Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is Kenya's busiest airport and the main entry point for travelers arriving from the United States, Europe and beyond. Picking up a rental car at JKIA is straightforward if you know what to expect — this guide tells you exactly what to do from the moment you land.
How Car Hire at JKIA Works
Unlike many airports in the US, JKIA does not have a dedicated rental car center where all companies operate. Instead, you have two options:
- Meet-and-greet delivery: The most convenient option. You book in advance and our driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name board, hands over the vehicle and walks you through the paperwork on-site. No shuttle bus, no waiting in line.
- Depot collection: The vehicle is collected from our Nairobi office. We provide a courtesy transfer from the airport. Useful if you are arriving very late at night or want to inspect the full fleet before choosing.
We recommend the meet-and-greet option for first-time visitors. After a long international flight, driving straight out of the airport in your own vehicle is the simplest way to start your trip.
What to Book Before You Arrive
- Your vehicle — confirm the car type, transmission (most hire cars in Kenya are automatic) and any accessories (child seat, roof rack, extra spare tyre for safari)
- Your pickup time— share your flight number so we can track delays and adjust the driver's schedule
- Insurance confirmation — make sure CDW is included and ask what the excess amount is
- A local emergency number — save our number before you land so you can call if anything changes
Documents You Will Need at Pickup
- Valid passport
- US driver's license (minimum 2 years held)
- International Driving Permit (recommended but not always required)
- Credit or debit card for the security deposit
- Booking confirmation email or reference number
What to Check When You Receive the Vehicle
Before you drive away, walk around the vehicle with the handover agent and:
- Photograph all existing dents, scratches and damage — even minor marks
- Confirm the fuel level matches what is noted on the contract
- Check that the spare tyre is inflated and the jack is present
- Test the lights, horn and windscreen wipers
- Confirm how to reach emergency support (save the number in your phone)
Driving Away from JKIA
JKIA is located on Mombasa Road, about 18 km from Nairobi city centre. Traffic on Mombasa Road can be heavy during morning and evening rush hours (7–9 am and 5–8 pm). If you arrive at peak time and are heading into the city, consider waiting at a coffee shop inside the terminal or nearby before joining the traffic.
For Nairobi city centre: take Mombasa Road northbound. Journey time ranges from 30 minutes (off-peak) to 90 minutes (peak).
For upcountry or safari destinations: head south on Mombasa Road briefly, then connect to the Southern Bypass or Eastern Bypass to avoid city traffic altogether.
Other Airports in Kenya
We also deliver vehicles to Wilson Airport (domestic flights), Moi International Airport in Mombasa, Kisumu Airport, Eldoret International Airport and several smaller airstrips. See our full Kenya airport car hire page for all pickup locations.
Contact us at least 48 hours before your arrival to guarantee your vehicle and meet-and-greet service. We accept bookings from the US by phone, WhatsApp or email.