Planning a trip to Kenya and wondering how to get around during your stay? We break down the different transportation options in Kenya and weigh their pros and cons to give you a complete overview of all the possibilities...

Getting Around Kenya by Air

Given Kenya's vast size, flying is worth considering first if you want to cover a maximum of attractions in limited time. Domestic flights make it easy to reach major destinations like the capital Nairobi, the coastal resort town of Mombasa, the Lamu Archipelago, and Kisumu, as well as certain national parks.

Most routes are served by the national carrier Kenya Airways, but travelers can also fly with Jambojet for more affordable fares. Airkenya offers connections from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Mombasa and several strategic locations for reaching popular attractions like Amboseli National Park and the Masai Mara Reserve.

Whichever airline you choose, book your flight in advance, especially if traveling during peak tourist season.

Note: flying is one of the most expensive ways to get around Kenya. Additionally, airports are typically located outside cities, meaning you'll need to budget for additional transfers to reach the city center.

Getting Around Kenya by Bus

The Coach, or Standard Bus

Whether traveling long or short distances, Kenyan buses (also called coaches locally) offer an economical solution for getting around the country. Several private and national companies operate throughout the territory, including Prestige Shuttles, Easy Coach, Modern Coast, Tahmeed Coach, Transline Classic Ltd, and others.

Routes are extensive and cover most of the country's cities and villages. In principle, operators display schedules for each journey. Depending on your destination—such as national parks or lodges in remote areas—additional transfers may be necessary.

Fares and services vary depending on what the operator provides: reclining seats, various snacks, televisions, air conditioning, and more.

The Matatu, or Local Minibus

For intercity routes, you can board a matatu (a minibus with 14 to 25 seats) which is the most widely used form of transport among Kenyans. Routes are displayed on a sign on the vehicle's windscreen, or ask the conductor who calls out various destinations.

Getting Around Kenya by Taxi

Taxis

Thousands of taxis operate in the cities, and you'll have no trouble finding one. Drivers typically stand near hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions like cinemas. As is common throughout Africa, make sure to agree on the fare before departing, as most taxis don't have meters…

Also make sure to verify that it's a licensed taxi (the driver must have a valid permit and license) and not an unlicensed cab.

Boda-bodas (Motorcycle or Bicycle Taxis)

Boda-bodas are motorcycle or bicycle taxis found all over Kenya, in both large and small cities where conventional taxis are less common. They're ideal for short trips and getting around quickly (drivers know shortcuts and how to avoid traffic jams).

An extremely cheap mode of transport, it's also a fun way to get around. Hold on tight! Again, negotiate and agree on the price with the driver before you depart.

Tuk-tuks

Tuk-tuks are present in several Kenyan cities. Malindi is the main hub for these motorized mini-taxis, but you'll also find them in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Machakos, and other cities. Like taxis, they're primarily used for short trips. Fares are negotiable and cheaper than taxis.

Getting Around Kenya by Train

Train travel is an option worth considering for journeys between cities.

Whereas the old Uganda Railway took 18 hours to connect Nairobi and Mombasa, the new Madakara Express, opened in 2017, completes the journey in considerably less time.

In total, Kenya operates three main train lines:

• the Nairobi-Mombasa line (departures and returns daily),
• the Nairobi-Kisumu line (overnight train departing Fridays and returning Sundays), and
• the Nairobi-Nanyuki line (departing Friday, returning Sunday)

As with airports, train stations are typically some distance from city centers, so plan for shuttle transfers.

Car Rental in Kenya

Renting a Car

If you want to venture off the beaten path and explore Kenya's national parks and reserves, renting a car is an option worth considering. This is often the choice for travelers looking to go on a Kenya safari independently.

Indeed, public transport in Kenya has its limits, and when it comes to exploring the country's most remote regions, having your own vehicle is necessary. From compact sedans to campervans to four-wheel-drives, rental agencies offer a wide selection of vehicles for your various excursions. We'd recommend a 4x4 to navigate dirt tracks more easily.

However, given road safety concerns, this option isn't necessarily recommended. Beyond poor road conditions, buses and trucks complicate driving on major routes, and it's no better on secondary roads and dirt tracks. Never drive at night—it's too risky! Wild animals or, in the worst case, bandits could block your path. In cities, always keep your doors locked… Also note that driving is on the left in Kenya.

Renting a Car with a Driver

The best option is to rent a car with a driver who will follow your itinerary exactly and transport you safely to your various destinations.

In Summary

Florine Dergelet