Search Flights from Minneapolis to Nairobi

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is the primary airport serving the state of Minnesota, handling over 36 million passengers in 2015. The airport is about 15 km from downtown Minneapolis and is one of the largest airports in the United States. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport operates passenger services out of 2 terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport provides passengers with a variety of services and amenities to meet their pre-flight and post-flight needs.

If you get to the airport with plenty of time to spare you can relax in the passenger lounges before your flight as you enjoy complimentary treats, newspapers, magazines, and internet access. The airport also features a rich variety of restaurants, cafes, bars, bookstores, ATMs, children’s play areas, baby care rooms, and even a hairdresser.

The airport is accessible from the city center by a variety of transportation alternatives including taxis, which are easily accessible throughout the city, rental cars, or shuttles. If you want a more affordable transportation alternative then you can take the city buses that provide transportation from the city center to the airport throughout the day. Taking the train from the city center to the airport is another affordable option.

Bus

Buses are an affordable and convenient transportation alternative to get to the airport from the city center. Bus route #54 provides transportation to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport from the city, stopping at the Transit Center at Terminal 1. The total trip from downtown Minneapolis to the airport takes about 40 minutes.

Buses start to run early in the morning until late at night and cost around 2-3 dollars. If you’re traveling to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport from other places like Iowa, North Dakota, or South Dakota there are regional buses that you can take. Another alternative to get to the airport is by scheduling a private bus. This transportation alternative is ideal for those traveling in big groups.

Rental Car

Renting a car is a very common means of transportation in Minneapolis, for both visitors and locals. Renting a car from the city center is a convenient way to get to the airport. There are various rental car companies that you can choose from that have offices throughout the city including Advantage, Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, National, Thrifty and Hertz.

Traffic in the city is very light, especially outside of peak hours, and the roads are very easy to navigate. Therefore renting a car is a very convenient option. You can book your vehicle in advance by making a reservation online or ask the hotel you are staying at to help arrange a rental car for you. You can return your vehicle at the airport before your departure.  

Hotel Shuttle Services

Many hotels in the city provide guests with shuttle services to and from airport. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the airport from the city center by shuttle. Taking a shuttle service provided by the hotel you are staying at is incredibly practical, reliable, and convenient. You have to first find out if your hotel provides such services and then arrange your reservation ahead of time. Hotels in the area that provide airport shuttle services include Super 8, Hilton, Marriott, Radisson Blu and Ramada.

Rail

Another transportation alternative to get to the airport from the city is by light rail. The light rail system provides transportation from the city center to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. Trains depart from downtown Minneapolis and run directly to both terminals at the airport, stopping at other location along the way. The train from Mall of America to the airport takes about 12 minutes and the train from downtown Minneapolis to the airport takes about 25 minutes.

Trains run every 10-15 minutes during the day and every 10 minutes during peak hours. Compared to other forms of transportation the light rail system is significantly cheaper. Tickets range between $2-3 depending on whether or not you’re traveling during peak hours. You can purchase tickets for the light rail from automated machines at the stations.

Taxi

Taxis are one of the most common methods of transportation to get to the airport from the city center. Taxis are easily accessible throughout the city 24 hours a day. You can also have the hotel you are staying at help arrange a taxi for you. A taxi to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, which is located about 15 km away, will take between 25 and 30 minutes. Taxi fares from downtown Minneapolis to the airport averages between $40-50.  

Shuttle Services

Several companies provide scheduled shuttle services to and from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. These shuttle services are a comfortable and reliable transportation alternative, especially for those traveling in large groups or with excess luggage. These companies provide bus, van, and limousine services and while the overall rates are higher compared to public transportation and taxis they are a more luxurious and convenient method of transportation.

Rates will vary depending on the vehicle you choose, the number of passengers, and the distance traveled. Shuttle services from downtown Minneapolis to the airport take about 30 minutes. Reservations for these services must be made in advance. These shuttle services are also a great option if you’re traveling from other cities to the airport.

Companies that provide these services include Executive Express, GO Carefree Shuttle, and Lakes Express. For more detailed contact information on companies that provide scheduled services please visit Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport’s website. You can find out detailed information regarding rates and routes directly from the company you choose to use.

