Malindi Airport serves the historic coastal city of Kenya, with a strong Italian community presence and rich heritage tied to Portuguese navigators, approximately 4 km from the city center.
It is the most convenient access point to the beaches of Malindi and Watamu and to the Marine National Park.
How to get to Malindi Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to MYD
Parking near Malindi Airport
In front of the terminal is a small parking lot.
Rates are generally moderate.
How to get to Malindi from MYD
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Malindi Airport
Some local car rental companies are present at the airport, useful for reaching Watamu and the Marine Park.
Bring a driver's license, passport, and credit card; remember that in Kenya driving is on the left.
Hotels near Malindi Airport
Malindi town and Casuarina Road
Casuarina Road is 10-15 minutes from the airport; the Billionaire Resort & Retreat, further south towards the marine park, is about 7 km and 15 minutes away.
Best for: Travellers who want Malindi's beach just a few minutes from the airport, with a range spanning from the colonial villa to the 5-star resort.
- Malindi's beaches and restaurants just minutes from the terminal, without the extra 20-35 minutes for Watamu
- A wide price range, from the 20-room colonial villa to the 5-star resort
- In high season, rates at the top resorts climb quickly
- Outside the resorts, evening life is concentrated only on Casuarina Road
Recommended hotels
- African House Resort Colonial-style villa on Casuarina Road, 300 metres from Malindi beach; terraces with wooden ceilings over tropical gardens and a restaurant serving Italian and Swahili cuisine. View availability
- Billionaire Resort & Retreat 24 luxury condominiums and 16 villas with private pool on Marine Park Road, on the edge of Malindi Marine National Park; private beach, spa and tennis court, about 7 km from the airport. Voted Africa's best boutique resort at the 2024 World Travel Awards. View availability
- APART NO 210, Lawford's beach resort Residence with makuti roofs right on the beach, in the Lawford's complex: two pools, a table-tennis table and its own kitchen for a long, self-catering stay. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is small, with seasonal traffic primarily linked to European charter flights.
To be safe, it's best to arrive 2 hours early for flights.
Map of Malindi Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Why does Malindi have a strong Italian presence?
The town has been a tourism and residential destination for a substantial Italian community for several decades, with restaurants, shops and services that often speak Italian.
Q. What is there to do in Watamu?
Watamu National Marine Park, about 30 minutes from Malindi, offers some of the best snorkelling and diving opportunities on the Kenyan coast.
Q. Is there a malaria risk in Malindi?
Yes, Kenya's coastal strip, including Malindi, is considered a malaria-risk area, unlike the high-altitude inland regions: talk to a travel doctor to assess suitable prophylaxis before departure.
Q. Does Malindi airport have direct international flights?
Traffic is mostly seasonal and charter-based, geared towards European tourists heading to the coastal resorts.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights