If you’re planning a trip to Kenya, it’s worth setting aside plenty of time to research cheap flights from London to Nairobi. The airport here is officially called Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). There are about 1,099 flights setting off to Kenya’s capital city every week, and the most popular London airport is London Heathrow.
From Heathrow (LHR) you can fly direct with two big carriers – Kenya Airways and British Airways – or indirect with several others including KLM and Qatar Airways. Adding a stop or two on the way to Nairobi could significantly reduce the price of your flight ticket. And, if you want a bargain, keep an eye out for flights with Turkish Airlines as they often have good deals. Plus, you could consider flying from London City Airport (LCY).
One of the cheapest times to go to Kenya is in April, which falls in the middle of Nairobi’s ‘long rainy’ season from March to May. On the other hand, July tends to be more popular with visitors, so the prices for flights and accommodation usually rise at this time. It’s winter here, which means comfortable temperatures and dry conditions. In fact, the dry season runs from late June to October – which is also the best time of year to visit if you’re planning to head to Nairobi National Park or further into Kenya to go on a safari. Plus, the wildebeest migration usually reaches the Masai Mara in July, and stays until October.
FAQs about flights from London to Nairobi
Which airlines fly from London to Nairobi?
From London Heathrow you can fly direct to Nairobi with British Airways and Kenya Airways, or you can book indirect flights with airlines including Air France, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines. You can also fly indirect to Nairobi from London City Airport, with carriers like KLM and Etihad Airways.
Which airlines have the cheapest flights to Nairobi?
KLM and Turkish Airlines often have the cheapest flights to Nairobi, but they’re indirect.
Can I fly direct from London to Nairobi?
Yes – you can fly direct to Nairobi from London Heathrow, with British Airways and Kenya Airways.
Which London airport offers the cheapest direct flight to Nairobi?
London Heathrow is the only airport that offers direct flights to Nairobi.
How long is the flight from London to Nairobi?
The shortest flight time on this route is about 8 hours and 35 minutes.
How do I get into Nairobi from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport?
There are taxis waiting at the airport in Nairobi, but it’s worth choosing a licensed company at one of the desks in arrivals and agreeing the fare before you go. The airport is about nine miles outside the city, and the journey takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic, with fares starting from around KES 1500. Alternatively, in daytime hours, you could catch the public bus, which takes about 45 minutes and costs around KES 35. Lots of hotels run a shuttle service, too, so check if this is included.
What are the top things to do in Nairobi?
As well as its urban centre, Kenya’s capital is home to Nairobi National Park – which is prime safari territory if you want to spot leopards, lions and endangered black rhinos. There’s also the Giraffe Centre, where you can hand-feed the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe the centre was built to protect. When you’re done, shop for African crafts at Utamanduni and pay a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum – AKA the Out of Africa author’s former home.
Do I need a visa to travel to Nairobi?
Yes, you’ll need a visa to enter Kenya – you can either get one on arrival at the airport, or before you travel, which is recommended. You’ll also need at least six months validity left on your passport and two blank pages.
