Whether you are pausing for a short connection, facing an overnight layover or simply scouting the terminal before an early departure, our Nairobi Airport Guide by Travel Code will help you plan every step. In the sections below you’ll find details on lounges, Wi-Fi, mobile-device charging, luggage storage, 24-hour dining, nearby hotels and much more.
“Took a gamble and stayed here overnight in transit from Uganda to Joburg. Felt very safe, no one hassled me – and I’m a woman travelling alone.” – CharlieBeau
NBO Airport Overview
What to Expect
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (IATA: NBO) consists of two major terminals. Terminal 1 is split into five self-contained sub-terminals (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E) handling most international operations, while Terminal 2 hosts low-cost domestic carriers with more basic amenities. A modest selection of eateries and duty-free outlets is available, although many shut by early evening—pack snacks if you plan to stay overnight! Unlimited free Wi-Fi, several comfortable lounges (open to economy passengers for a fee) and shower facilities help pass the time. Travellers occasionally report staff requesting “tips,” yet most agree the airport generally feels secure.
Sleeping in Nairobi Airport
Overnight campers often stake out closed cafés for padded benches. Of the two main structures, Terminal 1 typically offers better seating than Terminal 2, with T1E (international) considered the quietest for sleep. Popular napping points include couches at Avanti Restaurant near Gate 23 (purchase required during opening hours). Pack layers—temperatures swing from chilly to warm—and bring earplugs to cope with loud announcements. For true rest, nearby hotels with shuttles may prove invaluable; see the Airport Hotels section.
If you discover new sleeping spots, please tell Travel Code so we can keep fellow passengers informed.
Airport Hours
Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 operate 24 hours a day, landside and airside. Security checkpoints remain open in sync with flight schedules, but non-ticketed visitors are often asked to leave between midnight and 4 a.m.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
NBO offers no purpose-built rest zones; however, scattered padded benches exist near several boarding gates. If this status changes, help us update the guide.
Cots
The airport does not currently supply cots to stranded passengers.
Airport Hotels
If airport slumber sounds dreadful, book one of the hotels clustered within five minutes of the terminals—most supply free shuttles.
- Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport – 24-hour restaurant, rooftop pool, day-use rooms. » Check rates
- Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport – Outdoor pool, business centre, late check-out. » Check rates
- Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport – 24-hour gym, family rooms. » Check rates
More choices? See Tripadvisor’s curated list of hotels near NBO, sortable by price, distance and guest reviews.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use / Membership Lounges
Even economy flyers can splurge on a shower and buffet in the lounges below. Buy entry at the door, via lounge passes or certain membership programs.
Terminal 1
- Pride Lounge (1A, Gate 17, L2) – 24 h, showers, US$ 70/6 h
- Simba Lounge (1A) – 05:00-00:00
- Aspire Lounge (1B, Gate 10) – 24 h
- Plaza Premium Lounge (1D, Gate 4) – 24 h
- Turkish Airlines Star Alliance Lounge (1E, Gate 3) – 24 h
Terminal 2
- Mount Kenya Lounge – 24 h (L1)
- Mara Lounge – 24 h (L1)
Airline-operated Lounges
Premium-class Kenya Airways passengers may access Pride, Simba or Msafiri lounges depending on departure gate.
Drinking Water
Airside filtration stations let you refill bottles for free. Landside, bottled water costs roughly KES 50 (≈US$ 0.40).
Food & Drinks
24-hour outlets are scarce. Current dining includes: Karibu Café (Arrivals), Safari Coffee Shop (Domestic Departures), Kwaheri Snack Bar (Gate 4), The Pub (landside) and Kenchic Inn (Arrivals). Expect closures after 22:00.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Store bags at information desks: KES 400/day (small) or KES 600/day (large), open 24 h.
Mobile Charging
Un-secured charging pillars sit near many gates—bring your own plug. Do not leave devices unattended.
Showers
Hot showers can be found in Pride Lounge (free for guests) or at Sheri Palm Spa (T1A) for US$ 20.
Wi-Fi / Internet
Connect to “NBO Free WiFi” for unlimited access; an email address is required.
Security & Safety
Recent traveller feedback suggests safety is improving, though pickpocketing remains possible landside. Keep valuables hidden, stay near other travellers, and note CCTV locations. Security patrols often wake sleepers around 05:00.
More Services, Facilities & Things to Do
- Business Centre: Photocopying, printing and a small meeting room are available airside—a handy perk for companies using our business travel management service.
- Children’s Play Area: soft-play zone near Gate 8.
- Information Desks: arrival's and departures halls.
- Baggage Trolleys: free throughout the terminal.
- Luggage Wrapping: KES 1000 per item.
- Medical Clinic: 24-hour emergency treatment.
- ATMs & Currency Exchange: multiple brands; notify your bank before travel.
- Pharmacy: 24-hour chemist landside.
- Post Office: main hall.
- Prayer Rooms: separate Muslim and interfaith spaces.
- Shopping: duty-free, souvenirs, newsstands and jewellery.
- SIM Cards: Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom kiosks after customs.
Airlines Serving NBO
African Express • Air Arabia • Air France • Air Mauritius • British Airways • China Southern • Daallo • Egyptair • Emirates • Ethiopian • Etihad • Fly540 • Jambojet • Jubba • Kenya Airways • KLM • LAM Mozambique • Lufthansa • Malawian • Oman Air • Precision • Qatar • RwandAir • Saudia • South African • SWISS • Turkish Airlines, among others.
Airport Transportation
Hotel Shuttles
Most hotels listed above run free buses every 30 minutes. Confirm pick-up points when reserving.
Taxis & Matatus
Official taxis wait outside Arrivals; agree on fare before entering (daytime KES 2000–2500 to city centre). Shared minibus “matatus” cost as little as KES 100 but guard your belongings.
Need door-to-door transport for eight colleagues? Our group travel service arranges vans, flights and meeting space under one invoice.
