Eldoret sits 310km northwest of Nairobi along one of Kenya’s best-maintained highway corridors. As the country’s fifth-largest city and the hub of the Rift Valley’s western highlands, it is well served by long-distance buses and has an international airport that handles both domestic and some regional traffic. Getting here is straightforward by Kenyan standards, with multiple options across every budget.
This guide is part of our Eldoret travel guide; for the rest of your planning, see our guides to where to stay in Eldoret and things to do in Eldoret.
By Long-Distance Bus from Nairobi
The A104 highway from Nairobi to Eldoret via Nakuru is the most-travelled route. Modern Coach, Easy Coach, and Guardian Coach all operate regular daily services. These are full-sized coaches with allocated seating - far more comfortable than shared matatus for long journeys.
Departures from Nairobi run from early morning until early afternoon. The main departure points are around the Machakos Bus Station area in Nairobi and some operators have newer termini near the Riverside Drive corridor. Easy Coach is particularly popular for its reliability and comfortable seating; tickets can sometimes be booked online or by phone.
Fares are approximately KES 700–1,100 one way as of 2026. Journey time is typically 4.5 to 5.5 hours. Buses stop briefly in Nakuru (around the halfway point) where passengers can buy food and stretch.
On Fridays and Sunday evenings, this route fills quickly - book ahead. During the week, walk-up tickets are usually available at the terminal.
By Matatu from Nairobi
Shared minibuses (matatus) cover the Nairobi–Eldoret route but the journey is usually done in stages rather than as a single direct service. The typical route is:
- Nairobi to Nakuru - approximately 2.5 hours, KES 350–500
- Nakuru to Eldoret - approximately 2 hours, KES 300–450
Nakuru’s matatu stage near the town centre handles connections to Eldoret throughout the day. This staged approach works well if you are already in Nakuru or want to stop there, but adds an hour or more compared to the direct coach.
Direct Nairobi–Eldoret matatus do exist but are less common and have a less predictable departure schedule. The coach services are strongly preferable for comfort and time.
By Air from Nairobi
Eldoret International Airport (IATA: ELD) is located about 15km south of the city centre on the Nakuru–Eldoret road. It is one of Kenya’s larger airports outside the capital, with a runway capable of handling widebody aircraft.
Domestic flights from Wilson Airport and sometimes Jomo Kenyatta International have been operated by Jambojet and SafariLink. Flight time is approximately 45–55 minutes. Fares vary considerably - from around USD 50 on budget carriers to USD 150+ on peak travel dates. Check current schedules directly with the airlines, as frequencies shift seasonally.
The airport is a meaningful option for travellers who want to avoid the road, particularly those arriving from international destinations who can connect through JKIA rather than making the overland journey.
From the airport to the city centre, taxis are available outside the terminal. The fare to town runs approximately KES 800–1,200. There are no public buses to the airport from the town centre - negotiate with a taxi or arrange a pick-up.
From Kisumu and Western Kenya
Eldoret and Kisumu are roughly 175km apart. Direct matatus connect the two cities throughout the day from Kisumu’s main bus and matatu stage. Journey time is approximately 2.5–3 hours depending on traffic and route. Fares run around KES 400–550.
This is a well-established route as Eldoret and Kisumu are the two major urban centres of western Kenya. Coach operators including Easy Coach also serve this corridor with more comfortable options.
From Uganda (Malaba/Busia Border Crossings)
Eldoret is the main Kenyan transit city for travellers arriving overland from Uganda. The two main crossing points are Malaba (on the A104, the main highway) and Busia (slightly south, on the A1). Both are approximately 165km west of Eldoret.
From Malaba or Busia, matatus run regularly to Eldoret throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 2.5–3 hours. Multiple operators cover this route and matatus depart frequently during daylight hours.
Long-distance coaches from Kampala to Nairobi all pass through Eldoret - operators including Modern Coast, Easy Coach, and Tahmeed Coach stop here. If you are coming from Kampala, you can disembark in Eldoret rather than continuing to Nairobi.
Arriving in Eldoret
Long-distance buses arrive at the Eldoret Bus and Matatu Stage near Uganda Road in the town centre. This is the main transport hub.
From the bus stage, tuk-tuks (bajajis) and boda bodas cover most of the town at fares of KES 50–200 depending on distance. Taxis serve the airport and longer transfers within the town. The main hotels, restaurants, and the central market are all within a few kilometres of the bus stage.
Eldoret has good infrastructure for a regional city: several banks with ATMs on Uganda Road, M-Pesa agents everywhere, fuel stations, and a main branch of most Kenyan supermarket chains. Stock up here if heading deeper into western Kenya or crossing into Uganda.
Where to Stay in Eldoret
Arriving after a long journey is easier with a bed already booked. Compare hotels in Eldoret on Booking.com and check recent guest reviews before you travel.