Quick, straight answers to the questions travellers ask most about Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA / NBO) in Nairobi. Each answer links to a full guide if you need more detail.
Getting to & from JKIA
How far is JKIA from Nairobi city centre?
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport sits in Embakasi, about 15 km (9 miles) southeast of Nairobi’s central business district. By road it is normally a 30–45 minute drive, though heavy traffic at peak hours can push this past an hour.
How do I get from JKIA to Nairobi?
The main options from JKIA are taxi, ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt, Little), car hire, a pre-booked private transfer, or the budget matatu and bus. Taxis and ride-hailing are the most common for visitors; the Nairobi Expressway can shorten the trip to the city and Westlands.
How much is a taxi from JKIA to the city?
A taxi from JKIA to central Nairobi typically costs in the region of KES 1,500–2,500, depending on the operator, time of day and your exact destination. Use the official taxi ranks outside each terminal and agree the fare before you set off.
Is Uber allowed at JKIA and where is the pickup point?
Yes, Uber, Bolt and Little all operate at JKIA. Drivers collect passengers from designated ride-hailing pickup zones rather than directly outside the arrivals door, so follow the airport signs or the pin your driver shares in the app.
Can I use the Nairobi Expressway from JKIA?
Yes. The Nairobi Expressway has an interchange at JKIA and can significantly cut journey times to the city centre, Westlands and beyond, bypassing the worst of the Mombasa Road traffic. It is a toll road, with charges based on how far you travel.
Is there a bus or matatu from JKIA?
Public transport from JKIA is limited but possible and is the cheapest way into town. There is no train directly at the terminal; budget travellers usually walk to the nearest matatu stage or use a bus, though this is slower and less convenient with luggage.
Can I book an airport transfer in advance?
Yes. Booking a private transfer means a driver meets you on arrival, which removes the stress of negotiating a fare after a long flight. Pre-booked transfers cover Nairobi hotels, Karen, Westlands and onward safari destinations such as the Masai Mara.
How do I get from JKIA to the Masai Mara?
From JKIA you can reach the Masai Mara by light aircraft (usually connecting via Wilson Airport) or by road transfer, which takes around five to six hours. Flying is faster and popular for safaris; road transfers are cheaper and can be arranged in advance.
Entry requirements & the Kenya eTA
Do I need a visa to enter Kenya?
Most visitors no longer need a traditional visa. Since 1 January 2024 Kenya replaced visas with an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) that you apply for online before you travel. Many African nationals are now exempt and can enter visa-free.
What is the Kenya eTA and how do I apply?
The eTA is Kenya’s digital entry permit, applied for online before departure at the official portal etakenya.go.ke. You upload your passport bio-data page and a photo, answer a few questions and pay the fee. Apply at least three days before travel; approval usually arrives by email within a few days.
How much does the Kenya eTA cost?
The standard government eTA fee is around US$30, with a small service charge that brings the total slightly higher. Fees and exemptions change, so always confirm the current amount on the official portal etakenya.go.ke and avoid third-party sites that charge inflated prices.
How long does the Kenya eTA take to process?
Most eTA applications are approved within about 48–72 hours, but you should apply at least three days before travel to be safe. You can submit up to 90 days ahead, so the safest approach is to apply as soon as your flights are booked.
Do I need an eTA if I am only transiting through JKIA?
If you stay airside and do not pass through immigration, you generally do not need an eTA to transit JKIA. If your connection requires you to collect bags and check in again, or to leave the airport, you will usually need one. Check your specific routing carefully.
Do children need their own eTA?
Yes. Every traveller, including infants and children, needs their own approved eTA before travelling to Kenya. A parent, guardian or accompanying adult completes and pays for the application on the child’s behalf.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Kenya?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from, or have recently passed through, a country at risk of yellow fever transmission. Travellers coming directly from countries with no risk usually do not need one, but rules change, so confirm before you fly.
Immigration & arrival
What happens when I arrive at JKIA?
After landing you walk to immigration and passport control, then collect your checked bags from the baggage hall, and finally clear customs through the green or red channel. Having your eTA approval and passport ready speeds up the immigration desk.
What do I need to show at immigration?
At JKIA immigration you typically present your passport (valid for at least six months), your approved eTA, and proof of onward or return travel. Officers may also ask where you are staying, so have your accommodation details handy.
How long are the immigration queues at JKIA?
Wait times vary with how many flights arrive together and can be longer in the early morning peak. The eTA system speeds things up because your details are pre-checked, but allow extra time if you have a tight onward connection.
Terminals & getting around
How many terminals does JKIA have?
JKIA has two passenger terminals. Terminal 1 is split into four concourses — 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D — while Terminal 2 serves low-cost and some regional and charter flights. Terminal 1A handles most international traffic, including Kenya Airways.
Which terminal do I use at JKIA?
Your terminal depends on your airline and whether you are flying internationally or domestically. International flights mostly use Terminal 1 concourses 1A, 1B and 1C; domestic flights use 1D; and low-cost or charter flights often use Terminal 2. Check your airline’s page to confirm.
Where do domestic flights leave from at JKIA?
Domestic flights at JKIA depart from Terminal 1D, the dedicated domestic concourse used by carriers such as Jambojet for routes to Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret and other Kenyan cities.
How do I get between terminals at JKIA?
Terminal 1’s concourses (1A–1D) are within walking distance of each other inside the main building, while Terminal 2 is a short distance away. Allow time when connecting between them, especially if you switch between an international and a domestic flight.
Flights, check-in & departures
How do I check JKIA arrivals or whether a flight has landed?
Use a live arrivals board to track a flight’s status, landing time, gate and terminal. This is more reliable than a printed schedule because it updates with delays in real time.
