Travelling from Vancouver to Nairobi: what you need to know
Planning your flight from Vancouver to Nairobi begins with finding the right airport to start your trip. Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH) and Abbotsford Airport (YXX) are the main terminals in Vancouver.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and Wilson Airport (WIL) are Nairobi's major gateways.
The timezone in Nairobi is UTC+3, which is ten hours ahead of Vancouver.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to catch your Vancouver to Nairobi flight.
Be prepared for longer lines in popular months such as August. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure is a wise move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Vancouver to Nairobi
Booking early is often the key to scoring a cheap Vancouver to Nairobi flight. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the nearer you get to departure, the more expensive your ticket may be.
Finding cheap plane tickets from Vancouver to Nairobi is easy if you can be flexible with your travel plans. Use the 'Whole month' search function to see the best prices across the month and pick up a sweet deal.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from Vancouver to Nairobi by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' Vancouver to Nairobi flights.
Flying from Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Located around 11 kilometres from the centre of Vancouver, YVR can be reached in about 25 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport takes roughly 35 minutes.
In search of a handy hotel near Vancouver International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Vancouver to Nairobi, these accommodation options will have you sleeping nice and close to your departure gate:
When it comes to Vancouver International Airport's on-time performance, 71.77% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
Abbotsford Airport (YXX)
YXX is around 64 kilometres from central Vancouver. The drive from the city centre to the airport takes about 1 hour. If you're considering public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Set yourself up for a smooth departure — stay close to Abbotsford Airport and know you'll be at your gate with time to spare. Get comfy at one of these hotels the day before if you have an early Vancouver to Nairobi flight:
Flights that leave from YXX land at their destination within the scheduled time frame 67.97% of the time.
Arriving in Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
The distance from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to central Nairobi is approximately 13 kilometres. It'll take you about 20 minutes to reach the centre driving.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 10 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel near NBO if you're coming in on a late flight from Vancouver to Nairobi. Select one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Explore without limits with a Jomo Kenyatta International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Auto-Union, Green Motion or Hertz and discover more of Nairobi and beyond.
For the lowest price, reserve your ride from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport around three weeks in advance of your Vancouver to Nairobi flight.
Wilson Airport (WIL)
Wilson Airport (WIL) is around 2 kilometres from the centre of Nairobi. Following your flight from Vancouver to Nairobi, it takes approximately 15 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you hop on public transport, the journey will take you 45 minutes or so.
After your flight from Vancouver to Nairobi, tuck yourself in at a hotel near WIL. These are some comfortable options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Pick up a Wilson Airport rental car and be your own tour guide. You can choose from popular providers like Auto-Union and Unicorn rent a car.
Get your ideal vehicle, not just what's left over, by reserving your ride from WIL ahead of your arrival. You'll also avoid paying extra, especially during peak travel times.
Best time to go to Nairobi
July is the most popular month for flights from Vancouver to Nairobi. To skip the crowds, go to Nairobi in February.
Lock in a Vancouver to Nairobi ticket departing in March if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Nairobi to range from 14ºC to 30ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Vancouver to Nairobi in July if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 12ºC and 24ºC on average.
More about Nairobi
Start your Nairobi trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Vancouver to Nairobi, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. Nairobi National Park, The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Westlands Maasai Market D at the roof top are highlights which should feature on any good Nairobi itinerary.
Explore more of Kenya
Nairobi has loads to offer, but there are so many other parts of Kenya you should also see. Around 434 kilometres south-east of Nairobi, a trip to Mombasa will keep you on the go. Check out popular attractions like Fort Jesus, Haller Park and Old Town of Mombasa.
Nakuru is another essential stop in Kenya and is around 145 kilometres north-west of Nairobi. No trip is complete without dropping by ARTHUR GARDENS (WEDDING/EVENT GROUNDS), Upper Hill estate and Muhia's Conservation Forest.
