The City of Mombasa is a key transportation hub for all modes of transportation. There is a trans-African route 8 from Lagos that ends in Mombasa, as well as a railway that connects Mombasa to Uganda. In addition, it is served by Moi International Airport, one of the largest airports in Eastern Africa, and Kilindini Harbour, which is one of the biggest ports in the region. Mombasa also serves as the primary gateway for goods originating from the country to Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda.
How To Travel To Mombasa
How To Travel To MombasaHow To Travel To Mombasa by Air
The flight from Nairobi to Mombasa takes about 45 minutes. In the course of your trip to the port city of Mombasa, you will have plenty of time for a refreshing drink. You will also catch a glimpse of Tsavo East National Park along the way. This route is served by several airlines, including Kenya Airways, the national carrier, as well as budget airlines such as Skyward Express, Jambo Jet, and Fly540 (Five Forty Aviation).
It is also an option to fly directly from European cities like Frankfurt, Bologna, London, Rome, and Milan in addition to nonstop flights. There are additional flights from Zanzibar, Addis Ababa, Istanbul, Dubai, Moroni, and Kigali in addition to these flights from Kigali, and Dar es Salaam.
How To Travel To Mombasa by water
There are three options if you are considering to travel to Mombasa by water. You can get to Mombasa using a private boat, ferry, or cruise ship. Currently, there are two sailing clubs available to non-members on Mombasa Island, as well as two hotels with marina facilities for guests who are not hotel guests. Mombasa Yacht Club and Mombasa watersports are the only sailing clubs while Tudor Watersports and English Poing Marina are the only hotel facilities that offer marina services.
If you consider using a cruise ship, Oceania Cruises which operates on board MS Nautica, Silversea Cruises with offices in Monaco and Frankfurt, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are the only options available.
For those travelling from the south and on road, you will require to cross the Likoni channel into Mombasa using the Likoni Ferry.
How To Travel To Mombasa by Road
Travelling to Mombasa by road from Nairobi or other parts of Kenya, you have several options depending on your starting point and preferences. Here are some common routes and transportation modes:
- Nairobi to Mombasa:
- By Private Vehicle: Take the A109 highway, also known as Mombasa Road, which connects Nairobi to Mombasa. The distance is approximately 485 kilometers, and the journey takes around 6-7 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
- By Bus: Numerous bus companies operate daily between Nairobi and Mombasa. Some popular options include Modern Coast, Tahmeed, Mash Poa, and Easy Coach. The trip usually takes around 8-9 hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops. Check this guide for the best buses from Nairobi to Mombasa.
- Other Parts of Kenya to Mombasa:
- From Western Kenya: If you are in cities like Kisumu or Nakuru, you can take the A104 highway to Nairobi and then proceed to Mombasa using the A109 highway as mentioned earlier.
- From Nanyuki or Nyeri: Take the A2 highway to Nairobi and then follow the A109 highway to Mombasa.
- From Eldoret: You can take the B1 highway to Nakuru, then proceed to Nairobi, and finally take the A109 highway to Mombasa.
- From Coastal Towns: If you are already in a coastal town like Malindi, Lamu, or Diani, you can take local buses or matatus (shared taxis) that run along the coastal road (B8 and A14) connecting these towns to Mombasa.
It’s important to consider traffic conditions, especially during peak travel times, as it may affect the duration of your journey. It’s also advisable to plan your travel in advance, check for road conditions, and ensure your vehicle is in good condition if you’re driving yourself.