NBO
Airport code
$350
Avg low fare (roundtrip)
May
Cheapest month
8h 30m
Flight time
Nairobi Travel Essentials
Visa (US)
Visa required
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Timezone
EAT (UTC+3) — same as Zanzibar and Addis Ababa, 3 hours ahead of London in winter
Language
English (official), Swahili (national language); both widely spoken
Airlines Flying to Nairobi
Compare fares from top carriers serving Nairobi (NBO)
| Airline | From | Type | Duration | Price Range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya Airways | London Heathrow | Direct | 8h 30m | $400-$850 | Daily |
| British Airways | London Heathrow | Direct | 8h 45m | $450-$900 | Daily |
| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul (via) | 1 Stop | 12h | $350-$700 | Daily |
| Emirates | Dubai (via) | 1 Stop | 14h | $450-$950 | Daily |
| Ethiopian Airlines | Addis Ababa (via) | 1 Stop | 11h | $380-$750 | Daily |
| Qatar Airways | Doha (via) | 1 Stop | 13h | $420-$850 | Daily |
Cheapest Months to Fly to Nairobi
Avg roundtrip fares by month — book in 6-10 weeks before departure for the best deals
January
$550
Dry season. Great for safari. New Year demand.
February
$520
Dry and warm. Masai Mara still accessible.
March
$430
Long rains begin. Shoulder season prices.
April
$380
Heavy rains. Cheapest safari rates. Some lodges close.
May
$350
Cheapest month. Rains easing. Green season safaris.
June
$450
Dry season returns. Safari high season begins.
July
$600
Great Migration reaches Masai Mara. Demand surges.
August
$700
Peak: Great Migration + European summer holidays.
September
$650
Migration continues. Still premium pricing.
October
$500
Short rains may begin. Migration herds moving south.
November
$430
Short rains. Good value. Baby animal season.
December
$580
Christmas demand. Dry, warm weather returns.
Best deal: Fly in May, April, March for avg $350 roundtrip
Avoid August (peak: ~$700)
Cheap Flights to Nairobi from Popular Cities
Compare fares from US, Canadian, and international airports
London to Nairobi
LHR → NBO · 8h 30m
$480
Dubai to Nairobi
DXB → NBO · 5h
$420
Amsterdam to Nairobi
AMS → NBO · 11h
$520
New York to Nairobi
JFK → NBO · 15h+
$700
Istanbul to Nairobi
IST → NBO · 7h
$380
Johannesburg to Nairobi
JNB → NBO · 4h
$200
Dar es Salaam to Nairobi
DAR → NBO · 1h 15m
$120
Addis Ababa to Nairobi
ADD → NBO · 2h 30m
$150
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Nairobi
Fly in May
The cheapest month to fly to Nairobi is May with average roundtrip fares around $350. Avoid August when prices peak at $700.
Book 6-10 weeks before departure
For the best fares to Nairobi, book 6-10 weeks before departure. Last-minute bookings are typically 40-60% more expensive on international routes.
Compare Direct vs Connecting
Direct flights take 8h 30m, while one-stop options via hub cities take 11-16h but can save $100-200. Try connecting via Istanbul (via) or Dubai (via).
Pay with Crypto & Save
Avoid the 3-5% international card conversion fee on KES transactions. Stablecoin payments (USDT/USDC) lock your price in USD equivalent.
Complete Guide to Flights to Nairobi
Airline comparison, airport guide, neighborhoods, visa info, and seasonal booking tips.
Cheap Flights to Nairobi FAQ
What is the cheapest month to fly to Nairobi?
May is typically the cheapest month ($350 avg roundtrip from London), coinciding with the long rainy season when tourist demand drops. April is also affordable ($380 avg). Peak pricing hits in August ($700 avg) during the Great Migration and in December ($580 avg) for Christmas.
How long is the flight to Nairobi from London?
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Jomo Kenyatta (NBO) take approximately 8 hours 30 minutes. Kenya Airways and British Airways both operate daily direct services. One-stop options via Istanbul, Dubai, or Addis Ababa take 11-16 hours but can save $50-100.
Which airlines fly direct to Nairobi?
Direct from London: Kenya Airways and British Airways (both daily, Heathrow). KLM from Amsterdam. Other connections: Turkish Airlines (Istanbul), Emirates (Dubai), Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa), Qatar Airways (Doha). Nairobi is East Africa's main hub with 40+ international routes.
Do I need a visa for Kenya?
Most visitors (including UK and US) need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA, $30). Apply at etakenya.go.ke at least 7 days before travel. This replaced the old e-visa system in 2024. Approval is typically within 72 hours.
Can I pay for Nairobi flights with cryptocurrency?
Yes. Travorio accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, USDC, and 100+ other cryptocurrencies. Kenya is one of Africa's crypto leaders, and paying for your trip in crypto avoids the 3-5% card conversion fee on Kenyan Shilling transactions.
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From $350 roundtrip. Compare 6+ airlines and pay with crypto or Sezzle.
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