Airport Information

Located about 15 km from the city center, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is the primary airport serving not only the city of Minneapolis but the entire state. The airport operates international and domestic flights out of 2 passenger terminals and offers passengers a rich variety of services and amenities to meet their pre-flight and post-flight needs. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport contains numerous cafes, restaurants, shops, and more, creating a welcoming and relaxing environment for passengers to enjoy.

One of the unique services the airport features is the Escape Lounge. This lounge is open to all travelers, offering them a relaxing common-use area with free Wi-Fi, complementary food and drinks, a rich selection of magazines and newspapers. The Escape Lounge is open from 4 am to 9 pm and covers an area of 5,000 square feet.  

Restaurants where passengers can enjoy a bite to eat or something to drink at the airport include venues like A&W, Arby's, Burger King, Ben & Jerry's, Caribou Coffee, Dunn Bros, Mc Donald's, Godfather's Pizza, Cocina Del Barrio, Axel’s Bonfire, FlyBar, Sbarro, Starbucks Coffee and Wok & Roll.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport also features pet services for those passengers traveling with an animal. The airport contains pet and service animal relief areas and pet boarding facilities. At the XpresSpa Regis Salon you can get pampered before your flight or after you land and enjoy relaxing services like a massage or getting your hair done.

For passengers traveling with children, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport has a wonderful entertainment area for kids, the Lucky Lindy’s Video Arcade. The arcade is equipped with a variety of games that passengers of all ages can enjoy. The arcade is located in Terminal 1 and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In addition to a large duty free shop where you can buy chocolate, alcohol, toys, and more, there are other stores throughout the airport where you can buy an endless selection of goods like gifts, souvenirs, clothing, books, and electronics. There are also a variety of kiosks located throughout the airport that sell snacks, magazines, newspapers, small travel items, and more. Stores where you can go shopping include News & Gift Wall, Red Balloon Bookshop, Sunglass Hut, Simply Books, The Body Shop and Travel Express.

Passengers looking for some peace and quiet can enjoy the calm and serene atmosphere of the quiet seating areas. Other services that Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport offers passengers includes postal services, a lost and found, lockers for storage, a walking path, luggage delivery services, ATMs, charging stations, children’s play areas, and baby care rooms. The airport also features free Wi-Fi that passengers can enjoy throughout the terminal buildings. 

Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is situated on the Nairobi River and is known as the most populous city in the East Africa. Nairobi is one of the major trade and tourism centers not only in Kenya but also in the Africa. Nairobi, which has arable lands because it is a river city, also has a different flora, which does not compromise the classical African city image that springs to your mind. That is why the city is named as Nairobi that means "green and watery place".

The city is also considered as the safari capital of Africa. The nightlife in the city, where people play and enjoy many different sports like golf, rugby, and polo, is very active but it is also dangerous. Traffic flows through the left lane in Nairobi. There are not enough traffic lights and traffic signs in the city. The drivers' careless attitudes, as well as the lack of infrastructure sometimes cause problems and congestion in traffic. This creates both traffic jam and increases traffic density.

Even short distances in Nairobi can take a long time. In fact, the city center is quite small and it is very convenient to explore the city by walking. However, it is not recommended to walk around the city for safety reasons. Even so, you can walk short distances if you are in a central location before it gets dark.

You can reach the tourist attractions or more rural areas, which are located both in and around the city center, by taking the minibuses called 'matatu'. These minibuses are run by private companies. The prices vary according to the distance you are going to travel. It would be useful for you to keep in mind that they are mostly quite crowded and you will possibly travel standing on the minibus.

The buses, which are more comfortable than matatus and have a capacity between 20 and 35 passengers, are another transportation option. These buses are also run by private companies and they are prohibited to exceed 80 km/h and to carry the passenger standing. Ticket price varies depending on the distance you will travel and it is fairly cheap. You should pay attention to your belongings such as bags, wallets and your pocket money against theft, as it applies to all public transportation options.

