Kenya's coast, with charter and scheduled flights directly to Indian Ocean beaches.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers Kenyan coffee, tea, coastal crafts, and international products.

Lounges & relaxation

Some business-class lounges are available at the airport.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Public waiting areas provide free Wi-Fi.

Families & Children

Some essential provisions are available for families in transit in the waiting areas.

Terminal guide

The terminal is appropriately sized for heavy charter and scheduled tourist traffic headed to the coast.

The recommended safety margin for international flights is 2.5–3 hours.

Map of Mombasa Moi International Airport

Map of Mombasa Moi International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. How far is Diani Beach from Mombasa airport?

About an hour's drive, including the journey and the ferry crossing of the Likoni Channel: it is one of the most famous beaches on the Kenyan coast.

Q. Do taxis in Mombasa use meters?

Generally not: it is good practice to agree on the price with the driver before getting in, as recommended throughout Kenya.

Q. How much does a taxi from the airport to downtown Mombasa cost?

Roughly 2,500-3,500 KES (about 18 EUR), to be agreed before departure.

Q. Is Mombasa connected to Nairobi by train?

Yes, via the SGR (Standard Gauge Railway) line, although the station is not directly connected to the airport.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Things to do in Mombasa

Related articles