Airport hotels
Hotels Near JKIA Airport, Nairobi
The closest airport hotels, how far they really are, and which suits an early flight, a late arrival or a layover.
Last checked November 2026
The two hotels closest to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) are Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport, inside the airport perimeter, and Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport, about five minutes’ drive from the terminals. Argyle Grand and Hilton Garden Inn are a little further along Mombasa Road, and Ole Sereni is the one to choose if you want to wake up to Nairobi National Park.
Choosing an airport hotel is mostly about timing. If you land after dark or leave at dawn, every minute of road matters, and Nairobi traffic can turn a short distance into a long drive. Staying close removes the risk.
We book these hotels with your safari. When you travel with us, your driver meets you when you land and the airport transfer is complimentary. Our where to stay in Nairobi guide covers the rest of the city.
Compare the hotels
Airport hotels near JKIA, compared
| Hotel | Where | Distance from JKIA (approx.) | Airport shuttle | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport | Inside the airport perimeter | Within the airport grounds | Yes, from the terminals | The shortest transfer of all |
| Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport | Beside the airport | About 5 minutes’ drive | Yes | A quiet night between flights |
| Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport | Mombasa Road, Embakasi | About 6 km | Yes | Spa, pool and groups |
| Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport | Mombasa Road | About 7 km | Can be arranged | Families, and Expressway and SGR access |
| Ole Sereni | Mombasa Road, at Nairobi National Park | Roughly 10 km (sources say 5 to 13) | Ask us | Park views, and flights from Wilson |
| The Boma Nairobi | Red Cross Road, South C | Across the city, near Wilson | Ask us | Early game drives and flights from Wilson |
Distances are approximate road distances from the hotels’ own information and booking sites, which do not always agree, and traffic decides the time. Shuttles run on each hotel’s own terms.
Which one?
Which airport hotel is right for you?
You land late
Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport or Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport. You are in your room minutes after leaving the terminal, and you start fresh in the morning.
You leave early
Stay at one of the two closest hotels, ask for the shuttle time the night before and allow about three hours before an international flight.
You have a long layover
Rest in a room near the airport, or use the time on one of our Nairobi layover tours.
You fly to the Mara from Wilson
Wilson Airport is on the other side of the city, and no flights link it to JKIA. Stay at Ole Sereni or The Boma Nairobi. See the airports guide.
On arrival
What to expect when you land at JKIA
Before you fly, get your Kenya eTA (apply at etakenya.go.ke). On arrival, immigration can take anywhere from half an hour to an hour and a half at busy times, then you collect your bags in the baggage hall. If you booked with us, your driver is waiting when you come out. Our Nairobi airports guide explains the terminals, the drive into town and the difference between JKIA and Wilson.
Before you fly
Your arrival-night checklist
- Send us your flight numbers and the name of your hotel.
- Check that you have your Kenya eTA (etakenya.go.ke).
- Save the hotel’s address and shuttle details on your phone.
- Keep our WhatsApp, open 24 hours, to hand: +254 775 522 067.
- Plan your morning: breakfast, then your driver-guide collects you from the hotel.
From our trips
Your driver is waiting
Questions
Airport hotel questions
Which hotel is closest to Nairobi airport?
Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport is inside the airport perimeter, with a transfer from the terminals. Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport is about five minutes’ drive from the international terminals.
Do the airport hotels have a free shuttle?
Most airport hotels run a shuttle, but whether it is free and how often it runs depends on the hotel, so we confirm it for you. If you book a safari with us, our own airport transfer is complimentary.
Where should I stay if I fly out early in the morning?
Stay at Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport or Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport, ask the hotel for the shuttle time the night before, and aim to be at the airport about three hours before an international flight.
Is there a hotel inside the airport?
Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport is inside the airport perimeter. Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport is close by.
I have a 10-hour layover. Should I book a hotel?
You can, but you can also use the time. Our Nairobi layover tours take you to Nairobi National Park or around the city and bring you back for your flight. If you would rather rest, we can book a room near the airport.
What if my flight is delayed?
Send us your flight number so we plan around your actual landing time, and tell us at once if the flight changes.
More to read: where to stay in Nairobi, our Nairobi airports guide, airport transfers and the SGR train to Mombasa, which leaves from a station near the airport.
Book an airport hotel with your safari
Send us your flights and we will book the hotel, the transfer and your safari together. Call +254 775 522 067 or message us.
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