If you live in Nairobi or you’re visiting for the first time, transport will shape your daily experience. How you move affects your time, safety, comfort, and stress levels. And in this city, transport is not one-size-fits-all.

Transportation in Nairobi is fast, chaotic, flexible, and sometimes unpredictable. You’ll find everything from packed matatus blasting music, to boda bodas weaving through traffic, to ride-hailing apps offering quiet air-conditioned rides. Each option has pros, downsides, and safety considerations.

This guide breaks down Nairobi’s main transport options, explains when each one makes sense, and shares practical safety tips you can actually use.

If you want more comfort and control, we’ll also show you when it’s better to stay close to key areas or rent a car instead.

The Big Picture: Transportation in Nairobi

Nairobi does not run on a single organized transport system. It runs on layers.

You have:

  • Public transport (matatus and buses)

  • Informal transport (bodas)

  • App-based transport (Uber, Bolt, Little Cab)

  • Private transport (car hire and personal cars)

Most people mix and match depending on distance, time of day, weather, and budget. Traffic plays a huge role. A 6 km trip can take 15 minutes or 90 minutes depending on timing.

That’s why where you stay matters. Many travelers and professionals choose well-connected neighborhoods like Westlands, Kilimani, Kileleshwa, and Lavington.

Staying in a serviced apartment close to work or nightlife reduces how much you rely on transport in the first place. You can explore available options on this page for furnished and serviced apartments in Nairobi.

Matatus: Cheap, Fast, and Intense

Matatus are the backbone of transportation in Nairobi. They are privately owned minibuses that operate on fixed routes.

How matatus work

  • Each route has a number and name (like 46 for Kileleshwa)

  • They pick up and drop off passengers along the way

  • You pay in cash or via mobile money

  • Prices change depending on time and traffic

During peak hours, matatus move fast because drivers know every shortcut. Off-peak, they wait to fill seats, which can slow you down.

Pros

  • Cheap

  • Widely available

  • Reach almost every part of the city

Cons

  • Crowded

  • Loud

  • Inconsistent driving behavior

Safety tips for matatus

  • Keep your phone out of sight

  • Sit closer to the front if possible

  • Avoid using matatus late at night

  • Stick to well-known routes

  • If something feels off, get off at the next stop

Matatus work best during the day when you know your route and want to save money. They’re less ideal if you’re new to the city or carrying valuables.

Boda Bodas (Motorcycle Taxis): Fast but Risky

Boda bodas fill the gaps matatus can’t. They get you through traffic jams, narrow roads, and short distances quickly.

You’ll see them everywhere.

When people use bodas

  • Short trips

  • During heavy traffic

  • Late at night when matatus slow down

Pros

  • Very fast

  • Door-to-door

  • Flexible routes

Cons

  • Higher accident risk

  • Limited regulation

  • Weather exposure

Safety tips for bodas

  • Always wear a helmet (ask for one)

  • Avoid riding at night if possible

  • Don’t use bodas in heavy rain

  • Choose riders who don’t rush or speed

  • Keep bags secure and close to your body

If you value speed over comfort, bodas work. If safety matters more, choose another option.

Ride-Hailing Apps: Comfort and Predictability

Apps like Uber, Bolt, and Little Cab have changed transportation in Nairobi. You book through your phone, see the fare upfront, and track your driver.

Why people use ride apps

  • Predictable pricing

  • Safer than random taxis

  • Cashless payments

  • Air conditioning

Pros

  • Comfortable

  • Safer at night

  • Ideal for visitors and professionals

Cons

  • Surge pricing during peak hours

  • Slower in traffic

  • App availability can drop late at night in some areas

Safety tips for ride apps

  • Confirm the car plate before entering

  • Sit in the back seat

  • Share your trip details with someone you trust

  • Avoid arguing with drivers over routes

Ride apps work well if you’re staying in areas like Kilimani or Westlands, where drivers are always nearby. If you’re looking for places in these areas, check our serviced apartments in Kilimani and Westlands.

Buses: Slower but More Structured

Nairobi also has city buses operated by companies like Kenya Bus Service.

They follow fixed routes and stops, and they’re generally calmer than matatus.

Pros

  • Cheaper than ride apps

  • More space

  • Less aggressive driving

Cons

  • Slower

  • Limited routes

  • Long wait times

Buses suit daily commuters who know the system well. They’re less useful if you’re on a tight schedule.

Walking: Works in Short Bursts

Walking in Nairobi depends heavily on where you are.

In neighborhoods like Kileleshwa, Lavington, and parts of Westlands, walking short distances during the day is fine. In other areas, poor sidewalks and traffic make walking difficult.

Safety tips for walking

  • Walk during daylight

  • Avoid isolated streets

  • Don’t use your phone openly

  • Dress low-key

  • Trust your instincts

Choosing a walkable neighborhood reduces transport stress.

Driving Yourself: Full Control, Full Responsibility

Many people underestimate how useful having a car is in Nairobi. Yes, traffic is real. But control matters.

With your own car, you:

  • Choose your timing

  • Avoid overcrowded transport

  • Move safely at night

  • Travel outside the city easily

When car hire makes sense

  • Business trips

  • Family stays

  • Long-term visits

  • Exploring areas outside Nairobi

  • Daily commuting from quieter neighborhoods

If you don’t own a car, hiring one is simple. You can explore options on this page for car hire in Nairobi.

Safety tips for driving

  • Avoid peak hours when possible

  • Use navigation apps for traffic updates

  • Lock doors and windows

  • Don’t leave items visible in the car

  • Stick to well-lit roads at night

Car hire pairs well with serviced apartments, especially if you value privacy and predictability.

How Where You Stay Affects Transport

Transportation in Nairobi becomes easier when you stay in the right place.

Living far from work or entertainment means:

  • Longer hours in traffic

  • Higher transport costs

  • More fatigue

Staying in central, well-connected neighborhoods cuts down daily movement. Areas like Westlands, Kilimani, Kileleshwa, and Lavington give you access to:

  • Ride-hailing services

  • Reliable roads

  • Restaurants and shops nearby

  • Safer walking zones

If you want flexibility without committing long-term, furnished apartments offer a practical solution. You get space, security, and locations that reduce daily transport friction.

Final Thoughts

Transportation in Nairobi isn’t about finding the perfect option. It’s about choosing what fits your situation at that moment.

Use matatus when you want cheap and fast.
Use bodas when traffic is locked and the distance is short.
Use ride apps when you want comfort and safety.
Consider car hire when you want full control.
And choose where you stay wisely to reduce unnecessary movement.

Nairobi rewards people who adapt. Once you understand how transport works, the city becomes easier to navigate, less stressful, and more enjoyable.