Nairobi Airport Transfers: Getting from the Airport to the City

Airports serving Nairobi

• Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) — 18 km from the centre

  Uber/Bolt to Karen KES2,500 (45–75 min); Westlands KES2,000; hotel transfer US$40–60. Do NOT use unlicensed touts inside terminals.

• Wilson Airport (domestic safari) (WIL) — 6 km from the centre

  Safarilink + AirKenya + Governor's flights to Mara + Amboseli + Nanyuki + Diani US$150–350 one-way.

Arriving by train

SGR Madaraka Express from Mombasa to Nairobi (Syokimau station) 4h30 KES1,500 first class — scenic Tsavo route with wildlife sightings.

Entry and arrival formalities

Immigration + biometrics 30–60 min. Yellow-fever proof at desk if applicable.

All visitors require the electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) at etakenya.go.ke — US$32.50, applied 3+ days ahead. Replaced old eVisa system in January 2024. Valid 90 days single-entry. East African Community citizens exempt. Yellow-fever certificate required if arriving from endemic country.

Getting into the city

Uber + Bolt + Little Cab all reliable in Nairobi (KES500–1,500 per ride). Traffic notorious — allow 2× time 7–9am + 5–8pm. Matatus (minibuses) local + cheap KES50–100 but crowded — use only with local. Domestic safari flights (Safarilink, AirKenya, Jambo Jet) from Wilson Airport hop to Mara + Amboseli + Nanyuki + Diani in 45–75 min.

• Uber / Bolt / Little Cab

  All reliable — KES500–2,500 per ride; safer than street taxis.

• Matatu (minibus)

  KES50–100 local + cheap but crowded — use only with local guide.

• Domestic safari flights (Wilson)

  Safarilink + AirKenya + Jambo Jet to Mara + Amboseli + Diani 45–75 min.

• SGR train

  Nairobi ↔ Mombasa 4h30 KES1,500 first class — safe + scenic alternative to flying.