Flying from Nairobi to Mombasa is one of the fastest ways to travel between Kenya’s capital and the Coast. The route connects Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi with Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa.
A direct flight takes approximately one hour, making air travel significantly faster in pure journey time than travelling between the two cities by road or rail.
Last checked: August 2026
Nairobi to Mombasa Flight at a Glance
Route: Nairobi ↔ Mombasa
Departure Airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Arrival Airport: Moi International Airport (MBA)
Estimated Flight Time: About 1 hour
Estimated One-Way Fare: KSh 6,000–15,000
Route Type: Domestic
Airport Codes: NBO ↔ MBA
Departure Airport in Nairobi
Flights on this route operate from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Guide — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Passengers should confirm the departure airport shown on their ticket because Nairobi also has Wilson Airport (WIL), which handles many regional and safari services.
Arrival Airport in Mombasa
Flights arrive at Moi International Airport (MBA).
Moi International Airport Guide — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
The airport serves Mombasa and provides onward connections to destinations across the wider Coast region.
Airlines Flying From Nairobi to Mombasa
The Nairobi–Mombasa corridor is served by scheduled domestic airlines.
Kenya Airways
Airline Code: KQ
Route: NBO ↔ MBA
Typical Flight Time: About 1 hour
Jambojet
Airline Code: JM
Route: Nairobi ↔ Mombasa
Fly 748
Airline Code: 8H
Route: Nairobi ↔ Mombasa
Airline schedules, frequencies and operating days can change, so passengers should confirm current services before booking.
Nairobi to Mombasa Flight Time
The direct flight takes approximately one hour.
Passengers should also allow time for:
Travel to JKIA → Check-in → Security → Boarding → Flight → Baggage Collection → Ground Transport in Mombasa
The total door-to-door journey is therefore longer than the scheduled flying time alone.
Nairobi to Mombasa Flight Fare
For planning purposes, passengers can budget approximately:
Estimated one-way economy fare: KSh 6,000–15,000
Peak-period and late-booking fares may be higher.
Ticket prices can vary according to:
- Airline
- Travel date
- Remaining seats
- Booking date
- Passenger demand
- Baggage allowance
- Ticket conditions
- Promotions
The fare should therefore be treated as a planning estimate rather than a fixed ticket price.
Flight Numbers
Flight numbers identify individual scheduled airline services.
Examples of airline codes used on the Nairobi–Mombasa corridor include:
KQ — Kenya Airways
JM — Jambojet
8H — Fly 748
Passengers should rely on the flight number shown on their current booking confirmation because schedules and service numbers can change.
Aircraft Used on Nairobi–Mombasa Flights
Aircraft types can vary depending on airline and operating requirements.
Common aircraft on domestic Kenyan routes include regional jets and turboprop aircraft such as:
Embraer E190
De Havilland Dash 8-Q400
Aircraft assignments can change before departure, so passengers should not assume a particular aircraft will operate every service.
Check-In for Nairobi to Mombasa Flights
Passengers should follow the check-in deadline provided by their airline.
As a general planning guide, arriving at the airport around 90 minutes before a domestic departure provides time for check-in, baggage processing and security.
Passengers should carry identification accepted by the airline.
Baggage
Baggage allowances differ between airlines and fare types.
Before booking, check:
- Cabin baggage allowance
- Checked baggage allowance
- Excess baggage charges
- Whether checked baggage is included
- Oversized or special baggage restrictions
Passengers should compare the full ticket cost rather than only the headline fare.
Nairobi to Mombasa by Flight or SGR
Passengers travelling between Nairobi and Mombasa can choose between domestic flights, SGR passenger rail and long-distance buses or coaches.
Flying provides the shortest scheduled travel time, while the SGR may suit passengers who prefer rail travel or different baggage and pricing options.
Nairobi to Mombasa SGR Guide — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Mombasa to Nairobi Return Journey
The route also operates in the opposite direction:
Moi International Airport (MBA) → Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Passengers returning to Nairobi should confirm the airline, departure time, baggage allowance and arrival details before travelling.
Related Kenya Flight Guides
Kenya Domestic Flights Database — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Nairobi to Kisumu Flights — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Nairobi to Eldoret Flights — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Nairobi to Diani / Ukunda Flights — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Nairobi to Malindi Flights — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Nairobi to Lamu Flights — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Nairobi to Mombasa Flight Summary
Nairobi (NBO) ↔ Mombasa (MBA)
Flight time: About 1 hour
Estimated fare: KSh 6,000–15,000 one way
Departure: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Arrival: Moi International Airport
Airlines: Kenya Airways, Jambojet and Fly 748
Passengers should confirm the current airline, flight number, departure time, baggage allowance and final fare before travelling.
