You land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) after a long flight, and the first real decision of your Kenyan trip is waiting right outside the arrivals hall: how do you actually get into Nairobi? The airport sits about 18 km southeast of the city center, and depending on what you choose — and when you land — the trip can take 25 minutes or well over an hour.
Your Main Options at a Glance
There are four realistic ways to cover the distance: the official airport taxis, ride-hailing apps (Uber and Bolt), a pre-booked private transfer, or your hotel’s shuttle. Public bus route 34 technically exists, but with luggage after an international flight, almost nobody recommends it.
- Airport taxi: roughly KES 2,000–3,500 (about $15–27) to the CBD or Westlands. Agree on the fare before you get in.
- Uber / Bolt: usually the cheapest at around KES 1,000–2,000, but pickup can be confusing at designated zones.
- Pre-booked private transfer: typically $20–35, with a driver holding a sign at arrivals — the stress-free option, especially at night.
- Hotel shuttle: varies; some upscale hotels include it, so ask before booking anything else.
The Nairobi Expressway Changed Everything
The elevated Nairobi Expressway now runs from the airport area toward the city and Westlands, and it turned one of Africa’s most notorious traffic bottlenecks into a fairly predictable ride. Off-peak, you can reach the CBD in 20–30 minutes. During rush hour (roughly 7–9 am and 4:30–7:30 pm), surface roads like Mombasa Road still crawl — make sure your driver takes the expressway; the toll is small and worth every shilling.
Using Uber or Bolt at NBO
Both apps work at the airport, and prices are noticeably lower than the taxi rank. Two caveats: you’ll need mobile data the moment you land (grab an eSIM before your trip so you’re online at arrivals — here’s a data SIM option that works in Kenya), and drivers pick up from specific parking zones, so expect a short walk and a phone call with your driver. At 2 am after a delayed flight, that little dance is less fun than it sounds.
When a Pre-Booked Transfer Makes Sense
If you’re landing late at night, traveling with family, or simply don’t want to negotiate anything after 20 hours of travel, book a transfer in advance. You get a fixed price, a driver tracking your flight, and a name sign at arrivals. You can compare private transfer prices from NBO here — for a group of three or four, the per-person cost often beats two Uber rides.
Practical Tips for Arrival
- Withdraw some Kenyan shillings at the airport ATM, but pay drivers by card or app when possible.
- Nairobi traffic is directional: heading into town in the morning is slow, leaving town is fast — plan your departure day in reverse.
- For the return trip to the airport, leave a buffer of at least 2 hours in the afternoon.
- Staying longer in East Africa? If you plan to explore on two wheels, see our guide to cheap motorbike hire in Nairobi.
What It Looks Like in Practice
FAQ
Is Uber safe from Nairobi airport? Yes, it’s widely used by locals and visitors alike. Standard precautions apply: check the plate number and share your trip status.
How much is a taxi from NBO to Westlands? Expect KES 2,500–3,500 from the taxi rank, or less via app. A pre-booked transfer with meet-and-greet lands around $25–35.
Do I need to tip the driver? Not mandatory, but rounding up or adding KES 100–200 is appreciated.
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