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Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is Kenya's largest and busiest airport, located about 15 km southeast of Nairobi's city center. Opened in 1958 as Embakasi Airport and renamed in 1978 after Kenya's first president, it serves as the primary hub for Kenya Airways and a key gateway to East Africa. The airport features multiple terminals and handles over 7 million passengers annually.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors recommend using the Simba Lounge in Terminal 1A for a quieter wait, and note that the airport can be slow during peak hours—arrive at least 3 hours before international flights.
🚖 Getting There
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are readily available at designated pick-up zones outside each terminal; agree on a fare or use the app before departing. The airport is about 30-60 minutes from downtown Nairobi depending on traffic, so allow extra time during rush hours. Public matatus are cheaper but can be crowded and less convenient with luggage.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the airport code for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport?
A: The IATA code is NBO and the ICAO code is HKJK.
Q: How far is the airport from Nairobi city center?
A: It is approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) southeast of Nairobi's central business district.
Q: What transportation options are available from the airport to the city?
A: Options include taxis, ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt, and matatu (public minibuses). There is no direct train service.
Q: Which airlines operate at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport?
A: It is a hub for Kenya Airways and serves many international airlines including British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 27, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash