Flying from Kigali International Airport (KGL) to Nairobi: what you need to know
The average length of a direct flight from Kigali International Airport to Nairobi is 1 hour 35 minutes.
The timezone in Nairobi is UTC+3. The city is one hour ahead of Kigali, where Kigali International Airport is located.
Kigali International Airport (KGL) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is the most traveled route, with 39 departures a week to choose from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from KGL to NBO is with Brussels Airlines at 20:35. Choose the first departure operated by Kenya Airways at 03:40 if you want to fly out earlier.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to catch your KGL to Nairobi flight.
Longer lines at check-in and security are likely if you're jetting off during high season, so allow some extra breathing space. A good rule of thumb for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Start your journey at KGL and travel straight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). That's where you can expect to land when searching for Kigali International Airport to Nairobi tickets.
There's a good selection of carriers operating direct flights from Kigali International Airport to Nairobi, such as:
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save on your plane ticket from KGL to Nairobi. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your journey by stopping at one of these connecting airports:
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE)
KGL is about 5 miles from central Kigali. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour 55 minutes.
In search of a hotel close to KGL? If you've booked an early flight from Kigali International Airport to Nairobi, these stays put the terminal practically at your doorstep:
71.6% of flights that take off from Kigali International Airport land at their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Kigali International Airport (KGL) to Nairobi
£137 is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way Kigali International Airport to Nairobi flight. A round-trip ticket right now is £218. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares may change.
Booking early is often the key to locking in a cheap flight from KGL to Nairobi. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the nearer you get to departure, the more expensive your ticket may be.
Landing cheap tickets from Kigali International Airport to Nairobi is more likely if you're flexible with your trip dates. Try using the 'Whole month' search tool to access the lowest prices across every month and land a sweet deal.
You don't need to check back in every day to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you the moment there's an even bigger deal on cheap flights from KGL to Nairobi.
Tailor your trip with filters. Select your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Kigali International Airport to Nairobi.
Airports in Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is around 9 miles from the centre of Nairobi. If you're grabbing a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes about 20 minutes.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 10 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Kigali International Airport to Nairobi. Check in to one of these accommodation options near NBO instead:
Hit the road running by picking up a Jomo Kenyatta International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Auto-Union, Green Motion or Hertz and experience the lesser-explored corners of Nairobi and beyond.
Lock in the best possible rate by booking your ride from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport around three weeks ahead of your flight from KGL to Nairobi.
Wilson Airport (WIL)
Wilson Airport (WIL) is around 2 miles from the centre of Nairobi. Once you've disembarked your flight from Kigali International Airport to Nairobi, it'll take you around 15 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll reach the centre in 45 minutes or so.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near WIL. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your KGL to Nairobi flight:
Why wait around for public transport? A Wilson Airport rental car lets you get moving right away. Crank up the music and hit the road with a set of wheels from Auto-Union or Unicorn rent a car.
Get the vehicle you prefer, not just what's left over, by securing your ride from WIL before your arrival. You'll also avoid paying extra, especially when the airport is busy.
Best time to go to Nairobi
Travel to Nairobi during peak season if you want a bustling atmosphere, but remember that prices are usually higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Kigali International Airport to Nairobi during the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
The warmest month in Nairobi is March, with temperatures ranging between 14ºC (57ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Book your Kigali International Airport to Nairobi plane ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
July sees average temperatures of between 12ºC (54ºF) and 24ºC (75ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from KGL to Nairobi around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Nairobi
Start your Nairobi trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Kigali International Airport to Nairobi, check out our range of accommodation options including:
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Nairobi National Park are a couple of major attractions to add to your Nairobi itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Westlands Maasai Market D at the roof top.
Explore more of Kenya
You've done Nairobi, now it's time to explore other corners of Kenya. Travel around 270 miles south-east to Mombasa to check off its popular sights. From Fort Jesus to Haller Park and Old Town of Mombasa, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Nakuru is another favourite destination in Kenya and is around 90 miles north-west of Nairobi. No journey is complete without seeing ARTHUR GARDENS (WEDDING/EVENT GROUNDS), Upper Hill estate and Muhia's Conservation Forest.