Jomo Kenyatta International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (NBO)

How to get to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Nairobi city center is about 18 km from the airport: transfer takes approximately 20-30 minutes by taxi, longer during heavy traffic.

By Car

Travelers arriving by car reach central Nairobi in approximately 20-30 minutes, though traffic during peak hours can significantly extend journey times.

By Train

There is no direct railway line to the airport.

By Bus

Some public bus lines connect the airport to the city center, although most visitors use taxi.

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Tips Nairobi traffic can be very heavy during peak hours: if you have a connection or transfer to another flight (for example for a safari from Wilson Airport), allow plenty of time.

Average travel time to NBO

TrainNot available

Shuttle busLimited service

Taxi / Private hire20-30 minutes (KES 2,700-3,400)

Parking near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Adjacent to the terminal is a multi-level parking structure.

Rates are in line with standards for a major regional hub.

How to get to Nairobi from NBO

By Train

The train does not arrive directly at the airport.

By Bus

Several bus routes connect the airport to downtown.

By Taxi

Taxis at official desks outside the terminals charge approximately 2,700-3,400 KES (20-25 EUR) to the city center; rates are not always metered, agree on the price before boarding. Apps like Uber and Bolt are often more economical and transparent alternatives.

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 Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

International major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, particularly useful for those organizing a safari independently.

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

Hotels near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

JKIA sits on Mombasa Road, about 15-17 km south-east of central Nairobi: the elevated Nairobi Expressway has cut the journey to Upper Hill, the closest district, to about 15 minutes in normal conditions. Travellers with a dawn flight or a simple stopover find convenient options right on Mombasa Road, a few minutes from the terminals; those staying longer and after restaurants and nightlife instead look to Westlands, 20 km away and 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Wilson Airport, from which safari charter flights depart, is a different case: it's closer to the centre and to Hurlingham than to JKIA, and is covered on the page dedicated to that airport.

Airport area

Mombasa Road, right by JKIA

Both properties are on Mombasa Road a few minutes from the terminals, with their own shuttle; traffic on Mombasa Road remains the only real wildcard even on such short journeys.

Best for: Stopovers and flights in the very early hours, when only the minutes to reach check-in count.

Pros

A few minutes from check-in, with its own shuttle to the terminals
The Argyle Grand adds a pool, spa and two restaurants for those who have hours to kill before or after a long flight

Cons

Surrounded only by interchanges, warehouses and the traffic of the Mombasa Road industrial area
An evening in the city still needs 15-20 minutes by car towards Upper Hill

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Neighbourhood

Upper Hill

About 15-17 km from the airport, 15 minutes in normal traffic conditions via the Nairobi Expressway.

Best for: Business trips and travellers who want the financial district closest to JKIA of all.

Pros

The Nairobi district closest to JKIA among those with international-standard hotels
A few minutes from the Kenyatta International Conference Centre and the ministries

Cons

An office and skyscraper district, little evening life outside the hotels
At rush hour, traffic on Mombasa Road can lengthen the journey

Recommended hotels

Pullman Nairobi Upper Hill Opened in 2024, East Africa's first Pullman: 162 rooms across 5 floors in the financial district, outdoor pool, spa and gym; about 15 minutes from JKIA via the Expressway. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Neighbourhood

Westlands

About 20 km from JKIA, 30-45 minutes by car in normal conditions, even over an hour at rush hour.

Best for: Travellers staying longer who want restaurants, nightlife and shopping malls just steps from their hotel.

Pros

The district with the highest concentration of restaurants and nightlife venues in Nairobi
Just 3 km from the city centre, also handy for the rest of Nairobi

Cons

The farthest from JKIA among the areas in this guide: fine for a stay, not for a stopover
Unpredictable traffic entering and leaving Westlands at rush hour

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

Jomo Kenyatta is East Africa's primary air hub and a gateway to safaris in Kenya's renowned national parks, including the Masai Mara.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area features Kenyan coffee, tea, local crafts, and international brands.

Lounges & relaxation

Several lounges cater to business-class passengers and members of airline alliances.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the terminal.

Families & Children

Basic family assistance services are available in the terminal's common areas.

Terminal guide

The airport has multiple terminals, with long-haul international flights, regional flights, and charter flights to safari parks.

It is advisable to arrive at the airport with 3 hours in advance for international flights.

Map of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is Jomo Kenyatta a good starting point for a safari?

Yes, it is Kenya's main hub: from here you can arrange scheduled or charter flights to the national parks, or transfer to the nearby Wilson airport for small planes heading to safari lodges.

Q. How much does a taxi from Jomo Kenyatta to downtown Nairobi cost?

Roughly 2,700-3,400 KES (20-25 EUR) at the official counters; the Uber and Bolt apps are often a cheaper and more transparent alternative.

Q. Can Nairobi traffic make you miss connections?

Yes, traffic during rush hour can be very heavy: if you need to transfer to another airport (e.g. Wilson) or another flight, allow a generous time margin.

Q. Is the eTA needed even just for a stopover in Nairobi?

Transit rules should be checked case by case: in general, the Kenyan eTA is required to enter the country; check the updated requirements based on your specific itinerary.