Distance from Nairobi to Kampala

About This Route

505 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, Kampala lies to the west.

Flights

Kenya Airways and Uganda Airlines fly nonstop between Nairobi (NBO) and Entebbe (EBB) in about 1 hour 10 minutes. Add 45–90 minutes from Entebbe to central Kampala.

The flight time shown (1 h 10 min) 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 Entebbe International Airport (EBB).

By Road and Land Borders

The road runs via Nakuru and Eldoret to the Malaba border (or via Kisumu to Busia), then Jinja to Kampala: about 650 km and 10–12 hours. Many coach companies run day and overnight buses. The East African Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda for eligible travellers.

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.

About Kampala, Uganda

Uganda's capital, built on a series of hills near the northern shore of Lake Victoria. International flights use Entebbe, a separate town about 40 km away (usually 45–90 minutes by road via the Entebbe Expressway, depending on traffic).

Practical Tips

• Time: Nairobi and Kampala are on the same time.
• Currency: Nairobi uses the Kenyan shilling (KES); Kampala uses the Ugandan shilling (UGX).
• Visas: Entry rules between Kenya and Uganda depend on your nationality; check our visa requirements tool and official sources before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Nairobi from Kampala?

Nairobi is 505 km (314 miles) from Kampala in a straight line. By road the distance is about 650 km.

How long is the flight from Nairobi to Kampala?

A nonstop flight takes about 1 h 10 min, based on 505 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 Kampala by road?

Yes. The road is about 650 km via Nakuru, Eldoret and the Malaba or Busia border, then Jinja; buses take about 10 to 12 hours.

What is the time difference between Nairobi and Kampala?

Nairobi and Kampala are on the same time.