Getting Around Kenya: Transport Guide

Kenya’s transport network ranges from excellent (SGR express train, reliable domestic flights) to challenging (rough safari roads, unpredictable matatu timing). Understanding which mode suits which journey significantly reduces travel stress.

SGR Train — Nairobi to Mombasa

The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), opened 2017, is Kenya’s most significant transport infrastructure investment in decades. The Madaraka Express runs between Nairobi Terminus (near JKIA) and Mombasa Terminus (near the port).

Journey time: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes. Frequency: Multiple departures daily in each direction. Morning departures (8am from Nairobi) are the most popular. Fares as of 2026:

• Economy class: approximately KES 700–900
• First class: approximately KES 3,000

Booking: Online via the KRC website (metickets.krc.co.ke) or at Nairobi Terminus station. Book in advance for weekends and public holidays.

Facilities: First class has individual seats, power points, and a meal service. Economy is comfortable with assigned seating. An on-board café car sells food and drinks.

Station locations:

• Nairobi Terminus: approximately 15km from the CBD, near JKIA. Bolt/Uber from the CBD: approximately KES 1,200–2,000.
• Mombasa Terminus: approximately 5km from Mombasa city centre. Tuk-tuk to Old Town: approximately KES 300.

The SGR is significantly better than the bus for this route — faster, more comfortable, and more reliable.

Domestic Flights

Kenya has a well-developed domestic aviation sector. Three main operators cover the key routes:

Jambojet (subsidiary of Kenya Airways) flies from JKIA to Mombasa, Kisumu, Malindi, Lamu (Manda Airport), Eldoret, and several other regional airports. Fares on the Nairobi–Mombasa route from approximately KES 4,000–12,000 one way depending on booking timing.

Kenya Airways (national carrier) operates the main scheduled routes. More expensive than Jambojet but more reliable on-time performance.

Safarilink and AirKenya operate from Nairobi Wilson Airport (8km from the CBD — distinct from JKIA) to safari airstrips: Masai Mara (multiple strips), Amboseli, Samburu, Lewa, Laikipia, Lamu, Nanyuki, and others. These are the primary carriers for safari travel. Fares from approximately USD 100–350 one way depending on route.

Wilson Airport is smaller and less chaotic than JKIA. Domestic departures from Wilson involve light aircraft (Cessna Caravan, Britten-Norman Islander). Luggage must be in soft bags only, maximum 15kg.

Matatus (Shared Minibuses)

Matatus are Kenya’s ubiquitous shared transport — 14-seater minibuses (Toyota HiAce or similar) that run fixed routes between towns. In cities, they serve intra-urban routes. Intercity matatus run between towns on fixed corridors.

City matatus: KES 30–150 per journey. Routes are marked on the front windscreen and can be confusing to navigate without local knowledge. Ask at the bus stage for the right matatu.

Intercity matatu examples:

• Nairobi–Naivasha: approximately KES 300–400 (from Country Bus Station)
• Nairobi–Nakuru: approximately KES 400–600
• Mombasa–Malindi: approximately KES 400–500

Matatus depart when full (not on a fixed timetable outside of large cities). Early morning departures for major routes are more reliable.

Safety note: Matatu driving standards vary widely. Night matatu travel on intercity routes is not recommended.

Long-Distance Buses

Easy Coach is Kenya’s most reliable long-distance bus operator. Routes include Nairobi–Mombasa, Nairobi–Kisumu, Nairobi–Eldoret, and others. Fares from approximately KES 1,000–1,500 depending on route. Booking is available online.

Modern Coast operates the Nairobi–Mombasa route with similar pricing. The journey takes approximately 8–10 hours on the A109 highway.

Buses depart from dedicated stations (Easy Coach has its own terminal near the CBD). They’re significantly slower than the SGR train for the Nairobi–Mombasa route but cheaper and serve several intermediate towns.

Car Hire

International car hire companies (Avis, Hertz, Budget) operate from JKIA. Local companies (Bandari Car Hire, Quick Car Hire) are cheaper. A basic saloon car costs approximately KES 5,000–8,000/day. A 4WD (Toyota Land Cruiser or similar, necessary for safari roads) costs approximately KES 12,000–25,000/day.

Driving licence: International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign licences, in addition to the original licence.

Road quality notes:

• A2 (Nairobi–Thika–Nanyuki): Paved, generally good.
• A104 (Nairobi–Naivasha–Nakuru): Paved, good with sections of heavy traffic.
• B3 (Narok–Masai Mara): Paved to Narok, then murram/dirt for 70km to the Mara gates. Requires 4WD, especially in rain.
• C103 (Amboseli approach): Rough dirt road from the main highway. 4WD required.
• A109 (Nairobi–Mombasa highway): Paved, generally good, but long sections of single carriageway with overtaking traffic.
• B8 (Mombasa North Coast): Paved, good.

Night driving: Driving after dark anywhere in Kenya carries elevated risk — cattle and wildlife on roads, poor lighting, and some road hazard signage is missing. We strongly recommend against night driving outside of cities.

Uber and Bolt in Cities

Uber and Bolt both operate in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru. They are significantly safer and more predictable than negotiating with informal taxis.

Approximate city fares (as of 2026):

• Nairobi CBD to Westlands: KES 400–700
• Nairobi CBD to Karen: KES 700–1,200
• JKIA to Westlands: KES 2,000–3,500 (plus Expressway toll KES 200–400)
• Mombasa city centre to Bamburi (North Coast): KES 700–1,200
• Mombasa city centre to Diani (after ferry): KES 1,500–2,500

Bolt tends to run slightly cheaper than Uber in Nairobi. Both surge price on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Boda Boda (Motorcycle Taxis)

Boda bodas are motorcycle taxis widely used for short urban journeys. Very cheap (KES 50–300 per trip) but safety standards vary significantly by rider. Helmets are legally required but not always provided. In cities with good Uber/Bolt coverage (Nairobi), boda bodas are mainly useful for very short trips or reaching locations that vehicles can’t easily access.

In smaller towns and rural areas, boda bodas are essential transport — they’re often the only practical way to reach a park gate from the nearest town.

Ferries

Likoni Ferry connects Mombasa island to the South Coast mainland. Runs 24 hours. Free for pedestrians; approximately KES 60 for vehicles. Morning and evening rush hours (7–9am, 5–7pm) can involve long queuing times for vehicles.

For specific route budgeting, see our Kenya travel budget guide. For getting from the airport to the city, see our Nairobi airport guide.