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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Nairobi
Nairobi
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Nairobi
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Nairobi
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Nairobi
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Nairobi?
Nairobi, Kenya's vibrant capital, offers a mix of urban and natural attractions. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace. Discover hidden gems, access remote locations, and enjoy a comfortable travel experience.
Explore National Parks: Nairobi National Park is just a short drive from the city centre. Having a rental car allows you to easily access the park and enjoy wildlife viewing without relying on organised tours.
Visit Cultural Sites: Explore cultural sites like the Karen Blixen Museum and the Bomas of Kenya conveniently. A rental car makes it easy to travel between these locations and other cultural attractions.
Day Trips: Take day trips to nearby attractions such as the Giraffe Centre or the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. A car gives you the flexibility to explore these destinations on your own schedule.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Nairobi
Before renting a car in Nairobi, it's important to understand the terms and conditions. Key aspects include age requirements, licence regulations, insurance policies, and potential extra fees. Familiarise yourself with these details to ensure a smooth rental experience.
Area
696 square kilometres (269 square miles)
Population
Approximately 4.4 million residents
Time Zone
EAT (GMT+3)
Ideal for
Exploring National Parks and Cultural Sites
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Nairobi require drivers to be at least 23 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. Foreign visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price. A security deposit is required and will be refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have daily or total mileage limits. Check the fuel policy; often, you're expected to return the car with the same fuel level as when picked up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, GPS navigation systems, child seats, or late returns.
Car Rental Prices in Nairobi – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (July to September): Experiences higher demand with prices rising by 20-30%
Low season (April to June): Often sees discounts and better availability
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Nairobi?
To book a car in Nairobi, compare prices, select the right car, and carefully review rental terms to avoid surprises. Booking early is advisable, particularly during peak seasons. Don’t forget your essential documents when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle requirements.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or an SUV for exploring rougher terrains.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected charges.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak travel periods.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental car.
General Information About Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya, offers a blend of city life and natural wonders. Driving requires awareness of local traffic rules, parking, and fuel availability, especially when venturing beyond the city centre.
As the capital of Kenya, Nairobi is a vibrant hub with diverse experiences. While Nairobi has public transport, renting a car is useful for exploring beyond the city. Driving in Nairobi requires awareness of traffic, especially during rush hours.
Top Attractions to Discover
Nairobi National Park
A unique wildlife sanctuary located just outside the city centre.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
An elephant orphanage dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants.
Giraffe Centre
A sanctuary where you can feed and interact with giraffes.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Secure parking options are available in various locations throughout the city.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available in some areas, but spaces may be limited.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels offer parking facilities for guests.
Gas Stations in Nairobi
Major Brands
Find stations from major brands like Total, Shell, and Engen throughout the city.
Fuel Availability
Fuel is generally readily available, but it's wise to fill up before heading to more remote areas.
Payment Methods
Most stations accept cash, and some accept mobile money or credit cards.
Useful Tips for Visiting Nairobi
Plan for Traffic
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM) to minimise delays.
Stay Alert
Be aware of pedestrians, cyclists, and matatus (public minibuses).
Secure Valuables
Keep valuables out of sight to prevent theft.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps to navigate and find real-time traffic updates.
Key Transportation Hubs in Nairobi
Major Bus Stations
Machakos Bus Station
One of the busiest bus stations serving routes to various destinations within Kenya.
Railway Stations
Nairobi Railway Station
The main railway station connecting Nairobi to Mombasa and other major towns.
Airports
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
Kenya's largest airport, serving international and domestic flights.
Wilson Airport
Primarily serves domestic and regional flights, as well as charter services.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Nairobi?
Renting a car in Kenya requires a few key documents. Ensure you have these items ready to ensure a smooth rental process.
A valid driver's licence from your country of residence is required. If your licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 23 years old. Additional fees may apply to drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit.
A valid passport or national ID is required for identification purposes.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Nairobi as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Exploring Nairobi by car was surprisingly straightforward. The coastal break was perfect, though the city's souvenir markets felt a bit overpriced.
David Lee
Reviewed: 21.08.2024
Nairobi exceeded expectations! Having a car made exploring so much easier, and I saw so much more than I'd planned.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 19.11.2024
Back in Nairobi after ages! Having a car made everything so smooth. Wonderful trip.
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 13.07.2025
Family vacation in Nairobi was fantastic! Having a car made exploring so easy and convenient. We saw so much!
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 19.11.2024
Nairobi was a vibrant adventure! Having a car made exploring effortless, and the coastal escape was pure bliss.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 13.04.2025
Pretty chill, actually.
Kai Jensen
Reviewed: 17.08.2025
Nairobi was fantastic! Exploring independently was so freeing.
Evelyn Diaz
Reviewed: 03.06.2025
Busy trip, but Nairobi was efficient and exciting! Having a car made everything so much easier.
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 26.03.2025
Pretty decent, really.
Ethan Harris
Reviewed: 24.10.2024
Short trip, but sweet! Seeing friends in Nairobi was so easy with a car, and the city's energy was incredible.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 07.12.2024
Nairobi was amazing! Getting around with a rental car was so easy, and the coastal relaxation afterwards was perfect. Highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 12.01.2025