Around Nairobi

Citizens from most countries will have to obtain a visa upon arrival. Currently, this costs US$50 for a single-entry visa and $100 for a multiple-entry visa (Euros, British Pounds and Swiss Francs are accepted as well). However, some countries require a visa before arrival, and some don't require one at all.

If you are only traveling through the country via a connecting flight and will not leave the secure area of the airport you will not need a visa.

By plane

Regular flights to Nairobi are operated by Ethiopian, Kenya airways, British Airways, Egypt Air, Etihad Airways, Fly Emirates, KLM Qatar Airways, Swiss International Airlines and Turkish Airlines. Kenya Airways is the national airline and travels throughout Europe, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. Nairobi’s main airport is JKIA Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (IATA: NBO), southeast of the city centre.

If taking a taxi from JKIA, use a reputable taxi; many are waiting outside to give you conveyance, and the cost should be very near 1,500KSh to the city center; Westlands (car with chauffeur KES2,000 - Sept 2015) or such places more west or north will be more. When taking a taxi to your accommodation, avoid being talked into taking their recommendation for accommodation, although this is very at your own risk. UBER TAXI SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE!

There is also Wilson Airport, south of the city's center, for domestic flights. Lighter, Cessna-type aircraft can be seen there. The military/government airport is in Eastleigh district

To and From the center, you can take Bus #34 for 50KSH to the international airport from the Ambassador Hotel.

By train

The city is also accessible by train from Mombasa, with three times a week arrivals and departures at the Nairobi Railway station. The trains only go east to Mombasa. There are 3 classes: First, Second and General. First and Second are sleepers. First have 2 seats in a cabin, Second have 4. In Second Class genders are separated unless you purchase the entire compartment of 4 seats. First and second-class includes bedding, breakfast, and dinner. Both can be purchased without bedding or food. Tickets have to be booked through the office on Station Road in south-central Nairobi, or online. the 1st and 2nd class train fares are 2 or 3 times more than the bus fare. but the 3rd class fare is less than the bus fare.

By bus

Kenya’s bus system is mostly reliable. There are many bus companies that have routes going to and from the country’s different cities, including Nairobi, the center of the bus network.

By matatu

Matatus (14-18 seater minibuses) and shuttles (6-seater cars) are convenient, inexpensive (and often the only) modes of public transport connecting Nairobi to towns and tourist destinations in the Rift Valley and Central Highlands such as Naivasha, Nyeri, Nanyuki, Isiolo, and Thika. The best method of connecting to a matatu is to arrange for a taxi to drop you off and pick you up directly at the location of the matatu that you are boarding or alighting from. If you're boarding a matatu from Nairobi, tell the taxi driver your destination and they will drop you off at the correct location. If you are being picked up, then tell the taxi driver the location you're coming from as well as the matatu company that you are using (your ticket should have the operator's name). It is best to arrange for a taxi from the hotel you're staying at. Matatu prices can cost anything from 200 KSh (matatu to Naivasha) to 450 Ksh (shuttle to Nanyuki). The price is dependent on the distance of travel.

By boat

Entry into Nairobi by boat is not possible, but one could certainly arrive in Kenya by boat via Mombasa or Lamu, and proceed by road, air, or rail to Nairobi.