Nairobi Kenya
Information Centre

Getting Around Nairobi City

Nairobi is a large, fast-growing city. Its neighbourhoods spread across a wide area, and the time needed to travel between them can change considerably depending on the hour, route, weather and road conditions. A journey that looks short on a map may take much longer during busy periods.

The good news is that Nairobi is manageable once you understand how it moves. Visitors can choose from ride-hailing services, taxis, private transfers, matatus, buses, commuter trains and walking in selected areas. The best option depends on your destination, luggage, budget, time of day and familiarity with the city.

Understanding Nairobi's Layout

Nairobi's central business district (CBD) is the main commercial and administrative centre. Around it are established residential, business and entertainment districts, each with its own character and road connections.

Other important areas include South C, South B, Lang'ata, Embakasi, Kasarani, Thika Road, Ruaka and the wider eastern and northern suburbs. When booking accommodation or transport, check the exact location rather than relying only on the neighbourhood name.

Nairobi's Airports: Arriving and Departing

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) – NBO

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is Nairobi's main international gateway. It is located south-east of the city centre, off Mombasa Road, and handles most international arrivals as well as a number of domestic services.

• Allow plenty of time for the road journey between JKIA and your hotel, especially during weekday morning and evening peaks.
• Common transfer choices include a pre-arranged hotel or private transfer, an official airport taxi, or a ride-hailing service.
• Public buses and matatus operate along the Mombasa Road corridor, but can be less convenient with large luggage or after a long flight.
• Confirm your airline's terminal and check-in instructions before travelling; terminal and operational arrangements can change.

Wilson Airport – WIL

Wilson Airport is a separate airport closer to the central and southern parts of Nairobi. It is widely used for domestic and regional light-aircraft services, including many scheduled safari flights to destinations such as the Maasai Mara, Amboseli and other parks and reserves.

• Check the airport code on your ticket: NBO is JKIA, while WIL is Wilson Airport.
• JKIA and Wilson are not connected by a secure airside transfer. Passengers changing airports must collect their luggage and travel by road.
• Allow several hours for a transfer between the two airports, with additional time during busy traffic periods.
• Safari aircraft may have strict baggage weight and soft-bag requirements. Confirm these directly with your airline or safari operator.

Best Ways to Get Around Nairobi

Walking Around Nairobi

Walking is practical in selected parts of Nairobi, particularly for short journeys within busy commercial and residential districts. The CBD can be explored on foot during the day, and guided walks are a good way to understand its landmarks, history, markets and street life.

Where walking can work well

• Nairobi CBD during daylight, using active streets and established pedestrian routes.
• Selected parts of Westlands, Parklands and Kilimani for short local journeys.
• Within managed parks, shopping centres, campuses and other designated pedestrian spaces.
• On guided visits to attractions where walking is part of the experience.

Where extra care is needed

• Long distances between separate neighbourhoods.
• Major highways, slip roads and busy junctions without suitable pedestrian crossings.
• Quiet or unfamiliar streets after dark.
• Areas with broken pavements, construction works or limited pedestrian space.

Nairobi is not uniformly pedestrian-friendly. Use marked crossings where available, remain alert around traffic and ask locally about the safest route. For a structured introduction to the city centre, consider a private Nairobi City Walking Tour.

Driving in Nairobi

Driving gives flexibility, especially for longer stays and trips beyond the city, but visitors may find Nairobi traffic, parking and road behaviour challenging. If you are unfamiliar with the road network or only staying for a short visit, using a driver or ride-hailing service may be more convenient than hiring a car.

Should you rent a car?

• Short city break: usually easier to use ride-hailing or a pre-arranged driver.
• Business visit: a chauffeur-driven vehicle can simplify meetings across several locations.
• Longer stay or self-drive itinerary: car hire may be suitable if you are comfortable driving locally and understand the rental insurance and deposit terms.
• Safari or out-of-town travel: choose a vehicle appropriate for the route and destination; some parks and rural roads require a suitable 4x4.

In Kenya, vehicles drive on the left. Carry your valid driving documents, follow posted speed limits, wear seat belts and avoid using a phone while driving. Do not assume that a route shown by a navigation app will be free of closures, diversions or congestion.

Nairobi Expressway & Major Roads

Nairobi Expressway

The Nairobi Expressway is a tolled elevated road running between the Mlolongo area and Westlands, broadly following the Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway and Waiyaki Way corridor. It can reduce journey times on suitable trips, particularly between the airport corridor and parts of the city, but it does not eliminate congestion on connecting surface roads.

• The Expressway is tolled; charges depend on vehicle class and the entry and exit points.
• Payment options and current tariffs are published by the operator and may change. Check the official website or posted toll information rather than relying on old fare figures.
• Not every destination is served directly by an exit, so a surface-road journey may still be needed at either end.
• Pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles are not permitted on the Expressway.

Other major roads to recognise

How Nairobi Traffic Works

Traffic is one of the most important factors when planning movement around Nairobi. Congestion changes by direction, weather, incidents, roadworks, school schedules and public events. The same journey can take very different amounts of time on different days.

Planning Your Days Around Transport

• Group visits to attractions in the same part of Nairobi on the same day.
• Start early for popular attractions and airport transfers.
• Avoid back-to-back appointments in distant neighbourhoods.
• Build a time buffer into journeys, especially when connecting to flights or tours.
• Confirm the exact pickup point with your driver, hotel or tour operator.
• Check traffic conditions before setting off and review the route if there are diversions.
• For a safari departure, confirm whether the flight leaves from JKIA or Wilson Airport.

