Complete Guide for Nairobi Airport Uber

Nairobi airport Uber is the best option for transiting to the city center after a long flight. It is affordable, convenient, and most importantly, safe.

The structure of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is very simple and straightforward. Once you clear customs, pass through the baggage claim area, and exit the departure terminal. The pick-up point is just in front of you across the road. Of course, for a first-timer like me, I still spared some effort to locate given that it has no Uber sign like Cape Town, Addis Ababa, or other airports in Africa.  

Also, getting from NBO to the city center is easy. The other way round could also be challenging for a first-timer.

Finding the Exact Uber Pickup Point at Nairobi Airport

Once you’ve cleared customs and collected your luggage, head to the arrivals area. Look for the “Welcome to Nairobi” sign, which marks the main exit point where passengers emerge into the open terminal.

From there, Uber pickups are designated at Car Park 1, located opposite Terminals 1E and 1A. You’ll need to walk across the arrivals zone—it’s a short stroll, about 5-10 minutes, passing by some currency exchange  (the city center has a better rate) and SIM card shops.

Note: The taxi stand is just in front of the terminal exit. I strongly recommend avoiding that to prevent any scam.

The Uber pick-up point is just near the van loading areas, where shuttles and matatus (local minibuses) often stack luggage on roofs, as seen in typical airport scenes. To play it safe, you can ask for directions near the “Welcome to Nairobi Board” to play it safe.

Uber Types In Nairobi

Uber in Nairobi offers several ride types to suit different needs and budgets. UberXL is the most expensive option, ideal for groups or those with lots of luggage—it seats up to six passengers with extra space for suitcases, perfect for airport transfers with bulky bags.

On the cheaper end, Chapchap (also known as Uber Chapchap) is the economy choice, using smaller vehicles for quick, affordable trips—but it often can’t accommodate large suitcases, so it’s better for light packers or short city hops. In between, you’ll find UberX for standard rides and Comfort for newer cars with more legroom.

I was backpacking in Kenya, and I used Chapchap almost daily there. The wait time is just as short as the types. And the price is 20 – 50 % cheaper compared to other types.

How Much Does It Cost to Take Uber From NBO To the City Center And Vice Versa

Uber fares from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport vary based on time of day, demand, and traffic, but you can get a real-time estimate in the app before booking. A standard ride to Nairobi’s city center (like the Central Business District) typically costs between 1,000 and 1,500 KES (about 7-12 USD), though it can rise to 2,000 KES during peak hours or at night.

During my last visit, I took the Uber from NBO to the city center at around 7 am. The price for Uber XL was around 1,770 (~ 13 USD) KES, and Chapchap was around 960 (~ 7 USD).

You can also go directly from the airport to popular tourist spots. Expect around 1,500-2,500 KES to Westlands, a vibrant area with shopping and nightlife; 2,000-3,000 KES to the Nairobi National Park entrance for wildlife adventures; or 2,500-3,500 KES to the Giraffe Centre in Karen, where you can feed endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. For the Karen Blixen Museum, it’s similar to the Giraffe Centre at about 2,500 KES.

Uber works in Nairobi similarly to other places in the world. The price shown on the screen is already total price (including any airport surcharges). So you should not expect to pay the driver any extra amount.

Return To NBO

Uber hailing for return to Nairobi Airport is the same. You choose your type of Uber and hop on the ride. The only difference is that there will be a checkpoint before arriving at the terminal entry. From there, the Uber driver will instruct you to get out of the car, and you will need to walk for around 5 minutes to the side, passing the security check. Then meet up with the Uber again after it also passed through the check. It is the same for every vehicle, be it Uber or not.

During the process, you could leave your luggage in the car, but I would recommend you take that with you, just like I did, or at least the valuables. Although it could seem a bit odd, you should still do so. After all, there is no guarantee you would be able to find the car on the other side. Also, you should take a photo of the car’s plate in case there is anything happens.

Safety Tips And Avoiding Potential Scams With Uber in Nairobi

Uber is a safer option for getting around, with built-in features like driver verification and extra accountability compared to at least local taxi. Many locals and tourists use it daily without issues, even late at night.

I did face some minor problems sometimes, like the driver picking up the order not coming to me, and waiting for me to cancel the order. But I have never come across any scams like drivers asking for extra or cash settlement like the ones in Egypt. In any case, you should also pay with cashless options on the apps.

Not only did I use Uber for airport transportation, but it also works very well for taking you to all the main tourist attractions. Some of my friends even used that for reaching Namanga (the border between Kenya and Tanzania).

Uber Is A Blessing for Travel in Nairobi

Traveling over 70 Countries, hailing apps like Grab in Asia, like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia, Bolt in the Caucasus, and Uber are a blessing to us. With that, I feel safe navigating a new Country. Although Nairobi is a lot safer than most of the African Countries I have been like South Africa, Ethiopia, or Egypt.

Still, its reliable 24/7 service and transparency are the best for not only airport transportation but also exploring the city itself.