Capital city in Nairobi County, Kenya
Getting around Nairobi
How to get around Nairobi
Traffic is heavy: use Uber or Bolt for almost everything. Matatus are cheap but chaotic; the Nairobi Expressway and commuter trains cover a few routes.
Ways to get around Nairobi
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Uber / Bolt | About 400–800 KES for 5 km | Safest and simplest; cash and M-Pesa options |
| Matatu | About 50–100 KES | Shared minibuses; hard to read routes, pickpockets common |
| Boda boda (motorbike taxi) | About 100–300 KES | Fast in jams but dangerous; helmets rare |
| Commuter rail (Kenya Railways) | About 50–100 KES | A few suburban lines; limited hours |
Ride-hailing apps in Nairobi
A 5 km ride costs about KSh400–800 ($3.1–6.2).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Most drivers; pay by card or cash |
| Bolt | Often cheaper; strong coverage in the suburbs |
| Little | Local app; cars and motorbikes |
- Street taxis rarely use meters; agree fares or just use apps. Never flag unmarked cars at night.
Arriving in Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO)
Uber or Bolt 1,500–2,500 KES, 30–60 min depending on traffic; official airport taxis cost more. Hotels can arrange pickups.
Wilson Airport (WIL)
Domestic and safari flights (Safarilink and others); Uber or Bolt to Westlands or Karen 800–1,500 KES.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Not recommended for visitors: chaotic traffic and frequent crashes. Use app rides instead.
- 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 Nairobi?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, Bolt, Little.
What's the best way to get around Nairobi?
Traffic is heavy: use Uber or Bolt for almost everything. Matatus are cheap but chaotic; the Nairobi Expressway and commuter trains cover a few routes.
How do I get from the airport to Nairobi?
Uber or Bolt 1,500–2,500 KES, 30–60 min depending on traffic; official airport taxis cost more. Hotels can arrange pickups.
Is Nairobi walkable?
You'll need transport.
More about Nairobi
Going to Nairobi solo?
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Sources
- Madaraka Express e-tickets (Kenya Railways)
- Kenya Railways
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Kenya Airports Authority)
- Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi
- UK FCDO travel advice: Kenya
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.