Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)

Getting Around

How to get to and from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport — taxis, public transport, shuttles and car rental.

Transport Options at NBO

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is connected to Nairobi and the wider Kenya transport network by multiple ground transport options.

Rail & Metro

There is no rail link between NBO and the city — bus, taxi or rideshare are the only options for the roughly 12km trip.

Bus & Shuttle

Nairobi Matatu buses connect the airport to the Commercial/Imara area, picking up near the Tuskys stop, but aren't the easiest first-timer option given luggage and route complexity.

Taxi

Official taxis wait at all terminals for the 17-32 minute ride into the city; agree the fare before departing since not all cabs run a working meter.

Rideshare

Uber and Bolt both operate from designated pickup bays at all terminals — generally the fastest and most cost-effective option, and widely recommended over street taxis for both price and reliability.

Car Rental

Major agencies operate at the airport; useful for safari connections onward from Nairobi, though self-driving in the city itself is not necessary given good rideshare coverage.

Insider tip

Terminals 1A, 1E and Terminal 2 handle international arrivals while 1D is domestic — double-check which one you're departing from, since NBO's terminal layout is more spread out than it first appears.

Transport routes, fares and operators change frequently. Verify current options on the official Jomo Kenyatta International Airport website before travel.

Pre-Book Your Transfer

Skip the taxi queue. Book a private transfer from NBO to Nairobi in advance and have a driver waiting when you land.

Recommended · Airport Transfer
NBO → Nairobi Transfer

Private and shared airport transfers — fixed price, no meter surprises. Driver meets you in arrivals.

Book transfer →

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Car Rental at NBO

Exploring Kenya beyond Nairobi? Renting a car at the airport gives you maximum flexibility from the moment you land.

Recommended · Car Rental
Rent a Car at NBO

Compare rates from major and local car rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.

Compare cars →

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Ground Transport Tips for NBO

Only use official taxi ranks or pre-booked apps at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Avoid unofficial drivers approaching you in arrivals.
If a rail or metro connection exists, it is usually the fastest and most reliable option during rush hour.
Allow extra time for ground transport during peak hours. Nairobi city traffic can significantly extend journey times.
Download offline maps for Nairobi before landing — useful if your data connection is slow on arrival.
If travelling with heavy luggage, a private transfer or taxi is often more practical than public transport.
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