Search Flights from Johannesburg to Nairobi
Approximate Travel Distance | Approximate Flight Duration | Popular Airlines | Popular Airport |
|---|---|---|---|
2.925
Km
|
3 hour
40 min
|
Transportation to Johannesburg Airport from the City Center
Grand Central Airport
Johannesburg which is accepted as one of the most important trade, sports and culture centers of not only South Africa but also the Africa continent and the region is also referred to as the busiest airport of the country. The distance from the airport to the city center is approximately 23 kilometers in the city where a great number of airline companies perform flights every day.
There are many transportation options in this city for visitors. You can benefit from many options such as taxi, bus, minibus taxi, train, car rental, hotel services or limousine to get to the airport from the city center in about 30-45 minutes. Although buses and minibus taxis are the most economical option to get to the airport from the city center, they are not usually recommended for tourists.
Although the taxi is a more expensive alternative, it stands out as the most comfortable and recommended vehicle. It is possible to get to the airport by renting a car or by getting on the trains from the central parts of the city.
Bus
For the transportation from Johannesburg's city center to the airport buses are the most economical alternatives. However, it is generally not recommended if you are visiting the city for the first time because the stops are not very close to the hotels and there is a risk of missing your plane with a possible delay. However, if you want to use the buses to get to the airport, you can get information about this issue from your hotel.
Minibus Taxi
In Johannesburg, minibus taxi is another alternative you can use to get to the airport from the city center. Minibus taxis operate similarly with the buses in the city, but they are usually not licensed. For this reason, if you are considering using a minibus taxi, definitely get information about the routes and fares in advance. In this way, you do not spend too much time on the road and pay too much.
Train
You can also go to the Johannesburg Airport by using the trains departing from the city center. Although train is an extremely convenient and comfortable alternative for those living in the city, it can be a little challenging for those visiting the city for the first time. However, you can consider it as an option to reach the airport from the city center. After arriving at the airport, you can easily catch your plane by using the domestic or international terminals.
Hotel Services
Hotel service may be the most comfortable alternative that you can use to get to the airport from the city center. You can get support from your hotel for the transportation to the airport. However, keep in mind that the cost of these services, which usually operate at certain hours, may be higher than the other alternatives.
If you still want to use the hotel services, you can make a reservation by getting in contact with your hotel the day before your flight and you will be able to reach the airport easily with the vehicle you will take in front of your hotel.
Taxi
You can also travel to the airport by taxi that you can easily find in the city center. For the transportation to Johannesburg Airport, the amount you need to pay is a bit higher compared to taxi. Because the distance between the airport and the city center is not very short, and this is the main reason for the increase in fares. Nevertheless, if you have too much baggage to carry, you should consider taking a taxi and have a comfortable travel. In this way, you can get to the airport easily and catch your flight on time. It is possible to distinguish the taxis in the city thanks to their yellow lights. If you have trouble in finding a taxi, you can also ask for help from your hotel.
Car Rental
You can rent a car in the city to comfortably explore the historical and natural beauties around Johannesburg, and you can also rent a car for going to the airport. Renting a car for travelling to the airport from the city center is an extremely comfortable option for covering the distance of about 23 kilometers. You can rent a car having the features you want from the offices of companies such as AVIS, Europcar and Hertz, and you can deliver your car to their offices located at the airport before boarding your plane. However, if you intend to leave the car in a different place instead of the office you have rented the vehicle from, it is a good idea to specify this when renting the vehicle.
Limousine
In the city, which is one of the most important commercial centers of Africa and the world, renting a limousine is also a popular alternative. There are many different limousine rental services in the city.
You can rent a limousine with the features you want and comfortable travel around the city with your own driver.
You can also prefer limousines for travelling to the airport and you can reach the airport in a much more comfortable and quick way before your flight.
Airport Information
The airport, which connects Johannesburg, considered one of the most important centers of Africa, to the different destinations of the continent and the world, has busy flight traffic in the region. The airport has wireless internet which you can connect to from both domestic and international terminals.
There are restaurants and cafes where you can eat or drink something before or after your flight, stores and a duty-free shop where you can do some shopping. ATMs are also available next to the stores in the international terminal and the domestic terminal.
At the airport, there are also bank offices for performing money transactions, a chapel and prayer room for worshipers, and a conference room for those travelling for business purpose. There is also a post office in the international terminal of the airport.
There is also a store that sells phones and accessories at the airport. The airport also has currency exchange offices and car rental offices where you can rent cars. You can check your flight information from the boards and kiosks located at different points of the airport and you can handle your online check-in process.
O.R. Tambo Intl. Airport
As the distance between Johannesburg city centre and O.R. Tambo International Airport is not much, you can travel to the airport from the city centre in a short time and at reasonable prices. Locals mostly prefer public transportation such as bus or train in the city, but it is recommended to the new travelers in the city to prefer taxi for transportation instead of these vehicles. You can easily find a taxi at any time of the day in the city centre. Also remember that there are many rent a car offices in the city centre if you consider renting a car. Passengers who give priority to comfort and convenience while traveling to the airport from the city centre may consider renting a limousine as well. Limousines transport passengers to the airport from the city centre in about 30 minutes. Train is also another option for traveling to the airport from the city centre but like bus, it is not recommended to the new travelers for safety reasons.
