Blog / 🇰🇪 Kenya Transport Guide 📅 April 13, 2026 ⏱ 13 min read 🚌 Getting Around Kenya's transport landscape ranges from world-class to chaotic — and knowing which option to use in which situation can save you hours, money, and stress. This guide covers every mode of transport in Kenya: the SGR high-speed train, matatu minibuses, domestic flights, Uber, safari vehicles, boda-bodas, and long-distance buses — with real prices and practical tips for 2026. 📋 Table of Contents Key Distances & Journey Times SGR Train — Nairobi to Mombasa & Beyond Domestic Flights Long-Distance Buses & Coaches Matatus — The Real Kenya Experience Uber & Bolt in Kenyan Cities Car Hire & Self-Drive Safari Transport: 4WD & Bush Flights Boda-Bodas (Motorcycle Taxis) Airports & Getting Into the City Top Tourist Route Recommendations 📏 Key Distances & Journey Times Route Distance By Road By Train (SGR) By Air Nairobi → Mombasa 480 km 8–10 hrs 4 hrs 30 min 55 min Nairobi → Maasai Mara 280 km 5–6 hrs (bumpy) N/A 45 min (bush flight) Nairobi → Kisumu 350 km 5–6 hrs N/A 50 min Nairobi → Nakuru 160 km 2.5–3 hrs N/A 30 min Nairobi → Amboseli 230 km 4–5 hrs N/A 45 min Mombasa → Malindi 120 km 2–3 hrs N/A 25 min Nairobi → Naivasha 90 km 1.5–2 hrs N/A N/A 🚆 SGR Train — Nairobi to Mombasa & Beyond The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) , operated by Kenya Railways and built by China's CRBC, is Kenya's showcase infrastructure project. Launched in 2017, it cuts the Nairobi–Mombasa journey from a punishing 10-hour road trip to a comfortable 4.5-hour train ride. It's modern, air-conditioned, and genuinely pleasant. Routes Operated Nairobi (Syokimau) → Mombasa (Miritini) — the main tourist route Nairobi → Naivasha — Rift Valley commuter extension Extensions to Kisumu and Uganda planned but not yet operational Ticket Classes & Prices Economy class: KES 1,000 (~$7.70) Nairobi–Mombasa First class: KES 3,000 (~$23) Nairobi–Mombasa Nairobi–Naivasha Economy: KES 300–500 Overnight service available (departs evening, arrives morning) How to Book SGR Tickets Book online at safari.co.ke (Kenya Railways booking portal) or via the app. You can also book at any Huduma Centre or at Syokimau station. Book 2–3 days in advance for weekends and public holidays — trains sell out. You'll need your passport number for international traveller booking. ✅ Pros of SGR Very cheap (KES 1,000 = ~$7.70 for 480km) Air-conditioned, clean, comfortable seats Passes through Tsavo — often see elephants from the window No traffic jams, no road accident risk Dining car on board ❌ Cons of SGR Syokimau station is 30min outside Nairobi CBD (taxi needed) Miritini station is 12km outside Mombasa island Limited departures (2–3 per day each way) Cannot reach Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or most safari destinations ✈️ Domestic Flights in Kenya Kenya has excellent domestic aviation — a network of scheduled services and charter bush flights connects Nairobi to every major destination. For safaris, flying saves 5–7 hours of bumpy road per leg. Main Scheduled Airlines Airline Key Routes Approx Price Notes Kenya Airways NBO–MBA, NBO–KIS, NBO–EDL (Eldoret) $60–120 one-way Full service; Nairobi hub at JKIA Terminal 1A Safarilink Aviation Wilson → Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Lewa $120–200 one-way The #1 safari airline. Flies Cessna Caravans to bush airstrips Fly-SAX (Fly 540) NBO–MBA, NBO–KIS, NBO–MYD (Malindi) $50–90 one-way Budget option; reliable but basic AirKenya Express Wilson → Mara, Amboseli, Nanyuki, Lewa, Malindi $100–180 one-way Strong safari network; connects with Arusha Tanzania Jambojet NBO–MBA, NBO–KIS, NBO–EDL $40–80 one-way Kenya Airways low-cost subsidiary; book early for deals Wilson Airport (WIL) — the Safari Hub Most bush flights depart from Wilson Airport, not JKIA. Wilson is 5km south of Nairobi CBD — a 20-30 minute Uber from the city centre (~KES 400–600). Safari operators usually include Wilson transfers in their package. Always confirm which airport your outbound/return flight uses. 🚌 Long-Distance Buses & Coaches Long-distance buses are the cheapest way to travel between Kenya's major cities. Modern coaches have AC, toilets, and Wi-Fi. Night buses are popular for saving on accommodation. Easy Coach KES 600–1,500 Routes: Nairobi → Kisumu, Kampala (Uganda), Kigali 💡 Most reliable and comfortable Nairobi–Kisumu option. Departs from OTC Bus Terminal, Nairobi. Book online at easycoach.co.ke Modern Coast Express KES 800–1,200 Routes: Nairobi → Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu 💡 Comfortable overnight buses to the coast. Luggage storage under the bus. Departs from Mfangano Street, Nairobi. Mash East Africa KES 400–900 Routes: Nairobi → Nakuru, Kisumu, Eldoret, Kampala 💡 Good for Rift Valley destinations. Popular with local travellers. Intercity Bus Services KES 200–400 Routes: Nairobi → Naivasha, Nakuru (frequent) 💡 Matatu or standard buses from Nairobi Country Bus Station. No advance booking needed — just turn up. ⚠️ Night Bus Safety Kenya's night buses have been involved in serious accident