Travelling from Kigali International Airport (KGL) to Nairobi: what you need to know
Jump on a direct flight from Kigali International Airport to Nairobi and you'll be in the air for an average of 1 hour 30 minutes.
Nairobi is one hour ahead of Kigali, where Kigali International Airport is located. Nairobi observes the UTC+3 timezone.
The busiest route is from Kigali International Airport (KGL) to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Take your pick of 37 services every week between these two airports. If you want to take off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from KGL to NBO is the 03:40 Kenya Airways option. If you're planning to fly out later on, the last departure is at 20:35 with Brussels Airlines.
To avoid rushing for your KGL to Nairobi flight, leave enough time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Flying during a peak month such as August? Public holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer lines at security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
Direct Kigali International Airport to Nairobi tickets are available for booking. Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is where you'll be landing.
Choose from a variety of airlines offering direct flights from Kigali International Airport to Nairobi. Book your journey with one of these:
Think about adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper plane ticket from KGL to Nairobi. All you need to do is uncheck 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a detour (and maybe pocket some savings) by stopping at one of these connection hubs:
Dar es Salaam Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
Harare Robert Gabriel Mugabe Intl Airport (HRE)
Located around 8 kilometres from central Kigali, KGL can be reached in about 25 minutes by car. Travelling on public transport will take roughly 45 minutes.
Want a relaxed start to your journey? Stay near KGL. Whether you have an early flight from Kigali International Airport to Nairobi or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels have you covered:
When it comes to Kigali International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 68% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Kigali International Airport (KGL) to Nairobi
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way Kigali International Airport to Nairobi flight is $375. The cheapest price for a return flight is $565. Keep in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Lock in cheap flights from KGL to Nairobi by booking 11 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the best time for landing a bargain.
Schedule your trip for April. That's the best month for scoring an incredible deal on Kigali International Airport to Nairobi tickets. If you're open to different travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across every month.
There's no need to keep checking in to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you when there's an extra saving on cheap flights from KGL to Nairobi.
Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Kigali International Airport to Nairobi by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
Airports in Nairobi
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to the centre of Nairobi takes about 30 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 18 kilometres away.
Travelling on public transport takes about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Look into staying at a hotel near NBO if you have a late flight from Kigali International Airport to Nairobi. Settle into one of these options and make your arrival easier:
Lock in the best deal by reserving your vehicle from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport around three weeks before your flight from KGL to Nairobi.
Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL)
Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL) is roughly 10 kilometres from central Nairobi. Once you've hopped off your flight from Kigali International Airport to Nairobi, it'll take you around 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or taxi.
If you travel by public transport, the journey will take you 35 minutes or so.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near WIL. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your KGL to Nairobi flight:
Pick the vehicle you actually want, not just what's available, by reserving your ride from WIL in advance. You can also avoid last-minute price hikes, especially when demand is high.
Best time to go to Nairobi
December is the quietest month for flights from Kigali International Airport to Nairobi, while July is the most popular. Figure out the ideal time to go to Nairobi based on whether you like a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
The warmest month in Nairobi is February, with temperatures ranging between 13ºC (55ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Book your Kigali International Airport to Nairobi plane ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
If you want cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from KGL to Nairobi in July when temperatures average between 12ºC (54ºF) and 24ºC (75ºF).
More about Nairobi
Start your Nairobi trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Kigali International Airport to Nairobi, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Masai Mara National Reserve and Giraffe manor are essential stops on your Nairobi itinerary.
Explore more of Kenya
Mombasa is just one of the many cities in Kenya waiting to be discovered once you've taken in the sights of Nairobi. Around 434 kilometres away to the southeast, popular attractions include Mombasa Marine National Park, Fort Jesus and Mombasa Beach.
If you want to check out another side of Kenya, consider Nakuru, about 145 kilometres northwest of Nairobi. Nakuru National Park, Lake Nakuru and Lake Nakuru View are highlights.