City in Mombasa County, Kenya
Getting around Mombasa
How to get around Mombasa
Uber and Bolt work well on the island and mainland; tuk-tuks and matatus fill gaps. The Likoni ferry links the south coast; the Madaraka Express connects to Nairobi.
Ways to get around Mombasa
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Uber / Bolt | About 300–600 KES for 5 km | Safest option, including at night |
| Tuk-tuk | About 200–500 KES | Agree the price first; common in Old Town |
| Likoni ferry | Free for pedestrians; vehicles pay a fee | Frequent crossing to the south coast; crowded at peak times |
| Madaraka Express | From about 1,500 KES | Nairobi service ends at Miritini, about 10 km from the center |
Ride-hailing apps in Mombasa
A 5 km ride costs about KSh300–600 ($2.3–4.6).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Reliable in town and to the airport |
| Bolt | Often cheaper; good coverage in Nyali |
| Little | Local app; cars and motorbikes |
- Tuk-tuks and street taxis do not use meters; agree the fare first. Use apps for night rides.
Arriving in Mombasa
Moi International (MBA)
Uber or Bolt to Nyali or Old Town 1,000–1,800 KES, 20–40 min.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Not recommended; busy roads and crashes. Use boda bodas only if you must, with a helmet.
- 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 Mombasa?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, Bolt, Little.
What's the best way to get around Mombasa?
Uber and Bolt work well on the island and mainland; tuk-tuks and matatus fill gaps. The Likoni ferry links the south coast; the Madaraka Express connects to Nairobi.
How do I get from the airport to Mombasa?
Uber or Bolt to Nyali or Old Town 1,000–1,800 KES, 20–40 min.
Is Mombasa walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Mombasa
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Sources
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 Spotted something out of date?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.