Bus
Bus, one of the most preferred vehicles by the locals to travel to the airport from Johannesburg city centre, is not recommended to the foreign visitors for safety reasons. It takes about 35 – 40 minutes to get to the airport by buses departing from the city centre. If you want to travel by bus you can go to the one of the bus stops in the city centre. If you are staying in a hotel in the city, you can get information about buses and bus stops from your hotel. Remember, however, that you should look at other options if your priority is safety rather than a low cost travel.
Taxi
In Johannesburg, taxis are the most preferred means of transportation especially by foreign travelers. You can be at the airport terminal in a short time by taking these safe and fast vehicles. Taxi fares are not too high for the tourists in the city. However, if you are traveling from somewhere far from the airport, you can get information about the taxi fee in advance. Taxis can take you from your hotel or from anywhere in the city centre and bring you to the airport terminal. They stand out as a much more preferable option when compared to the public transportation such as buses and trains.
Train
Trains are also a convenient and fast option to travel to O.R. Tambo International Airport from the city centre. However, like buses, they are not recommended to the foreign visitors for security reasons. You can take a taxi or rent a car or a limousine as an alternative for a safer and more comfortable journey.
Limousine
Business travelers in Johannesburg often prefer limousines for transportation. These luxurious and comfortable vehicles, driven by chaffeurs, take you from the city centre and bring you to the airport entrance in about 30 minutes. Although renting a limousine is comfortable and pleasant, it will cost more than the other options. You can use these vehicles at a cheaper price with seasonal discounts or group reservations.
Rent a Car
Renting a car is one of the most preferred means of transportation in Johannesburg and vicinity. You can find some rent a car companies such as AVIS, Budget, National and Hertz in the city and within minutes, you can rent a car and begin driving to the airport. If you are not familiar with the city’s roads, remember to get a navigation device or a map beforehand. You just need to inform the rental company in advance if you want to drop off the car at the airport. You must have your internationally valid travel documents with you to rent a car.
Airport Information
Domestic and international terminals at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport offer an extremely pleasant and comfortable environment with lounges, cafes, restaurants and shops to the passengers. Thanks to the wireless internet connection at the airport, you can go online and make your transactions in many areas of the terminal. There are also ATMs and bank offices at the airport for those who want to send or withdraw money or make other banking transactions without leaving the terminal. You can change money at the exchange offices or banks at the airport. There are places of worship in the O.R. Tambo International Airport for Muslim and Christian visitors who wish to pray. You can use the conference room at the domestic terminal if you need to hold a meeting at the airport. You can send mails to different regions both home and abroad from the post office located at the international terminal of the airport. You will find many options such as telephone and accessories, electronic devices, clothes, books, newspapers and magazines if you want to shop at the airport. You have the opportunity to taste delicious meals and drinks from many parts of the world, such as South Africa, Asia and Europe at the airport. You can spend time at the passenger lounges which have comfortable seats. If you have to stay in a place close to the airport, you can make a reservation for one of the hotels around the terminals.
Transportation to Nairobi City Center from Airport
Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is situated on the Nairobi River and is known as the most populous city in the East Africa. Nairobi is one of the major trade and tourism centers not only in Kenya but also in the Africa. Nairobi, which has arable lands because it is a river city, also has a different flora, which does not compromise the classical African city image that springs to your mind. That is why the city is named as Nairobi that means "green and watery place".
The city is also considered as the safari capital of Africa. The nightlife in the city, where people play and enjoy many different sports like golf, rugby, and polo, is very active but it is also dangerous. Traffic flows through the left lane in Nairobi. There are not enough traffic lights and traffic signs in the city. The drivers' careless attitudes, as well as the lack of infrastructure sometimes cause problems and congestion in traffic. This creates both traffic jam and increases traffic density.
Even short distances in Nairobi can take a long time. In fact, the city center is quite small and it is very convenient to explore the city by walking. However, it is not recommended to walk around the city for safety reasons. Even so, you can walk short distances if you are in a central location before it gets dark.
You can reach the tourist attractions or more rural areas, which are located both in and around the city center, by taking the minibuses called 'matatu'. These minibuses are run by private companies. The prices vary according to the distance you are going to travel. It would be useful for you to keep in mind that they are mostly quite crowded and you will possibly travel standing on the minibus.
The buses, which are more comfortable than matatus and have a capacity between 20 and 35 passengers, are another transportation option. These buses are also run by private companies and they are prohibited to exceed 80 km/h and to carry the passenger standing. Ticket price varies depending on the distance you will travel and it is fairly cheap. You should pay attention to your belongings such as bags, wallets and your pocket money against theft, as it applies to all public transportation options.
