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16.7 km • ~21 mins

How to Get from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Upper Hill

Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) lies about 16.7 km southeast of Upper Hill. Depending on traffic and transport choice, the journey to Upper Hill takes roughly 25–90 minutes.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 16.7 km road distance

Private Airport Transfer

Recommended
25 mins •Pre-Booked
€25 - €35 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit arrivals and meet your pre-booked driver outside the arrivals gate (drivers cannot wait inside).
  2. Confirm your name and destination Upper Hill before loading luggage.
  3. Driver will likely use the Nairobi Expressway or Mombasa Road; tolls if Expressway are usually added.
  4. Ask to be dropped at your exact address in Upper Hill.
Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Airport Taxi

Licensed
25 mins •24/7 at Taxi Rank
€17.50 - €24 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the official taxi rank outside arrivals.
  2. Choose a licensed taxi at the rank or desk; agree a fare of roughly KES 2,500–3,500 for Upper Hill before departure.
  3. Confirm payment method (cash, card, M-Pesa) and request a receipt.
  4. Ask driver to take Mombasa Road or the Expressway (tolls extra) to Upper Hill.

Uber / Bolt Ride-Hailing

App-Based
25 mins •On Demand (App)
€11 - €19.50 (Per Vehicle) + Tolls
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Open Uber or Bolt app and set pickup to the designated e-hailing area outside the terminal doors.
  2. Follow the app's pickup point (it may change) and wait there; do not accept rides from touts.
  3. Confirm the fare estimate before requesting; note that Expressway tolls are added if used.
  4. Ride to your hotel or address in Upper Hill.

Kenya Railways Feeder Bus + Commuter Rail

Public Rail
90 mins •Check krc.co.ke
€0.70 / Person + Final Taxi
Luggage: Limited Space
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Find the Kenya Railways feeder bus stop outside the airport; board the feeder bus to Embakasi Village (EKV) station and pay KES 50.
  2. At Embakasi Village, board the Nairobi Commuter Rail towards Nairobi Central Station and pay KES 50 (check schedules on krc.co.ke).
  3. Get off at Nairobi Central Station.
  4. From Central Station take a taxi or ride-hailing to Upper Hill (approx 15-20 min); confirm fare before starting.

Public Bus 34 to CBD + Taxi

Budget
80 mins •See Locally / No Official Timetable
Ask Locally (Cash / M-Pesa)
Luggage: Limited Space
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit arrivals and ask locally for the Route 34 bus/matatu stop to the CBD (Ambassadeur stage area); exact airport stop not officially marked.
  2. Pay the fare in cash or M-Pesa as directed; buses are crowded and have little luggage space.
  3. Ride to Ambassadeur stage area near Moi Avenue in the CBD.
  4. From there take a short taxi or ride-hailing (or a local city bus, ask locally) to Upper Hill; avoid after dark with large luggage.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Ignore touts and anyone offering rides or baggage help inside the terminal; use the official taxi desk/rank or your pre-booked driver.
  • Agree the taxi fare for Upper Hill before the trip and ask for a receipt; there is no public meter.
  • Use only the designated e-hailing pickup area shown in the Uber/Bolt app; do not follow drivers who approach you.
  • If you take the Expressway, the toll (about KES 330–420) is added to your fare; have KES cash for toll plazas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a train from JKIA to Upper Hill?

No. There is no train station at JKIA. You can take a Kenya Railways feeder bus to Embakasi Village, then the commuter rail to Nairobi Central, and a taxi from there.

What is the cheapest way to get from NBO to Upper Hill?

The cheapest public transport is the Kenya Railways feeder bus and commuter train to Nairobi Central (KES 100 per person), then a short taxi. The public bus 34 to the CBD is also cheap but the fare is not officially fixed.

How long does the transfer take?

A taxi, private transfer or Uber/Bolt takes about 25–60 minutes depending on traffic. Public transport with transfers can take 80–100 minutes or more.

Can I pay by card for taxis and buses?

Taxis often accept cash, M-Pesa and sometimes card; agree in advance. Buses/matatus usually require cash or M-Pesa; small notes are helpful. Toll plazas on the Expressway accept KES cash only.

Is Nairobi safe for solo travellers at night?

Use a pre-booked private transfer, licensed airport taxi or Uber/Bolt from the official rank or designated e-hailing area. Avoid public buses and walking after dark, especially with luggage.

Which option is best for families with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer or an official airport taxi is best because you get a whole vehicle, direct door-to-door service and space for bags. Public buses and the feeder train are not practical with large suitcases.

Nearby places

More transfers from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)

Nairobi Central Railway Station · 17.3 km Nairobi CBD (Kenyatta Avenue) · 16.8 km Wilson Airport · 15.8 km Nairobi National Park Main Gate · 12.8 km Kilimani · 19.9 km Westlands · 18.8 km Lavington · 24.3 km Gigiri (UN Office at Nairobi) · 23.5 km Sheldrick Wildlife Trust · 25.5 km SGR Nairobi Terminus (Syokimau) · 9 km