Moi International Airport sits approximately 20 km west of Mombasa city center, connected by taxi along the main Mombasa-Nairobi highway. The journey takes 25-40 minutes through Kenya's second-largest city and principal coastal metropolis.
About Mombasa City Center
Fort Jesus, a 16th-century Portuguese fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, guards the entrance to the Old Harbour and houses a museum documenting the coastal region's turbulent history of conquest and commerce. The fort's coral-stone walls, designed by Italian architect Giovanni Battista Cairati, overlook the dhow harbour where traditional sailing vessels still operate.
Mombasa Island, connected to the mainland by bridges, is crowned by the landmark Mombasa Tusks — giant aluminum tusk arches spanning Moi Avenue, built in 1956 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth's visit. The city's diverse religious heritage is visible in the Mandhry Mosque, the Lord Shiva Temple, and the Holy Ghost Cathedral, often within the same street. North and south of the island, the pristine white-sand beaches of Nyali, Bamburi, Diani, and Shanzu draw tourists and form the backbone of Kenya's coastal tourism industry.
Nearby Landmarks
Transport Options
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Varies by traffic | 20-40 min | Convenience, groups, heavy luggage |
Good to Know
Late Night Transport
Taxis and boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) operate 24 hours in Mombasa, though availability decreases after 10:00 PM. Negotiate taxi fares before departing (KSh 2,000-3,000 to city center, about $15-22). Ride-hailing apps (Bolt, Uber) have limited coverage in Mombasa compared to Nairobi. Most beach resorts north and south of the city offer airport transfer services. Avoid walking in unfamiliar areas at night.
Luggage Tips
Mombasa taxis can accommodate standard luggage. If heading to beach resorts north (Nyali, Bamburi) or south (Diani) of the island, arrange hotel transfers in advance as they know the routes and can handle luggage. The Likoni Ferry for the south coast requires walking with luggage from the vehicle side — keep bags close and manageable. Tuk-tuks are common for short trips but impractical with large luggage.
Accessibility
Moi International Airport has basic accessibility facilities. Mombasa city infrastructure presents significant challenges for wheelchair users — sidewalks are often missing or obstructed, streets are uneven, and public transport has no accessibility features. Beach resorts, particularly higher-end ones in Nyali and Diani, are more likely to have accessible facilities. Fort Jesus has some accessible areas on the ground level but upper sections require stairs.