Taxis are very common throughout the city, but they are not very reliable in terms of price. Taximeters are not available in the taxis. If you have someone you know in the city, it would be better for you to negotiate with a driver they know. You can also ask your hotel to help you with this. In any case, you need to negotiate about your destination and bargain with the driver for taxi fare before taking a taxi. You should make the payment absolutely at the end of the journey. You can also take the taxi for the entire day.
Although the taxis are more comfortable than public transport, they also run in the heavy traffic of Nairobi. If time is important for you or if you don't want to stuck in traffic, you can try the motorcycle taxis that are called boda boda. You can call a boda boda whenever you need it by downloading an app to your smartphone. Your hotel can also help you with this.
Renting a car is mostly available at the airport, yet there are also the offices of car rental companies in the city center. Car rental is not preferred so often because of the car theft that is frequently experienced in heavy traffic in the city. Renting a car could be a good alternative to increase the comfort of your travel if your hotel has a parking area. Prices start from 4.000 Kenya Shillings per day. If you want, you can rent a car with a driver. From motorcycle to the minivan, there is a wide variety of options waiting for you. However, mostly off-road vehicles are preferred in the city, which is known as the homeland of the safari. There are offices of many private bus service companies at the main bus station in the city center and you can reach different cities from here if you want.
If you want to travel from Nairobi to Kampala, Uganda, or Mombasa, you can benefit from the trains that run three times a week from the main railway station. You can travel in the first-class and second-class compartments, which are also available with bed and meal, as well as you can also prefer the third-class wagons with standard seats. You can make a reservation and buy your ticket from the office on the way to the station. 1st and 2nd class passenger tickets are a little bit more expensive than intercity bus tickets, but 3rd class tickets are cheaper.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, located in the southeast of the city, serves for passengers who come from abroad and who will go abroad. Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL), which is located in the south of the city center, mostly serves domestic flights. There is the third airport, which is completely surrounded and closed to civilian air traffic, in the north of the city. Only military flights are arranged at this airport.
You can reach Nairobi city center from the airport by public transportation. It is possible to travel by bus and the minibuses called matatu at quite affordable prices even if they are less comfortable. Taxi service is available at the airport as an extremely comfortable means of transportation, but you need to be careful about taxi fare. If your hotel offers airport shuttle service, this is the most comfortable and safest alternative that you can take to reach the city center. Another comfortable way of transportation is to rent a car.
Bus
There are the bus stops in front of units 1 and 2 of the airport. You can go to the city center by buses that depart frequently during the day. The journey by bus takes about 45 minutes and the ticket price is 50 KES.
Hotel Shuttle Services
A number of the hotels located around the airport and in the city center offer airport shuttle services. You should contact your hotel in advance to take advantage of this service. Even if your hotel does not offer such a service, they can help you find an alternative for shuttle services.
Taxi
You can take the advantage of the licensed taxis provided by the Kenatco Company from the taxi ranks right in front of the exit of the arriving passenger of the airport. These taxis are more reliable than the individual taxis you can hail on the road because they operate under a taxi company.
Transportation to the city center by taxi costs about 1500 KES, which is 20 US Dollars. You should bargain for the fare in advance. The journey takes about half an hour depending on the traffic.
Matatu
If you prefer public transportation, you can benefit from this option as an alternative to the bus. The means of transportation runs like a minibus quite affordable, yet it is less comfortable. It is mostly preferred by locals; tourists don't prefer this option.
Rent a car
You can find the offices of various car rental companies at the airport. You can drive the rental car, as well as you can rent it with a driver. If you want to drive the car, you should keep in mind that the traffic flows on the left side and there are not enough traffic signs; you need to drive straight on A101 Mombasa road to reach the city center.
Airport Information
The airport, which bears the name of Kenya's first president, is located 16 kilometers in the southeast of the city. The airport serves in a single semicircle-shaped terminal with 3 units that are connected to each other by corridors. Units 1 and 2 serve for international arrivals and departures. Unit 3 serves for domestic passengers.
The airport has all basic services such as currency exchange office, ATM, post office, and safe deposit box. You can take advantage of the paid Wi-Fi service as well as the internet cafe at the departing passenger terminal. You can make last minute purchases from many stores where you can buy very different products. In addition, there are also sufficient amount of eating and drinking areas at the airport that offer the delicacies of local and foreign cuisines.
Last Updated: 12 Mar 2017Frequently Asked Questions
When you search for Johannesburg-Nairobi flights, Wingie directly gathers and compares instant data from all airlines. You can see all Johannesburg-Nairobi flights together for the date you are looking for and choose the most suitable flight.
For Johannesburg-Nairobi flights, you can use Grand Central Airport, Lanseria Intl. Airport, O.R. Tambo Intl. Airport, Rand Airport as departure airport, and Jomo Kenyatta Intl. Airport, Wilson Airport for arrival.
The flight distance between Johannesburg-Nairobi is 2925 kilometers in total. The flight between the two cities takes 3 hour 40 minutes.
When the average prices are examined, the most suitable day for Johannesburg-Nairobi flights is Monday.
