Diani Beach is Kenya’s most developed resort destination: a 17km stretch of white coral sand and palm trees on the South Coast, approximately 35km south of Mombasa. Getting there from Mombasa is easy but involves the iconic Likoni Ferry crossing. From Nairobi, direct coaches and domestic flights both work well depending on budget and time.
For the rest of your planning, see our guides to where to stay in Diani Beach and things to do in Diani Beach.
From Mombasa via Likoni Ferry
This is the standard route for travellers already in Mombasa or arriving via Moi International Airport.
Step 1 - Get to the ferry terminal. From Mombasa city centre, take a tuk-tuk or Bolt/Uber to the Likoni Ferry Terminal on the south side of Mombasa island. Fare approximately KES 200–400. From Moi International Airport, taxis or Bolt to the ferry terminal cost approximately KES 1,200–1,800.
Step 2 - Cross by Likoni Ferry. The Likoni Ferry is free for pedestrians and runs continuously throughout the day (approximately every 15–20 minutes). The crossing takes about 10 minutes. Vehicles pay a small fee. The ferry is a proper public service - heavily used but reliable. At peak times (morning and evening rush) the queue can be long; for foot passengers it’s usually manageable.
Step 3 - Matatu south to Ukunda. On the South Coast side of the ferry, matatus depart regularly along the A14 coastal road south to Ukunda junction. Journey time approximately 45–60 minutes; fare approximately KES 150–200. Ukunda is the junction where the road to Diani Beach branches off the main highway.
Step 4 - Tuk-tuk to your hotel. From Ukunda, tuk-tuks cover the 2–4km to most beach hotels and resorts for approximately KES 100–300. Your hotel may offer a free or paid transfer - confirm in advance.
Total journey time from Mombasa city centre to Diani Beach: approximately 1.5–2 hours.
By Domestic Flight to Ukunda Diani Airport
Ukunda Diani Airport (IATA: DIB) is a small airstrip approximately 2km from the main beach hotel strip. Safarilink operates the Nairobi Wilson Airport to Ukunda route. Flight time is approximately 50 minutes. Fares from approximately USD 90–130 one way depending on booking timing.
Transfers from the airstrip to beach hotels are usually arranged through your accommodation - confirm pickup in advance as taxi availability is limited at the small airstrip. Tuk-tuks to the beach strip cost around KES 200–400.
This is the most efficient option for resort guests coming directly from Nairobi who want to skip Mombasa entirely.
By Long-Distance Coach from Nairobi
Simba Coach operates a direct Nairobi–Diani Beach service, as do some other coastal operators during high season. Modern Coast and Easy Coach run Nairobi–Mombasa services, from which you connect separately to Diani via the ferry and matatu.
Journey time Nairobi to Ukunda/Diani is approximately 9–10 hours total including the ferry crossing. Overnight coaches are popular - depart Nairobi around 9–10pm and arrive at the coast early morning.
Fares for Nairobi–Diani direct services are approximately KES 1,200–1,600 as of 2026.
From Malindi and the North Coast
Travellers coming south from Malindi or Watamu need to travel through Mombasa first - the direct road option is to go south on the B8 to Mombasa, then cross the Likoni Ferry. Journey time Malindi–Diani is approximately 3.5–4 hours by matatu with the Mombasa transfer.
An alternative for beach-hopping travellers is to fly Malindi–Nairobi and then take a Nairobi–Ukunda connection, though this is longer in total journey time.
Arriving at Diani
Most accommodation is concentrated along the Diani Beach Road, which runs parallel to the shore for several kilometres. Your guesthouse or resort location within Diani determines which end of the beach road you need to reach from Ukunda junction.
The small Diani Beach Shopping Centre and nearby supermarkets (Naivas and local shops) provide supplies. ATMs and currency exchange are available on Diani Beach Road.
For things to do in Diani, see our Diani Beach guide. For restaurants and eating options, see our Diani food guide.
Where to Stay in Diani Beach
Arriving after a long journey is easier with a bed already booked. Compare hotels in Diani Beach on Booking.com and check recent guest reviews before you travel.