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

Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) lies about 18.8 km south-east of Nairobi CBD and about 23 minutes by road from Westlands without heavy traffic, via the Nairobi Expressway. Depending on traffic and transport choice, the journey to Westlands takes from around 23 minutes by private transfer or taxi to 1.5–2 hours by public bus or feeder train.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 18.8 km road distance

Private Transfer to Westlands

Recommended

23 mins •24/7 (Pre-book)

€20 - €24 (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: 2-3 pieces included

How to take it step-by-step:

After collecting luggage, exit arrivals into the public hall and look for your pre-booked driver holding a name sign outside the arrivals gate (drivers cannot enter the hall).
Confirm your name and destination Westlands with the driver.
Use the Nairobi Expressway toward Westlands / James Gichuru exit to avoid CBD traffic.
Pay any balance and confirm drop-off point; trip takes about 23 minutes without heavy traffic.

Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Airport Taxi (KAA-licensed)

Official Ranks

23 mins •24/7 at taxi ranks

€20 - €24 (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: 2 pieces plus cabin bags

How to take it step-by-step:

Exit arrivals and follow signs to the official KAA-licensed taxi rank outside arrivals.
Ignore touts and go to the taxi desk or rank; not every licensed taxi is yellow.
Agree the fare to Westlands before boarding; ask if the Nairobi Expressway toll is included.
Pay in cash, M-Pesa or major foreign currency and ask for a receipt.
Exit at your hotel or landmark in Westlands.

Ride-Hailing (Uber / Bolt / Little)

App Pickup

23 mins •24/7 via app

€14 - €22 incl. toll (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: 2 pieces, depends on vehicle

How to take it step-by-step:

Exit arrivals and walk to the designated ride-hailing pickup area beyond the taxi rank.
Open Uber, Bolt or Little and request a ride to Westlands.
Follow the pickup point shown in the app and confirm driver and number plate.
Ride via the Nairobi Expressway if selected; tolls are added to your fare.
Pay through the app or by M-Pesa/card as prompted.

City Bus 34 to CBD, then local matatu/taxi to Westlands

Budget

120 mins •Ask locally; no official timetable

Ask locally (cash/M-Pesa)

Luggage: Very limited; not for large suitcases

How to take it step-by-step:

Exit arrivals and ask staff for the bus/matatu stage for Route 34.
Board Route 34 to Ambassadeur/CBD and pay in cash or M-Pesa on board.
Get off at Ambassadeur/CBD (Moi Avenue area).
From the CBD, take a local matatu, city bus or taxi to Westlands (ask locally; no fixed route is verified).
Walk to your final address in Westlands.

Kenya Railways Feeder Bus + Commuter Rail to CBD, then last leg

Public Alternative

120 mins •About 12 trips daily (06:00–20:50)

€0.70 feeder + train; last leg extra

Luggage: Limited; not practical with heavy luggage

How to take it step-by-step:

Exit arrivals, find the Kenya Railways feeder bus to Embakasi Village station and pay KES 50 on board.
Ride to Embakasi Village commuter station.
Buy a Nairobi Commuter Rail ticket to Nairobi Central Station for KES 50.
At Nairobi Central Station, exit to the CBD and take a taxi or local matatu to Westlands (last leg not included in rail ticket).
Arrive in Westlands; not recommended with heavy luggage due to transfers.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

Ignore touts and people offering you rides or baggage help inside the arrivals hall; use official taxi ranks/desks or the app pickup zone only.
Agree the taxi fare before boarding; taxis are not metered by a public tariff. Ask if the Nairobi Expressway toll is included because toll plazas accept only Kenyan shillings cash.
Do not accept rides from drivers approaching you in the terminal; pre-book with a known company or use the official taxi desk/rank.
When using ride-hailing, follow the pickup point shown in the app and confirm the driver's name and vehicle before getting in.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, there is no train station at the airport. You can take a Kenya Railways feeder bus to Embakasi Village and then a Nairobi Commuter Rail train to Nairobi Central, then continue by taxi or matatu to Westlands.

What is the cheapest way to get from NBO to Westlands?

The cheapest verified public transport is the Kenya Railways feeder bus to Embakasi Village and commuter train to Nairobi Central for about KES 100 total (€0.70), plus a short taxi or matatu last leg. City bus 34 to the CBD is also budget but its fare was not officially verified.

How much is a taxi from Nairobi airport to Westlands?

Official airport taxis to Westlands cost roughly KES 2,900–3,400 including Nairobi Expressway tolls, which converts to about €20–24 per vehicle. Agree the price before boarding.

Can I pay by card or M-Pesa for airport taxis?

M-Pesa is widely used in Kenya, but acceptance by each driver is not guaranteed. Payments in Kenyan shillings or major foreign currencies are common; card payment is less common. Ask when agreeing the fare.

How long does the drive from NBO to Westlands take?

Without heavy traffic, the drive takes about 23 minutes via the Nairobi Expressway. During peak hours, allow 45–75 minutes, especially if avoiding the toll road.

What is the best option for families with luggage from NBO to Westlands?

A pre-booked private transfer or official airport taxi is best for families; both are door-to-door, can include the Expressway toll, and avoid crowded buses or matatus with limited luggage space.

Nearby places

More transfers from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)

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