KilifiCounty.com
The terminal building and control tower of Malindi International Airport

Getting there

Getting to Kilifi County, and getting around

Fly to Malindi or Mombasa, take the train from Nairobi to Mombasa, or drive up the coast road. Here is how to get to Kilifi, Watamu and Malindi, and how to get around once you are there.

By air

Malindi Airport (MYD) has several direct flights a day from Nairobi, taking about an hour, and is about 30 minutes from Watamu. Moi International Airport in Mombasa (MBA) has more domestic flights and some international ones, and is the closest airport to Kilifi and Vipingo.

Getting to Kilifi County
FromHowTime
NairobiFlight to MalindiAbout 1 hour
NairobiMadaraka Express train to Mombasa, then roadAbout 5–6 hours by train, plus 1½–3 hours by road
MombasaCar, shuttle, bus or matatu up the coast roadAbout 1½ hours to Kilifi, 2½ hours to Watamu
Malindi airportTaxi or tuk-tukAbout 10 minutes to Malindi, 30 minutes to Watamu

By train

The Madaraka Express runs between Nairobi and Mombasa on the standard gauge railway. The Mombasa terminus is at Miritini, on the edge of the city, so allow time to cross Mombasa or arrange a transfer straight up the coast. Book tickets in advance, especially at holiday times.

By road

The main coast road runs north from Mombasa across Mtwapa Creek, past Vipingo and over the Kilifi Bridge to Watamu and Malindi. Traffic leaving Mombasa can be slow, so allow extra time. Buses and shuttles run up and down the coast many times a day.

Getting around

  • Tuk-tuks: the easiest way around Watamu, Malindi and Kilifi; agree the fare first.
  • Boda-bodas: motorbike taxis, cheap but riskier; ask for a helmet.
  • Matatus and buses: run along the main road between towns.
  • Taxis and private drivers: best for day trips and airport transfers.

Read our guide to getting to Malindi and Watamu.

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Getting there FAQ

Which airport is closest?

Malindi Airport (MYD) has direct flights from Nairobi, about an hour. Moi International Airport in Mombasa (MBA) has more flights, including some international ones, and is about 1½ hours from Kilifi and 2½ hours from Watamu by road.

Can I take the train?

Yes, part of the way. The Madaraka Express runs between Nairobi and Mombasa, and from Mombasa you continue north by road. Read getting to Malindi and Watamu.

How long is the drive from Mombasa?

About 1½ hours to Kilifi, 2½ hours to Watamu and 2½–3 hours to Malindi, depending on traffic leaving Mombasa.

How do I get around?

Tuk-tuks and boda-bodas (motorbike taxis) in towns, matatus and buses along the main road, and taxis or private drivers for longer trips.