Travelling from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur: what you need to know
Nairobi is home to two main airports where you can start your adventure. Check out your options for reserving a flight from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur departing from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Wilson Airport (WIL).
When it comes to planning your arrival in Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) are the chief entry points.
Around 9 hours 45 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur flight.
Kuala Lumpur is five hours ahead of Nairobi and observes the UTC+8 timezone.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are four weekly departures to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur is with AirAsia X at 00:30. Opt for the first NBO to KUL departure with AirAsia X at 00:30 to make the most of your first day in Kuala Lumpur.
Give yourself plenty of time to get on your Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur flight. As a general rule, turn up two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like July, you'll want to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for an international flight when you fly during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur
To secure cheap Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur flights, reserve your trip two months before your departure date.
Organise your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring the biggest deals on plane tickets from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur. If your travel dates are not set in stone, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest price across each month.
Locking in a cheap flight from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as the price has dropped.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur flights.
Flying from Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur, you can leave from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Travel from NBO to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) in one seamless trip.
Keep an eye out for promotions with AirAsia X. This carrier offers direct Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur plane tickets from NBO.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a travel break — and perhaps even explore a different city. When browsing Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur flights departing from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Some popular options include:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
NBO is around 11 kilometres from central Nairobi. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour 10 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your break? Stay near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Of the flights that depart from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, 67.1% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
Arriving in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
The distance from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to central Kuala Lumpur is roughly 48 kilometres. It takes about 1 hour 5 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Getting there by public transport typically takes 1 hour.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these hotels near KUL:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Kuala Lumpur International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from ASIA CAR, Paradise or GoSoCar and explore beyond Kuala Lumpur's main sights.
Lock in the best rate by reserving your vehicle from Kuala Lumpur International Airport around four weeks before your trip.
Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB)
Central Kuala Lumpur is about 16 kilometres from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB). As soon as your flight from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 25 minutes.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
There are some comfortable places to call home for the night near SZB. Tuck yourself in after your Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur flight at one of these perfectly located options:
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Sixt, WAHDAH or Agtran and get going in the blink of an eye.
Get first dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from SZB one week ahead of time often means lower prices and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Kuala Lumpur
It's time to work out your dates for your flight from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur. August is the most popular month to visit Kuala Lumpur. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, go in February.
The warmest month in Kuala Lumpur is March, with temperatures ranging between 21ºC and 33ºC. Lock in your Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
For cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur in January when temperatures average between 21ºC and 32ºC.
More about Kuala Lumpur
Start your Kuala Lumpur trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur, explore our range of accommodation options including:
Petronas Twin Towers and Merdeka Square are just a couple of the leading attractions to add to your Kuala Lumpur to-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Central Market Cultural Performances.
Explore more of Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur has its own special appeal, but there are so many other corners of Malaysia just waiting to be explored. About 338 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur, a trip to Kota Bharu will keep your itinerary packed. Start with leading attractions like Pantai Cahaya Bulan, Siti Khadijah Market and Handicraft Village and Craft Museum, Kelantan.
Another well-known destination in Malaysia, Kampung Baru Subang is about 18 kilometres west of Kuala Lumpur. Set aside time for highlights including Simflightkl.