By Air
The main international gateway is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, 18km southeast of the city centre. It handles the bulk of long-haul arrivals from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America. The airport has been repeatedly expanded and handles major carriers including Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, and KLM.
Wilson Airport, also in Nairobi, handles domestic and regional flights, including many bush flights to national parks.
Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa serves coastal visitors, with direct flights from Europe (mainly seasonal charters) and connections via Nairobi.
Typical flight times to Nairobi: London 8.5–9 hours; Dubai 4–5 hours; Amsterdam 9 hours; New York 15–16 hours (usually with a connection).
Kenya Airways is the national carrier and flies direct from Nairobi to numerous African cities, London, Amsterdam, Paris, and other European hubs. It has a reasonable safety record and decent service.
By Land
Kenya shares borders with Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Somalia. Most overland travelers cross from Tanzania (at Namanga on the main Nairobi–Arusha highway, or Lunga Lunga on the coast) or from Uganda (at Malaba or Busia). The Tanzania crossings are well-travelled and straightforward; the Uganda crossings work but can be slow.
The route from Ethiopia via Moyale is open and travelled, but the road conditions on the Ethiopian side are rough. This is a popular overland route for hardier travelers.
Travel from Somalia or through the northeastern region of Kenya is not currently advisable due to security conditions. Check your government's latest travel advice.
By Sea
A passenger/vehicle ferry runs between Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and Mombasa, operated by Azam Marine and others. Journey time is around 18 hours overnight. This is a practical option if you are travelling the East African coast.
Local dhows still operate along the Swahili Coast between Mombasa, Lamu, and Zanzibar for the adventurous. Ask locally for schedules — there are no fixed timetables.