Direct (nonstop) flights from Nairobi to Johannesburg

2 airlines fly nonstop from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to Johannesburg International (JNB). It's 1,801 miles (2,899 km), about 4h 15m in the air. Operated by Airlink, Kenya Airways.

NBO
Jomo Kenyatta International
🇰🇪 Nairobi, Kenya
JNB
Johannesburg International
🇿🇦 Johannesburg, South Africa
Flight Time
4h 15m
Distance
1,801 mi
2,899 km
CO₂/pax
304 kg
−35 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
Airlink +1
Time Diff
-1h
Operated by Airlink Airlink Kenya Airways Kenya Airways

Route data last updated: May 26, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Airlink 4Z Airlink
Route
NBO → JNB
Flight Time
4h 15m
Distance
1,801 mi
Kenya Airways KQ Kenya Airways
Route
NBO → JNB
Flight Time
4h 15m
Distance
1,801 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Nairobi to Johannesburg with one stop · direct emits 304 kg CO₂ per passenger

NBO HRE (Harare) JNB
Leg 1: 3h (1,207 mi) Leg 2: 1h 45m (594 mi) Total: ~4h 45m 🍃 339 kg CO₂ (+12% vs. direct)
Leg 1
NBO → HRE
3h · 1,207 mi
View NBO to HRE flights →
Leg 2
HRE → JNB
1h 45m · 594 mi
View HRE to JNB flights →
NBO LLW (Lilongwe) JNB
Leg 1: 2h 15m (883 mi) Leg 2: 2h 30m (923 mi) Total: ~4h 45m 🍃 359 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
NBO → LLW
2h 15m · 883 mi
View NBO to LLW flights →
Leg 2
LLW → JNB
2h 30m · 923 mi
View LLW to JNB flights →
NBO LUN (Lusaka) JNB
Leg 1: 2h 45m (1,123 mi) Leg 2: 2h (744 mi) Total: ~4h 45m 🍃 353 kg CO₂ (+16% vs. direct)
Leg 1
NBO → LUN
2h 45m · 1,123 mi
View NBO to LUN flights →
Leg 2
LUN → JNB
2h · 744 mi
View LUN to JNB flights →
NBO VFA (Victoria Falls) JNB
Leg 1: 3h 15m (1,377 mi) Leg 2: 1h 45m (574 mi) Total: ~5h 🍃 364 kg CO₂ (+20% vs. direct)
Leg 1
NBO → VFA
3h 15m · 1,377 mi
View NBO to VFA flights →
Leg 2
VFA → JNB
1h 45m · 574 mi
View VFA to JNB flights →
NBO LVI (Livingstone) JNB
Leg 1: 3h 15m (1,362 mi) Leg 2: 1h 45m (593 mi) Total: ~5h 🍃 365 kg CO₂ (+20% vs. direct)
Leg 1
NBO → LVI
3h 15m · 1,362 mi
View NBO to LVI flights →
Leg 2
LVI → JNB
1h 45m · 593 mi
View LVI to JNB flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Nairobi to Johannesburg?

A nonstop flight from Nairobi (NBO) to Johannesburg (JNB) takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. The distance is 1,801 miles (2,899 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Nairobi to Johannesburg?

2 airlines: Airlink, Kenya Airways.

Is there a nonstop flight from Nairobi to Johannesburg?

Yes. 2 airlines: Airlink, Kenya Airways.

How far is Nairobi from Johannesburg?

The flight distance from Nairobi to Johannesburg is 1,801 miles (2,899 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance.

What is the time difference between Nairobi and Johannesburg?

Johannesburg is 1 hour behind Nairobi. (Africa/Nairobi vs Africa/Johannesburg.)

What type of aircraft flies from Nairobi to Johannesburg?

At 4h 15m, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from Kenya to South Africa?

Depends on your passport. Check with the South Africa embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Nairobi to Johannesburg?

Roughly 304 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 1,520 km.

Is the return flight from Johannesburg to Nairobi also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Nairobi to Johannesburg?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International for this flight?

3 hours before departure for international flights. You need time for check-in, security, and immigration.