Getting Around the Kenya Coast: Flights, Trains, Roads, Ferries and Local Transport

The coast stretches for a long way from the Tanzanian border in the south to the Lamu archipelago in the north, so planning movement saves time.

Most visitors fly or take the train from Nairobi, then use private transfers, taxis and boats for local journeys.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Journey Tips

Pack medicines, valuables and a change of clothes in hand luggage, and use soft bags for small aircraft. Keep small notes for tips and tuk-tuk fares, charge your phone before long transfers and carry water and a snack. Keep travel documents together and share your itinerary with your hotel so they can meet you. If a ferry queue or traffic delay looms, stay calm and let your driver choose the best route; local knowledge saves more time than rushing.

Planning the Whole Journey

The coast is long and the main towns lie far apart, so the first question is which beaches you want to visit. Diani, Watamu and Lamu are each a day of travel from one another when overland connections are involved, and trying to see all three in a week leaves little time to swim. A sensible plan chooses one or two bases, with a flight or a train for the longest legs and private transfers for the rest. Build in buffer time before international departures, and remember that local traffic, ferry queues and tides can all change the timing of a journey.

Flights

Scheduled flights link Nairobi with Mombasa, and smaller airstrips serve Ukunda for Diani, Malindi and Lamu through Manda Island. Flights save a lot of time compared with the road. Baggage limits on small aircraft can be strict, so check allowances; see Kenya domestic flights guide and luggage and light aircraft rules. Check current schedules with your operator.

Train and Road From Nairobi

The Madaraka Express railway runs between Nairobi and Mombasa and offers a comfortable alternative to flying or driving, though the Mombasa station lies outside the town centre and needs onward transfer. Roads are also busy with trucks and buses. See Nairobi to Mombasa for route notes.

Mombasa to the South Coast

Travellers heading to Diani, Tiwi or Shimoni usually cross the water at Likoni by ferry or take roads that bypass it. Queues at the ferry vary by time of day, so allow extra time and ask your driver which route is best. See Mombasa to Diani.

Mombasa to the North Coast

North of Mombasa, roads run to Bamburi, Nyali, Kilifi, Watamu and Malindi. Journeys are straightforward by private car or shuttle. See Kilifi, Watamu and Malindi.

Reaching Lamu

Lamu is reached by plane to Manda Island and a short boat ride, or by road to the mainland jetty and a boat crossing. Check current travel advice before booking. See Nairobi to Lamu and Lamu island guide.

Local Transport

Tuk-tuks are common for short trips, taxis and ride-hailing apps work in larger towns, and motorbike taxis serve villages. Agree fares before setting off, carry small change and avoid night travel on unlit roads. Matatus are crowded and best for adventurous travellers.

Planning Tips

Book airport transfers in advance, carry a copy of your documents and keep a day of slack before international flights. See getting around East Africa.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team