Travelling from Nairobi to Dubai: what you need to know
Start your travel planning by considering where you'll catch your flight from Nairobi to Dubai. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and Wilson Airport (WIL) are Nairobi's main airports.
Hop off your plane in Dubai at Dubai Airport (DXB) or Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
Around 5 hours 10 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct Nairobi to Dubai flight.
Dubai is one hour ahead of Nairobi and follows the UTC+4 timezone.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Dubai Airport (DXB) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 26 flights a week to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from Nairobi to Dubai is with Kenya Airways at 23:20. Choose the first NBO to DXB departure operated by Emirates at 16:35 to make the most of your arrival in Dubai.
Leave enough time to catch your Nairobi to Dubai flight. As a general rule, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like July, it's a good idea to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of international flights when you travel during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Nairobi to Dubai
To secure cheap Nairobi to Dubai flights, book your journey one month before your planned departure.
April is the best month for scoring an amazing deal on a plane ticket from Nairobi to Dubai. If you need to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices across every month.
Finding a cheap flight from Nairobi to Dubai is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when there's a better deal.
Find an affordable Nairobi to Dubai flight with the help of our filters. Select your preferred times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Nairobi to Dubai, you can leave from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Get from NBO to Dubai Airport (DXB) in one continuous trip.
Emirates is a well-known carrier that offers direct Nairobi to Dubai plane tickets from NBO.
Consider adding a stopover to possibly find a cheaper Nairobi to Dubai flight. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Break up the journey at one of these popular options:
King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
Mogadishu International Airport (MGQ)
NBO is about 11 kilometres from central Nairobi. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour 10 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Nairobi to Dubai? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays close to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport:
67.1% of flights departing from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport make it to their destination on schedule.
Arriving in Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
The distance from Dubai Airport (DXB) to central Dubai is roughly 5 kilometers. It'll take you about 15 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Getting there by public transport takes roughly 50 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Nairobi to Dubai, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these accommodation options near DXB:
Get your adventure underway by picking up a Dubai Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from AMEX, Autostrad Rent A Car or Quicklease Car Hire to explore Dubai and beyond.
Secure the lowest price by reserving your vehicle from Dubai Airport about three weeks ahead of your departure.
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
After your flight from Nairobi to Dubai has hit the runway, you can reach the city centre in around 45 minutes by car. Central Dubai is approximately 40 kilometres from Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 2 hours 5 minutes or so.
You'll find some great places to lay your head close to DWC. Settle in and get cosy after your Nairobi to Dubai flight at one of these well-located options:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Quicklease Car Hire, Quick Drive or Golden Key Car Hire and get going in the blink of an eye.
Get the lowest price by reserving your ride from DWC three weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Dubai
April is the quietest month for flights from Nairobi to Dubai, while January is the most popular. Pick the ideal time to visit Dubai based on whether you like a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Book a Nairobi to Dubai ticket departing in July if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Dubai to range from 30ºC (86ºF) to 42ºC (108ºF).
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Nairobi to Dubai in January when temperatures average between 14ºC (57ºF) and 25ºC (77ºF).
More about Dubai
After booking your flight from Nairobi to Dubai, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these options your base for exploring Dubai:
Every great journey has to include some sightseeing. Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall Heart and Desert safari tourism are must-do's during your Dubai adventure.
Explore more of United Arab Emirates
You've visited Dubai, now it's time to discover other corners of United Arab Emirates. Travel around 23 kilometres north-east to Sharjah to tick off its must-visit sights. From Al majaz waterfront to Petrofac and Al Montazah Park, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Abu Dhabi is another well-known destination in United Arab Emirates and is around 121 kilometres south-west of Dubai. No journey is complete without experiencing Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace, Dubai and Qasr Al Watan.