How to Get from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Nairobi CBD (Kenyatta Avenue)

JKIA is about 16.8 km south-east of Nairobi CBD. Door-to-door options take 25-40 minutes in normal traffic; public transport takes 60-90 minutes and is not ideal with heavy luggage.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 16.8 km road distance

Pre-Booked Private Transfer

Recommended

25 mins •On Demand / Pre-Booked

€17.50 - €21 (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: 2 - 3 Pieces Free (Confirm at Booking)

How to take it step-by-step:

After clearing customs, exit the arrivals hall to the designated pick-up area; your driver meets you outside the arrivals gate (pre-booked drivers are not allowed inside).
Look for a sign with your name or the provider's logo; confirm the driver and vehicle before loading luggage.
Ask the driver to use the Nairobi Expressway if you want the fastest route; tolls are paid at the plaza (cash KES only) and are typically added to your fare.
Stay on the Expressway to the Haile Selassie / Museum Hill exit for the CBD, then continue to Kenyatta Avenue.
You are dropped off directly at your hotel or address on Kenyatta Avenue.

Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Licensed Airport Taxi (KAA Taxi Desk/Rank)

Door-to-Door

30 mins •On Demand 24/7

€17.50 - €21 (Per Vehicle; Toll Extra)

Luggage: 2 - 3 Pieces Free

How to take it step-by-step:

Exit baggage claim and go to the official KAA taxi desk or marked taxi rank outside arrivals; ignore touts.
Agree the fare before getting in; fares are not metered, so ask for the price to Kenyatta Avenue and whether Expressway toll is included.
Pay in KES or major foreign currency, or ask if the driver accepts M-Pesa; always request a receipt.
The usual route is via the Nairobi Expressway (exit Haile Selassie / Museum Hill) or Mombasa Road depending on traffic.
Ask to be dropped at your exact address on Kenyatta Avenue.

City Bus / Matatu Route 34 (JKIA to CBD Ambassadeur)

Budget / Not With Luggage

60 mins •Ask Locally; No Fixed Timetable

Ask Locally (Cash / M-Pesa)

Luggage: Very Limited; Avoid with Large Bags

How to take it step-by-step:

After leaving the terminal, ask airport staff or follow signs to the public transport/matatu stop for Route 34 (the exact stop can change).
Board a bus or matatu marked Route 34 or ask the conductor for Ambassadeur / Moi Avenue.
Pay in cash or M-Pesa; keep your fare receipt if given.
The route goes via Embakasi, Outer Ring Road and Jogoo Road; expect heavy traffic and a slow journey.
Get off at the Ambassadeur stage area on Moi Avenue, then walk about 5 minutes to Kenyatta Avenue.

Kenya Railways Feeder Bus + Commuter Train via Embakasi Village

Cheapest Verified

75 mins •About 12 Feeder Trips 06:00-20:50; Check krc.co.ke

€0.70 / Person (KES 100 Total)

Luggage: Not Suitable for Heavy Luggage

How to take it step-by-step:

Exit the arrivals area and find the Kenya Railways feeder bus stop for Embakasi Village (EKV); pay KES 50 on board.
Ride the feeder bus to Embakasi Village commuter station (about 12 trips between 06:00 and 20:50).
At EKV, board a Nairobi Commuter Rail train to Nairobi Central Station; buy a KES 50 ticket.
Check krc.co.ke for the current commuter timetable before travelling.
At Nairobi Central Station, walk about 10-15 minutes to Kenyatta Avenue or take a short taxi for the last leg.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

Only use the official KAA taxi desk or marked taxi rank outside arrivals; ignore touts and people offering rides or baggage help inside the terminal.
Agree the taxi fare before getting in and ask if the Nairobi Expressway toll (KES 330 to the CBD) is included; fares are not metered.
Do not accept rides from unmarked vehicles or drivers who approach you in the arrivals hall; pre-booked drivers must wait outside.
Pay with local currency or confirm M-Pesa acceptance when agreeing the fare; card payment may attract extra fees or be refused.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from NBO to Nairobi CBD at night?

Taxis and ride-hailing apps operate 24/7; use the official taxi rank or designated e-hailing pickup. Public buses and the feeder train stop around 20:50 or earlier, so they are not suitable for late-night arrivals.

What is the cheapest way from JKIA to Nairobi CBD?

The Kenya Railways feeder bus plus commuter train costs KES 100 (about €0.70 per person). City bus Route 34 is also cheap but fares are not officially published and it is not suitable for large luggage.

Is there a train from JKIA airport to Nairobi city centre?

No, there is no train station at the airport. You must take a short feeder bus to Embakasi Village station to connect to Nairobi Commuter Rail, or use taxi/ride-hail.

How long is the drive from NBO to Nairobi CBD?

In light traffic about 22 minutes; typically 25-40 minutes via the Nairobi Expressway. In heavy traffic on Mombasa Road it can take 45-90 minutes.

Can I pay taxi or bus fares by card?

Taxis mainly accept cash (KES or major foreign currencies) and some accept M-Pesa; confirm before the trip. Buses and trains usually require cash or M-Pesa, not card.

What is the best option for a family with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer or licensed taxi is best because bus and commuter rail have little luggage space and may be crowded. Private transfer drivers meet you at arrivals and drop you directly at Kenyatta Avenue.

Nearby places

More transfers from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)

Nairobi Central Railway Station · 17.3 km Upper Hill · 16.7 km Westlands · 18.8 km Nairobi National Park Main Gate · 12.8 km Wilson Airport · 15.8 km Kilimani · 19.9 km Gigiri (UN Office at Nairobi) · 23.5 km Lavington · 24.3 km Kasarani Stadium · 20 km Thika Road Mall · 18.4 km