Flying from Nairobi to New York: what you need to know
Nairobi has two main airports that could be the jumping-off point for your adventure. Check out your options for reserving a flight from Nairobi to New York leaving from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) or Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL).
New York has a number of airports you can fly into. Come in for landing at New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), New York Newark Airport (EWR) or New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
Take a direct Nairobi to New York flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 15 hours.
New York is eight hours behind Nairobi and is in the UTC-5 timezone.
With six weekly flights between the two airports, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) to New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) is the most popular route. Board the first flight from Nairobi to New York with Kenya Airways at 08:45. If you'd like to get more out of your day before taking off, the last flight from NBO to JFK is with Kenya Airways at 23:35.
To ensure you don't miss your Nairobi to New York flight, leave plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule to follow.
Flying over a peak time such as August? School holidays and other popular periods can mean longer lines and delays at security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Nairobi to New York
To find cheap Nairobi to New York flights, book early. Airlines typically offer the most competitive fares when flights are first released.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest plane tickets from Nairobi to New York across each month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your trip dates aren't set in stone.
Finding a cheap flight from Nairobi to New York is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when a better deal is available.
Tailor your trip using filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' Nairobi to New York flights.
Flying from Nairobi
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO)
Set out from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) on a nonstop flight from Nairobi to New York. From NBO, you can travel directly to New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK).
Lock in your Nairobi to New York plane tickets with Kenya Airways. This airline is a top pick for direct flights from NBO.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Nairobi to New York flight. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport. Break up the journey at one of these popular airports:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
The journey from central Nairobi to NBO takes about 1 hour 5 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a taxi, you'll cover the 13 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want an easy start to your break? Stay near Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Nairobi to New York or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are perfect:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport, data shows 62% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL)
You can get to WIL from the centre of Nairobi in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport will take roughly 35 minutes to cover the 3 kilometres or so.
You're going on holiday, so why not spend an extra night away from home? Think about kicking back in one of these accommodation options near Nairobi Wilson Airport the day before your flight from Nairobi to New York:
Nairobi Wilson Airport has an on-time performance rate of 72%. This figure reflects how often flights that depart from this airport land at their destination on schedule.
Arriving in New York
New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK)
New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) is approximately 21 kilometres from central New York. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 45 minutes.
It typically takes 50 minutes to get there on public transport.
Consider staying in a hotel close to JFK if you have a late flight from Nairobi to New York. Settle into one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Begin your adventure by picking up a New York John F. Kennedy Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Budget, Dollar or Sixt to explore New York and beyond.
Reserving your vehicle from New York John F. Kennedy Airport around two weeks in advance can help you secure the lowest rate.
JFK is situated at JFK Airport.
New York Newark Airport (EWR)
Once your flight from Nairobi to New York has arrived, you can make your way to the city centre in about 35 minutes by car. Central New York is roughly 14 kilometres from New York Newark Airport (EWR).
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 1 hour or so.
After your flight from Nairobi to New York, kick back at a hotel near EWR. These are some comfortable options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Dollar, Budget and Thrifty make picking up a New York Newark Airport rental car simple. These trusted companies are located in or around the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Securing your ride three weeks before your arrival at EWR will save you money.
New York Newark Airport can be found at Building 1, Conrad Road.
New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is about 13 kilometres from the centre of New York. It'll take you about 30 minutes to reach the city centre in a car once you've stepped off your flight from Nairobi to New York.
Public transport can get you there in roughly 55 minutes.
If you don't want to make your way into the centre, find a hotel close to LGA. Make yourself comfy at one of these options after your Nairobi to New York flight:
Take control of the next leg of your journey with a New York LaGuardia Airport rental car. Dollar, Ace Rent a Car and Thrifty are reliable rental providers.
Around two weeks ahead of your flight from Nairobi to New York is the ideal time to book your vehicle from LGA. You're more likely to lock in a better rate or catch some early booking discounts.
New York LaGuardia Airport can be found at Hangar 7 Centre.
Best time to go to New York
It's time to pick your trip dates for your flight from Nairobi to New York. July is the busiest month for a trip to New York. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, go in March.
Book a Nairobi to New York ticket departing in July if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in New York to range from 18ºC to 30ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Nairobi to New York in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -6ºC and 8ºC on average.
More about New York
Once you've booked your flight from Nairobi to New York, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring New York:
Every great holiday has to include some sightseeing. Central Park, Statue of Liberty and The Metropolitan Museum of Art are attractions you won't want to skip in New York.
Explore more of the United States
You've done New York, now it's time to discover other corners of the United States. Travel around 129 kilometres southwest to Philadelphia to tick off its top sights. From Independence Hall to Liberty Bell and Philadelphia Museum of Art, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Boston is another essential stop in the United States and is around 306 kilometres northeast of New York. No journey is complete without dropping by Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Freedom Trail and Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.