Taxis are very common throughout the city, but they are not very reliable in terms of price. Taximeters are not available in the taxis. If you have someone you know in the city, it would be better for you to negotiate with a driver they know. You can also ask your hotel to help you with this. In any case, you need to negotiate about your destination and bargain with the driver for taxi fare before taking a taxi. You should make the payment absolutely at the end of the journey. You can also take the taxi for the entire day.

Although the taxis are more comfortable than public transport, they also run in the heavy traffic of Nairobi. If time is important for you or if you don't want to stuck in traffic, you can try the motorcycle taxis that are called boda boda. You can call a boda boda whenever you need it by downloading an app to your smartphone. Your hotel can also help you with this.

Renting a car is mostly available at the airport, yet there are also the offices of car rental companies in the city center. Car rental is not preferred so often because of the car theft that is frequently experienced in heavy traffic in the city. Renting a car could be a good alternative to increase the comfort of your travel if your hotel has a parking area. Prices start from 4.000 Kenya Shillings per day. If you want, you can rent a car with a driver. From motorcycle to the minivan, there is a wide variety of options waiting for you. However, mostly off-road vehicles are preferred in the city, which is known as the homeland of the safari. There are offices of many private bus service companies at the main bus station in the city center and you can reach different cities from here if you want.

If you want to travel from Nairobi to Kampala, Uganda, or Mombasa, you can benefit from the trains that run three times a week from the main railway station. You can travel in the first-class and second-class compartments, which are also available with bed and meal, as well as you can also prefer the third-class wagons with standard seats. You can make a reservation and buy your ticket from the office on the way to the station. 1st and 2nd class passenger tickets are a little bit more expensive than intercity bus tickets, but 3rd class tickets are cheaper.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, located in the southeast of the city, serves for passengers who come from abroad and who will go abroad. Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL), which is located in the south of the city center, mostly serves domestic flights. There is the third airport, which is completely surrounded and closed to civilian air traffic, in the north of the city.  Only military flights are arranged at this airport.

You can reach Nairobi city center from the airport by public transportation. It is possible to travel by bus and the minibuses called matatu at quite affordable prices even if they are less comfortable. Taxi service is available at the airport as an extremely comfortable means of transportation, but you need to be careful about taxi fare. If your hotel offers airport shuttle service, this is the most comfortable and safest alternative that you can take to reach the city center. Another comfortable way of transportation is to rent a car.

Bus

There are the bus stops in front of units 1 and 2 of the airport. You can go to the city center by buses that depart frequently during the day. The journey by bus takes about 45 minutes and the ticket price is 50 KES.

Hotel Shuttle Services

A number of the hotels located around the airport and in the city center offer airport shuttle services. You should contact your hotel in advance to take advantage of this service. Even if your hotel does not offer such a service, they can help you find an alternative for shuttle services.

Taxi

You can take the advantage of the licensed taxis provided by the Kenatco Company from the taxi ranks right in front of the exit of the arriving passenger of the airport. These taxis are more reliable than the individual taxis you can hail on the road because they operate under a taxi company.

Transportation to the city center by taxi costs about 1500 KES, which is 20 US Dollars. You should bargain for the fare in advance. The journey takes about half an hour depending on the traffic.

Matatu

If you prefer public transportation, you can benefit from this option as an alternative to the bus. The means of transportation runs like a minibus quite affordable, yet it is less comfortable. It is mostly preferred by locals; tourists don't prefer this option.

Rent a car

You can find the offices of various car rental companies at the airport. You can drive the rental car, as well as you can rent it with a driver. If you want to drive the car, you should keep in mind that the traffic flows on the left side and there are not enough traffic signs; you need to drive straight on A101 Mombasa road to reach the city center.

Airport Information

The airport, which bears the name of Kenya's first president, is located 16 kilometers in the southeast of the city. The airport serves in a single semicircle-shaped terminal with 3 units that are connected to each other by corridors. Units 1 and 2 serve for international arrivals and departures. Unit 3 serves for domestic passengers.

The airport has all basic services such as currency exchange office, ATM, post office, and safe deposit box. You can take advantage of the paid Wi-Fi service as well as the internet cafe at the departing passenger terminal. You can make last minute purchases from many stores where you can buy very different products. In addition, there are also sufficient amount of eating and drinking areas at the airport that offer the delicacies of local and foreign cuisines.