Getting Around Kenya
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use matatus for Nairobi and coastal cities. Rural: Rent a car for safaris in Maasai Mara. Coast: Buses and ferries. For convenience, book airport transfers from Nairobi to your destination.
Train Travel
SGR Madaraka Express
Modern Standard Gauge Railway connecting Nairobi to Mombasa with daily services and scenic views.
Cost: Nairobi to Mombasa economy KES 1,000 (USD 8), first class KES 3,000 (USD 23), 4-5 hour journey.
Tickets: Book via KR website, app, or stations. Online booking recommended to avoid queues.
Peak Times: Weekends and holidays busier; book 1-2 weeks ahead for best seats.
Rail Tickets & Passes
Single tickets or group bookings available; no national rail pass but discounts for return trips.
Best For: Long-distance travel between major hubs, comfortable alternative to buses.
Where to Buy: Kenya Railways stations, official website, or app with e-tickets and refunds.
Regional Connections
Limited lines to Naivasha and Suswa; future expansions planned to Uganda border.
Booking: Advance reservations essential for peak seasons like July safaris.
Main Stations: Nairobi Terminus and Mombasa, with shuttle links to city centers.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for self-drive safaris and rural exploration. Compare rental prices from USD 30-50/day at Nairobi Airport and major cities.
Requirements: International Driving Permit, passport, credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Full coverage advised due to road conditions; includes theft and collision protection.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80-90 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways.
Tolls: SGR-related tolls on A109 highway, pay via cash or M-Pesa at booths.
Priority: Yield to pedestrians and livestock, roundabouts common in cities.
Parking: Secure lots in cities KES 200-500/day, free in rural areas but watch for theft.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations widespread at KES 180-200/liter for petrol, KES 170-190 for diesel.
Apps: Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation, essential for remote areas.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Nairobi rush hours; avoid night driving outside cities.
Urban Transport
Nairobi Matatus & Buses
Colorful minibuses and public buses cover the city, single ride KES 50-100, day pass KES 300.
Validation: Pay conductor on board, no tickets needed but haggle for tourists.
Apps: Little app for routes and real-time tracking in major cities.
Boda Boda & Bike Shares
Motorcycle taxis in cities KES 100-300/ride, bike shares like BasiGo in Nairobi USD 5-10/day.
Routes: Helmets recommended for bodas, dedicated paths limited but improving.
Tours: Guided boda tours for urban exploration, e-bikes for eco-friendly options.
Intercity Buses & Local Services
Companies like Easy Coach and Modern Coast operate nationwide, KES 500-2000 for long trips.
Tickets: KES 50-200 per ride locally, book online for intercity to secure seats.
Coastal Services: Ferries to Lamu and buses along the coast, KES 300-800 depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus stations in cities for easy access, central Nairobi or Mombasa Old Town for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for peak season (June-Oct) and major events like Nairobi Marathon.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for wildlife migration travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, mosquito nets, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G/5G in urban areas, 3G/4G in most rural Kenya including safari zones.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from USD 5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom offer prepaid SIMs from KES 100-500 with extensive coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for KES 500 (USD 4), 10GB for KES 1,000, unlimited for KES 3,000/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, cafes, and malls; paid hotspots in remote areas.
Public Hotspots: Major bus stations and tourist sites offer free or low-cost WiFi.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in cities, sufficient for maps and social media.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Jomo Kenyatta Airport 20km from Nairobi center, train to center KES 500 (30 min), taxi KES 1,500, or book private transfer for USD 20-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus stations (KES 200-500/day) and airport services.
- Accessibility: Buses and matatus often not wheelchair-friendly, but major airports and trains improving.
- Pet Travel: Limited on public transport; check safari operators for pet policies.
- Bike Transport: Boda bodas carry small items free, larger on buses for KES 100 extra.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Kenya
Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) is the main hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Jomo Kenyatta (NBO): Primary international gateway, 20km from Nairobi with bus connections.
Wilson Airport (WIL): Domestic hub 6km from center, ideal for safaris, taxi KES 800 (20 min).
Moi International (MBA): Serves Mombasa coast, 10km from city, shuttle KES 500 (30 min).
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for peak travel (July-Sep) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly into Entebbe (Uganda) and bus to Kenya for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Jambojet, Fly540, and Airkenya serve domestic routes with affordable connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and ground transport when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in 24 hours before, airport fees apply for walk-ins.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee KES 100-200, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in cities, cash preferred in rural areas.
- Contactless Payment: M-Pesa mobile money dominant, Apple Pay limited but growing.
- Cash: Essential for matatus, markets, and small vendors, keep KES 5,000-10,000 in small notes.
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants, KES 100-200 for guides and drivers.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport bureaus with poor exchanges.