Find the cheapest flights from Addis Ababa to Nairobi in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: Addis Ababa (ADD) → Nairobi (NBO)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 3h 30m – 8h 30m
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €380 | high |
| February | €350 | medium |
| March | €330 | medium |
| April | €290 | low |
| May | €280 | low |
| June | €310 | low |
| July | €360 | high |
| August | €370 | high |
| September | €330 | medium |
| October | €310 | medium |
| November | €290 | low |
| December | €410 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- Ethiopian Airlines (direct) from €310 — Book directly on Ethiopian Airlines website for best prices — they match lower fares found elsewhere. Use their mobile app for occasional promo codes.
- Kenya Airways (direct) from €330 — Kenya Airways often has better frequencies than Ethiopian on this route. Check their website for ‘Safaricom’ promotions — M-Pesa payments sometimes yield discounts.
- RwandAir (connecting) from €380 — RwanadAir offers a free stopover in Kigali if you book a multi-city ticket — consider exploring Rwanda briefly if you have time.
- EgyptAir (connecting) from €420 — Only worth considering if combining with Cairo connection for broader travel plans — not competitive for Addis-Nairobi only.
Booking Strategy
The Addis Ababa to Nairobi route is highly competitive with multiple daily flights, making it one of the best-connected in East Africa. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for the best deals, especially if traveling during December-January high season when prices surge to €380-410. The cheapest period runs from April through June during Kenya’s long rains, with average prices dropping to €280-290. Tuesday and Wednesday departures consistently offer €20-40 savings over weekend flights. Ethiopian Airlines operates the most frequencies (up to 5 daily) and typically matches or beats Kenya Airways on price. Use Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ feature to compare, but book directly with the airline to avoid booking fees. If your schedule is flexible, a 1-stop flight via Kigali with RwandAir can sometimes undercut direct fares, though travel time extends to 5-6 hours.
Route Tips
- Ethiopian Airlines operates from Bole Terminal 1 — arrive at least 90 minutes before departure as Addis Ababa airport can have long security queues during peak hours.
- Kenyan visa on arrival costs $50 USD for Ethiopian passport holders — have exact USD cash ready and a return ticket confirmation printed.
- Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) has separate terminals — Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways use Terminal 1A and 1E respectively; check your boarding pass for terminal info.
- Consider a Kenyan e-visa before arrival at https://evisa.go.ke — faster processing than visa on arrival and avoids airport queues.
- Uber operates reliably in Nairobi and is often cheaper than taxis — set your pickup location to the approved Uber zone at Jomo Kenyatta Airport for seamless pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Addis Ababa to Nairobi?
The direct flight from Addis Ababa (ADD) to Nairobi (NBO) takes approximately 2 hours. Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways operate multiple daily direct flights, typically departing every 2-3 hours from early morning until late evening. If booking a connecting flight via Kigali (RwandAir) or Cairo (EgyptAir), expect a journey of 3h30m to 8h30m depending on layover duration. The short 2-hour flight crosses the Ethiopia-Kenya border and offers views of the Great Rift Valley on clear days.
How much does it cost to fly from Addis Ababa to Nairobi?
Direct flights start from approximately €280-310 for economy class when booked in advance. The peak season (December-January and July-August) sees prices rise to €370-410 due to business travelers and holiday traffic. The cheapest period falls during Kenya’s rainy seasons (April-June and November), with fares dropping to €280-300. Connecting flights via Kigali or Cairo typically cost €380-450 and are only worthwhile if combining destinations. Business class direct flights run €650-900 depending on the airline and booking class.
Are there direct flights from Addis Ababa to Nairobi?
Yes, direct flights are readily available and represent the best option for this route. Ethiopian Airlines operates up to 5 daily departures from Bole International Airport (ADD) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), making it the most frequent carrier. Kenya Airways also operates 3-4 daily direct flights. Both airlines use modern Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 family aircraft on this route. The 2-hour journey is among the shortest international flights in Africa, with no significant advantage in choosing connecting flights over direct service.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Addis Ababa to Nairobi?
April and May offer the cheapest fares, averaging €280-290, coinciding with Kenya’s long rainy season. November also provides budget-friendly options at around €290 during the short rains. These shoulder seasons see reduced tourist demand and airline pricing reflects the drop in business and leisure travelers. However, the rains typically occur in afternoon bursts and don’t severely disrupt travel plans. If budget is the primary concern, avoid December through January when prices peak at €380-410 for the same direct service.
Which airlines fly from Addis Ababa to Nairobi?
Two major carriers operate direct flights: Ethiopian Airlines (most frequent, 4-5 daily) and Kenya Airways (3-4 daily). Both offer modern aircraft with in-flight entertainment and complimentary meals. For connecting options, RwandAir via Kigali, EgyptAir via Cairo, Uganda Airlines via Entebbe, and South African Airways via Johannesburg serve this route but take significantly longer (5-8 hours). Ethiopian typically offers the lowest base fares, while Kenya Airways provides better schedule flexibility. All carriers include 23kg checked baggage in economy class.
What airport do I fly into in Nairobi?
You’ll arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Kenya’s main international gateway located approximately 15 kilometers southeast of Nairobi’s central business district. The airport is also known as Nairobi JKIA. From the airport, taxis (authorized yellow cabs) cost KES 1,500-2,500 (€12-20) to downtown Nairobi, taking 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. The newer Express Bus service costs KES 100 (€0.80) to the central bus station. Ride-hailing apps Uber and Little operate at the airport with set zones. Multiple ATM facilities and currency exchange desks are available in the arrivals hall.
How far in advance should I book Addis Ababa to Nairobi flights?
For this route, booking 4-6 weeks ahead typically yields the best balance of availability and price. Business travelers who book last-minute (1-2 weeks) often pay €400+, while leisure travelers booking 2-3 months out may find early-bird specials at €260-280. The sweet spot for December-January travel is 6-8 weeks in advance. During shoulder seasons (April-May, November), 3-4 weeks often suffices as prices remain relatively stable. Avoid booking more than 3 months ahead unless securing a specific promotional fare, as airlines frequently release cheaper inventory closer to departure.
Is it cheaper to fly from Addis Ababa to Nairobi on weekdays?
Yes, weekday flights are generally cheaper than weekend departures. Tuesday and Wednesday offer the lowest fares, with typical savings of €20-40 compared to Friday and Sunday flights. This pattern holds throughout the year, though the difference is more pronounced during high season when business travel demand drops on weekends. Saturday departures fall in the middle range. If your schedule allows flexibility, shifting a weekend trip to Tuesday-Wednesday departure can meaningfully reduce costs, especially when combined with advance booking. The price difference between weekday and weekend on this short route rarely exceeds €50.
Data updated: 2026-03