Kenya Airports Guide 2026
Kenya has three key airports for international and domestic travellers: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi is East Africa's largest hub, Moi International Airport serves the Mombasa coast, and Wilson Airport is the gateway to Kenya's world-famous safari destinations. Whether you are arriving for business, a beach holiday, or the Great Migration, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Kenya's Airports
| Location: Embakasi, Nairobi | Distance to City: 15 km |
| Terminals: 2 | Passengers: ~8.2 million/year |
East Africa's busiest airport and Kenya Airways hub. Direct flights to London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Bangkok, and 40+ African cities. Nairobi Expressway provides fast city access.
Full Airport Guide| Location: Port Reitz, Mombasa | Distance to City: 10 km |
| Terminals: 1 | Passengers: ~2 million/year |
Gateway to Kenya's Indian Ocean coast: Diani Beach, Watamu, Malindi. Direct flights to Istanbul and Doha plus seasonal European charters. SGR train connection to Nairobi (4.5 hours).
Full Airport Guide| Location: Langata, Nairobi | Distance to CBD: 6 km |
| Type: Domestic / Safari | Transfer from JKIA: 30-60 min |
Kenya's safari flight hub. Scheduled flights to Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Lamu, and Diani Beach on Safarilink and AirKenya. Strict 15kg soft-bag luggage limit.
Full Airport GuideEssential Airport Information
eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Kenya replaced its eVisa with the eTA system in 2024. Apply at etakenya.go.ke at least 72 hours before travel ($30). EAC citizens are exempt. See our visa requirements page.
Currency & M-Pesa
The Kenya Shilling (KES) is the local currency. M-Pesa (mobile money via Safaricom) is ubiquitous — get a SIM at the airport. ATMs and forex bureaux available at JKIA and Mombasa.
Transport
Uber and Bolt are the best transport apps. The Nairobi Expressway speeds up airport transfers. For Mombasa coast, pre-arrange hotel transfers (Likoni Ferry can cause delays).
Plastic Bag Ban
Kenya strictly bans single-use plastic bags. Do not bring them in your luggage — they will be confiscated.
Airport Comparison
| Feature | JKIA (NBO) | Mombasa (MBA) | Wilson (WIL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | International hub | International | Domestic/Safari |
| International Routes | 30+ | 2-3 + charters | None |
| Taxi to City | KES 2,500-4,000 | KES 1,500-3,000 | KES 500-1,200 |
| Safari Connection | Via Wilson transfer | Limited | Direct flights |
| Facilities | Full | Moderate | Basic |
| M-Pesa Setup | Yes | Yes | Limited |