Roberta Aguirre
Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) offers basic amenities for travellers wishing to sleep in the airport. While there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones, travellers have reported several spots with padded benches or chairs that can be pulled together to create a makeshift bed. The airport is generally considered safe, with a strong security presence, and it is also praised for its cleanliness. However, travellers should be aware that the airport can be noisy, and there are limited reclining options in the general terminal areas. For a more comfortable experience, travellers can pay to access airport lounges, some of which offer showers. Additionally, there are hotels located near the airport, some of which provide free airport shuttles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | NBO |
| Terminals | 2 |
| Facilities | Eateries, shops, charging stations, lounges, showers |
| Safety | Strong security presence, no recent reports of safety issues, pickpocketing reported |
| Sleep Amenities | Basic seats, padded benches, quiet corners, free seating areas, paid lounges with more comfortable seating |
| Nearby Hotels | Ole Sereni, Panari, Eka Hotels, Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport, Crowne Plaza, Hilton Garden Inn |
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What You'll Learn
- The airport is safe and clean, with free WiFi and charging stations
- There are no dedicated sleeping areas, but padded benches are available
- Lounges like Pride and Simba offer comfort at a cost
- Nearby hotels provide free shuttles, but no low-cost options are close by
- The Avanti Restaurant may have comfortable couches, but you may need to buy something
The airport is safe and clean, with free WiFi and charging stations
Nairobi Airport (NBO) is a safe and clean airport with free WiFi and charging stations. The airport is open 24 hours, with security checkpoints continuously supporting flight schedules. The airport has a strong security presence, with security personnel frequently patrolling the area, which is crucial for travellers resting there. The restrooms are clean, and the public areas are well-maintained, providing a pleasant environment for resting.
There are numerous charging stations in the public areas where you can recharge your phone or other electronic devices. These stations are free to use, but they are not secured, so it is important to keep an eye on your devices while charging. The airport also offers free unlimited WiFi. To connect, find the “NBO Free WiFi” network and register your email address.
While the airport is generally safe, there have been reports of pickpocketing on the landside, so it is important to keep an eye on your belongings. Additionally, some older reviews mention airport staff seeking bribes or inflated prices, but more recent reviews have not mentioned this issue, suggesting that it may be improving.
In terms of sleeping accommodations, the airport does not have dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. However, there are some informal spots with padded benches where you can try to get some rest. If you are looking for more comfort, the airport offers several lounges, such as the Pride Lounge and Simba Lounge, which provide relatively comfortable seating and amenities such as food, drinks, and showers for a fee.
If you prefer a more private and comfortable sleeping environment, there are several hotels located near the airport, including the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport, Ole Sereni, Panari, and Eka Hotels. These hotels can provide a better night's sleep, especially if you have a long layover or delay. Some hotels offer free airport shuttles, while others may require you to arrange transportation in advance or take a taxi.
Overall, while Nairobi Airport is safe and clean, with free WiFi and charging stations, it may not be the most comfortable place to sleep. The basic seats in the terminals often have armrests, making lying down uncomfortable. The airport can also be noisy, with frequent announcements, so it is recommended to bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones if you plan to rest there.
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There are no dedicated sleeping areas, but padded benches are available
If you're looking for a place to sleep in Nairobi Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the airport itself does not have any dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. This means you'll need to get creative in finding a comfortable spot to rest. Secondly, while there are some padded benches available, they may not provide the most comfortable sleep, especially if you're looking for an uninterrupted sleep during your layover.
- Arrive early: If you're arriving on an international flight, you may want to consider arriving early to secure a good spot. The airport is generally quiet once you're past the post-check-in security checks, so you may have more options for finding a quiet corner or claiming a padded bench for yourself.
- Explore the terminals: Nairobi Airport has two terminals, with Terminal 1 divided into four additional smaller terminals. Each terminal may have varying levels of comfort, so feel free to explore and find the most suitable spot for your needs.
- Utilize the restaurants and eateries: Some travellers have reported that the Avanti Restaurant near Gate 23 may have comfortable couches, but you may need to purchase something if they're open. Additionally, Java Coffee House in Terminal 1B is open 24 hours and can be a good spot to relax if you have a domestic flight.
- Consider the temperature: Nairobi Airport can experience varying temperatures, ranging from cold to hot and sweaty. Dress in layers to stay comfortable while you sleep.
- Block out the noise: The airport can be noisy with frequent announcements. Bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to help you block out the noise and get some uninterrupted sleep.
- Take advantage of charging stations: There are numerous charging stations in the public areas of the airport, so you can keep your phone or other electronic devices charged during your layover. Just remember to keep an eye on your belongings.
- Look into paid lounges: If your budget allows, consider paying for access to airport lounges such as the Pride Lounge or Simba Lounge. These lounges offer more comfortable seating options and amenities like food, drinks, and showers. However, they can be costly and may have time restrictions.
