Town in Kilifi County, Kenya
Getting around Malindi
How to get around Malindi
Tuk-tuks handle town and Bolt has few drivers; matatus and buses link Watamu, Kilifi and Mombasa. Jambojet flies Nairobi–Malindi; Mombasa is about 2 hours away.
Ways to get around Malindi
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Tuk-tuk | About KES 100–500 in town | Agree the price first; most common short-trip option |
| Matatu | About KES 30–100 | Local routes and to Watamu; crowded |
| Coastal bus to Mombasa | About KES 600–1,000 | About 2 h; companies such as Tahmeed |
| Boda boda (motorbike taxi) | About KES 100–300 | Fast but dangerous; helmets uncommon |
Ride-hailing apps in Malindi
A 5 km ride costs about KSh300–700 ($2.3–5.4).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bolt | Launched in Malindi in 2019; few drivers at night, so check the app |
- Tuk-tuks are the usual option; agree fares first. Bolt may help at night, but driver numbers are small.
Arriving in Malindi
Malindi Airport (MYD)
Small airport with Jambojet flights from Nairobi; taxi or tuk-tuk to town KES 500–1,500, about 10–15 min.
Moi International, Mombasa (MBA)
About 120 km: bus or shared taxi KES 600–1,500, 2–2.5 h; private transfer KES 8,000–12,000.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rare and risky. Boda boda taxis are common; renting needs a valid licence and local insurance.
- Driving: on the left. Foreign licences in English work for up to 3 months; carry an IDP for longer stays or non-English licences.
- Onward travel in Kenya: The Madaraka Express train links Nairobi and Mombasa in about 5 hours; Kenya Airways, Jambojet and Safarilink fly to the coast and parks. Buses are cheap; matatus are risky.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Malindi?
No. Use Bolt instead.
What's the best way to get around Malindi?
Tuk-tuks handle town and Bolt has few drivers; matatus and buses link Watamu, Kilifi and Mombasa. Jambojet flies Nairobi–Malindi; Mombasa is about 2 hours away.
How do I get from the airport to Malindi?
Small airport with Jambojet flights from Nairobi; taxi or tuk-tuk to town KES 500–1,500, about 10–15 min.
Is Malindi walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Malindi
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Sources
- Madaraka Express e-tickets (Kenya Railways)
- Kenya Railways
- Kenya Wildlife Service (Malindi Marine Park)
- Jambojet
- Aga Khan Hospital Mombasa
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.