Kenya has more transport options than most visitors expect — from a modern Chinese-built railway to bush airstrips accessible only by small prop planes. Understanding what connects where, and at what cost, is essential for building a realistic itinerary. This guide covers every option honestly.
From the Airport
How do I get from JKIA to Nairobi city centre?
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is located approximately 15km southeast of Nairobi's CBD. Options:
- Pre-booked hire car or private transfer: The most reliable option. Book before you fly and your driver meets you in arrivals. Cost: approximately USD $30–$60 depending on destination. Avoids all negotiation stress on arrival. We offer JKIA pickup.
- Uber / Bolt: Connect to airport Wi-Fi, open the app, request a ride. Cost: approximately KES 800–1,800 (USD $6–$14) to most city hotels. Safe and transparent pricing.
- Official airport taxis: Available outside arrivals. Agree the price before entering the vehicle. Expect to pay KES 2,000–3,500 (USD $15–$28) to city hotels.
- Do not accept unsolicited offers from individuals inside the terminal — unlicensed “taxi drivers” in arrivals halls are a well-known scam vector.
Domestic Flights
Is flying between Kenya's parks worth it?
For most visitors with limited time — yes, emphatically. The Maasai Mara is 250km from Nairobi. By road it is 4.5–6 hours depending on road conditions. By bush plane from Wilson Airport it is 45 minutes. The flight cost (approximately USD $150–$300 one-way per person) buys back half a day of game viewing at both ends of the journey.
Key domestic routes:
- Nairobi Wilson → Maasai Mara airstrips (Keekorok, Musiara, Ol Kiombo): ~45 min. Multiple flights daily by Safarilink, Air Kenya, Fly540.
- Nairobi Wilson → Amboseli: ~45 min. Daily flights.
- Nairobi Wilson → Samburu: ~1 hr. Daily flights.
- Nairobi Wilson → Lamu: ~1.5 hrs. Daily flights.
- Nairobi JKIA → Mombasa Moi International: ~45 min. Multiple daily flights by Kenya Airways, JamboJet, Fly540.
Note: bush airstrips use small aircraft (5–12 seats). Weight limits apply — typically 15kg soft bag only. Pack accordingly.
The SGR Train: Nairobi to Mombasa
Is the SGR train from Nairobi to Mombasa safe and good?
The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) — branded the Madaraka Express — is one of Kenya's most impressive infrastructure achievements. The Chinese-built line connects Nairobi Terminus (near JKIA) to Mombasa Terminus in approximately 4.5 hours at speeds up to 120km/h. It is comfortable, on time, air-conditioned, and genuinely enjoyable. The train passes through Tsavo National Park — you may spot elephants and other wildlife from the window.
Fares: Economy class approximately KES 1,000 (USD $8); First class approximately KES 3,000 (USD $23). Book online at the Kenya Railways website or through eCitizen. The train sells out at weekends and during holidays — book at least a week ahead.
Important note: Nairobi SGR Terminus is at the airport, not in the city centre. And Mombasa SGR Terminus is at Miritini, not near the ferry or Old Town. Factor in connecting transport at both ends.
Car Hire & Self-Drive
Should tourists rent a car in Kenya?
A hired car is the most liberating way to see Kenya — especially for travelers who want to set their own pace, explore beyond the standard tourist circuit, or make the most of a multi-park itinerary without the cost of guided packages. Self-drive is common and well-catered for. Key points:
- Kenya drives on the left side of the road — British-era convention
- A 4x4 is essential for all major safari parks — see our 4x4 guide
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended alongside your home license
- Avoid driving at night outside major cities
See our complete guide: Kenya Self-Drive Safari Guide and Driving in Kenya Tips.
Hiring a Driver-Guide
How does hiring a driver in Kenya work?
A driver-guide is a professional who drives your vehicle and acts as a safari guide and local expert. This is the most popular option for first-time Kenya visitors — you get the flexibility of your own vehicle without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads. Driver-guides charge approximately USD $80–$150 per day plus their accommodation and meals on safari. They bring deep knowledge of animal behavior, park access, and local logistics. See our full comparison: Self-Drive or Hire a Driver in Kenya?
Matatus
What are matatus and are they safe for tourists?
Matatus are Kenya's minibus taxis — the backbone of public transport in Nairobi and between towns. They are cheap (KES 50–200 for most urban routes), frequent, and give you an authentic slice of Kenyan daily life. They are also crowded, often play very loud music, have no fixed schedule, and can be confusing to navigate without local knowledge.
For tourists, matatus are genuinely usable for specific Nairobi routes during daylight hours — but for getting between cities or to safari parks, they are not appropriate. They are slow, stop frequently, do not serve parks directly, and pickpocketing risk is higher than in private transport. For Nairobi city movement, Uber or Bolt is almost always a better choice.
Boda Bodas
What are boda bodas and are they safe?
Boda bodas are motorcycle taxis — ubiquitous throughout Kenya, particularly in towns and rural areas. They fill the “last mile” gap where matatus and cars don't reach. The name comes from the Ugandan border crossings where they originally operated (“border to border”).
Safety note:Boda bodas are Kenya's most dangerous form of transport — motorcycle accidents account for a significant share of Kenya's road fatalities. Helmets are often provided but rarely up to safety standards. As a tourist, use boda bodas only in situations where no alternative exists (e.g., exploring small towns), ride slowly, insist on a helmet, and keep luggage minimal. For any significant distance, a car is a vastly safer choice.
Uber & Bolt
Does Uber work in Kenya?
Yes — Uber operates in Nairobi and Mombasa and is excellent. Bolt (formerly Taxify) is also widely used and often slightly cheaper. Both apps work exactly as elsewhere, with GPS tracking, upfront pricing, and digital payment (no cash negotiation needed). For tourists, Uber and Bolt are the safest and most convenient urban transport options. Download both apps before travel and enable international data or buy a local SIM on arrival.
Transport Summary by Journey Type
What is the best transport for each type of journey?
- Airport → Nairobi hotel: Pre-booked hire car, or Uber once you have connectivity
- Nairobi → Maasai Mara: Fly from Wilson Airport (fastest) or hire car / driver-guide (most flexible)
- Nairobi → Mombasa: SGR train (most comfortable and scenic) or fly (fastest)
- Mombasa → Diani Beach: Hire car via Likoni Ferry, or Bolt/Uber to ferry then local taxi
- Getting around within Nairobi: Uber or Bolt
- Between coast beach towns (Mombasa → Watamu → Malindi): Hire car (most flexible) or matatus (cheapest)
- Nairobi → Lamu: Fly only (do not drive through Lamu County)
Our hire vehicles are available from JKIA Nairobi, Wilson Airport, JKIA Mombasa and Ukunda Airstrip. We can position a vehicle wherever your itinerary begins. Talk to us about the transport option that best fits your trip structure.