Distance from Nairobi to Naivasha
The distance from Nairobi to Naivasha is about 91 km by road. Driving time is usually 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Start and end points and traffic change the trip, so treat these as guide values, not a promise. A transfer of any kind should have a buffer in your plans.
Most international visitors land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. From there you can reach the lake by car, by matatu or by combining the leisure train with a road transfer. Each option ends in Naivasha town or at Maai Mahiu, not on the shore. After that you need a vehicle, a driver or a tour to reach a jetty, Elsamere or a park gate. If you prefer someone else to handle the transport, a Naivasha day tour from Nairobi bundles the drive and the sights.
Nairobi to Naivasha: ways to travel compared
All options need a road transfer at the end.
| Option | Time and cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Private car or driver | About 1.5 to 2.5 hours | Most flexible. Ask your driver which road, A8 South via Maai Mahiu or A8 via Nakuru, and avoid night driving |
| Matatu | About KES 200 to 500 per person | Leaves from the Tea Room area on Kenneth Matiba Road. Fares change, so ask before boarding |
| Suswa leisure train plus road transfer | Nairobi Terminus 8:50 a.m. to Maai Mahiu 10:34 a.m. | Runs Friday to Sunday. No stop in Naivasha town and no train to the lake |
| Guided day tour | One full day, price on the tour page | Transport and sights arranged for you |
For most visitors with a driver or a tour, the road is the simplest option. A matatu suits a budget trip with a flexible schedule. The train suits a scenic outing on a weekend, with a transfer planned in advance.
Nairobi to Naivasha by road
Two corridors lead toward Naivasha. A8 South runs from Nairobi through Maai Mahiu to Naivasha. A8 runs from Nairobi through Nakuru toward Mau Summit. These roads are also often called A104, so the name may differ on a map or in a driver's directions. Give the road and the towns when you ask for directions. Upgrades of the route are planned, but there is no new expressway or toll to rely on yet.
The Maai Mahiu stretch drops down the escarpment with a lot of lorry traffic. See Mai Mahiu for what to expect and where to stop. Avoid night driving where possible, so plan to arrive by daylight.
If you continue north later, Nakuru lies on the other corridor. The Lake Nakuru getting there guide covers that leg.
Our pick: transfer from Nairobi
This day trip collects you at a hotel or the airport in Nairobi, so you skip the matatu and shuttle search.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Naivasha tours and day trips
Day trips from Nairobi with transport included, plus boat rides, walks and hikes at the lake, with live prices and availability.
By train: the Suswa leisure service
A scenic start, but not a door-to-door link.
Timetable
In the 2026 timetable the train leaves Nairobi Terminus at 8:50 a.m. and reaches Maai Mahiu at 10:34 a.m., then Suswa at 11:10 a.m. The return leaves Suswa at 4:05 p.m. and Maai Mahiu at 4:15 p.m., reaching Nairobi Terminus at 6:10 p.m. It runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Check the current timetable before you go.
The last leg
No direct train reaches the shore. Arrange a road transfer from Maai Mahiu, and do not count on a shuttle at the station. Check the fare when you book.
Freight trains also run on the line below Mount Longonot. For the volcano itself, see the Mount Longonot hiking guide.
Entry basics for Kenya in 2026
Check the entry rules before you book. The eTA system remains in place, with exemptions under the 2025 rules. Check whether your passport is exempt: German standard passports are not among the exempt groups. Apply at least two weeks before departure. Processing normally takes about three days. The border officer makes the final entry decision.
From 5 October 2026, most foreign visitors staying less than 12 months need state travel health insurance. You get it with the eTA application, or through the eCitizen insurance portal if you already hold an eTA. It is valid for 90 days. Exemptions include Kenyan citizens, valid residents and citizens of the East African Community. Your own travel insurance does not replace it. Check the price at the time of application.
A yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from a country where the disease occurs. A direct flight from Germany does not by itself require one, but a route through another country may. Ask your doctor about medical advice.
After you arrive
Move on to the lake, the gates and your bed.
Naivasha town
Money, supplies and the matatu stage.
Where to stay
Town or shore, and what to ask before booking.
Weather and best time
Two rainy seasons and what to pack.
Pay park fees ahead if you can. For Mount Longonot, KWS accepts KWSPay on eCitizen, M-Pesa, Visa and bank transfer. Crescent Island takes cash in USD, KES and GBP, M-Pesa and cards other than American Express.
Getting to Naivasha: frequently asked questions
How far is Naivasha from Nairobi?
About 91 km by road. The drive usually takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and where you start and end.
How much is a matatu from Nairobi to Naivasha?
Fares are roughly KES 200 to 500 per person (as of 2026). They change, so ask before you board.
Is there a train to Naivasha?
The train does not stop in Naivasha town. The Suswa leisure train stops at Maai Mahiu on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. You continue by road from there.
Which road goes to Naivasha from Nairobi?
The usual route is A8 South through Maai Mahiu. A8 via Nakuru is the other corridor. The name A104 is also used.
Do I need an eTA or insurance to enter Kenya?
Check the rules for your passport. Apply for the eTA at least two weeks before you travel. Since 5 October 2026 most foreign visitors also need state travel health insurance.
Is this an official transport or tourism website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by Kenya Railways, the road authority, Nakuru County or any transport operator.