Distance from Nairobi to Addis Ababa

The straight-line (great-circle) distance from Nairobi, Kenya to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is 1,167 km (725 miles). A nonstop flight takes about 2 h. By road the trip is about 1,550 km.

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Nairobi, Kenya to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Straight-line distance

1,167 km

725 miles

Flight time

2 h

Nonstop, approximate

Direction

North

From Nairobi (11°)

Time difference

None

UTC+3 vs UTC+3

Route Map

City Information

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Nairobi

Kenya

Population: about 5 million (metropolitan area)

Airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)

Time Zone: UTC+3

Language: English, Swahili

Currency: Kenyan shilling (KES)

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Addis Ababa

Ethiopia

Population: about 5.5 million (UN estimate)

Airport: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)

Time Zone: UTC+3

Language: Amharic; English widely used in business

Currency: Ethiopian birr (ETB)

About This Route

1,167 km is the great-circle distance between the two city centres, calculated with the haversine formula. Flight paths are usually somewhat longer because aircraft follow air-traffic routes, and airports are not in the city centres. From Nairobi, Addis Ababa lies to the north.

Flights

Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways fly nonstop several times a day; the flight takes about 2 hours.

The flight time shown (2 h) assumes a nonstop flight at an average of 800 km/h plus about 30 minutes for take-off and landing. Airports: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD).

By Road and Land Borders

The Nairobi–Addis Ababa road, now paved throughout, runs via Isiolo and Marsabit to the Moyale border and on via Hawassa to Addis Ababa: about 1,550 km, usually 2–3 days. Check security advice for northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia before travelling.

About Nairobi, Kenya

Kenya's capital and East Africa's main business and aviation hub (home of Kenya Airways). Nairobi National Park lies inside the city limits, a few kilometres from the airport.

Highlights: Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi National Museum

About Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Ethiopia's capital and the seat of the African Union. At about 2,355 m above sea level it is one of the highest capital cities in the world, and Bole airport is the hub of Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest carrier.

Highlights: National Museum (Lucy), Holy Trinity Cathedral, Merkato market, Entoto hills, African Union headquarters

Practical Tips

Time: Nairobi and Addis Ababa are on the same time.
Currency: Nairobi uses the Kenyan shilling (KES); Addis Ababa uses the Ethiopian birr (ETB).
Visas: Entry rules between Kenya and Ethiopia depend on your nationality; check our visa requirements tool and official sources before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Nairobi from Addis Ababa?

Nairobi is 1,167 km (725 miles) from Addis Ababa in a straight line. By road the distance is about 1,550 km.

How long is the flight from Nairobi to Addis Ababa?

A nonstop flight takes about 2 h, based on 1,167 km at an average 800 km/h plus about 30 minutes for take-off, climb and landing. Scheduled times vary with winds and routing.

Can you travel from Nairobi to Addis Ababa by road?

Yes. The paved road via Isiolo, Marsabit and the Moyale border is about 1,550 km; allow two to three days and check security advice for the border areas.

What is the time difference between Nairobi and Addis Ababa?

Nairobi and Addis Ababa are on the same time.

Related Routes and Guides

Use the distance calculator for any other pair of African cities, or see the list of distance pages.