Flying from Nairobi to Seattle: what you need to know
Start your travel planning by considering where you'll take off for your flight from Nairobi to Seattle. Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) and Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL) are the main airports in Nairobi.
When working out where to arrive in Seattle, Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Seattle Lake Union SPB Airport (LKE) are the major entry points.
Seattle is 11 hours behind Nairobi and observes the UTC-8 timezone.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to catch your Nairobi to Seattle flight.
Flying during a peak time like August? School holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer queues at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Nairobi to Seattle
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to get cheap Nairobi to Seattle flights if you book early. Airlines often have some excellent early bird deals.
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across each month when looking for your plane ticket from Nairobi to Seattle.
Getting a cheap flight from Nairobi to Seattle is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as there's a better deal.
Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Or sort your Nairobi to Seattle flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Nairobi
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO)
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a break from travelling — and perhaps even tour another city. When browsing Nairobi to Seattle flights departing from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
NBO is about 13 kilometres from central Nairobi. If you're catching a taxi, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take you 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour 5 minutes.
Searching for a convenient hotel near Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Nairobi to Seattle, these stays will put you moments from check-in:
When it comes to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport's on-time performance, data shows 62% of flights complete their journey on time.
Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL)
With public transport, you can travel from central Nairobi to WIL in around 35 minutes. The terminal is roughly 3 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 20 minutes.
You're off on holiday, so why not spend an extra night away? Consider checking in to one of these accommodation options near Nairobi Wilson Airport the day before your flight from Nairobi to Seattle:
72% of flights out of Nairobi Wilson Airport stick to their scheduled arrival time.
Arriving in Seattle
Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to central Seattle takes around 25 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 19 kilometres away.
It typically takes 35 minutes to get there on public transport.
If you have a late flight from Nairobi to Seattle, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these hotels near SEA:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Seattle / Tacoma International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Thrifty, Europcar or Budget to explore Seattle and beyond.
To secure the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Seattle / Tacoma International Airport around one week in advance of your Nairobi to Seattle flight.
Paine Field Airport (PAE)
Paine Field Airport (PAE) is roughly 32 kilometres from the centre of Seattle. Following your flight from Nairobi to Seattle, it'll take you approximately 20 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a taxi or ride-share.
Public transport will get you there in approximately 40 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near PAE. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Nairobi to Seattle:
Pick up a Paine Field Airport rental car and be your own tour guide. You can select from trusted rental outlets like Budget and Enterprise.
Get the vehicle you prefer, not just what's left over, by reserving your ride from PAE before your arrival. You can also avoid last-minute price hikes, especially when the airport is busy.
Seattle Boeing Fld Airport (BFI)
Travel to the centre after your flight from Nairobi to Seattle has touched down. Central Seattle is around 11 kilometres from Seattle Boeing Fld Airport (BFI) and takes roughly 20 minutes to get there in a car.
If you use public transport, the journey takes around 35 minutes.
Put yourself in the driver's seat of the next chapter of your journey with a Seattle Boeing Fld Airport rental car. Alamo, Budget and Avis will get you on the road.
Rental companies sometimes offer discounts for early bookings, so book your ride from BFI ahead of your flight from Nairobi to Seattle. Plan ahead and your wallet will thank you.
Best time to go to Seattle
It's time to plan your travel dates for your flight from Nairobi to Seattle. July is the busiest month to visit Seattle. If you like a more peaceful vibe, go in March.
When booking your Nairobi to Seattle tickets, think about the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. August is the warmest month in Seattle, with temperatures ranging from 12ºC to 28ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Nairobi to Seattle in February if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -1ºC and 11ºC on average.
More about Seattle
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Seattle right here. Browse these options once you've booked your flight from Nairobi to Seattle:
All great adventures should include a little sightseeing. Space Needle, Pike Place Fish Market and The Museum of Flight are must-do's during your Seattle adventure.
Explore more of the United States
Portland is just one of the many cities in the United States waiting to be discovered once you've seen Seattle. Around 241 kilometres to the south, check out popular attractions including Portland Japanese Garden, Peninsula Park Rose Garden and International Rose Test Garden.
Around 370 kilometres east of Seattle, Spokane is another essential stop in the United States. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Riverside State Park, Spokane Falls (Upper Falls) and Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes.