Small
Suzuki Alto
Autounion- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Automatic
- 4 seats
from €231/7 days
See offer →
Car Rental at Nairobi Airport (NBO)
See real-time prices from 11 car hire companies. Collect your car at arrivals and go.
LocationAirport
Providers11
Price tipBook 2–4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+
✅ Compare 11 options
⚡ Instant results
🧾 Transparent pricing
⭐ Flexible booking
Quick answer: At Nairobi Airport you can compare rental cars from 11 providers. We show prices and terms upfront so you can choose wisely - not just cheaply.
Best priceBook 2–4 weeks ahead for better selection and lower rates.
Zero dramaChoose "full-to-full" fuel and film the car at pickup.
DepositHave a credit card in the driver's name ready - that's where most people get caught out.
Cheapest car rentals in Nairobi Airport right now
7-day rental, pick-up 4 Oct. Prices collected 4 Sep.
AutounionMid-size
Toyota Corolla
Autounion- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Automatic
- 4 seats
from €267/7 days
See offer →SUV
Toyota Rush
Autounion- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Automatic
- 4 seats
from €506/7 days
See offer →Car rental companies in Nairobi Airport: rating and lowest price
| Supplier | Rating | Pick-up | From |
|---|---|---|---|
 Unicorn rent a car | (22) | Meet & greet on arrival | €247 |
 U-Save | (3) | Meet & greet on arrival | €285 |
 Europcar | (2) | Inside the terminal | €491 |
| Autounion | (24) | Meet & greet on arrival | €231 |
Prices for a 7-day rental in EUR, collected 4 Sep from Discover Cars, and may have changed. Ratings 1-10 by Discover Cars customers. Search with your dates →
About Renting a Car at Nairobi Airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is East Africa's largest airport and is located approximately 18 km southeast of Nairobi's center, roughly 30–45 minutes' drive depending on traffic. With 11 rental companies on-site, you'll find everything from compact city cars to robust 4x4 vehicles suitable for safari trips. Pick up your car upon arrival and drive to Nairobi, Amboseli, or Masai Mara without waiting for a shuttle bus.
From the airport, it's about 25 km and 1.5 hours to reach Nairobi Game Park, one of the world's few national parks directly adjacent to a major city. To the northwest are Karen and Langata, well-known suburbs with cafés and shopping centers, just 15 km from the terminal. Book a 4x4 in advance during peak season (July–October) when safari cars run out quickly.
Avoid rush hour 07:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00 on Mombasa Road heading into the center. Check that your insurance covers unpaved roads if you plan to drive to national parks. How long does it take to drive from NBO to Nairobi's center?
Normally 30–45 minutes via Mombasa Road, but during rush hour it can take up to 90 minutes. Can I rent a car at NBO and return it in Mombasa? Yes, several of the 11 rental companies offer one-way rental between Nairobi and Mombasa, but expect an extra fee.
Do I need an international driving permit to rent a car in Kenya? Yes, an international driving permit is strongly recommended and required by most rental companies at NBO.
We compare prices from all major providers at Nairobi Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.
Renting at Nairobi Airport - The Short Version
🚗 1) Pick the Right Terms
- Fuel: "Full-to-full" is usually the fairest deal.
- Extra driver: can cost extra - check before booking.
- Automatic: often pricier and in shorter supply.
Pro tip: Cheapest rate + expensive terms = an expensive rental in disguise.
🪪 2) Bring the Right Documents
- Driver's license (usually held for at least 1 year)
- Passport or national ID
- Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit
A valid license is accepted in most of Kenya. Check if an IDP is needed.
📸 3) Drama-Free Pickup
- Film the car from all angles + the dashboard.
- Photograph scratches, wheels and windshield.
- Keep your fuel receipt when returning.
60 seconds now can save 6 weeks of email disputes.
Rental Companies at Nairobi Airport
Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).
Essential Info for Renting at Nairobi Airport
Practical answers and tips before you book.
✅ Quick Answers ▼
At Nairobi Airport you can compare rentals from 11 providers on SmartCarRental. We show prices and terms upfront so you know what you're paying.
- Book 2–4 weeks ahead for better selection and prices.
- Choose "full-to-full" fuel whenever possible.
- Have a credit card in the driver's name ready for the deposit.
🚙 Driving in Kenya ▼
In Kenya you drive on the Left side.
- Urban speed limit: 50 km/h
- Rural roads: 100 km/h
- Motorway: 110 km/h
- Alcohol limit: 0,0 ‰
🅿️ Parking & Tolls ▼
Parking is available in cities but can be limited.
Road tolls: Have always cash ready for roadfees.
Frequently Asked Questions - Car Rental at Nairobi Airport
Which rental companies are available at Nairobi Airport?▼
You can compare 11 rental companies at Nairobi Airport on SmartCarRental. Availability varies by season and dates, so the best way to see current options is to search with your travel dates.
Do I need an international driving permit in Kenya?▼
Requirements depend on your home country. EU, US and UK licenses are generally accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in Latin script.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
Is there an age limit for renting a car at Nairobi Airport?▼
The minimum age to rent in Kenya is typically 21 years. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional young driver surcharge.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What are the traffic rules in Kenya?▼
In Kenya you drive on the Left side. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads and 110 km/h on motorways.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What do I need to bring for pickup?▼
When collecting your car at Nairobi Airport you'll typically need: 1) A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), 2) Passport or national ID, and 3) A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
How does the fuel policy work?▼
Most providers at Nairobi Airport use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
When is it cheapest to rent a car at Nairobi Airport?▼
Generally, booking 2–4 weeks in advance, choosing a mid-week pickup, and avoiding peak season gives you the lowest prices.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
15-Day Weather Forecast for Nairobi Airport
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Real prices, real terms, 11 providers. See what Nairobi Airport has to offer.
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Nairobi Airport
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