Istanbul to Nairobi (IST–NBO) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
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No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
IST–NBO is served by 1 airline with nonstop service. Turkish Airlines leads the route. The flight covers 2,988 miles in approximately 6h 35m. Beyond nonstop, 38 hubs offer 1-stop connections.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TK Turkish Airlines Also: AT, NH, OZ | 7 | 7M8 | 6h45 | – | Star Alliance | AT, NH, OZ |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
Travel Essentials
IST: +03 · NBO: EAT
When it's 6:00 PM in Istanbul, it's 6:00 PM in Nairobi.
Turkish passport holders need an eVisa to enter Kenya. Apply through evisa.go.ke before departure. The single-entry tourist eVisa costs $50, is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, and allows a stay of up to 90 days. Processing takes 2 to 5 working days. Required documents include a passport-sized photo, proof of accommodation, a return ticket, and a copy of your passport bio page. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, present your printed or digital eVisa approval at immigration. Fingerprints and a photo are taken. Kenya also offers an East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covering Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for 90 days if you plan to visit multiple countries in one trip.
Turkish Airlines operates direct flights from Istanbul (IST) to Nairobi in about 7 hours 30 minutes. Kenya uses the Kenyan shilling (KES), trading at roughly 3.8 KES per TRY 1. ATMs at the airport and in Nairobi dispense shillings. M-Pesa mobile payments are used by locals for everything from taxis to groceries, though tourists mainly use cash and cards. Safari lodges and hotels accept card payments. Uber and Bolt operate in Nairobi.
Istanbul Metro M11 Gayrettepe–İstanbul Havalimanı line connects the airport to the broader metro network; from Gayrettepe (Mecidiyeköy/Levent area) the journey is about 35 minutes (₺60–70 with Istanbulkart). The line runs roughly 5am to midnight.Havaist express buses serve Taksim, Kadıköy, and other major hubs (₺50–80, 45–90 minutes depending on traffic). Taxis use a meter; expect ₺400–600 from Taksim or Sultanahmet. The airport is 35km northwest of the city; traffic on the O-7 motorway can be severe during peak hours.
IST–NBO Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from IST to NBO
İstanbul Airport (IST) and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) are connected by nonstop service from Turkish Airlines. With 28 weekly departures, this is a heavily served route.
IST to NBO Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from IST to NBO ranges from 6 hours 35 minutes to 6 hours 45 minutes. The route covers a distance of 2,988 miles (4,808 km). There are approximately 28 weekly flights outbound and 30 return, totaling 58 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
38 one-stop connections are available, with the fastest taking approximately 8 hours via ATH. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs.