# NBO — Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport)

> NBO (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) is the main international airport serving Nairobi, Kenya. Source: https://www.airportexit.com/airports/nbo-nairobi

## At a glance

- **Best exit method:** Bolt or Uber from the designated pickup zone
- **Typical fare:** KSh 800–1,800 to Westlands / CBD
- **Journey time:** 30–90 min (traffic)
- **Pickup point:** Marked app pickup zone outside arrivals
- **Key warning:** Drivers in the lot may quote KSh 3,000+ flat — refuse and use Bolt/Uber.
- **Fare reality (NBO → Westlands):** expected KSh 800–1,800 · concerning KSh 3,000+ · likely scam KSh 4,500+ flat
- **Overall risk:** medium — Airport itself is safe. Risks come from overcharging by unmetered taxis and severe traffic to Westlands / CBD. Bolt and Uber are reliable.
- **Last updated:** May 2026 (medium confidence)

## Ways out of NBO, ranked

1. **Bolt / Uber** _(recommended)_ — cost KSh 800–1,800, journey 30–90 min, wait 5–15 min, payment App Payment.
   - Pros: Fixed price; Tracked
   - Cons: Surge in rush
2. **Official KAA taxi** — cost KSh 2,000–3,000, journey 30–90 min, wait 0–10 min, payment Card & Cash.
   - Pros: Curbside; Regulated
   - Cons: 2x Bolt
3. **Pre-booked transfer** — cost KSh 2,500–4,000, journey 30–90 min, wait 0 min, payment Card.
   - Pros: Driver waits
   - Cons: Pricier
4. **Matatu (shared van, route 34)** — cost KSh 100–150, journey 60–120 min, wait Every 10–20 min, payment Cash.
   - Pros: Very cheap
   - Cons: Crowded, luggage hard

## First 30 minutes after landing at NBO

1. Buy a Safaricom SIM at arrivals
2. Open Bolt or Uber and book to your destination
3. Walk to the designated pickup zone
4. Or: official KAA taxi rank (pricier but regulated)
5. Expected total: KSh 800–2,500

## Common scams at NBO

- **Flat-rate tout** (high risk): Drivers at the curb quoting KSh 4,000+ for the city. _How to avoid:_ Use Bolt or Uber from the designated zone.

## Payment warnings at NBO

- Set up M-Pesa if staying long — it's the default payment everywhere.
- Confirm price BEFORE getting in any taxi outside Bolt/Uber.

## Arrival checklist for NBO

- Buy Safaricom SIM at arrivals
- Bolt + Uber installed
- Avoid flat-rate offers
- Allow 90 min in rush hour

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Canonical URL: https://www.airportexit.com/airports/nbo-nairobi
Source: Airport Exit (https://www.airportexit.com)
Last updated: May 2026

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