Are there 24/7 buses?

Most airports keep at least one night bus or coach on standby—check the overhead screens near arrivals for the current stand.

Is it safe to take taxis overnight?

Stick to signed ranks and insist on the meter. Note any official surcharge for night operations before you hop in.

NBOKenyaTPL: night-owl-plan

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Nairobi, Kenya

Drop-off

Nairobi CBD (Kencom/Ambassador area)

Pin before customs

Fastest

Citi Hoppa Bus 34 / 34J

bus · 20-30m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: Citi Hoppa Bus 34 / 34J
Headway: 20-30
Backup: JKIA rail link (Nairobi Central – Embakasi Village + bus to airport) · on-demandm

Note

City bus from JKIA bus stop between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to Kencom/Ambassador in Nairobi CBD, via Cabanas, Taj Mall, Donholm and City Stadium. Operates roughly 06:00–21:00 with frequent intermediate stops, so journeys can take 45–75 minutes depending on traffic.cite

Late arrivals

Nairobi: Night-Owl Operations

After-midnight contingencies for delayed flights and red-eyes. Targets queries likenairobi airport busandnbo to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Lines that keep running

Brief

This is the overnight lifeline when the metro or flagship express shuts down.

Service: Matatu route 34J and similar airport minibuses
Mode: bus
Freq: 20m
Note: Private minibuses known as matatus run from JKIA towards Nairobi city centre following route 34J, stopping at Cabanas, Taj Mall, Donholm, Makadara, City Stadium and CBD. They operate roughly 06:00–21:00 with frequent departures, but can be crowded and make many stops.cite

Backup when rail sleeps

Brief

If even this pauses, default to the licensed taxi rank or approved ride-hailing pickup outside arrivals.

Service: Matatu route 34J and similar airport minibuses
Mode: bus
Freq: 20m
Note: Private minibuses known as matatus run from JKIA towards Nairobi city centre following route 34J, stopping at Cabanas, Taj Mall, Donholm, Makadara, City Stadium and CBD. They operate roughly 06:00–21:00 with frequent departures, but can be crowded and make many stops.cite

Ticketing tips

Brief

Load balance onto the local transit card before midnight because some kiosks shut or stop accepting bills after hours.

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FAQs

01Are there 24/7 buses?: Most airports keep at least one night bus or coach on standby—check the overhead screens near arrivals for the current stand.
02Is it safe to take taxis overnight?: Stick to signed ranks and insist on the meter. Note any official surcharge for night operations before you hop in.