Direct (nonstop) flights from Nairobi to Kigali

2 airlines fly nonstop from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to Kigali International (KGL). It's 471 miles (758 km), about 1h 30m in the air. Operated by Kenya Airways, RwandAir.

NBO
Jomo Kenyatta International
🇰🇪 Nairobi, Kenya
KGL
Kigali International
🇷🇼 Kigali, Rwanda
Flight Time
1h 30m
Distance
471 mi
758 km
CO₂/pax
87 kg
−37 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
Kenya Airways +1
Time Diff
-1h
Operated by Kenya Airways Kenya Airways RwandAir RwandAir

Route data last updated: May 30, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Kenya Airways KQ Kenya Airways
Route
NBO → KGL
Flight Time
1h 30m
Distance
471 mi
RwandAir WB RwandAir
Route
NBO → KGL
Flight Time
1h 30m
Distance
471 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Nairobi to Kigali with one stop · direct emits 87 kg CO₂ per passenger

NBO EBB (Entebbe) KGL
Leg 1: 1h 15m (324 mi) Leg 2: 50m (211 mi) Total: ~2h 5m 🍃 124 kg CO₂ (+43% vs. direct)
Leg 1
NBO → EBB
1h 15m · 324 mi
View NBO to EBB flights →
Leg 2
EBB → KGL
50m · 211 mi
View EBB to KGL flights →
NBO BJM (Bujumbura) KGL
Leg 1: 1h 40m (543 mi) Leg 2: 45m (109 mi) Total: ~2h 25m 🍃 146 kg CO₂ (+68% vs. direct)
Leg 1
NBO → BJM
1h 40m · 543 mi
View NBO to BJM flights →
Leg 2
BJM → KGL
45m · 109 mi
View BJM to KGL flights →
NBO JUB (Juba) KGL
Leg 1: 1h 45m (562 mi) Leg 2: 1h 30m (480 mi) Total: ~3h 15m 🍃 218 kg CO₂ (+151% vs. direct)
Leg 1
NBO → JUB
1h 45m · 562 mi
View NBO to JUB flights →
Leg 2
JUB → KGL
1h 30m · 480 mi
View JUB to KGL flights →
NBO DAR (Dar Es Salaam) KGL
Leg 1: 1h 25m (413 mi) Leg 2: 2h (710 mi) Total: ~3h 25m 🍃 232 kg CO₂ (+167% vs. direct)
Leg 1
NBO → DAR
1h 25m · 413 mi
View NBO to DAR flights →
Leg 2
DAR → KGL
2h · 710 mi
View DAR to KGL flights →
NBO ZNZ (Zanzibar) KGL
Leg 1: 1h 20m (372 mi) Leg 2: 2h 30m (692 mi) Total: ~3h 50m 🍃 222 kg CO₂ (+155% vs. direct)
Leg 1
NBO → ZNZ
1h 20m · 372 mi
View NBO to ZNZ flights →
Leg 2
ZNZ → KGL
2h 30m · 692 mi
View ZNZ to KGL flights →

Looking for the return flight?

KGL → NBO: Flights from Kigali to Nairobi

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Nairobi to Kigali?

A nonstop flight from Nairobi (NBO) to Kigali (KGL) takes approximately 1 hours and 30 minutes. The distance is 471 miles (758 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Nairobi to Kigali?

2 airlines: Kenya Airways, RwandAir.

Is there a nonstop flight from Nairobi to Kigali?

Yes. 2 airlines: Kenya Airways, RwandAir.

How far is Nairobi from Kigali?

The flight distance from Nairobi to Kigali is 471 miles (758 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as Mumbai to Goa.

What is the time difference between Nairobi and Kigali?

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

What type of aircraft flies from Nairobi to Kigali?

At 1h 30m, this route typically uses narrow-body aircraft — Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from Kenya to Rwanda?

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

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

Roughly 87 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 435 km.

Is the return flight from Kigali 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 Kigali?

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.