- Be aware of security: While the airport is generally considered safe, with a strong security presence, some travellers have mentioned airport staff seeking bribes, particularly when passing through security. Keep your valuables close and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Have a backup plan: Consider booking a nearby hotel if you're unable to find a comfortable spot in the airport or if you prefer a more uninterrupted sleep. Hotels such as the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport, Ole Sereni, Panari, and Eka Hotels are located near the airport and can provide a more comfortable and restful experience.
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Lounges like Pride and Simba offer comfort at a cost
If you are looking for a more extended stay, booking an airport hotel is advisable for 12 hours or more. The Four Points and Crowne Plaza hotels are within the airport perimeter, and the Hilton Garden Inn on Mombasa Road is a short drive away. The Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport is a popular choice for its strategic location, comprehensive amenities, and proximity to the airport.
If you are on a budget, there are free seating areas within the airport. However, the seats often have armrests, making lying down uncomfortable, and there are no specialized reclining chairs or sleep-specific furniture in the general terminal areas.
To enhance your comfort, consider carrying items like a travel pillow, earplugs, or an eye mask. The airport is generally considered safe, with a strong security presence, and it is commended for its cleanliness and well-maintained public areas.
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Nearby hotels provide free shuttles, but no low-cost options are close by
If you're looking for a comfortable place to sleep near Nairobi Airport, you may want to consider staying at a nearby hotel. While the airport is open 24 hours, there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. Travellers have reported that the Avanti Restaurant near Gate 23 may have some comfortable couches, but you may need to purchase something if they're open.
There are a few hotels near Nairobi Airport that provide free airport shuttles, such as the Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport, which offers complimentary local area shuttle services. However, it is important to note that there are no low-cost hotels in the immediate vicinity of the airport. The nearest hotels are Ole Sereni, Panari, and Eka Hotels, but these are not within walking distance, and you would need to arrange transportation in advance or take a taxi.
The Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport is located just 2 kilometres or a 5-minute drive from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). It offers premium bedding, business amenities, flexible meeting spaces, complimentary airport transfers, and free WiFi access. It is perfect for transit stays, layovers, or quick meetings, providing a seamless experience for travellers.
Another option for a free airport shuttle is the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport. However, it is not clear how far this hotel is from the airport or what amenities it offers. For more options, you can visit TripAdvisor to see a list of hotels near Nairobi Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating, and popularity.
When staying overnight at Nairobi Airport, it is important to consider your safety. While there have been no recent reports of safety issues, pickpocketing has been reported in the landside area. Additionally, some older reviews mention that airport staff required bribes or had inflated prices. It is recommended to dress in layers as temperatures can vary, and to use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to block out the noise and frequent announcements.
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The Avanti Restaurant may have comfortable couches, but you may need to buy something
If you're looking for a place to sleep in Nairobi Airport, you may want to consider the Avanti Restaurant near Gate 23. Travellers have reported that this restaurant may have some comfortable couches, but it's worth noting that you may need to purchase something if you plan to stay there. This could be a good option if you're looking for a place to rest before your flight, but keep in mind that the restaurant may not be open all night.
While Nairobi Airport is open 24 hours, there are no dedicated sleeping areas or rest zones. Most places close by early evening, so it's important to plan ahead if you need to stay at the airport for the night. There are some padded benches in informal spots, but these may not be very comfortable for sleeping. Additionally, non-ticketed individuals may be asked to leave overnight between midnight and 4:00 AM, so keep that in mind when planning your stay.
If you're looking for more comfort, you may want to consider paying for access to one of the airport lounges, such as the Pride Lounge or Simba Lounge. These lounges offer more comfortable seating options and amenities like food, drinks, and showers. However, access to these lounges may be limited, and they typically come at a cost.
For uninterrupted sleep, there are several hotels located near Nairobi Airport, including the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport, Ole Sereni, Panari, and Eka Hotels. These hotels can provide a more comfortable and restful experience, especially if you have a long layover or need to stay overnight. Some hotels offer free airport shuttles, while others may require you to arrange transportation in advance or take a taxi.
It's important to note that sleeping in any airport comes with a certain level of risk, and Nairobi Airport is no exception. While the airport is generally considered safe, with a strong security presence, it's always crucial to take necessary precautions. Additionally, some older reviews mention airport staff seeking bribes or inflated prices, so it's important to be aware of these potential issues when navigating the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport is generally considered safe, with security personnel frequently patrolling the area. However, pickpocketing has been reported on the landside.
There are no specialised reclining chairs or sleep-specific furniture in the general terminal areas. However, there are basic seats available throughout the terminals, and some quieter corners with padded benches where you can rest.
Yes, there are several lounges, such as the Pride Lounge and Simba Lounge, which provide relatively comfortable seating and amenities such as food, drinks, and showers, albeit at a cost.
Yes, there are several hotels located near Nairobi Airport, such as the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport, Ole Sereni, Panari, and Eka Hotels. These hotels often provide free airport shuttles.
