Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around Kenya.

National Trains [SGR & Standard Gauge]

• Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) — The Standard Gauge Railway connects Nairobi to Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nanyuki with modern, comfortable coaches. Book tickets online via www.sgr.go.ke or at stations; fares are reasonable and trains run on schedule. Expect security screening similar to airports at major stations.
• Narrow Gauge Heritage Train — Scenic heritage trains operate on limited routes, mainly for tourists between Nairobi and the Rift Valley. These are slower but atmospheric; book through tour operators or the Kenya Railways website well in advance.
• Standard Gauge Railway trains can be delayed during peak seasons or maintenance periods; check updates before traveling. Security is tight but queues form early, so arrive 1–2 hours before departure.

City Buses & Matatus [Public Transport]

• Nairobi City Buses — Nairobi has a bus rapid transit (BRT) system called Nairobi BRT with dedicated lanes; fares are around 50 KES per ride. Major operators include Citibus and Africog; pay with cash or MPESA at the conductor.
• Matatus & Long-Distance Buses — Matatus (minibuses) are the backbone of transport; they're cheap (30–100 KES in cities, more for long routes) but crowded and rarely depart on fixed schedules. For intercity travel, use established companies like Akamba, East African Coaches, or Jatco for comfort and reliability.
• Safety & Pickpocketing — Matatus and buses are common targets for pickpockets, especially in Nairobi and Mombasa. Keep bags in front, avoid displaying cash or phones, and travel during daylight when possible.
• Overloading & Speed — Many matatus are dangerously overloaded and drivers speed recklessly; choose reputable companies and sit near the middle of the vehicle. Budget airlines or the SGR are safer for long distances.

Metro & Urban Transit [Nairobi Metro]

• Nairobi Expressway — The Nairobi Expressway is a toll highway reducing travel time between central Nairobi and the airport; tolls are paid electronically or at booths (100–300 KES depending on vehicle type). It's safer and faster than standard roads.
• Planned Metro System — A metro/light rail system is under development in Nairobi but not yet operational; rely on buses, matatus, and ride-hailing apps for now.
• Nairobi's road traffic is chaotic; avoid driving yourself if unfamiliar with local customs. Pedestrian crossings are not always respected; cross carefully.

Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps [Boda & Uber]

• Uber & Bolt — Uber and Bolt operate in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu with GPS tracking and fixed prices; fares are typically higher than matatus but offer safety and convenience. Payment is via card or mobile wallet; tipping is not expected.
• Bodaboda (Motorcycle Taxis) — Bodabodas are fast and cheap (30–150 KES) but risky; use the SafeBoda app in Nairobi for tracked rides and safety helmets. Avoid them at night or for long distances.
• Traditional Yellow Taxis — Yellow cabs are available everywhere but rarely metered; agree on fares before entering or ask your hotel to call a trusted company. They're slower than ride-apps but useful in areas without app coverage.
• Unlicensed Taxis — Never enter unmarked taxis or share cabs with strangers, especially at night or at the airport; use official ride-hailing apps or hotel recommendations. Hotel queues for taxis are regulated and safer.
• Bodaboda Dangers — Bodabodas have high accident rates and are targeted by thieves; helmets are sometimes absent or poorly fitted. Avoid them if traveling with valuables or after dark.

Driving & Car Rental [Self-Drive]

• Car Rental Operators — Major companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget operate at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta Airport; local firms like Europcar Kenya and Sunny Safaris offer better rates. Rental typically costs 2,000–5,000 KES/day for economy cars; insurance is essential.
• Road Conditions & Behavior — Kenyan roads vary widely; highways are decent but rural roads are potholed and unmaintained. Drivers ignore traffic rules, pedestrians cross randomly, and accidents are common—drive defensively and avoid night travel.
• Police & Corruption — Police roadblocks are frequent; carry your license, rental documents, and vehicle registration. Officers may demand bribes ('chai') for minor violations; politely refuse and ask for an official receipt; escalate if harassed.
• Theft & Carjacking — Vehicle theft and carjacking occur, especially in Nairobi and after dark; park in guarded lots, never leave valuables visible, and avoid driving alone at night. Use your hotel's valet parking when available.
• Licenses & Requirements — An international driving permit (IDP) plus your home license is required. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns and 110 km/h on highways; seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.

