How to Get from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Nairobi Central Railway Station

Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) lies 17.3 km south-east of Nairobi city centre. Depending on traffic and mode, reaching Nairobi Central Railway Station takes from about 25–40 minutes by taxi to 75–90 minutes by public transport.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 17.3 km road distance

Private Airport Transfer

Door-to-Door

30 mins •Pre-Booked 24/7

€24 - €31 (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: 2-3 Pieces Free

How to take it step-by-step:

After baggage claim, exit the arrivals hall to the outside meeting point (pre-booked drivers cannot wait inside).
Look for your driver holding a sign or follow the meeting instructions in your booking confirmation.
Confirm the fixed price and destination as Nairobi Central Railway Station before boarding.
Ask the driver to use the Nairobi Expressway for the quickest route; tolls may be extra if not prepaid.
Arrive directly at Nairobi Central Railway Station (about 30 minutes outside rush hour).

Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Airport Taxi

Available 24/7

30 mins •24/7

€17.50 - €21 (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: Standard Luggage Included

How to take it step-by-step:

Follow signs to the official taxi rank outside Arrivals; ignore touts and people offering rides inside the terminal.
At the taxi desk or with the driver, agree a fare in KES (roughly €17.50–€21) and confirm payment method before boarding.
If using the Nairobi Expressway, agree that the toll of about KES 330 (€2.30) will be added.
Tell the driver you are going to Nairobi Central Railway Station, near the CBD.
Pay the agreed fare and ask for a receipt.

Uber / Bolt / Little

Best Value Car

30 mins •On Demand 24/7

€11.00 - €19.50 (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: Standard Car Boot

How to take it step-by-step:

Request an Uber, Bolt or Little from the designated e-hailing pickup area shown in the app; walk there from Arrivals.
Check the car number and driver photo before getting in.
Expect a base fare of roughly €11.00–€19.50; surge pricing and Expressway tolls are extra.
Confirm the destination as Nairobi Central Railway Station.
Pay through the app and get out at the station entrance.

Kenya Railways Feeder Bus + Commuter Rail

Cheapest Verified

75 mins •About 12 Buses 06:00–20:50; Train Check Timetable

€0.70 / Person

Luggage: Limited Space

How to take it step-by-step:

Exit Arrivals and locate the Kenya Railways feeder bus stop for JKIA (ask airport staff if needed; pay KES 50 on board).
Ride the feeder bus to Embakasi Village (EKV) commuter station; about 12 trips run 06:00–20:50 per the current schedule.
At EKV buy a Nairobi Commuter Rail ticket to Nairobi Central Station (KES 50); check krc.co.ke for train times.
Board the commuter train towards Nairobi Central and stay on until the terminus.
Arrive directly at Nairobi Central Railway Station.

Public Bus / Matatu Route 34

Budget (Unverified Fare)

90 mins •Ask Locally / No Verified Schedule

Ask Locally (Cash / M-Pesa)

Luggage: Little Luggage Space

How to take it step-by-step:

Exit Arrivals and ask airport staff or locals where the Route 34 city bus/matatu stop is (exact stop not officially published).
Pay cash or M-Pesa on board; the fare is not officially verified, so ask before boarding.
Ride into the CBD and get off at the Ambassadeur stage area on Moi Avenue.
Walk about 10–15 minutes towards Nairobi Central Railway Station.
Keep bags close; these buses are crowded with little luggage space.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

Only use licensed taxi ranks or official airport taxi desks; ignore touts and anyone offering rides or baggage help inside the terminal.
Agree the taxi fare in KES before the trip — there is no official metered tariff. A 'metered' quote may not be standard.
If your driver uses the Nairobi Expressway, the toll (about KES 330 / €2.30) is normally extra; ask for the receipt and pay tolls in KES.
Not every licensed taxi is yellow; verify the operator/desk and do not accept rides from people approaching you inside Arrivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get from NBO to Nairobi Central Railway Station?

The Kenya Railways feeder bus from JKIA to Embakasi Village plus the Nairobi Commuter Rail to Nairobi Central costs about KES 50 + KES 50 = €0.70 per person. It runs roughly 06:00–20:50 for the feeder; check krc.co.ke for train times.

Is there a train or metro directly from NBO airport to Nairobi Central?

No, there is no train station at JKIA. You need either a taxi/ride-hail to Nairobi Central, or the Kenya Railways feeder bus to Embakasi Village and a commuter train to Nairobi Central.

How much is a taxi from NBO to Nairobi Central Railway Station?

A licensed airport taxi is roughly KES 2,500–3,000 (about €17.50–€21) per vehicle, depending on traffic. If you use the Nairobi Expressway, add roughly KES 330 (€2.30) in tolls.

Can I pay for transport with card or M-Pesa?

Taxis often accept cash, M-Pesa and sometimes cards, but confirm before the trip. Uber/Bolt/Little use the app; the feeder bus and commuter rail accept cash or M-Pesa on board.

How long does it take to reach Nairobi Central Railway Station?

By taxi or ride-hail it is about 25–40 minutes outside rush hour, but can be 45–90 minutes on Mombasa Road at peak times. Public transport can take 75–90 minutes or more.

Which option is best for a family with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer or licensed airport taxi is most convenient for families with luggage, offering direct door-to-door service with space for bags. Public buses have little luggage space and are not recommended with large suitcases.

Nearby places

More transfers from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)

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