Getting There & Away: Malindi

Air Travel

Airports and Airlines

Air travel is the most common way for international visitors to reach the Kenyan coast. Malindi has a local airport (MYD), but most international flights arrive in Mombasa (MBA) or Nairobi (JKA/WIL). Malindi Airport (MYD) is small and domestic. Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa is the main international airport for Kenya's coast.

Flight Information

Domestic flights to/from MYD: Kenya Airways, Jambojet, Safarilink (from Nairobi).
International flights to/from MBA: Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, seasonal charters.
Nairobi to Malindi direct flights take approximately one hour.

Transfers and Facilities

Few direct international flights land at Malindi Airport (MYD). Most international travelers fly into Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKA) in Nairobi. From either, a connecting domestic flight or land transfer to Malindi is typical. Seasonal charter flights from Europe might offer direct service to Mombasa (MBA).

Airport Services & Transfers

From MYD: Taxis, hotel shuttles, or pre-arranged transfers. Short drive (10-15 min).
From MBA to Malindi: Private taxi (KES 8,000-15,000, 2-3 hours), shared shuttle, local bus, or rental car.
High season (Dec-March) sees more frequent, higher-priced flights. Low season (Apr-June) offers fewer flights, possibly lower prices.

Flight Deals

Discover flight deals through Dollar Flight Club for budget-friendly options.

Comparison Tools

Compare flight prices and routes using Skyscanner for the best fares.

Car Rental Options

Explore car rental at DiscoverCars.com for freedom of movement.

Malindi Airport MYD Visual

Image Source

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
URL: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d7/Malindi_Airport_-_Kenya.jpg/1280px-Malindi_Airport_-_Kenya.jpg
Description: Airplanes at Malindi Airport.
A small, domestic airport serving Malindi.

Airport Overview

MYD offers very basic facilities.
Expect a small waiting area and a few kiosks.
Car hire desks are available.
Transfers to town are short.

Image: Malindi Airport

Visual Context

The image depicts the small scale of Malindi Airport, with aircraft visible on the tarmac. This airport serves as a direct link for domestic travel within Kenya.

Accessibility Note

For international arrivals, travelers typically connect through larger airports like Mombasa or Nairobi before taking a domestic flight to Malindi.

Travel Flow

The proximity of MYD to Malindi town presents a convenient and quick transfer for arriving passengers, often within 10-15 minutes.

Land Transportation

Train and Bus Options

While air travel is common, land transportation presents alternative ways to reach Malindi, especially from Nairobi or other coastal towns. The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) "Madaraka Express" connects Nairobi to Mombasa. There is no direct train to Malindi. From the Mombasa SGR Terminus, a road transfer to Malindi is needed. The train journey is comfortable and efficient, taking approximately 5-6 hours.

Bus Services

Numerous bus companies operate routes from Nairobi and other major towns to Malindi.
Major Companies: Coast Bus, Tahmeed Coach, Modern Coast, Mash Poa.
Nairobi to Malindi: 9-12 hours. Mombasa to Malindi: 2-3 hours.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Renting a car and self-driving offers flexibility but has specific considerations. A valid national driving license with an International Driving Permit (IDP) is needed. Kenya drives on the left. The main Mombasa-Malindi road is generally paved and in decent condition. Rural roads, like those to Marafa Depression, can be rough, unpaved, and dusty.

Driving Safety

Driving at night outside of major towns is discouraged due to poor lighting, obstacles, and wildlife.
Exercise caution with matatus and other drivers; they can be aggressive.
Keep vehicle doors locked and windows up when stopped in traffic.

Sea/River Arrivals

While Malindi is a coastal town, direct sea or river arrivals for general tourism are limited. Mombasa serves as Kenya's main port and occasionally receives international cruise ships. From Mombasa, cruise passengers need to arrange land transfer to Malindi. No regular passenger ferry services connect Malindi directly to other major coastal towns for typical tourist travel, beyond local dhow trips for excursions. River transportation does not apply to Malindi.

Port Details

Mombasa is the main cruise port.
Immigration procedures at Mombasa Port handle onboard or at the terminal.
Taxis and private transfers connect Mombasa Port to Malindi.

Departure Information

Prepare for departure. This ensures a stress-free end to your trip. Departure taxes for international flights from Kenya are generally included in your airline ticket. Confirm this with your airline.

Departure Procedures

Domestic flights (MYD): Arrive 1.5-2 hours prior.
International flights (MBA): Arrive at least 3 hours prior.
Utilize online check-in services.

Safety Considerations for Road Travel

Avoid night driving outside major towns.
Be cautious of aggressive matatu drivers.
Consider hiring a driver for long distances if uncomfortable driving.

Keep doors locked and windows up in traffic.
Watch for potholes and unmarked obstacles.
Road conditions vary; prepare for dust on unpaved routes.

Transit Hubs

Mombasa SGR Terminus

This modern railway connects Nairobi to Mombasa. It serves as a transit point for travelers heading to the coast from the capital. From here, connecting to Malindi involves road transfer.

Terminus Details

Location: Outside Mombasa city center.
Connections: To Malindi by taxi, bus, or private vehicle.
Journey Time: Approximately 5-6 hours from Nairobi by SGR.

Moi International Airport MBA

Mombasa's main international airport is a main gateway to Kenya's coast. Many international flights arrive here, serving as a hub for onward travel to Malindi.

Airport Services

Facilities: Duty-free shops, currency exchange, ATMs, cafes, car rental.
Transfer to Malindi: Private taxis, shared shuttles, or local buses are options.
Pre-book transfers for ease upon arrival.

SGR Terminus Visual

Image: Mombasa SGR Terminus. A modern railway hub facilitating comfortable travel from Nairobi.

Land Transfers from SGR

From the SGR terminus, taxis and pre-booked transfers are the most convenient for Malindi. This avoids the need to navigate city transport.

Overall Connectivity

Kenya's infrastructure provides various connections to Malindi, whether by air for speed or by rail/road for scenic journeys.

Practical Departure Tips

Departure Timing

For domestic flights from Malindi Airport (MYD), arrival 1.5 to 2 hours prior to scheduled departure grants ample time for check-in and security. For international flights from Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa, arrive at least 3 hours prior to departure. This time accommodates check-in, immigration, and security.

Check-in Efficiency

Utilize online check-in services provided by your airline. This saves time at the airport.
Have boarding passes ready, either printed or on your mobile device.
Standard airport security procedures apply. Prepare to remove liquids, electronics.

Airport Facilities

Malindi Airport (MYD) facilities are limited. It presents a small departure lounge and basic amenities. Moi International Airport (MBA) offers more extensive facilities for international departures. These include cafes, duty-free shops, and executive lounges.

Amenities Comparison

MYD: Very basic, few kiosks.
MBA: Duty-free, currency exchange, ATMs, cafes.
MBA: Executive lounges for comfort.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Flight Status

Confirm your flight status and departure terminal the day before you leave.

Travel Time

Allow extra time for travel to the airport, especially during peak hours. Traffic can be unpredictable.

Documents Ready

Keep passport, boarding pass, and e-visa approval easily accessible for all checks.

Final Security Measure

Check any luggage restrictions or prohibited items with your airline. This avoids delays at security checkpoints.

Getting There & Away