Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) → Nairobi CBD transfer
The transfer from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Nairobi's Central Business District covers 16 km and typically takes 23–29 minutes in free-flowing traffic, usually around €25–35 by car or €35–50 by minivan. The exact price appears before you book.
- From
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
- To
- Nairobi CBD
- Distance
- 16 km
- Typical drive
- 23–29 min
HotelTaxi arranges the ride with a local Nairobi transfer company, and you can book online or on WhatsApp. It is a private car straight to your hotel, with no stops for other passengers.
How long does the drive to the CBD really take?
The route runs north-west from JKIA along the Mombasa Road corridor towards Uhuru Highway and the city centre. At night or on a Sunday morning the engine time of under half an hour is realistic.
On weekday mornings and late afternoons it is a different picture. Mombasa Road and the roads around the centre can slow to a crawl, and the same 16 km may take well over an hour. If you land at a busy time, plan your first meeting with that in mind.
Expressway or surface roads
The Nairobi Expressway runs above Mombasa Road between the airport area and Westlands, with exits for the centre. It is a toll road and can save a lot of time at peak hours.
Whether your driver takes it depends on traffic and where exactly your hotel is. If tolls matter to you, check the details in your offer instead of assuming they are part of the fare.
Staying in the centre
- Business trips
- The CBD and the Upper Hill area nearby hold ministries, banks, corporate offices and many business hotels.
- Short stopovers
- Handy for a single night between flights or before an early road trip, as the airport is relatively close.
- Evenings
- Downtown streets get quiet after office hours. Many visitors use a car for evening outings rather than walking long distances.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a transfer from Nairobi airport to the CBD?
It is usually around €25–35 for a car with up to three passengers and €35–50 for a minivan. These are indicative ranges; your exact price is shown before you book.
Will the driver wait if my flight lands late at night?
Yes. Share your flight number when you book so the local provider can follow your arrival. The agreed price does not change if the flight is delayed.
Is the Expressway toll included?
Not automatically. Whether the Expressway is used depends on the driver's route choice and the time of day, so check your offer if you want to know how tolls are handled.
Can I be dropped at an office instead of a hotel?
Yes, any address in the CBD or Upper Hill works. Give the building name and street when booking, since some office compounds have their own security gates.
Is a private transfer worth it for such a short ride?
For many arrivals it is, especially late at night or with luggage. You meet a named driver in arrivals and know the full cost before you land.
More transfers from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport: arrival and transfer guide