Town in Nakuru County, Kenya
Getting around Naivasha
How to get around Naivasha
Matatus and buses link Naivasha with Nairobi; around the lake you need a car, a hired driver or boda bodas. Bikes are the way to see Hell's Gate.
Ways to get around Naivasha
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Matatu / bus from Nairobi | About 400–700 KES | From Nairobi's Railways and Kencom stops; 1.5–2.5 h |
| Boda boda | About 100–400 KES | Common for short hops; helmets rare |
| Hired bicycle at Hell's Gate | About 500–1,000 KES | Rented at the gate or by lodges for the day |
| Hired car with driver | About 5,000–10,000 KES a day | Used for Crescent Island and Longonot trips |
Taxis in Naivasha
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. Uber and Bolt do not work reliably here. Hotels book drivers; boda bodas are cheap but risky.
Arriving in Naivasha
Via Nairobi (NBO)
Fly into Jomo Kenyatta, then a shuttle or matatu about 400–700 KES, 1.5–2.5 h; private transfer about 8,000–12,000 KES.
Driving and onward travel
- 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 Naivasha?
No ride-hailing apps work here. Uber and Bolt do not work reliably here. Hotels book drivers; boda bodas are cheap but risky.
What's the best way to get around Naivasha?
Matatus and buses link Naivasha with Nairobi; around the lake you need a car, a hired driver or boda bodas. Bikes are the way to see Hell's Gate.
How do I get from the airport to Naivasha?
Fly into Jomo Kenyatta, then a shuttle or matatu about 400–700 KES, 1.5–2.5 h; private transfer about 8,000–12,000 KES.
Is Naivasha walkable?
You'll need transport.
More about Naivasha
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Sources
- Madaraka Express e-tickets (Kenya Railways)
- Kenya Railways
- Kenya Wildlife Service: Hell's Gate National Park
- Kenya Roads Board
- 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 Spotted something out of date?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.