Kenya Transport

Air
Kenya has three International airports, including: Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport; Mombasa’s Moi International Airport and Eldoret International Airport. Jomo Kenyatta is the main gateway to Kenya with flights arriving from all over the world as well as from many regional destinations. Four million people pass through the airport every year with Kenya Airways being the main carrier.

There are three terminals at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with terminals 1 and 2 handling international flights and Terminal 3 handling domestic flights. The airport has recently undergone major renovation work and the terminals are well equipped with passenger facilities, which include: cash machines, bureaux de change, an auto exchange machine, first aid, baby change rooms, cafés, bars, restaurants and duty-free shops. Each terminal also has an information desk

Bus 34 runs to Nairobi every 20 minutes between 06:00 and 21:00 taking approximately 45 minutes and stopping at major hotels, including the Hilton and Holiday Inn. This is the cheapest way to get into the city. Metro Shuttle buses also run to Nairobi from the airport every 60 minutes which are a lot faster and more expensive than the public bus. Hotel shuttles are operated by many top hotels and the Safari Park Hotel. Most shuttle buses will wait outside International Arrivals. Unless your hotel provides a shuttle service, taxis are the only means of transport to the city after 21:00. The journey in a taxi takes about 20 minutes. Taxi fares should always be agreed beforehand.

Bus
The only real way to get into Kenya is by air, although buses do run from neighbouring countries to major cities in Kenya. Buses and minibuses run between Tanzania and Kenya, including from Dar es Salaam to Mombasa or Nairobi, and Arusha and Moshi to Nairobi. Services also run between Kampala (Uganda) and Nairobi, and Kampala (Uganda) to Kisumu in Kenya. The journey can however be very hot, long and uncomfortable.

Car
You can access Kenya from Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda by road, although the roads are in poor condition and crossing from Ethiopia can be dangerous due to the general lawlessness of northern Kenya and Ethiopia. The main border crossings into Kenya from: Ethiopia is at Moyale, Tanzania at Namanga, and Uganda at Malaba or Busia. Getting to Kenya from Somalia or Sudan overland is very unsafe.

Sea
There are not many ferries available to take passengers in and out of Kenya. The only country it is possible to travel to is Tanzania. Ferries can be caught from Lake Victoria in the west of the country or from anywhere along the coast. There are regular ferry services from Mwanza in Tanzania to Kisumu in Kenya and cruises from Zanzibar (Tanzania) to Mombasa. A ferry service also used to run this route, although it has recently been discontinued.

Air
Kenya has dozens of airports spread across the country and travelling between destinations by plane is both safe and fast. Several airlines offer services with regular connections from Nairobi to Mombasa, Kisumu, Malindi, Lamu as well as the main national parks and reserves, such as Masai Mara and Amboseli.

Rail
Travelling by train in Kenya is slower and services less frequent than travelling by bus, although the trains are generally safer. The main train route in Kenya is between Nairobi and Mombasa, where an overnight express makes the journey in about 12 hours.

Bus
Many long distance bus lines operate in Kenya yet most roads are pretty bumpy and travelling any great distance can be uncomfortable. If you must travel by bus, make sure you pick a reputable bus company and travel by day to reduce the risk of being robbed and having an accident. The green and yellow Citi Hoppa buses in Nairobi have about 25 seats and provide a good means of transport and are a lot cleaner and safer than the notorious matatus

Car
The condition of Kenyan roads varies, but the majority are fairly rough and un-serviced. Hiring cars can be expensive although hiring a vehicle is also one of the best ways to see the national parks and remote beaches and therefore get the most of your holiday. Major rental agencies have representatives in Nairobi and Mombasa. Jeeps and four wheel drives are also available for hire and recommended for the national parks. Visitors should refrain from driving in the lawless northeast

Taxi
Getting about the cities is often best achieved by taking a taxi. Get your hotel to call you a taxi cab as they will use the more reputable companies. Matatus can often be chartered, on the spot but fares and destinations must be agreed and they should be avoided at night.

Sea
Ferries run along the coast between the major cities of Mombasa, Malindi and Lamu and you can even hire traditional Kenyan sailing boats, known as dhows, in these cities. Boats can be booked at travel agencies or by speaking to captains. Travellers will need to supply food and water.