Travelling from Dubai to Nairobi: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can take off from in Dubai. Explore your options leaving from Dubai Airport (DXB) or Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) when organising your flight from Dubai to Nairobi.
When planning your arrival in Nairobi, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) and Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL) are the primary gateways.
Hop on a direct Dubai to Nairobi flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 5 hours.
Nairobi's timezone is UTC+3, which makes Nairobi one hour behind Dubai.
The busiest route for flights from Dubai to Nairobi is Dubai Airport (DXB) to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO). Pick from 43 services between these two airports each week.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to catch your Dubai to Nairobi flight.
Travelling during a peak month such as December? Public holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer lines at check-in and security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Dubai to Nairobi
Book 11 months before flying. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Dubai to Nairobi flights.
The best month for picking up cheap plane tickets from Dubai to Nairobi is April. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates offering the lowest fares.
Finding a cheap flight from Dubai to Nairobi is easy with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when the price has dropped.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Dubai to Nairobi flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
You can book a direct flight from Dubai to Nairobi leaving from Dubai Airport (DXB). Begin your trip at DXB and land at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO).
Pick from a variety of airlines that offer direct Dubai to Nairobi plane tickets out of DXB. Reserve your trip with one of these:
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to take a travel break — and maybe even visit a new city. When searching for Dubai to Nairobi flights departing from Dubai Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Addis Ababa Airport (ADD)
Mombasa Airport (MBA)
Mogadishu Airport (MGQ)
DXB is about 5 kilometres from central Dubai. If you're catching a taxi, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 35 minutes.
In search of a convenient hotel close to Dubai Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Dubai to Nairobi, these accommodation options will have you moments from your departure gate:
When it comes to Dubai Airport's on-time performance, data shows 71% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
With public transport, you can travel from central Dubai to DWC in around 1 hour 20 minutes. The terminal is roughly 48 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 40 minutes.
Start your holiday sooner with an extra night away from home. Before your flight from Dubai to Nairobi, take it easy in one of these hotels close to Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport:
Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport has an on-time performance of 64%. This figure gives an insight into how often flights that take off from this airport reach their destination on schedule.
Arriving in Nairobi
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO)
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) to central Nairobi takes about 30 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 13 kilometres away.
It typically takes 1 hour 5 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Dubai to Nairobi, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these hotels near NBO:
Grab a Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport rental car and discover Nairobi and beyond with your own wheels. Auto-Union, Green Motion and Hertz are popular outlets to choose from here.
To get the lowest price, book your ride from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport about three weeks in advance of your Dubai to Nairobi flight.
Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL)
Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL) is around 3 kilometres from central Nairobi. Once you've disembarked your flight from Dubai to Nairobi, it'll take you approximately 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a taxi or ride-share.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take about 35 minutes.
After your flight from Dubai to Nairobi, settle in at a hotel close to WIL. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Land, grab your Nairobi Wilson Airport rental car, and drive off without missing a beat. Auto-Union and Unicorn rent a car are leading companies to select from here.
Avoid filling out paperwork at the rental desk by having everything prearranged. Reserve your ride from WIL ahead of time so you can simply collect the keys and drive away.
Best time to go to Nairobi
It's time to plan your dates for your flight from Dubai to Nairobi. August is the busiest month to visit Nairobi. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, go in March.
Book a Dubai to Nairobi ticket departing in February if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Nairobi to range from 13ºC to 30ºC.
July has average temperatures of between 12ºC and 24ºC. Search for cheap flights from Dubai to Nairobi around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Nairobi
Start your Nairobi trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Dubai to Nairobi, browse our range of accommodation options including:
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nursery and Giraffe manor are a couple of top-rated attractions to add to your Nairobi itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Mara Conservancy.
Explore more of Kenya
Mombasa is just one of the many places in Kenya waiting to be discovered once you've seen Nairobi. Around 434 kilometres to the southeast, check out popular attractions including Mombasa Marine Park & Reserve, Fort Jesus Museum and Mombasa Beach.
If you're ready to explore another well-known destination in Kenya, consider Nakuru, about 137 kilometres northwest of Nairobi. Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Nakuru and Rhino Point are among the biggest draws.