Garissa sits 340km east of Nairobi, connected by the A3 highway that runs through Ukambani and the semi-arid northeast. It is the largest town in northeastern Kenya and the main gateway to the Tana River region. Getting there requires some planning - the road is long, conditions vary, and security advisories apply to parts of the journey. This guide covers every realistic option.
This guide is part of our Garissa travel guide; for the rest of your planning, see our guides to where to stay in Garissa and things to do in Garissa.
By Long-Distance Bus from Nairobi
The most common way to reach Garissa from Nairobi is by overnight coach. Several operators depart from the Machakos Country Bus Station (also called the Country Bus Stage) in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area, which is the main hub for routes into northeastern Kenya.
Modern Coast and Tahmeed Coach are the most consistently used services on this route. Both run overnight departures, typically leaving Nairobi between 8pm and 10pm and arriving in Garissa in the early morning. Fares are approximately KES 800–1,200 one way as of 2026. Book tickets the day before at the bus station - online booking for these routes is inconsistent.
Daytime matatu services also operate between Nairobi and Garissa, but the journey is broken into stages. Most passengers take a matatu from Nairobi to Mwingi (3–4 hours, around KES 400), then another from Mwingi to Garissa (3–4 hours, around KES 400). The Mwingi–Garissa stretch is the slower and more remote leg.
The A3 Highway: Route and Conditions
From Nairobi, the A3 heads southeast through Athi River and then east via Kangundo and Matuu before reaching Mwingi. This section is mostly decent tarmac.
East of Mwingi, the highway continues to Garissa through Kyuso and Bura. This stretch crosses semi-arid terrain and can have patchy road surfaces and speed bumps in market towns. During the rains (April–May and October–November), some sections may flood temporarily. The road was undergoing incremental rehabilitation as of 2026, with segments improved but not yet fully uniform.
Travel time by bus is typically 6–7 hours on overnight services that maintain reasonable speed; by matatu in stages it can stretch to 8–9 hours depending on wait times at transfer points.
By Air from Wilson Airport
Wilson Airport in Nairobi’s south operates Kenya’s domestic and light aircraft routes. Safarilink has operated seasonal or irregular scheduled flights to Garissa Airstrip on the western edge of town. Availability is variable - check the Safarilink website or call Wilson Airport directly to confirm current schedules, as services on thin routes are sometimes suspended and resumed.
Charter flights are the reliable fallback for groups. Several charter operators at Wilson (including Tropic Air and smaller independent outfits) can fly a 4–9 seat aircraft to Garissa. At approximately USD 800–1,400 for a charter aircraft (not per person), it becomes reasonable for groups of 4–6 who value the time saving.
Flight time: approximately 1 hour from Wilson Airport to Garissa Airstrip.
From Mombasa
Travelling to Garissa from Mombasa is a longer proposition. The direct route heads north from Mombasa on the B8 to Malindi, then northwest via Garsen and Hola along the lower Tana River to Garissa - approximately 510km. This route is remote, involves stretches of unpaved road, and is generally only done by people with specific reason to travel the Tana River corridor.
The alternative is to travel from Mombasa to Nairobi by bus or SGR train, then take the Nairobi–Garissa route. This adds mileage but is more straightforward logistics. SGR from Mombasa to Nairobi takes approximately 4.5 hours (Economy around KES 1,500), and from Nairobi you connect to the overnight Garissa bus. Full details in our Nairobi to Mombasa train guide.
From Kisumu and Western Kenya
There is no direct bus from Kisumu to Garissa. The practical approach is to travel to Nairobi first (buses from Kisumu take 6–7 hours to Nairobi) and then connect to the overnight Garissa service. Attempting the journey via rural cross-country routes is technically possible in a private 4WD but involves long distances on unpaved roads through the Tana River region.
Arriving in Garissa
Long-distance buses arrive at the Garissa bus stand near the town centre. From there, tuk-tuks (three-wheelers) and motorcycles (boda bodas) serve the main neighbourhoods. The town centre, market, and most accommodation options are within a few kilometres of the bus stand.
Garissa has a small selection of fuel stations, banks with ATMs, and mobile money (M-Pesa) agents. Stock up on cash in Nairobi if visiting smaller settlements east of Garissa, where ATM coverage is limited.
Security Advice
Parts of northeastern Kenya, including some areas in Garissa County, carry UK FCDO and US State Department advisories. The advisories vary by specific area - consult the relevant government travel guidance for your nationality at the time of planning. Check again immediately before travel, as situations can change. The Garissa town itself has improved significantly in terms of security infrastructure since 2015, but the broader northeast requires ongoing monitoring.
Where to Stay in Garissa
Arriving after a long journey is easier with a bed already booked. Compare hotels in Garissa on Booking.com and check recent guest reviews before you travel.