Nairobi to Mombasa tickets

	Distance 420 km (262.5 miles)
	Price range US$ 13-US$ 147
	Ride Duration Range 1h-10h
	Earliest Departure 03:00
	Latest Departure 20:59
	Most Popular Operator Kenya Railways

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Taking a bus from Nairobi to Mombasa

Fastest bus: 7h 30m

Cheapest bus: US$ 13

The fastest: 7h 30m

The cheapest: US$ 13

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Wifi

Food

Charger

The fastest: 5h 30m

The cheapest: US$ 18

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Food

Wifi

Reclining Seats

Charger

The fastest: 8h

The cheapest: US$ 23

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Charger

English Speaking Staff

Food

The fastest: 1h

The cheapest: US$ 60

The available amenities for this trip are currently unavailable. For specific questions, please contact our customer service, available 24/7.

About the ride from Nairobi to Mombasa

Nairobi's fast-moving, urban energy is exciting. But Mombasa offers a more laid-back vibe with its sun-soaked beaches and rich Swahili culture. You didn't fly all the way to Africa to stay in the big cities.

From wandering through the historic streets of Old Town to going on a safari in Tsavo National Park, Mombasa is the perfect escape when city life starts to feel a little too hectic.

There are three ways to get from Nairobi to Mombasa:

Bus
Flight
Train

Obviously, a plane is the fastest at one hour. However, a bus is the cheapest and the longest ride. A train is somewhere in the middle.

At 300 miles/483 km, an overland trip will be between 5.5 and 10 hours.

Learn all the details below so you can decide whether to err on the side of your wallet or your time.

Five unmissable things to do in Mombasa

Mombasa has a fusion of history, culture, and nature — a little for everyone.

Explore Old Town and Fort Jesus. Get lost in the colorful alleys of Old Town, full of Swahili charm, vibrant street art, and local markets. Don't miss Fort Jesus — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — with epic views, ancient history, and cool photo ops.
Hit the beaches. Mombasa's waters are packed with adventure. Go snorkeling at Mombasa Marine Park, try jet-skiing, or even hop on a dhow boat for a sunset cruise.

You could also just unwind on the beautiful white sand beaches of Nyali, enjoying a swim, playing some beach volleyball, or simply soaking up that lovely coastal vibe.

Party in Nyali's nightlife scene. When the sun sets, Mombasa comes alive! Head to Nyali's buzzing nightlife spots — think beachside bars, rooftop lounges, and dance clubs where DJs spin everything from Afrobeat to reggae. Perfect for meeting locals and other travelers and dancing till dawn.
Go on a street food crawl. Sample local eats like viazi karai (fried potatoes), mshikaki (grilled meat skewers), or fresh seafood from bustling street stalls. Wash it down with a cold madafu (coconut water) or Tusker beer.
Safari at Tsavo National Park. If you're up for a quick road trip, Tsavo East and West are calling and full of elephants, lions, giraffes, and epic landscapes. Plus, it's one of the largest national parks in Kenya, so there's no shortage of adventure and wildlife encounters.

How to get from Nairobi to Mombasa

Lucky for you, you've got a few options to get between these two hotspots.

Bus
Flight
Train

Let's get into the details…

Option one: Bus

Duration: 8-10 hours

Starting price: $13

It may be a long ride, but many buses offer overnight rides, so you'll save a night of accommodation. It won't be your best sleep, but the buses are modern and clean, and most have bathrooms. Either way, the driver will make bathroom stops.

The ride is between 8 and 10 hours. The difference in duration comes down to how many stops the bus makes and for how long. Also, Nairobi's traffic can be a beast.

Each bus company departs and arrives at different locations throughout the cities, so pay attention when booking.

Option two: Flight

Duration: One hour

Starting price: $70

Jambojet and Kenya Airways are two of the top providers of this quick skip from Nairobi to Mombasa. They each fly at least seven times per day from the wee hours of the morning into the wee hours of the night. You won't have a problem finding a time to fit your schedule.

With such a quick flight, you won't even have time to fall asleep.

Your flight departs from Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) and arrives at Mombasa Airport (MOI).

Option three: Train

Duration: 5.5 hours

Starting price: $22

The train might be the sweet spot of the transportation options. It's faster than the bus by a few hours and less expensive than the flight. Plus, you're taking a train through Kenya's countryside. Yes, please.

You'll leave from the Nairobi SGR Terminus and 5.5 hours later arrive at the Mombasa SGR Terminus.

Trains leave at 8 a.m., 3 p.m., and 10 p.m., so you have your pick of times. They are modern with air conditioning and bathrooms, but pack some drinks and snacks just in case they aren't available on the train.

When is the best time to travel to Mombasa?

If you are going on safari, the dry seasons from January to February and July to October are ideal for warm and sunny days, with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. Wildlife is easier to spot when the vegetation is sparse. It's also the best time for beach days, outdoor adventures, and comfortable exploration of the city.

If you prefer fewer crowds and don't mind occasional showers, the shoulder months like November and March can still offer a great experience at a slightly lower cost.

Avoid the long rainy season, from April to June. Heavy downpours, high humidity, and occasional flooding can hamper your beach days, outdoor activities, and safaris.

How many days should you spend in Mombasa?

For chilling on the beach and wandering the sights, 3-4 days is plenty. But if you want to use Mombasa as a base and go on safari for a few days, 5-6 days might be better.

Where should you go after Mombasa?

If you're feeling coastal, Malindi and Watamu are the perfect spots to unwind. With gorgeous beaches, fantastic snorkeling and diving, and a rich cultural vibe, they're a peaceful alternative to the buzz of Mombasa.

Feeling wildlife-y? Head to Voi, the gateway to Tsavo National Park.

No matter what you're feeling, you can be at any of the above places in under 2.5 hours.