So, how do you travel from Nairobi to Mombasa? The short answer is, you can use a bus, train, a private car (Hire from Discover Cars) or Personal car and by Air.
Probably you`re wondering how much it costs in all the above means of transport? We shall be looking at that shortly.
Nairobi and Mombasa are the biggest cities in Kenya yet quite distant from each other. A whooping 500 Kms so it begs a demanding question on how to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa and Vice versa.
One is a city, actually the capital city of Kenya Nairobi while the other is nestled in Kenya`s coast on the Indian Ocean.
Where you will find the best Beaches in Africa. Mombasa also boasts of other Attractions beyond the beach. Read 13 unique Attractions in Mombasa.
Now without much ado, let us delve in and see how to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa and Vice Versa.
Transport cost from Nairobi to Mombasa.
As I had mentioned above, there are four modes of transport on how to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa and each has different prices as shown below.
| MODE OF TRANSPORT | COST ONE-WAY | COST RETURN | Transit Time | |
| Bus | Kes1500 – Kes3500 | Kes3000 – Kes7000 | ||
| 7 – 10 Hours | ||||
| USD 15 – $35 | USD 30 – $70 | |||
| SGR | Economy Kes1000
First Class Kes3000 |
Economy Kes2000
First Class Kes6000 |
4 – 5 Hours | |
| Economy USD 10
First Class USD 30 |
Economy USD 20
First Class USD 60 |
|||
| PRIVATE
(Personal Car) |
Fuel Kes4500 – Kes15,000 | Fuel Kes9,000-30,000 | 6 – 8 Hours | |
| Gas USD 45 – $150 | Gas USD 90 – $300 | |||
| AIR | Kes5,000 – Kes15,000 | Kes10,000 – 30,000 | 45 mins – 1h | |
| $50 – $150 | $50 – $150 |
The SGR.
This is the most popular mode of transport on how to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa amongst both local and international Tourist.
You will take less time 5 hours as compared to the nearest competitor which is Bus. When you compare the two, SGR Beats Bus transports hands down!
On your way to Mombasa or vice versa, you will have something we call a mini-game drive. Since the train is moving first up to 120 Km/h.
You will not be able to see small animals or even cats but giants like the Elephants and Giraffes will be at your disposal as you grin with the shouting of “Elephant” as you point in excitement for others to see.
If you need this scenic trip, book the afternoon session to Mombasa, as the time of animals foraging for super will be prime.
If you book the Morning session, you might only spot a few animals since the scorching sun drives the animals away.
NB// Please note you’re not allowed to carry any drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic and food. This was prohibited inside the SGR since they want you to buy their stuff which is a bit expensive compared to the outside market.
How to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa By Bus.
There are about 7 top different bus companies that operate this route. They are namely:
- Spanish Coaches
- Modern Coast
- Mash East Africa
- Dreamline Buses
- Coast Bus
- Tahmeed Coaches
- Simba Coach
After the introduction of the SGR IN 2017, the buses lost part of their clientele, so what did they do? They upped their game to try and match the SGR.
They actually made it one of the most luxurious and cracked the puzzle on how to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa better and Comfortable.
If you`re not in hurry and you would like some treatment then it is good to opt for a Bus to Mombasa.
After all their timing is flexible, unlike the SGR whereby you only have three options of travelling time, i.e. Morning (8:00 AM) Afternoon (2;00 PM) or during the night (10:00 PM) session.
Onboard the buses you will get Charging ports for your Phone or Laptop, you only get this in the first class in the SGR.
They have Air Conditioners, free Wi-Fi which is not provided in the SGR. Snacks on board and of course screens to keep you entertained.
Private means from Nairobi to Mombasa.
You can hire a car at Discover Cars Or use your personal car. I find this mode kind of discouraging at the same time euphoric when you`re in a group and just hitting the road for a fun trip.
This is one of the expensive ways after Air on how to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa.
Your car will need to be in good mechanical condition otherwise 500 Kms is a long trip for just any car. You Will also have to check your budget well since it will not be wise to get stuck on the way simply because you didn`t have enough fuel in your car. (Jaza Tank) Fill the fuel tank. Refill on the way.
Read more about Road trip Tips.
Air Transport.
If you want to be in Mombasa from Nairobi in 1 hour this is the best mode of travelling from Nairobi to Mombasa. Check Different Flights compare prices.
Did you know flights from Nairobi to Mombasa are more expensive up to 14% more in the afternoon than in the Morning?
If you want to save some cash, you ought to opt for an early morning flight to Mombasa. Another way you can really save some money is by booking your Nairobi Mombasa flight as early as 60 days before departure.
This way you are assured of getting a pretty good deal as opposed to booking at the last minute. This may not apply to international flights though.
The Cheapest month to fly from Nairobi to Mombasa is July while the most expensive one is in December, thanks to festive seasons everyone boards for the festive.
Which is the earliest flight from Nairobi to Mombasa, the earliest is 6:00 AM which lands in Mombasa at around, 07:10 AM.
Conclusion.
As you might have noticed, these modes of how to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa are riveting and engrossing.
Sometimes I get spoiled for choices, each mode has a unique way but the goal is to land in Mombasa safe and sound.
Whether you choose your mode regards to your interest, timing and budget at the end of the day you will reach your destination.
Be it for vacation, business or just visiting friends and family remember you don’t have to break the bank to travel. You have all the tips, tricks and the right information to make a sober decision.
Happy Vacation, Stay Safe!
