How do I get from Nairobi airport to the city?

Uber and Bolt are the easiest options — download the apps before arrival and have them ready. Prices to central Nairobi: approximately KES 1,500–2,500 (USD 10–18). The ride is 30–45 minutes in normal traffic; 60–90 minutes in rush hour. Official taxis at the terminal are available but negotiate the price before getting in — a legitimate meter or app price is safer. Pre-booked hotel transfers are the most hassle-free option for first arrivals.

How far is Wilson Airport from JKIA?

Wilson Airport is approximately 6km southwest of JKIA (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport). By Uber or taxi: approximately 20–30 minutes in normal traffic, KES 1,000–1,500. Allow 60–90 minutes between an JKIA landing and a Wilson departure when connecting the same day.

Kenya Airport Transfers: JKIA, Wilson, and Mombasa Airport Guide

This guide covers transfers from all of Kenya’s main airports — Nairobi JKIA, Nairobi Wilson, and Mombasa Moi — with current pricing and practical advice.

Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA/NBO)

JKIA is 18km southeast of Nairobi city centre. It is the main international gateway.

Transfer Options

Uber / Bolt (recommended)

Both apps work at JKIA. The pickup zone is a short walk from the arrivals hall (follow signs). Book on the app before exiting arrivals.

JKIA to Westlands: approximately KES 1,500–2,000 (25–40 min normal traffic)
JKIA to Karen: approximately KES 1,800–2,500 (40–60 min)
JKIA to Wilson Airport: approximately KES 1,000–1,500 (20–30 min)
JKIA to Nairobi city centre (CBD): approximately KES 1,200–1,800 (30–45 min)

Surge pricing applies during rush hours (7–9am, 5–8pm) — prices can double.

Official taxis (metered or negotiated)

Official taxis are available at the exit. They are more expensive than Uber but always available. Negotiate the price before getting in or confirm the meter is running. Approximate prices are similar to Uber’s base rate plus 30–50%.

Pre-booked hotel transfers

Most hotels in Karen, Westlands, and the city centre offer airport pickups. Typical cost: USD 25–50 depending on hotel tier. More expensive than Uber but you have someone holding a sign — easier for first arrivals, particularly late-night.

Bus (Nairobi Expressway): The Nairobi Expressway connects JKIA to the Westlands area with a paid toll. Taxis using the expressway are faster in peak hours — ask your driver to use it (toll approximately KES 200–400).

JKIA Practicalities

Baggage carts: Available in arrivals hall; luggage porters will approach — agree a tip before accepting help (KES 200–300 is adequate)
ATMs: Inside the terminal before immigration (secure), in the arrivals hall. Withdraw KES on arrival.
SIM cards: Safaricom counter in the arrivals hall — buy here before exiting
Currency exchange: Available in the arrivals hall, rates are slightly worse than city ATMs but acceptable
Security: Uber pickup zone is relatively well-organised. Ignore individuals who approach inside arrivals offering taxi services unsolicited.

Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL)

Wilson Airport handles all domestic flights (Safarilink, AirKenya) and charter flights to safari parks and coastal destinations.

Location: 6km southwest of JKIA. In normal traffic, 20–30 minutes from JKIA.

JKIA to Wilson Transfer

On the same day (connecting flight from international to domestic):

Allow minimum 90 minutes between your international arrival time and domestic departure
Uber/Bolt to Wilson: approximately KES 1,000–1,500, 20–30 minutes
Traffic risk: The road between JKIA and Wilson can be congested in morning (7–10am) and evening peak hours. If your international flight arrives between 7–9am, allow 2 hours.

Wilson Airport itself:

Small and simple — check-in is at a counter, security is quick
Arrive 45 minutes before domestic departure
Luggage: 15kg limit on most small aircraft routes; soft-sided bags only (no hard suitcases on light aircraft)
No significant facilities — a basic café, minimal seating

Wilson to City

Uber and Bolt operate from Wilson. Prices similar to JKIA minus the expressway toll.

Mombasa Moi International Airport (MBA)

Mombasa airport serves the coast. It is located on the south side of Mombasa island (the same side as the Likoni Ferry).

Transfer Options from Mombasa Airport

To Mombasa city centre: Taxi approximately KES 1,000–1,500, 15–25 minutes.

To Diani Beach (36km south): Two options:

Taxi direct: Approximately KES 3,000–5,000, 45–60 minutes depending on ferry wait and traffic. The driver will take the Likoni Ferry — usually included in the fare.
Ferry then matatu: Walk to Likoni Ferry (airport taxi to Likoni approximately KES 600–800, or your hotel can arrange). Take the free ferry across (10–15 minutes). Matatu from Likoni south to Ukunda (KES 100–150, 30 minutes), then boda-boda or taxi to your hotel. Total: approximately 1.5 hours and approximately KES 900–1,200.

To north coast beaches (Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu): Taxi across the Mombasa Bridge north, approximately KES 1,500–2,500, 20–35 minutes.

To Watamu (105km north): Taxi approximately KES 5,000–8,000, 1.5–2 hours. Or bus north to Malindi (from Mombasa bus terminal) plus matatu and boda-boda — total approximately KES 600, 2.5–3 hours.

Pre-booked transfers from Mombasa Airport: Most Diani resorts offer airport collection — typically KES 3,000–6,000 depending on resort tier. Worth it for a late arrival when negotiating individual taxis is less appealing.

Key Transfer Phone Numbers

Uber and Bolt: Nairobi and Mombasa both have active Uber and Bolt markets — use the apps.

Kenya Airways transfers: kenyaairways.com offers pre-booked transfers in Nairobi.

Lodge transfers: Book directly with your lodge at least 48 hours in advance for Nairobi collections.