Example: planning an airport-to-safari connection

If you arrive at JKIA and have a separate safari flight departing from Wilson Airport, allow time to clear immigration, collect checked baggage, meet your driver, cross Nairobi by road and check in at Wilson. A short connection is risky, particularly during commuter peaks. Follow the safari airline's check-in deadline and confirm luggage restrictions in advance.

Safety Tips When Using Transport in Nairobi

General city transport advice

• Use a reputable ride-hailing app, recognised taxi operator or pre-arranged transfer when unsure.
• Before entering a ride-hailing vehicle, match the registration, vehicle and driver details shown in the app.
• Keep your phone, wallet and other valuables secure, especially in crowded stages and at traffic lights.
• Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive equipment unnecessarily.
• Use well-lit, active routes and avoid walking alone through unfamiliar areas late at night.
• Keep bags closed and within your control in public transport and busy public places.
• When using a matatu, confirm the route and destination before boarding.
• For boda boda trips, use a helmet and do not travel if the ride feels unsafe.
• At the airport, use the official taxi arrangements, your confirmed app booking or a transfer arranged in advance. Be cautious of unsolicited offers.

Accessibility & Travelling with Children

Accessibility varies across Nairobi. Some pavements are uneven or obstructed, pedestrian crossings are not always convenient, and public transport may be crowded. Travellers using wheelchairs or mobility aids should confirm vehicle access, step-free routes and assistance arrangements before booking.

• For airport transfers, request a suitable vehicle and child seat in advance; confirm availability with the provider.
• Allow extra time when travelling with children, older guests or passengers who need mobility assistance.
• For a group with luggage, choose a vehicle with enough passenger and luggage capacity.
• Check whether attractions have accessible entrances, toilets and paths before visiting.
• Do not assume every ride-hailing vehicle has child seats or wheelchair access.

Useful Travel Habits & Local Tips

• Keep mobile data available so you can check maps, contact drivers and receive booking updates.
• Save your accommodation address and important pickup locations on your phone.
• Carry some Kenyan shillings for small purchases and situations where digital payment is not available; avoid carrying more cash than needed.
• M-Pesa is widely used in Kenya, but visitors should check whether their SIM or payment setup supports it. Do not assume every service accepts international cards.
• Ask for the fare before using a taxi, tuk-tuk or boda boda where the price is not shown in an app.
• Dress comfortably for the weather and carry a light layer or rain protection when appropriate.
• Keep a little flexibility in your itinerary. Nairobi is a working city and road conditions can change quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Around Nairobi

What is the best way to get around Nairobi as a visitor?

For most first-time visitors, ride-hailing or a pre-arranged private transfer is the easiest option. Matatus, buses and commuter rail can be useful if you know the route and are comfortable using public transport.

Is Uber or Bolt available in Nairobi?

Yes. Both services operate in Nairobi. Availability, prices and pickup arrangements vary, so request rides through the app and verify the driver and vehicle details before boarding.

Are matatus safe for tourists?

Many residents use matatus every day. Visitors unfamiliar with the routes should ask a trusted local for guidance, confirm the destination before boarding and take normal precautions with personal belongings.

Is Nairobi a walkable city?

Some areas, including parts of the CBD during the day, can be explored on foot. However, Nairobi is spread out and pedestrian infrastructure varies. Walking is best for short, planned journeys or guided experiences.

How long does it take to get from JKIA to Nairobi CBD?

Journey times depend on traffic, route, weather and the exact destination. The Expressway may shorten some trips but is tolled and does not remove delays on connecting roads. Check live traffic and allow a generous buffer.

Is Wilson Airport the same as JKIA?

No. They are separate airports. JKIA (NBO) is the main international airport, while Wilson (WIL) serves many domestic and safari flights. Check the airport code on every flight booking.

Is there a train from JKIA to Nairobi city centre?

Do not assume there is a direct airport train service. Nairobi commuter rail operates on selected routes, while the SGR Nairobi–Mombasa service uses the Nairobi Terminus outside the CBD. Check current Kenya Railways routes and schedules before planning a rail journey.

Does the Nairobi Expressway have a toll?

Yes. It is a toll road, and charges depend on vehicle class and entry and exit points. Check the operator's current tariff before travelling.

Is it safe to travel around Nairobi at night?

Many people travel around Nairobi after dark, but visitors should plan carefully. Use a trusted driver or ride-hailing service, confirm your drop-off point and avoid walking unfamiliar or quiet routes late at night.

Should I rent a car in Nairobi?

For a short city visit, ride-hailing or a driver is often more convenient. Car hire may suit longer stays, frequent travel or self-drive itineraries if you are comfortable with local driving conditions.

How much time should I allow between JKIA and Wilson Airport?

They are separate airports and the transfer is by road. Allow several hours for immigration, baggage collection, traffic and check-in, and follow the onward airline's check-in requirements. Avoid tight self-connections on separate tickets.

Official & Useful Transport Resources

Routes, operating times, fares, tolls and airport arrangements can change. Check current information with the relevant operator before travelling.

• Kenya Airports Authority – airport information and notices.
• Kenya Railways – Nairobi Commuter Rail – routes and service schedules.
• Nairobi Expressway – toll information, payment methods and road guidance.
• National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) – road transport and safety information.