Getting There

Your complete transportation guide to Kenya's coastal destinations

LAMU

Lamu is accessible by air from Nairobi, Mombasa and Malindi, with regular domestic connections to Manda Airport in Lamu.

From Nairobi

Guests travelling from Nairobi can choose between three airlines: Jambojet operates direct flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Lamu. Safarilink departs from Wilson Airport, with flights connecting to Lamu via Malindi. Skyward Express also operates from Wilson Airport, with services connecting to Lamu via Mombasa.

From Mombasa & Malindi

Lamu can also be reached directly from the coast. Skyward Express operates connections via Mombasa, while Safarilink connects through Malindi, making Lamu an easy addition to a coastal itinerary.

Arriving in Lamu

All flights arrive at Manda Airport in Lamu. Whether you are staying in a property in Lamu Town, Shela Village or Manda Island, On arrival, your Iroto representative or villa representative will meet you at Manda Airport and assist with your luggage before transferring you by boat to your accommodation. Depending on the location of your villa, the boat journey generally takes around 10–20 minutes. The crossing is short and scenic, offering your first glimpse of the beautiful waterways, traditional dhows and islands that make the Lamu Archipelago so distinctive.

WATAMU

Watamu is easily accessible by air or road, with connections from Nairobi, Mombasa and Malindi. Guests can choose a quick flight or take the scenic route by train and road along Kenya's coast.

From Nairobi

Guests travelling from Nairobi can fly to Malindi Airport from JKIA or from Wilson Airport, followed by a road transfer to Watamu. Alternatively, flights to Mombasa are available, followed by a private road transfer north along the coast.

For those who prefer to travel by train, the Madaraka Express runs from Nairobi to Mombasa, offering a scenic journey through Kenya's countryside and Tsavo region arriving in Mombasa. From Mombasa, Watamu can be reached by private road transfer. Watamu is approximately 2–2½ hours by road from Mombasa, depending on traffic and your exact destination. Private transfers can be arranged directly from Mombasa Airport or from the SGR terminus.

From Malindi

Watamu is approximately 30–45 minutes by road from Malindi, making Malindi Airport a convenient option for guests travelling by air.

Arriving in Watamu

Whether you arrive by air or train, your Iroto representative will coordinate your private road transfer to your property. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the changing scenery as you travel from the busy coast into the quieter beauty of Watamu.

MALINDI

Malindi is easily accessible by air and road, with connections from Nairobi, Mombasa and other coastal destinations. It is also a convenient stop for guests combining a beach stay with a safari or a journey along Kenya's coast.

From Nairobi

Guests travelling from Nairobi can choose between several airlines: Jambojet operates direct flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Malindi. Safarilink operates from Wilson Airport, with direct flights to Malindi. Skyward Express also operates from Wilson Airport, with direct connections to Malindi. Flight schedules vary depending on the season, so we recommend checking the airlines' current schedules when planning your journey.

From Mombasa

Malindi is approximately 2–2½ hours by road from Mombasa, making it easy to continue your coastal journey by private transfer. Guests arriving at Mombasa International Airport or the SGR terminus can connect directly to Malindi by road.

From Nairobi by SGR

For guests who prefer a slower and more scenic journey, the Madaraka Express connects Nairobi and Mombasa, travelling through the changing landscapes of Kenya and the Tsavo region. The journey takes approximately 6–7 hours, depending on the service. From Mombasa, continue to Malindi by private road transfer. Kenya Railways currently operates morning, afternoon and night services on the Nairobi–Mombasa route.

The SGR can also be a wonderful option for guests combining a safari with a coastal stay, with Voi and Mtito Andei among the stops along the Nairobi–Mombasa route.

Arriving in Malindi

Whether you arrive by air or road, your Iroto representative or villa representative can meet you and assist with your transfer to your accommodation.

For guests arriving at Malindi Airport, your property is just a short drive away, depending on its location.

KILIFI

Kilifi is conveniently located between Mombasa and Malindi, making it an easy destination to reach by air, road, or train. Whether you are travelling directly from Nairobi or continuing your journey along the coast, Kilifi is well connected and easily accessible.

From Nairobi

Guests travelling from Nairobi can fly to Mombasa or Malindi, followed by a private road transfer to Kilifi. For guests who prefer to travel by train, the Madaraka Express Train runs from Nairobi to Mombasa before continuing to Kilifi by road. The train passes through the changing landscapes of Kenya and the Tsavo region, making it a particularly memorable option for guests combining a safari and coastal stay. Guests finishing a safari around Voi can also connect with the SGR and continue towards Mombasa before travelling onward to Kilifi.

From Mombasa

Mombasa is the closest major airport and SGR gateway to Kilifi. From Moi International Airport or the Mombasa SGR Terminus, Kilifi can be reached by private road transfer in approximately 1–1½ hours.

This makes Kilifi an easy addition to a longer Kenyan itinerary, whether you are arriving from Nairobi, finishing a safari, or continuing north along the coast.

From Malindi

Guests travelling from Malindi can reach Kilifi by road in approximately 1–1½ hours, making it easy to combine the two destinations as part of a coastal itinerary.

Arriving in Kilifi

Whether you arrive from Mombasa, Malindi or the SGR, your Iroto representative or villa representative will arrange your private road transfer to your accommodation.

As you leave the busier coastal towns behind, the landscape gradually opens into the quieter surroundings of Kilifi, with its lush vegetation, coastal villages and beautiful creek.