How to Get to Nakuru. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Airports

Major Airports Serving Nakuru

These are the main airports for travelers heading to Nakuru.

International & Domestic Hubs

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO): Nairobi, 160 km (100 miles) SE of Nakuru. Kenya's main international gateway.
Eldoret International Airport (EDL): NW of Nakuru, 150 km (93 miles) away. Serves domestic/regional flights.
Kisumu International Airport (KIS): W of Nakuru, 160 km (93 miles) away. Serves domestic/regional flights.

Airlines & Routes

A variety of airlines operate international and domestic routes.

Airline Information

International: NBO by numerous international airlines (Kenya Airways, KLM, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, The National flag carrier airline of turkey, Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa).
Domestic: Kenya Airways, Jambojet, Safarilink, and AirKenya serve domestic routes to and from NBO, EDL, and KIS.
Lanet Airstrip (HKNK): Near Nakuru city. Mainly military, limited small commercial charter flights. No regular commercial passenger airlines for tourists.

Direct Flights & Booking

Direct flights from major global hubs (London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, Addis Ababa, Johannesburg) terminate at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. Onward ground transportation to Nakuru needed. Booking well in advance (3-6 months) secures better rates.

Airport Facilities NBO

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) a comprehensive range of facilities and services for arriving and departing travelers. NBO two main terminals. You will find ATMs, currency exchange bureaus, duty-free shops, a variety of restaurants and cafes, vehicle hire services, VIP lounges, SIM card vendors, and taxi stands. Wi-Fi available throughout the airport.

Transfer Options from NBO

Several options from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Nakuru. Shared Shuttle Buses: Companies like Mololine and Easy Coach daily scheduled services. Cost-effective (KES 500-1,000). Journey 3-4 hours. Private Taxis/Car Hire: Directly from NBO. More expensive (KES 8,000-15,000), but door-to-door. Safari Tour Operators: If package booked, transfers from NBO to Nakuru usually included.

Transfer Details

Shuttle Services

Shared Shuttle Buses: Several companies, like Mololine and Easy Coach, daily scheduled shuttle services from Nairobi to Nakuru.
Cost-effective, typically approximately KES 500-1,000 (USD 4-8).
Journey 3-4 hours. Pick-up points usually in Nairobi city center.
Book your ticket in advance, particularly during busy travel periods.

Private & Tour Transfers

Private Taxis/Car Hire: Directly from NBO. This option more expensive, ranging from KES 8,000-15,000 (USD 60-115).
Offers door-to-door service, greater comfort, and flexibility. Pre-book these services or arrange upon arrival.
Ride-sharing Apps: Uber and Bolt from NBO to Nairobi city center. Non-stop services to Nakuru very expensive and may not readily available.
Safari Tour Operators: If you booked a safari package, transfers from NBO to Nakuru usually included. Confirm this with your operator.

Flight Availability & Pricing

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

International Flights to NBO: Flight prices higher during peak safari seasons (July-August, December-January) and major holidays.

Booking Recommendations

Booking international flights well in advance, typically 3-6 months, gets you better prices. Flexibility with travel dates also leads to savings. For flight deals, check Dollar Flight Club.

Flight Search Engines

Utilize platforms like Skyscanner to compare prices and find optimal flight options.

Journey by Land

Bus & Train Options

Land travel main method for reaching Nakuru from Nairobi and other parts of Kenya.

Bus & Train Services

Long-Distance Bus Options: Nakuru well-connected by extensive network of buses and shuttles. Reputable companies Easy Coach, Mololine, North Rift.
Travel Time: Nairobi to Nakuru approximately 3-4 hours. Cost: One-way KES 500 - 1,000 (USD 4-8).
Train Connections: Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) no service to Nakuru. Old Meter-Gauge Railway infrequent, unreliable, not recommended for tourist travel.

Self-Driving Considerations

For independence, consider renting a vehicle, but with particular factors.

