Flying from Nairobi to London: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can start your trip from in Nairobi. Explore your options departing from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) or Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL) when planning your flight from Nairobi to London.
London has a range of airports you can fly into. Come in for landing at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (LGW) or London Stansted Airport (STN). Alternatively, touch down at London Luton Airport (LTN) or London City Airport (LCY).
The average time for a direct Nairobi to London flight is 9 hours 15 minutes.
The timezone in London is UTC+0, which is three hours behind Nairobi.
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are 14 departures a week to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Nairobi to London is with British Airways at 23:55. Choose the first NBO to LHR departure operated by British Airways at 08:15 to make the most of your first day in London.
To ensure you make it on your Nairobi to London flight, leave enough time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Flying during a peak month such as August? School holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer queues at security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Nairobi to London
Don't leave things to the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap Nairobi to London flights if you book early. Airlines often offer some fantastic early bird deals.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Nairobi to London across the entire month. It's an easy way to find a bargain if your trip dates aren't set in stone.
Save time looking for cheap flights from Nairobi to London by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or push notification on the app when a new low fare is offered.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Nairobi to London flights.
Flying from Nairobi
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO)
Set off from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) and fly right through to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) or London Gatwick Airport (LGW). If you're looking for a direct flight from Nairobi to London out of NBO, those are your landing points.
Look out for promotions with British Airways. This carrier offers direct Nairobi to London plane tickets from NBO.
We make it a cinch to book a Nairobi to London flight with a stopover. To see all the options departing from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply select a flight with a stop long enough to explore the city of your choice. Popular stopovers include:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA)
The journey from central Nairobi to NBO takes about 1 hour 5 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 13 kilometers in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a handy hotel near Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Nairobi to London, these stays will put you moments from your departure gate:
Of the departures from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport, 62% touch down on time at their destination.
Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL)
You can get to WIL from the center of Nairobi in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The ride by public transport takes roughly 35 minutes to travel the 3 kilometers or so.
Get a head start on your vacation with an additional night away from home. Before your flight from Nairobi to London, kick back in one of these hotels near Nairobi Wilson Airport:
As far as flight punctuality goes, Nairobi Wilson Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 72%.
Arriving in London
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
The distance from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to central London is roughly 26 kilometers. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the center driving.
It typically takes 25 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Nairobi to London. Reserve one of these accommodation options near LHR instead:
Go wherever you want, whenever you want with a London Heathrow Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Surprice, U-Save or Green Motion and experience more of London and beyond.
Get the best deal by reserving your ride from London Heathrow Airport around one week before your departure date.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Once your flight from Nairobi to London has hit the tarmac, you can make your way to the city center in around 1 hour 5 minutes by car. Central London is roughly 40 kilometers from London Gatwick Airport (LGW).
Public transport will get you there in approximately 45 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near LGW. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your flight from Nairobi to London:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a London Gatwick Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from Green Motion, U-Save or Drivalia and set off in the blink of an eye.
Score the best price by booking your ride from LGW three weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a greater selection of vehicles.
London Stansted Airport (STN)
Step off your flight from Nairobi to London and head straight for your hotel or start exploring right away. The center of London is around 48 kilometers from London Stansted Airport (STN) and typically takes 1 hour 5 minutes to reach driving.
If you use public transport, expect a journey of about 45 minutes.
Reserve a hotel close to STN and go from landing to lounging in your room in a flash. Whether you're catching a late Nairobi to London flight or just want a stress-free arrival, these stays offer a quick route to a good night's sleep:
Take control of the next part of your journey by picking up a London Stansted Airport rental car. Green Motion, Drivalia and Europcar will get you on the road.
Plan ahead and put that extra money in your pocket. Book your vehicle from STN four weeks before your flight from Nairobi to London for the lowest prices.
Best time to go to London
It's time to pick your dates for your flight from Nairobi to London. July is the most popular month to travel to London. If you want a quieter atmosphere, go in March.
Before locking in your Nairobi to London tickets, consider the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in London, with temperatures ranging from 11ºC (52ºF) to 26ºC (79ºF).
Search for cheap flights from Nairobi to London in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 0ºC (32ºF) and 9ºC (48ºF) on average.
More about London
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in London right here. Check out these hotels as soon as you've booked your flight from Nairobi to London:
The British Museum and Westminster Abbey are just a couple of the leading attractions to put on your London must-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at Big Ben.
Explore more of the United Kingdom
London will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other corners of the United Kingdom just waiting to be explored. Around 257 kilometers northwest of London, a trip to Manchester will keep your itinerary busy. Start with leading attractions like Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour, The Homes of Football and Science and Industry Museum.
Birmingham is another sought-after destination in the United Kingdom and is around 161 kilometers northwest of London. No trip is complete without experiencing Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Birmingham Hippodrome and Bournville Experience.