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9 km • ~17 mins

How to Get from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to SGR Nairobi Terminus (Syokimau)

SGR Nairobi Terminus (Syokimau) is about 9 km from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, on the Mombasa Road side of the city. Journeys take 20-30 minutes by car or taxi, while the budget feeder bus and commuter rail option typically takes about 75-90 minutes and costs under €1.50 per person.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 9 km road distance

Licensed Airport Taxi

Official Rank
20 mins •24/7 at designated ranks
€10.50 - €14 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From the arrivals hall, follow signs to the official taxi rank outside your terminal.
  2. Choose a licensed taxi from the rank; ignore touts offering rides inside the terminal.
  3. Agree the fare before boarding (roughly €10.50 - €14 for Syokimau) and ask about payment (cash, major foreign currency, or M-Pesa).
  4. Take the direct route via Mombasa Road to Syokimau, about 20 minutes in normal traffic.
  5. Ask to be dropped at the SGR Nairobi Terminus entrance.

Uber / Bolt Ride-Hailing

App-Based
20 mins •On Demand via App
€6 - €9.50 (Per Vehicle, Surge May Apply)
Luggage: Depends on Vehicle
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Collect your luggage and connect to airport Wi-Fi or mobile data.
  2. Open the Uber or Bolt app and request a ride to 'SGR Nairobi Terminus, Syokimau'.
  3. Follow the in-app instructions to the designated e-hailing pickup zone outside the terminal.
  4. Verify the car registration and driver name before getting in.
  5. The ride takes about 20 minutes via Mombasa Road; payment is handled automatically through the app.

Kenya Railways Feeder Bus + Commuter Rail

Cheapest
75 mins •Feeder bus ~12 trips, 06:00-20:50; train timetable not verified
€0.70 - €1.50 / Person
Luggage: Limited; Not Recommended with Large Bags
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From arrivals, ask staff to point you to the Kenya Railways feeder bus stop outside the terminal.
  2. Board the JKIA - Embakasi Village (EKV) feeder bus; pay KES 50 (about €0.35) on board.
  3. At Embakasi Village commuter station, check whether a Nairobi Commuter Rail train towards Syokimau/Nairobi Terminus is available from that platform; otherwise take a train towards Nairobi Central and change there.
  4. Ride the commuter train and alight at Syokimau / Nairobi Terminus; train fare is KES 50 (about €0.35) per leg.
  5. Walk 2-3 minutes to the SGR Nairobi Terminus departure concourse.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Ignore touts and people offering rides or baggage help inside the terminal; only use official taxi ranks, pre-booked drivers, or verified app-hailing zones.
  • Agree the taxi fare before the trip and ask for a receipt; there is no official metered tariff for airport taxis.
  • Do not accept rides from drivers who approach you at arrivals. Licensed airport taxis wait at designated ranks; app drivers wait at the designated e-hailing pickup area.
  • If using Uber or Bolt, use only the pickup point shown in the app and verify the car and driver details before boarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to SGR Nairobi Terminus (Syokimau)?

The cheapest option is the Kenya Railways feeder bus from JKIA to Embakasi Village station (KES 50) plus a Nairobi Commuter Rail train to Syokimau/Nairobi Terminus (KES 50 per leg). Total cost is around €0.70-€1.50 per person, but it is not recommended with large luggage.

How long does a taxi take from NBO to SGR Nairobi Terminus?

A licensed airport taxi or private transfer typically takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic, as the station is only about 9 km from the airport.

Can I pay for a taxi by card at Nairobi airport?

Some taxi drivers accept cards or M-Pesa, but this is not guaranteed. Agree the payment method when you agree the fare; cash in Kenyan shillings or major foreign currencies is widely accepted.

Is there a train from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Syokimau?

No, there is no train station at JKIA. You need a taxi, ride-hailing car, or the Kenya Railways feeder bus to Embakasi Village, where you can connect to Nairobi Commuter Rail towards Syokimau/Nairobi Terminus.

Is Uber available at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport?

Yes, Uber and Bolt operate at JKIA from a designated e-hailing pickup area. Follow the pickup point shown in your app and verify your driver's details.

Which transfer option is best for families with luggage arriving at NBO?

A pre-booked private transfer or a licensed airport taxi is best for families with luggage. You get door-to-door service, fixed pricing (private transfer), and no need to change between bus and train.