Travelling from Ottawa to Nairobi: what you need to know
Ottawa's main base, Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), is where many unforgettable trips begin. Explore the departure options from here when planning your flight from Ottawa to Nairobi.
Hop off your plane in Nairobi at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Wilson Airport (WIL).
To ensure you make it on your Ottawa to Nairobi flight, allow plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Travelling during a peak period like school or public holidays? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. To play it safe, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa to Nairobi
To pick up cheap Ottawa to Nairobi flights, book as early as possible. Airlines generally offer lower prices when flights first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Ottawa to Nairobi across each month. It's a great way to snap up a bargain if your travel plans aren't set in stone.
You don't need to search every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll tell you the moment a better deal comes up on cheap flights from Ottawa to Nairobi.
Tailor your trip using filters. Pick your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Ottawa to Nairobi flights.
Flying from Ottawa
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
Travelling from central Ottawa to YOW takes around 45 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 11 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Looking for a convenient hotel near Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Ottawa to Nairobi, these accommodation options will have you nice and close to your departure gate:
58.21% of flights that depart Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport reach their destination on time.
The address for YOW is 50 Airport Road.
Arriving in Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to central Nairobi takes about 20 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 13 kilometres away.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 10 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Ottawa to Nairobi. Stay at one of these accommodation options near NBO instead:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up a Jomo Kenyatta International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Auto-Union, Green Motion or Hertz and explore beyond Nairobi's usual tourist stops.
Reserving your vehicle from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport about three weeks in advance gives you the best shot at securing a great deal.
Wilson Airport (WIL)
Wilson Airport (WIL) is about 2 kilometres from central Nairobi. Once you've hopped off your flight from Ottawa to Nairobi, it'll take you approximately 15 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
You can expect the journey to take about 45 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Ottawa to Nairobi, settle in at a hotel near WIL. These are some great options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Pick up a Wilson Airport rental car and make every stop one of your choosing. You can select from trusted rental outlets like Auto-Union and Unicorn rent a car.
Get your preferred vehicle, not just what's left, by booking your ride from WIL ahead of your arrival. You'll also avoid paying extra, especially when demand is high.
Best time to go to Nairobi
It's time to figure out your dates for your flight from Ottawa to Nairobi. July is the most popular month to travel to Nairobi. If you like a quieter vibe, go in February.
The warmest month in Nairobi is March, with temperatures ranging between 14ºC (57ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Book your Ottawa to Nairobi ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
Search for cheap flights from Ottawa to Nairobi in July if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 12ºC (54ºF) and 24ºC (75ºF) on average.
More about Nairobi
Start your Nairobi trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Ottawa to Nairobi, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
Every great journey has to include some sightseeing. Nairobi National Park, The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Westlands Maasai Market D at the roof top are essential stops on your Nairobi itinerary.
Explore more of Kenya
You've done Nairobi, now it's time to discover more of Kenya. Journey about 434 kilometres south-east to Mombasa to check off its top attractions. From Fort Jesus to Haller Park and Old Town of Mombasa, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
If you're eager to discover another great destination in Kenya, consider Nakuru, about 145 kilometres north-west of Nairobi. ARTHUR GARDENS (WEDDING/EVENT GROUNDS), Upper Hill estate and Muhia's Conservation Forest are among its highlights.
