About Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)

Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, named after the country's first president and prime minister, serves the country’s capital city and is a major air transport hub for East Africa. Our Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport guide includes information on the airport’s facilities, transportation routes and nearby hotels.

Information:

Information counters can be found in each of the terminals.

Website:

Driving directions:

Driving to the airport from central Nairobi is straightforward – follow Moi Avenue and Haile Selassie Avenue to Uhuru Highway/A104 southbound. Follow the A104 to B10 which leads directly to the airport entrance.

Transfer between terminals:

Free shuttles from arrivals to domestic terminal 2 are available for international passengers making domestic connections with a designated pick-up spot.

Public Transport

Public transport road:

Bus: Services between the airport and the city centre depart from the bus stops outside Units 1 and 2 frequently throughout the day (journey time: approximately 45 minutes; fare: KSh40). Bus 34 runs every 20 minutes between downtown Nairobi and the airport from 0600 to 2100 for a fare of KES35. Minibuses run by hotels in the area rotate between the airport, city centre, and tourist attractions.

Shuttle: Citihoppa shuttle services are a low-cost alternative to taxis, with fares to the city starting at around KES40. Please note, in July 2013 it was widely reported that Citihoppa drivers were colluding with gangsters to rob passengers. Although the company denied these claims, travellers use the service at their own discretion and licensed taxis remain a safer alternative.

Taxi: Official taxis, operated by Kenatco (tel: +254 70 964 2000; www.kenatco.co.ke), are available outside the arrivals hall. An agreement on the price should be established in advance. The journey time to central Nairobi is 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the time of day. Visitors are advised to avoid the many private taxis to avoid being scammed.

Terminal facilities

Money:

ATMs, banking facilities and currency exchange services are available in the terminal building and in the arrival area.

Food:

There are multiple places to eat at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport including a café and coffee shop.

Shopping:

There are numerous shops at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. These include clothes shops, a jewellery retailer, a bookshop and duty-free shops.

Luggage:

There is a left-luggage service at the airport. For inquiries about lost luggage, contact the Kenya Airport Authority offices in the arrivals building. Luggage wrapping and weighing stations are also available in the check-in areas.

Other:

A first aid service is available to aid passengers with accidents and emergencies. There is a prayer room and children’s play area at the airport, but generally, other facilities are currently somewhat basic by international airport standards. Tour operators and travel agents are present to help with bookings and tourist information.

Airport facilities

Conference and business:

There are no conference facilities at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, but there are several VIP lounge for business class travellers (eligibility criteria vary between lounges). Enquire at the information counters for fax, printer or copy services.

The nearest hotel with meeting facilities is the Panari (tel: +254 20 394 6000; www.panarihotels.com), which has a range of meeting rooms in varying sizes. Many larger hotels in the city centre also offer such facilities.

Communication Facilities:

Wi-Fi is also available throughout the airport.

Disabled facilities:

There are toilets accessible to wheelchair users in the terminal, but facilities are basic. Passengers in need of assistance are advised to contact their airline before travelling.

Car parking:

Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has short- and long-term parking spaces with rates varying depending on duration and chosen lot.

Car rental:

The car hire companies Avis, Budget and Hertz are represented at the airport while many other companies have offices in Nairobi. Rentals are available from local distributors for a lower cost, but they are not as reliable.