Thika is an industrial and market town 45km northeast of Nairobi, linked to the capital by the A2 Thika Superhighway - one of Kenya’s best urban motorways. The journey from Nairobi is quick and frequent, making Thika one of the easiest day trips or transit stops in the country. The town is also the southern gateway to the pineapple-growing highlands of Murang’a and the road north to Nyeri and Mount Kenya.
This guide is part of our Thika travel guide; for the rest of your planning, see our guides to where to stay in Thika and things to do in Thika.
By Matatu from Nairobi
Matatus to Thika are among the most frequent short-distance services in Kenya. They depart from the Tom Mboya Street area and Eastleigh in Nairobi’s city centre throughout the day, from early morning until evening.
Journey time is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour under normal conditions on the A2 Thika Superhighway. The road is a proper six-lane motorway with a central reservation - fast and reliable by Kenya standards. Traffic delays are mainly on the Nairobi end during morning and evening rush hours (7–9am and 5–7pm), and on Friday evenings.
Fares run approximately KES 100–150 one way as of 2026. Express matatus that use the superhighway rather than local back roads are the fastest option.
By Bus or Coach
For travellers coming from further afield and passing through Nairobi, coaches heading north to Nyeri, Nanyuki, and Meru all pass through Thika and may drop passengers at the Thika junction. Easy Coach and Modern Coast serve this corridor. Fares from Nairobi to Thika by coach are rarely sold as standalone tickets (the route is too short and coaches don’t always stop) - the matatu is the practical option.
From Murang’a (40km north), matatus run south to Thika throughout the day. Journey time approximately 1 hour, fare approximately KES 150–200.
By Uber or Bolt
Nairobi’s Uber and Bolt apps extend to Thika. A ride from Nairobi CBD to Thika costs approximately KES 800–1,500 depending on traffic and surge pricing - significantly more than a matatu but useful for late arrivals, luggage-heavy travellers, or groups of three or four splitting the cost.
Bolt is often cheaper than Uber on this route. Ride-hailing is practical for direct door-to-door transfers to specific hotels or sites (such as the Thika Falls at Ol Donyo Sabuk).
From Central Kenya
Thika is a natural junction for travellers coming down from the central highlands:
From Nyeri: approximately 2.5 hours by matatu via Karatina and Murang’a (approximately 150km on the B5). Matatus run throughout the day.
From Murang’a: approximately 1 hour, matatus run frequently on the A2 south to Thika.
From Nanyuki: approximately 3–4 hours via Nyeri and Karatina, multiple matatu changes.
Arriving in Thika
The main Thika Matatu Stage is in the town centre, close to the Blue Post Hotel roundabout and the central market. From here, boda bodas and tuk-tuks cover local destinations - Chania Falls (within the Blue Post Hotel grounds) is a 5-minute ride, while the road north to Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park is approximately 20km (hire a boda boda or private car, KES 500–1,000).
Thika has good facilities for a transit stop: Naivas and Quickmart supermarkets, multiple ATMs (KCB, Equity, Cooperative), and fuel stations. It’s a sensible place to stock up before heading further north into the Mount Kenya foothills.
For day trips from Thika to Ol Donyo Sabuk and the Fourteen Falls, see our Thika day trips guide. For eating options in town, see our Thika food guide.
Where to Stay in Thika
Arriving after a long journey is easier with a bed already booked. Compare hotels in Thika on Booking.com and check recent guest reviews before you travel.