Travelling from Nairobi to Melbourne: what you need to know
Nairobi is home to two main airports where you can start your adventure. Check out your options for reserving a flight from Nairobi to Melbourne leaving from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Wilson Airport (WIL).
Come in for landing at Melbourne's primary gateway, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL).
Melbourne's timezone is UTC+11, which makes Melbourne eight hours ahead of Nairobi.
Allow plenty of time to get on your Nairobi to Melbourne flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You'll likely experience bigger queues in popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures will give you plenty of time for security and boarding.
How to find the cheapest flights from Nairobi to Melbourne
To pick up cheap Nairobi to Melbourne flights, book ahead. Airlines generally offer the most competitive fares when tickets are first released.
Finding cheap plane tickets from Nairobi to Melbourne is easier if you're flexible with your trip dates. Use the 'Whole month' search function to see the lowest prices across each month and bag a fantastic deal.
Finding a cheap flight from Nairobi to Melbourne is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when a better deal is available.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Nairobi to Melbourne flights.
Flying from Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your journey — and possibly even tour another city. When browsing Nairobi to Melbourne flights departing from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
NBO is about 11 kilometres from central Nairobi. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour 10 minutes.
After a stress-free start to your trip? Stay near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Nairobi to Melbourne or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, data shows 67.1% of flights complete their journey on time.
Arriving in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to central Melbourne takes about 30 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 19 kilometres away.
Getting to the centre by public transport typically takes 40 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Nairobi to Melbourne, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these accommodation options near MEL:
Pick up a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car and discover Melbourne and beyond with your own wheels. Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast and Sixt are top providers to choose from here.
Booking your ride from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport about four weeks ahead can help you get the best possible rate.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Avalon Airport (AVV) is roughly 48 kilometres from central Melbourne. Following your flight from Nairobi to Melbourne, it takes approximately 50 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 2 hours 5 minutes or so.
Sixt, Kangaroo Rental and yesaway car hire make collecting an Avalon Airport rental car simple. These trusted companies are located around or in the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Reserving your ride three weeks ahead of your arrival at AVV can get you a lower rate.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Essendon Airport (MEB) is about 11 kilometres from central Melbourne. It takes about 25 minutes to reach the city centre in a ride-share or cab after your flight from Nairobi to Melbourne.
Public transport can take you there in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Whether you want an economy for a solo escape or a full-size SUV to transport your group, you'll find the right Essendon Airport rental car for you. Browse the range of wheels available here from providers such as East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar.
Rental agencies sometimes offer promotions on early bookings, so secure your vehicle from MEB well ahead of your flight from Nairobi to Melbourne. A little prep today saves cash tomorrow.
Best time to go to Melbourne
January is the busiest month for flights from Nairobi to Melbourne. To escape the crowds, go to Melbourne in April.
When booking your Nairobi to Melbourne tickets, consider what kind of weather you prefer. January is the warmest month in Melbourne, with temperatures ranging from 12ºC to 29ºC.
Look for cheap flights from Nairobi to Melbourne in July if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 4ºC and 13ºC on average.
More about Melbourne
After booking your flight from Nairobi to Melbourne, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Melbourne:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be tricky to work out where to start. Federation Square, National Gallery of Victoria and Eureka Skydeck 88 are leading attractions which should be on any well-planned Melbourne itinerary.
Explore more of Australia
You've done Melbourne, now it's time to explore other corners of Australia. Journey around 467 kilometres north-east to Canberra to check off its top attractions. From Australian War Memorial to National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House, there's plenty to keep you busy.
If there's time to check out another corner of Australia, head for Geelong, about 64 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. Ford Motor Company, Roraima Nursery and RTC Resource Centre are the start of reasons to visit.