MBAMombasa

Moi International Airport transfer

This page covers private transfers from Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa to the beach towns of the Kenyan coast, to Mombasa Old Town and inland to Voi on the edge of Tsavo East. You book one car or minivan for your group, see the total price before you confirm, and a local driver meets you in arrivals.

Airport code: MBA
City: Mombasa
Route guides: 10

The airport sits on the mainland at Port Reitz, west of Mombasa island. That location matters: it decides whether your ride heads south across the water, north over the creeks, or west up the Nairobi highway.

Transfers from this airport

Arriving at Moi International Airport

MBA is Kenya's second international airport. Travellers from Europe arrive either on direct and seasonal charter flights or on a domestic connection from Nairobi, so arrival times are spread across the day and night.

After immigration, baggage and customs, your driver waits in the arrivals area with a name sign. Share your flight number when booking: the provider follows the landing time, and the exact meeting point is agreed with you by phone or WhatsApp. The price is the same if your flight lands late or the roads are slow.

Where MBA transfers go

South coast: Tiwi, Diani, Msambweni, Shimoni: The south coast is reached either over the Likoni ferry from Mombasa island or along the Dongo Kundu bypass from the airport side. Your provider chooses the route on the day. Tiwi is about 46–58 minutes away, Diani 63–79 minutes, Msambweni 82–103 minutes and Shimoni, the departure point for Wasini Island and Kisite-Mpunguti dhow trips, 113–142 minutes.
Mombasa: Old Town and Nyali: Mombasa Old Town, with Fort Jesus and its narrow lanes, is about 21–27 minutes from the terminal. Nyali, the beach suburb across the Nyali bridge on the north mainland, takes about 22–28 minutes outside rush hour.
North coast: Kilifi, Watamu, Malindi: North of Nyali the B8 coast road runs past Mtwapa to Kilifi creek (95–119 minutes), then on to Watamu (149–187 minutes) and Malindi (168–210 minutes). These are longer rides, so most people book a car with space to stretch out.
Inland: Tsavo East via Voi: Voi town lies on the Mombasa–Nairobi highway close to the Voi gate of Tsavo East National Park. The drive takes about 186–233 minutes because of heavy truck traffic. Safari lodges deeper in the park are usually reached on separate game-drive transport.

Choosing a vehicle

A standard car fits one to three passengers with normal luggage. Families, groups of friends and anyone carrying dive gear, kitesurf boards or golf bags should book a minivan, which takes up to about seven people. Larger groups can ask for a bigger vehicle when booking.

Child seats are available on request; mention the age of each child. Sports equipment must be declared in the booking so the provider sends a vehicle with enough space. Indicative prices run from roughly €20–30 for a car into Nyali or the Old Town up to around €110–145 to Voi. The exact price is shown before you book.

Seasons on the Kenyan coast

The main beach seasons are December to March, when it is hot and the sea is usually calm, and July to October, when the air is a little cooler and many visitors combine the coast with a safari. Christmas, New Year and the European summer holidays fill hotels fast, and that is when booking your transfer early helps most.

The long rains usually fall from about April to June, with shorter rains around November. Showers rarely stop traffic, but unpaved access tracks to some beach cottages, notably at Tiwi and Msambweni, can become slow after heavy rain.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Moi International Airport from Diani Beach?

The drive is about 46 km and usually takes 63–79 minutes. The provider will take either the Likoni ferry or the Dongo Kundu bypass, depending on traffic and ferry queues on the day.

Can I go straight from MBA to Watamu or Malindi?

Yes. A private transfer runs north along the B8 coast road without stops at other hotels. Allow about two and a half to three and a half hours, depending on traffic around Mombasa and Mtwapa.

Is there a transfer from Mombasa airport towards Tsavo East?

Yes, to Voi town near the park's Voi gate. The ride takes about three to four hours on the Nairobi highway. If your lodge is inside the park, arrange the last stretch with the lodge or your safari operator.

What happens if my flight via Nairobi is delayed?

Add your flight number to the booking. The driver plans around the actual landing time and the agreed price stays the same.

Can I pay for my Mombasa transfer in euros?

The price is shown and paid through HotelTaxi when you book, so you do not need Kenyan shillings for the driver. The amount is fixed before the trip.