Airports & Air Travel [Jomo Kenyatta & Regional]

• Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) — Nairobi's main airport is modern with good facilities; allow 2–3 hours for domestic flights and 3–4 hours for international. The airport is 18 km southeast of the city center; use the Nairobi Expressway, ride-hailing, or airport shuttle services (500–1,500 KES).
• Regional Airports — Mombasa (MBA), Kisumu (KIS), Eldoret (EDL), and Malindi (MMA) have good domestic connections. Regional airports are smaller and less crowded; domestic flights cost 50–150 USD one-way on carriers like Kenya Airways, Precision Air, or Safarilink.
• Domestic Airlines — Kenya Airways, Precision Air, Safarilink, and Northern Air operate domestic routes connecting major towns and safari destinations. Booking via airline websites or Kenyatta.com (flight aggregator) is reliable; expect delays of 1–2 hours.
• Airport Scams — Unlicensed taxi drivers and porters approach arrivals offering overpriced rides or unsolicited help; ignore them and use official airport taxis or ride-hailing apps. Avoid exchanging money at airports (poor rates).
• Flight Delays & Strikes — Domestic flights frequently delay; confirm flights 24 hours ahead. Kenya Airways has occasionally faced strikes affecting schedules; check airline updates before travel.

Ferries & Water Transport [Coastal & Lakes]

• Nairobi–Mombasa Ferry (Theoretical) — A coastal ferry service between Nairobi and Mombasa is planned but not yet operational; currently, no scheduled passenger ferries connect these cities. The SGR or flights are the main options.
• Lake Victoria Ferries — Ferries operate between Kisumu and Mfangano Island and to Uganda (Jinja); services are infrequent and slow (8–12 hours). Check with the Kenya Ports Authority or local operators for schedules; fares are cheap (500–2,000 KES).
• Coastal Boat Charters & Snorkeling — In Mombasa, Lamu, and Malindi, private boats and dhows offer island hopping, snorkeling, and fishing trips; book via hotels or tour operators (2,000–10,000 KES/person/day). Sunset dhow cruises are popular tourist activities.
• Safety & Weather — Lake Victoria ferries are prone to overcrowding and poor maintenance; life jackets may be unavailable. Ocean ferries are affected by rough seas during certain months; check weather forecasts before booking.

Tickets & Transit Passes [Payment Systems]

• MPESA & Mobile Payments — MPESA (Safaricom's mobile wallet) is ubiquitous and accepted for matatus, buses, ride-hailing, and many shops; get a Kenyan SIM card first. Using MPESA is safer than carrying cash and offers fair exchange rates.
• Cash & Exchange — Kenyan Shillings (KES) are essential for small vendors, matatus, and rural areas; exchange money at banks or ATMs for better rates than hotels or airports. USD is accepted in tourist areas but at poor rates.
• Booking & Passes — Book buses and trains online (SGR, Akamba, Jatco) or at station counters; no integrated transit pass exists in Kenya. Tourist multi-day passes are not standard; pay per journey or use MPESA.
• Counterfeit Notes — Counterfeit KES notes (especially 1,000 KES) circulate; inspect notes closely and avoid exchanging money on the street. Request new notes at banks if needed.

Connectivity & Mobile SIM Cards [Networks]

• Major Telecom Providers — Safaricom (largest network), Airtel, and Equity Telecom dominate Kenya; buy SIM cards at the airport, convenience stores, or telco shops for 50–200 KES. Prepaid plans cost 100 KES/day for data and calls; MPESA integration is free.
• Data & Internet — 4G LTE is fast and affordable (1,000 KES for 10 GB monthly); WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Mobile hotspots are reliable in cities but patchy in remote areas.
• International Roaming — International roaming is expensive; a local SIM is far cheaper. WhatsApp, Google Maps, and ride-hailing apps work smoothly with local data plans.
• Network Coverage — Coverage drops in rural and game reserve areas; download offline maps before traveling to remote regions. Safaricom generally has better coverage than competitors.
• SIM Registration — SIM cards require ID registration; provide a passport copy or local ID when purchasing. Registration is free and takes minutes.