If you're on a budget, buses are the best and cheapest way to travel. Large buses and matatus crisscross the country and link the major towns. Longer routes link Nairobi and Mombasa with cities in neighboring Uganda and Tanzania.

The best way to travel around Kenya depends on your budget and destination, but for most tourists in 2026, a combination of domestic flights and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is preferred. For long distances, such as Nairobi to Mombasa, the Madaraka Express train is the top choice; it is fast, affordable, and scenic, taking about five to six hours to reach the coast. To reach remote safari destinations like the Maasai Mara or Amboseli, "bush planes" or light aircraft from Wilson Airport in Nairobi save hours of bumpy travel on unpaved roads. Within cities like Nairobi, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are the safest and most reliable options. For those on a budget, long-distance buses (like Modern Coast or Easy Coach) connect major towns efficiently. While locals frequently use "matatus" (vibrant minibuses), they can be overwhelming for first-time visitors due to erratic driving and crowding. If you are exploring national parks independently, hiring a 4WD vehicle with a driver/guide is highly recommended to navigate the rugged terrain and ensure you don't miss any wildlife sightings in the vast Kenyan landscape.