Machakos is the capital of Machakos County, sitting 65km southeast of Nairobi in the Ukambani region. At that distance from the capital, it occupies an interesting in-between position - too close for the overnight bus treatment, but far enough to justify planning your transport. The journey from Nairobi is straightforward by matatu, and Machakos itself has good local transport for getting around after you arrive.
By Matatu from Nairobi
The standard way to get to Machakos is by shared matatu from Machakos Country Bus Station in Nairobi’s Eastleigh neighbourhood. Despite the name, this is a general eastern Kenya terminus - matatus for Machakos, Kitui, Garissa, and other southeastern destinations all stage here.
Look for matatus marked Machakos or Masii. They depart when full (typically 14 passengers), which means waiting no more than 10–15 minutes during most of the day. Fares are approximately KES 200–350 one way as of 2026.
Journey time is typically 1.5 to 2 hours. The route exits Nairobi via Mlolongo and the Mombasa Road, then branches southeast on the B7 through Athi River and into the Ukambani hills. The road is tarmac and in generally good condition.
Morning departures (before 8am) avoid the worst Nairobi traffic. Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings are the busiest times in both directions.
From Athi River and Mlolongo
If you are arriving from the Mombasa direction or from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you pass through Athi River before reaching the Machakos junction. Matatus from Athi River to Machakos cover the remaining 45km in approximately 45–60 minutes. This is a useful shortcut - you do not need to go all the way into Nairobi to pick up the Machakos matatu.
From JKIA, the airport is near Mlolongo on the Mombasa Road. Taxis and ride-hailing services (Uber, Bolt) can take you directly to Machakos in approximately 1 hour, at a fare of around KES 1,500–2,500 depending on time and traffic.
From Kitui and Eastern Kenya
Kitui is approximately 100km east of Machakos on the A9. Matatus cover this route in roughly 2 to 2.5 hours at fares around KES 300–500. Kitui is itself on the Nairobi–Kitui matatu corridor, making it an intermediate stop for travellers coming from further east in Ukambani.
By Private Vehicle or Taxi
Machakos is close enough to Nairobi that a private taxi or ride-share is a reasonable option, particularly for groups. A taxi from Nairobi city centre to Machakos costs approximately KES 2,000–3,500 depending on the service and time of day. Uber and Bolt are available from Nairobi and Athi River.
Driving yourself from Nairobi takes approximately 1.5 hours in light traffic. Exit the CBD on Mombasa Road (A109), continue past JKIA to the Athi River junction, then take the B7 northeast toward Machakos. The road is tarmac throughout.
Arriving in Machakos
Long-distance matatus arrive at the Machakos Bus Stage in the town centre. From here, boda bodas and tuk-tuks cover the town readily. The Machakos People’s Park, the main market, and town centre accommodation are all within 2–3km of the stage.
Machakos has banks (Equity, KCB, Cooperative) with ATMs, several supermarkets, fuel stations, and a good range of local restaurants along the main streets. It is a fully functional county capital rather than a transit town - everything you need for a comfortable stay is available here.
Day-trippers from Nairobi have an easy return: matatus run back to Nairobi throughout the afternoon, with the last reliable departures around 6–7pm. Avoid attempting the return journey after dark if you can.