Nairobi's Wilson Airport Guide
Wilson Airport, also known by its IATA Code WIL and ICAO Code HKNW. It is the smaller airport in Nairobi and is to the South of the city. Wilson is a busy domestic and regional airport and most of the domestic carriers use Wilson Airport as their Hub for destinations throughout Kenya.
Wilson is an easy and hassle free airport to access relative to Jomo Kenyatta International. It is the airport of choice for anyone setting-off on their Kenyan adventure.
Wilson Airport, initially named Nairobi Aerodrome was renamed after the lady pioneer, Ms Florence Wilson. It is a leafy, charming airport which was founded in 1927. Sitting on the edge of Nairobi National park, there is a good opportunity for spotting wildlife after takeoff, depending on which direction your flight will take.
Geographical Location - see map below
Wilson Airport is located South of Nairobi along Langata Road approximately 5km from the city centre. It is immediately South of Langata Road, 2km southwest of the intersection with Mombasa Road.
Getting Here
- Taxi – Private hire taxis ply this route and are available to hail or you can organise a pickup with a multitude of taxi companies including Uber. A 5 kilometers (15 minutes ride depending on traffic), are charged at an average of 700 Kshs (USD $ 7) per trip.
- Preferred Mode – Taxi’s are the easiest and safest way to get to and from the airport.
- Shuttle Bus – The airport does operate one - a shared service with other passengers heading in similar general directions.
- Alternatives – There are public passenger transport vehicles, known locally as matatus, which operate on this route. Ask at your hotel’s information desk to find the nearest bus stop. This option is not for the faint hearted nor for the first time traveller.
- Car Parking & Fees – There is an automated POS parking system with an entry charge of 30Kshs($0.25) per vehicle.
- Auxiliary Information
This is the hub and main airport for domestic airlines for flights throughout Kenya, with some regional flights to Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.
Hotels & Transit Accommodation
There is no hotel in the airport, but there are several hotels located closeby and in the city centre. The Weston is the closest to the airport, located opposite the airport entrance, with other accommodation options such as Mvuli House, The Strand Hotel and West Breeze hotel just a short drive from the airport.