How do I check JKIA departures?
Check the live departures board for up-to-date departure times, boarding gates and any delays at JKIA. Confirm your gate on arrival at the airport as gates can change close to departure.
How early should I arrive at JKIA before my flight?
Arrive about three hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic flight. JKIA has a security check at the terminal entrance before check-in, so allow extra time during busy morning and evening peaks.
Can I check in online for flights from JKIA?
Most airlines at JKIA offer online check-in, which lets you choose a seat and sometimes skip the counter if you have no bags to drop. You still pass through the terminal-entrance security check and, if checking bags, the bag-drop desk.
Connections & layovers
How much time do I need to connect at JKIA?
Allow a comfortable buffer for connections at JKIA, particularly when switching between international and domestic flights, as you may need to change concourses and clear additional checks. Tight connections are riskier during peak arrival periods.
How do I connect from an international to a domestic flight at JKIA?
International-to-domestic connections at JKIA usually involve moving from the international concourses to the domestic Terminal 1D, and may require clearing immigration and re-checking bags depending on your airline and ticket. Follow transfer signage and allow extra time.
Can I leave the airport during a long layover?
Yes, if you hold a valid eTA you can leave JKIA during a long layover to rest or sightsee. If you intend to stay airside only, you generally do not need an eTA — but confirm your routing, as some connections require you to enter Kenya.
Baggage & security
What are the security and liquid rules at JKIA?
Standard rules apply: liquids in your hand luggage must be in containers of 100 ml or less, carried in a clear bag, and laptops and large electronics come out for screening. JKIA also screens passengers and bags at the terminal entrance, before check-in.
What is the baggage allowance at JKIA?
Baggage allowance is set by your airline and fare, not the airport, so check your ticket for cabin and checked limits. Separately, Kenya has customs and duty-free limits on what you can bring into the country.
Where do I report lost baggage or lost property at JKIA?
For a bag that did not arrive on your flight, report it to your airline’s baggage desk in the arrivals hall before you leave. For items left behind in the terminal, contact the airport’s lost-property service.
Is there luggage storage at JKIA?
Left-luggage storage lets you store bags for a few hours or longer, which is useful on a long layover or day trip into Nairobi. Check current locations and rates before relying on it.
Airport facilities & services
Is there free WiFi at JKIA?
Yes, JKIA offers free WiFi in the terminals. Connect to the airport network and follow the on-screen steps to get online; there are also charging points for phones and laptops around the gates.
Where can I change money or find an ATM at JKIA?
JKIA has forex bureaus and ATMs in the terminals where you can get Kenyan shillings on arrival. Airport rates are convenient but not always the best, so change a small amount to get going and compare rates in town for larger sums.
Are there lounges at JKIA and how do I get in?
Yes. JKIA has several lounges, including the Pride Lounge, with access via business-class tickets, frequent-flyer or lounge memberships such as Priority Pass, or a pay-per-use walk-in fee. Facilities typically include food, drinks, WiFi and seating.
Where can I eat at JKIA?
JKIA has restaurants, cafes and bars both before and after security, ranging from quick coffee and snacks to sit-down meals. Options vary by terminal and concourse, with some open around the clock for early and late flights.
Is there duty-free shopping at JKIA?
Yes, JKIA has duty-free and retail shops in the international departures area selling spirits, fragrances, electronics and Kenyan souvenirs such as coffee, tea and crafts. Keep your duty-free purchases within Kenya’s and your destination’s allowances.
Is there wheelchair or special assistance at JKIA?
Yes. Special assistance, including wheelchairs and help through the airport, is available for passengers with reduced mobility or other needs. Arrange it through your airline in advance where possible so support is ready when you arrive.
Parking
Is there parking at JKIA and how much does it cost?
Yes, JKIA has car parks serving the terminals, charged by the hour and the day, with separate arrangements for dropping off and picking up passengers. Check current rates and zones before you drive out.
Is there long-term parking at JKIA?
Long-term parking is available at JKIA for travellers leaving a vehicle for several days. For longer trips it is worth comparing the total parking cost against a return airport transfer, which can sometimes work out cheaper.
Hotels & resting
Are there hotels near JKIA?
Yes, there are several hotels close to JKIA, some with free airport shuttles, which are handy for early departures, late arrivals or long layovers. They range from budget to upmarket and are a short drive from the terminals.
Can I sleep at JKIA between flights?
For a long layover you can rest in a lounge, or use a nearby or transit hotel with day-use or hourly rooms. Whether you can stay fully airside depends on your connection and whether you need to clear immigration.
Good to know
What is JKIA’s airport code?
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport’s IATA code is NBO and its ICAO code is HKJK. NBO is the code you will see on flight bookings, baggage tags and departure boards for Nairobi.
Can I buy a local SIM card at JKIA?
Yes, you can buy a Kenyan SIM card from mobile operator kiosks in the arrivals area, which is the easiest way to get data and a local number on landing. Bring your passport, as registration is required.
What is the best way to get Kenyan shillings?
Change a small amount at a JKIA forex bureau or withdraw from an airport ATM to cover your transfer and first costs, then use ATMs or bureaus in town for better rates on larger amounts. Many places also accept mobile money and cards.
Is JKIA being expanded or modernised?
Yes. JKIA has been operating above its designed capacity, and the Kenya Airports Authority has launched a long-term plan to modernise the existing terminal and build a new one. Expect phased upgrades and some construction around the airport over the coming years.
Is JKIA safe?
JKIA is a busy international airport with standard security screening at the terminals. As at any major airport, keep your belongings with you, use the official taxi ranks or a booked transfer, and agree fares before travelling to avoid being overcharged.