Requirements & Safety

Requirements: Valid International Driving Permit (IDP) and national driving license. Drivers 23-25 years old with min. Two years experience.
Road Conditions: Main highway (A8) Nairobi-Nakuru good condition. The roads in Lake Nakuru National Park mostly dirt tracks, challenging/muddy rainy season.
Safety: Driving in Kenya challenging (varied conditions, aggressive drivers, livestock). Night driving not recommended outside city centers. DiscoverCars.com for hiring.

Road Conditions & Safety Concerns

Be aware of the varied road conditions and traffic dynamics.

Driving Safely

Main Roads: Major highways, like the A8, paved and generally well-maintained. Secondary Roads: Unpaved, dusty in dry season, muddy/slippery in wet.
Traffic: Expect heavy traffic, especially around Nairobi and Nakuru city centers during peak hours.
Driving Habits: Drivers aggressive, overtaking risky. Vigilance and defensive driving advised. Wildlife: Animals on roads, caution advised.

Vehicle Type Recommendations

Choosing the right vehicle for your journey is important.

Best Options

A 4x4 vehicle highly recommended for game drives withwithin national parks.
Especially during wet seasons, to handle rough terrain effectively.
Consider road conditions and potential wildlife encounters when selecting.

Sea/River Arrivals: Not Applicable

Nakuru a landlocked city; sea or river arrivals not applicable for international tourist travel.
Ferry Services and Cruise Ports: Not applicable. Nakuru no sea or river ports relevant for international tourist arrivals. Lake Nakuru an inland lake with no public ferry services.
River Transportation Options: Not applicable for inter-city travel. A boat from the area trips available on nearby Lake Naivasha (day trip from Nakuru), but not a mode on getting there for Nakuru itself.

Immigration Procedures at Seaports: Not applicable.
Connections to Land Transportation: Not applicable.
Any queries regarding sea/river entry not relevant to Nakuru travel.

Seamless Departure

Exit Procedures

Ensure a smooth departure from Kenya with these guidelines.

Departure Timings

International Flights (from NBO): Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at least 3 hours before scheduled departure. Ample time for check-in, security, immigration.
Domestic Flights (from NBO/KIS/EDL): Arrive at airport at least 1.5-2 hours before departure.
Bus/Shuttle Departures from Nakuru: Arrive at bus station/shuttle pick-up point 30-60 minutes before departure for boarding/luggage.

Airport/Station Facilities

Amenities for your comfort while awaiting departure.

Amenities Available

NBO (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport): Check-in counters, baggage drop, security, immigration, duty-free, lounges, restaurants, cafes.
Bus Stations in Nakuru: Basic waiting areas and small kiosks for snacks and drinks. Facilities rudimentary compared to airports.
Exit Fees or Taxes: No specific exit fees or taxes typically charged separately upon departure from Kenya for air travel. These costs usually included in your airline ticket price.

Exit Fees

No particular exit fees or taxes are typically charged separately upon departure from Kenya for travel by plane. These costs are usually included in your airline ticket price.

Reconfirm Departures

Reconfirm your flight or bus departure times 24-48 hours before your scheduled departure. This prevents last-minute surprises and a smooth journey.

General Advice

Allow ample time for all airport and station procedures. Pack any liquids or aerosols according to security regulations. Keep all travel documents readily accessible.

Land Travel Tips

Bus Travel Reminders

For bus or shuttle departures, preparation a calm experience.

Before Boarding

Arrive at the bus station or shuttle pick-up point 30-60 minutes before departure.
This sufficient time for boarding procedures and luggage loading.
Reconfirm your public bus departure times 24-48 hours prior to travel.

Self-Drive Departure Advice

Rental Car Return

Ensure the fuel tank level matches your rental agreement.
Inspect the vehicle for any new damages before handing it over.
Allow extra time for traffic, especially when returning to Nairobi during peak hours.

Final Checks

Documentation

Ensure all passports, visas, and tickets are secure and accessible.

Baggage

Check luggage for prohibited items and adhere to weight limits.

Accommodation

Confirm check-out times and get comfortable any outstanding bills.

Travel Smart

Reconfirm your flight or bus departure times 24-48 hours before your scheduled departure.

How to Get to Nakuru