Is it better to fly into Nairobi (NBO) or Mombasa (MBA)?

Almost all international flights from the US arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO). Fly into NBO and take a domestic connection or train if your final destination is coastal.

Are there direct flights from the US to Nairobi?

Yes, Kenya Airways operates a direct flight from New York (JFK) to Nairobi (NBO). These are often more expensive but save 6–10 hours of travel time compared to connecting flights.

What is the best day of the week to fly?

Mid-week flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) are consistently $100–$200 cheaper than weekend departures.

Booking flights to Nairobi from the US

Book your flight at least 3 months in advance to secure the best rates, aiming for a total cost between $900 and $1,300. Use Google Flights to track price trends and choose a single-stop itinerary through major hubs like Doha, Dubai, or London to avoid the complexities of multiple airline connections.

Set your departure gateway. Identify your primary departure airport. While flights from NYC (JFK) or Washington D.C. (IAD) often offer direct routes, flying from hubs like ATL or ORD is usually cheaper even with an extra connection.
Use Google Flights tracking. Enter your destination (NBO) and dates into Google Flights. Toggle the 'Track Prices' switch on. You will receive email alerts when the price drops, which is the most reliable way to save money on long-haul flights.
Check the carrier alliance. For reliability, stick to major alliances. Star Alliance (United/Lufthansa/Ethiopian) and OneWorld (American/British Airways/Qatar) provide the best protection if a flight is delayed or cancelled, as they can rebook you on partner metal.
Verify baggage policies. Transatlantic flights have generous limits, but the final leg into Nairobi on regional carriers can be strict. Check if your ticket includes one checked bag (usually 23kg/50lbs) for the entire itinerary.
Book directly with the airline. Once you find your flight, book directly through the airline's website. If you run into issues with schedule changes or missed connections, customer service is significantly easier to deal with when there isn't a third-party agency involved.

Is it better to fly into Nairobi (NBO) or Mombasa (MBA)?: Almost all international flights from the US arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO). Fly into NBO and take a domestic connection or train if your final destination is coastal.
Are there direct flights from the US to Nairobi?: Yes, Kenya Airways operates a direct flight from New York (JFK) to Nairobi (NBO). These are often more expensive but save 6–10 hours of travel time compared to connecting flights.
What is the best day of the week to fly?: Mid-week flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) are consistently $100–$200 cheaper than weekend departures.