Nairobi

More Map & Picture

Nairobi Overview

Chinese Name: English IPA: Location: Population (city): Language: Zip code: Tel code: Time zone:

To travel from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, to the main cities of China, the most convenient and efficient option is by air travel. There are direct flights from Nairobi to several major cities in China, and alternative options involve connecting flights through other international hubs.

1. Direct Flights from Nairobi to China

There are direct flights from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to major cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

Direct Flights:

  1. Nairobi to Beijing:

    • Air China operates direct flights from Nairobi to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).
    • Flight Duration: Approximately 10–11 hours.

  2. Nairobi to Shanghai:

    • Kenya Airways operates direct flights to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
    • Flight Duration: Approximately 10–11 hours.

  3. Nairobi to Guangzhou:

    • China Southern Airlines operates direct flights from Nairobi to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN).
    • Flight Duration: Approximately 9–10 hours.

These direct flights are convenient, offering non-stop service from Nairobi to major cities in China.

2. Connecting Flights via Other Hubs

If direct flights are not available or convenient, you can also take connecting flights via international hubs such as Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, or Doha.

Common Connecting Hubs:

  1. Nairobi to Dubai (with Emirates or Flydubai):

    • From Dubai International Airport (DXB), you can connect to various Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou with airlines like Emirates and Air China.

    • Nairobi to Dubai: Approximately 5 hours.

    • Dubai to Beijing: Approximately 7 hours.

    • Dubai to Shanghai: Approximately 8 hours.

  2. Nairobi to Doha (with Qatar Airways):

    • Qatar Airways offers connecting flights via Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

    • Nairobi to Doha: Approximately 5 hours.

    • Doha to Beijing: Approximately 7–8 hours.

    • Doha to Shanghai: Approximately 8 hours.

  3. Nairobi to Istanbul (with Turkish Airlines):

    • You can also fly via Istanbul to connect to major cities in China.

    • Nairobi to Istanbul: Approximately 6 hours.

    • Istanbul to Beijing: Approximately 8–9 hours.

    • Istanbul to Shanghai: Approximately 9 hours.

3. By Sea (Not Recommended)

While it is possible to travel by sea from Nairobi (Mombasa port) to China, this method is not practical for most travelers due to the long duration and limited options for passenger ships. If you are seeking a more leisurely or adventurous route, you would need to book passage on a private cargo ship or luxury cruise, which is not a common way to travel between Kenya and China.

4. Visas and Travel Tips

  • Visas: Ensure that you have the necessary visa for China. Most travelers from Kenya will need a tourist visa to enter China. You can apply for this through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Nairobi.
  • Travel Insurance: It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers any unforeseen circumstances like cancellations or health issues during your flight or stay in China.

5. Flight Duration Overview:

  • Direct Flights:
    • Nairobi to Beijing: 10–11 hours.
    • Nairobi to Shanghai: 10–11 hours.
    • Nairobi to Guangzhou: 9–10 hours.
  • Connecting Flights (via hubs like Dubai or Doha):
    • Nairobi to Dubai/Doha/Istanbul: 5–6 hours.
    • Connecting flight to Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou: 7–9 hours.

Airlines to Consider:

  • Air China (for direct flights to Beijing).
  • Kenya Airways (for direct flights to Shanghai).
  • China Southern Airlines (for direct flights to Guangzhou).
  • Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines (for connecting flights via Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul).