How to Get from Nairobi Airport to Nairobi City
All transport options from JKIA (NBO) — taxi, Uber, Bolt & bus (2026)
Quick Facts: All Transport Options
| Option | Cost (KES) | Cost (USD) | Journey Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Airport Express Bus | KES 100–200 | ~$0.75–1.50 | 40–70 min |
| 🚕 Airport Taxi (official) | KES 1,500–3,000 | ~$11–23 | 25–50 min |
| 🚗 Uber / Bolt | KES 700–1,500 | ~$5–11 | 25–50 min |
| 🏨 Hotel Shuttle | Varies / Free | Varies | 25–45 min |
| 🚌 Matatu (informal) | KES 50–100 | ~$0.40–0.75 | 45–90 min |
Uber & Bolt (Best Value for Visitors)
Uber and Bolt Uber and Bolt are widely used in Nairobi and are significantly cheaper than official airport taxis. They also have transparent pricing via the app — no fare negotiation required. Both apps work well at JKIA.
- Download the Uber or Bolt app before arrival and add a payment method.
- After collecting luggage, exit to the arrivals forecourt.
- Request your ride from the app — drivers typically arrive in 5–10 minutes.
- Share your trip with a contact for safety (Uber has a built-in share feature).
Typical Uber fare to Westlands/CBD: KES 700–1,200 (~$5–9). To Karen/Langata: KES 1,000–1,500 (~$7–11). Traffic on Mombasa Road during peak hours (07:00–09:00, 16:00–19:00) can significantly increase journey time.
Official Airport Taxis
Authorised taxi operators (Kenya Taxi Cab, Airport Taxis Kenya) have desks in the arrivals hall. Fares are negotiated upfront — always agree on price before entering the car. Typical rates are KES 2,000–3,000 to the CBD.
- Official taxi desk in arrivals: agree fare before departure (no meters)
- CBD / Westlands: KES 1,500–2,500 depending on negotiation
- Karen / Langata: KES 2,000–3,500
- Always use marked, authorised taxis — avoid unlicensed touts in arrivals
Consejo de Seguridad: JKIA is approximately 15 km from the CBD. Avoid travelling at night if possible, especially with valuables. Book a verified Uber/Bolt or pre-arrange hotel pickup for late-night arrivals.
Bus (Budget Option)
The Airport Express Bus and Kenya Bus route 34 serve JKIA, connecting to the city centre and several suburbs. Extremely cheap but slow — not practical with heavy luggage or at night.
- Airport Express: departures from bus bay outside arrivals, ~KES 100–200
- Drops at key points along Mombasa Road and the CBD
- Matatus (shared minibuses, route 34) also pass the airport — KES 50–100, very crowded
- Not recommended for late-night arrivals or travelers with luggage
FAQs
Is Uber safe at Nairobi Airport?
Yes — Uber and Bolt are the safest options for visitors. The app tracks your ride and driver, fares are fixed before you get in, and payment is cashless. Always confirm the driver's name and plate before entering the vehicle.
How much is a taxi from Nairobi Airport to the city?
Official taxis charge KES 1,500–3,000 (~$11–23) depending on destination and negotiation. Uber/Bolt cost KES 700–1,500 (~$5–11) for the same journey — a significantly better rate with transparent pricing.
How long does it take from JKIA to Nairobi city centre?
The airport is ~15 km from the CBD along Mombasa Road. Journey time: 25–35 min off-peak, up to 60–80 min during morning/evening rush hours. Plan extra time for peak-hour travel.
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