Travelling from Nairobi to Dubai: what you need to know
Nairobi is home to two main airports that could be the jumping-off point for your adventure. Check out your options for reserving a flight from Nairobi to Dubai leaving from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) or Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL).
Arrive in Dubai at Dubai Airport (DXB) or Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
The average time for a direct Nairobi to Dubai flight is 5 hours 10 minutes.
The timezone in Dubai is UTC+4, which is one hour ahead of Nairobi.
You can choose from 39 services each week between Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) and Dubai Airport (DXB). NBO to DXB is the most popular route when booking flights from Nairobi to Dubai.
For a stress-free start to your trip, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to catch your Nairobi to Dubai flight.
Be prepared for longer lines in popular months like August. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure is a good idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Nairobi to Dubai
Book 11 months before flying. Pricing trends show that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Nairobi to Dubai flights.
April is the best month for scoring an incredible deal on a plane ticket from Nairobi to Dubai. If you're looking to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
Save time looking for cheap flights from Nairobi to Dubai by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Nairobi to Dubai flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Nairobi
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO)
You can get a direct flight from Nairobi to Dubai taking off from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO). Start your journey at NBO and arrive at Dubai Airport (DXB).
Well-known airlines that offer direct Nairobi to Dubai plane tickets departing from NBO include:
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save on your Nairobi to Dubai flight. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport. Break up the journey at one of these popular options:
Jeddah Airport (JED)
Addis Ababa Airport (ADD)
Mogadishu Airport (MGQ)
Located around 13 kilometres from central Nairobi, NBO can be reached in about 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 5 minutes.
Need a handy hotel near Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Nairobi to Dubai, these accommodation options will have you moments from your departure gate:
Of all flights departing from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport, 62% arrive on time at their destination.
Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL)
On public transport, you can travel from central Nairobi to WIL in around 35 minutes. The terminal is roughly 3 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 20 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your flight from Nairobi to Dubai? Unwind in a hotel near Nairobi Wilson Airport before your adventure officially begins. Check out these accommodation options:
Nairobi Wilson Airport has an on-time performance of 72%. This figure provides insight into how often flights that depart from this airport land on time.
Arriving in Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Dubai Airport (DXB) is approximately 5 kilometres from central Dubai. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 20 minutes.
Travelling to the centre on public transport typically takes 35 minutes.
Reserve a hotel close to DXB if you have a late flight from Nairobi to Dubai. Pick one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Travel at your own speed with a Dubai Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from AMEX, Autostrad Rent A Car or Quicklease Car Rental and experience more of Dubai and beyond.
Get the best deal by booking your vehicle from Dubai Airport around three weeks in advance of your trip.
Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
The centre of Dubai is about 48 kilometres from Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Once your flight from Nairobi to Dubai has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 40 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll reach the centre in 1 hour 20 minutes or so.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near DWC. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from Nairobi to Dubai:
No time to waste? The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Quicklease Car Rental, Quick Drive or Golden Key Car Rental and get going in the blink of an eye.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Securing your ride three weeks ahead of your arrival at DWC will help you stay within budget.
Best time to go to Dubai
March is the quietest month for flights from Nairobi to Dubai, while December is the most popular. Find the ideal time to visit Dubai based on whether you like a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Lock in a Nairobi to Dubai ticket departing in July if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Dubai to range from 30ºC (86ºF) to 42ºC (108ºF).
For cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Nairobi to Dubai in January when temperatures average between 14ºC (57ºF) and 25ºC (77ºF).
More about Dubai
Start your Dubai trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Nairobi to Dubai, check out our selection of hotels including:
Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera are a couple of top attractions to put on your Dubai travel itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Dubai Gold Souk.
Explore more of the United Arab Emirates
You've done Dubai, now it's time to discover other corners of the United Arab Emirates. Travel about 26 kilometres east to Sharjah to check off its leading sights. From Sharjah Archaeology Museum to Cultural Palace and Sharjah Science Museum, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Around 129 kilometres southwest of Dubai, Abu Dhabi is another favourite stop in the United Arab Emirates. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Zayed The 2nd Mosque and Masjid.