Nairobi's traffic is legendary — the city has grown faster than its road infrastructure, and rush hours (roughly 7–9am and 5–8pm) can turn a 5 km trip into an hour-long ordeal. Plan accordingly and use mornings or midday for cross-city journeys.
Matatus (minibuses) and shared taxis are the cheapest way to get around, but routes and stages can be confusing to newcomers. Ask at your accommodation about which route to use. The main matatu termini are in the Central Business District and at Westlands.
Ride-hailing apps — Uber and Bolt both operate in Nairobi — are significantly cheaper than street taxis and safer. Regular taxis from the street require negotiation; agree the fare before getting in. The app-based alternatives are the recommended default for visitors.
Boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) are fast in traffic and cheap, but the accident rate is high. Use only if you are confident the driver is careful and your destination is nearby.
Walking is practical in some areas (Westlands, the CBD) during daylight hours but is not recommended alone after dark.