How to find a cheap car hire deal in Nairobi
Cruise into adventure with a cheap rental car in Nairobi. With prices averaging $116 a day, it's a wallet-friendly way to explore on your terms. From zippy compacts to power-packed SUVs, we'll help you pick your ideal ride at a price that fits.
$75 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Nairobi.
Thinking of staying longer? Grab a weekly rental from $339 and squeeze in a few road trips.
If you want to time it just right, book about three weeks ahead to land the best price on a Nairobi car hire.
Green Motion, Auto-Union and Unicorn rent a car are some of the most reliable providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.
Whether you choose Green Motion or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your Nairobi car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Choosing a one-way car hire is often a great hack for finding a deal. Simply check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can score some fantastic one-way prices on a car for rent in Nairobi.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Want to explore more without stressing about how many miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices at $160 a day.
Coming in next is this provider, offering daily rates of around $142.
The third option also makes your money go further. Expect to pay roughly $172 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're having trouble deciding which wheels are right for you, consider something from the Mini rental category. It's the most commonly booked vehicle type in Nairobi.
Flying to Nairobi? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Nairobi, be on your way quicker by picking up a car hire at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 18 kilometres and takes about 30 minutes.
Or make a smooth getaway with a car hire from Wilson Airport. After grabbing the keys, it'll take roughly 20 minutes to drive the 10 kilometres or so to the centre.
Compare car hire types in Nairobi
Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or simply planning a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are good for couples and small families.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Nairobi car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra legroom and comfort make them a great option for families and groups of friends.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're weaving through remote countryside or cruising down long stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Nairobi makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're roomy, hardworking, and ready for whatever the journey demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different Nairobi car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
Upgrade your ride with nifty extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. These add-ons can make your journey easier and more relaxed when you rent a car in Nairobi.
Good to know
Age requirements often vary by provider and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some providers in Kenya may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age bracket, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.
Add a car seat to your Nairobi car hire booking if you're travelling with small kids. Regulations change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest choice.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: an official driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
If you haven't driven before in Kenya, be aware that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 45kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so on highways. Always follow the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in Kenya. The safest choice for staying legal to drive is to not drink at all.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother run. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
The Kenyan shilling (KES) is the currency you'll be using for everyday purchases and outings. Pay with a credit or debit card when it's possible, but carry a little cash when electronic payments aren't an option.
Swahili is the language you'll hear most people speaking in this country.
Best hotels in Nairobi for drivers
Spend less time worrying about where to park and more time settling into the comfort of The Clarion Hotel. Around 0.64 kilometres from central Nairobi, it comes with parking, a 24-hour front desk and a bar.
Executive Residency by Best Western Nairobi gets the details right with parking and features such as a gymnasium and car hire options. It's roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the lineup of hotels in Nairobi for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the right fit. You can even use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.
It's time to start exploring now you've locked in a car hire deal in Nairobi and your hotel. From Masai Mara National Reserve to The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Giraffe manor, you'll never run out of things to do here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Nairobi
Shift gears and make tracks to Thika. Around 40 kilometres northeast of central Nairobi, it's home to must-sees like Fourteen Falls and Monumental Uhuru Gardens.
You'll be well taken care of at Paleo Hotel & Spa and Hotel Centurion Kenya, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Thika.
Add Nyeri to your holiday plans too. Pick up your cheap car hire in Nairobi and drive around 97 kilometres north to discover top spots such as Aberdare National Park and chogoria route.
Nyeri has some good places to stay including The White Rhino Hotel and Eland Safari Hotel Nyeri. Both give you somewhere to leave your car while you're here.
When the drive's been this good, why hit the brakes? Take off to Kisumu, about 257 kilometres northwest of Nairobi. From Hippo Point to Kisumu Impala Park Wildlife Sanctuary Office, it'll bring your trip to a memorable close.
Rest your head in Kisumu at either The Homestay Cottage or Wigot Gardens. They have a room waiting for you and a place to park too.
