The Kigali to Nairobi route connects Kigali International Airport (KGL) in RW with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in KE. This short-haul flight covers approximately 471 miles (758 km) with a typical flight time of 1h 5m. This route is served by 3 airlines: Kenya Airways, RwandAir, Brussels Airlines. AirportRoutes has tracked 7 daily flights on this route.
Here is comprehensive information about the flight route from Kigali to Nairobi:
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The flight route from Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Rwanda to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya, is a vital connection between two of East Africa's major economic and cultural hubs. This route is popular for business travelers, tourists, and those connecting to other destinations in Africa and beyond. The average flight time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Travelers often choose this route for its convenience and the availability of multiple daily direct flights, avoiding lengthy layovers. There are about 4 direct flights every day. The route doesn't have significant historical or scenic value but is essential for regional integration and commerce. The distance between the two airports is approximately 470 miles (760 km).
To secure good prices, it's advisable to book your flight around 40 days (6 weeks) in advance, with Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday often offering cheaper options. For navigation at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), note that the airport is divided into two main terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is further subdivided into four sections: 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1E for international flights, and 1D for domestic flights. Terminal 2 is for low-cost carriers. If you have a connecting flight, be aware of the terminal locations to ensure a smooth transfer. Expect standard in-flight services on this short route, and consider bringing your entertainment. A useful travel hack is to download the Bolt app for affordable taxi rides in Nairobi.
Nairobi offers a diverse range of attractions. Top attractions include the Giraffe Centre, where you can feed giraffes, and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an elephant orphanage. Nairobi National Park provides a unique safari experience close to the city. The city is unique for blending urban life with wildlife conservation. Westlands is a popular neighborhood known for its restaurants and nightlife. Don't miss the opportunity to experience local cuisine and visit the Maasai Market for souvenirs.
The dry seasons (January to March and June to October) are the best times to visit Nairobi for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The warmest month in Nairobi is March. To avoid crowds, steer clear of peak travel periods such as the end-of-year holidays (December) and Easter week**. The months of April to May, which is Kenya's rainy season, generally have lower fares.
HRYRKGLJomo Kenyatta International Airport
HKJKNBO3
Operators7
Daily Flights471
Miles1h 5m
Flight Duration
| Airline | ICAO | IATA |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya Airways |
KQA
|
KQ
|
| RwandAir |
RWD
|
WB
|
| Brussels Airlines |
BEL
|
SN
|
| Day | Flights Observed | Frequency | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 46 | 14% |
|
| Tuesday | 43 | 13% |
|
| Wednesday | 53 | 16% |
|
| Thursday | 48 | 14% |
|
| Friday | 45 | 13% |
|
| Saturday | 45 | 13% |
|
| Sunday | 55 | 16% |
|
| Airline | Flight Numbers | Aircraft Type | Typical Time | Days Active | Last Seen | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Brussels Airlines
BEL
/ SN
|
BEL491 | A333 | 20:25 8:25 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Feb 8, 2026 | Active |
|
Kenya Airways
KQA
/ KQ
|
KQA471 KQA479 KQA475 KQA473 | E190 | 03:40 3:40 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Feb 9, 2026 | Active |
|
RwandAir
RWD
/ WB
|
RWD452 RWD402 | 737 | 08:35 8:35 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Feb 11, 2026 | Active |
| Departure Time | Operator | ICAO | IATA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03:40 3:40 AM | Kenya Airways |
KQA
|
KQ
|
| 08:35 8:35 AM | RwandAir |
RWD
|
WB
|
| 20:25 8:25 PM | Brussels Airlines |
BEL
|
SN
|
Time Information
Times are shown in the departure airport's local timezone (HRYR - Africa/Kigali).