Nairobi National Park from Nairobi airport

From Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)

JKIA sits east of the park. The East Gate on the airport road is the closest entrance at roughly 20 to 30 minutes in light traffic; the Main Gate on Langata Road takes 30 to 45 minutes and longer in the morning rush.

A private transfer or pre-booked safari vehicle is the simplest option, since it can collect you airside-to-gate and store luggage during the drive.

From Wilson Airport

Wilson is the domestic and light-aircraft airport on Langata Road, only 10 to 15 minutes from the Main Gate. If you are connecting to the Masai Mara, Amboseli or the coast, a morning drive in the park before your flight fits comfortably.

Doing the park on a layover

• Allow a minimum of six hours between landing and your next check-in for a half-day drive.
• Book the vehicle in advance — at least two days — so the guide meets you at arrivals.
• Buy park tickets online beforehand; gates do not take cash.
• Keep hand luggage with you and leave hold bags in airport left luggage or with the driver.
• Factor Nairobi traffic: 07:00–09:30 and 16:30–19:00 are slow in both directions.

Transfer options

• Private safari vehicle with guide — best value if you are also doing the drive.
• Hotel or lodge transfer — Ololo and The Emakoko both arrange airport pickups.
• Ride-hailing apps — fine for reaching a gate, but you cannot enter the park in one.