Traveling from Nairobi to Washington DC: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your trip from in Nairobi. Check out your options leaving from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Wilson Airport (WIL) when planning your flight from Nairobi to Washington DC.
Washington DC has a good selection of airports you can jet into. Arrive at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
Washington DC is seven hours behind Nairobi and observes the UTC-4 timezone.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to catch your Nairobi to Washington DC flight.
You'll likely experience longer queues in popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for domestic departures is a wise move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Nairobi to Washington DC
Booking ahead of time is often the key to securing a cheap Nairobi to Washington DC flight. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the nearer you get to departure, the more you'll likely pay.
If you're willing to be flexible with your trip dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the cheapest price in each month when looking for your plane ticket from Nairobi to Washington DC.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Nairobi to Washington DC by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Find a cheap Nairobi to Washington DC flight with the help of our filters. Select your preferred duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to take a break from traveling — and possibly even explore a different city. When browsing Nairobi to Washington DC flights departing from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Traveling from central Nairobi to NBO takes around 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 7 miles in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Booked an early flight from Nairobi to Washington DC? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays close to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport:
Of all flights leaving Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, 67.1% land on schedule at their destination.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
The distance from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC is approximately 4 miles. It takes around 15 minutes to reach the center driving.
Getting there by public transport will take you roughly 45 minutes.
Book a hotel close to DCA if you're coming in on a late flight from Nairobi to Washington DC. Pick one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Hit the road running by picking up a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar to explore Washington DC and beyond.
For the best deal, reserve your vehicle from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks in advance of your Nairobi to Washington DC flight.
The address for DCA is 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
The center of Washington DC is around 25 miles from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Once your flight from Nairobi to Washington DC has hit the runway and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of around 50 minutes.
You can expect the journey to take approximately 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Nairobi to Washington DC, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to IAD. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Sixt and set off in the blink of an eye.
Get the pick of the lot. Reserving your ride from IAD one week in advance often means better deals and a wider range of vehicles.
Washington Dulles International Airport can be found at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Hop off your flight from Nairobi to Washington DC and travel to your hotel or start taking in the sights right away. The center of Washington DC is around 25 miles from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and usually takes 50 minutes to reach driving.
Public transport can get you there in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
If you don't want to make your way into the center, find a hotel close to BWI. Get comfortable at one of these stays after your Nairobi to Washington DC flight:
Whether you're after a zippy mini for solo travel or a full-size SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the right Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car for you. Browse the types of wheels available from providers such as Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
Get ahead of the game and reap the rewards. Book your vehicle from BWI two weeks before your flight from Nairobi to Washington DC for the lowest prices.
Best time to go to Washington DC
February is the busiest month for flights from Nairobi to Washington DC. To skip the crowds, go to Washington DC in May.
The warmest month in Washington DC is July, with temperatures ranging between 66ºF and 91ºF. Book your Nairobi to Washington DC ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
For cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Nairobi to Washington DC in January when temperatures average between 21ºF and 50ºF.
More about Washington DC
Once you've booked your flight from Nairobi to Washington DC, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Washington DC:
All great vacations should include some sightseeing. White House Historical Association, The White House and National Mall are must-visits when exploring Washington DC.
Explore more of United States
Washington DC has plenty going for it, but there are so many other parts of United States you should also see. About 200 miles north-east of Washington DC, a visit to New York will keep you busy. Start with leading attractions like Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Empire State Building.
If you want to check out another corner of United States, consider Philadelphia, about 120 miles north-east of Washington DC. Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art are key reasons to visit.