Watamu is primarily served by Malindi International Airport (MYD) for domestic flights, while Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa serves as the main international gateway. The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train also connects Nairobi to Mombasa, providing an additional route for arrival. Once in Watamu, local transport options include tuk-tuks, motorbikes, and taxis for getting around.
By Air:
From Nairobi:: Flying is the quickest way to reach Watamu. Direct flights are available from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) or Wilson Airport (WIL) to Malindi International Airport (MYD). Airlines like Jambojet and Safarilink operate these routes, with flight durations around 40 minutes to 1.5 hours. Costs typically range from KSH 4,000 to KSH 20,000, depending on the season. From Malindi Airport, a taxi to Watamu takes about 20-30 minutes and costs approximately KSH 3,000 to KSH 7,000. Tuk-tuks are a more affordable option at around KSH 1,000 to KSH 1,500, and motorbikes can be found for about KSH 500.
From Mombasa:: Flights from Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa to Malindi International Airport (MYD) take approximately 30-45 minutes, with costs ranging from KES 8,000 to KES 15,000 for a one-way ticket.
By Train (SGR):
From Nairobi:: The SGR train offers a scenic journey from Nairobi SGR Station to Mombasa SGR Station, typically lasting around 5 hours. From Mombasa SGR Station, private vans (like 6-seater Noahs) are available, taking 2-3 hours to reach Watamu for KSH 600-1,200 per person. Public buses from Mombasa to Watamu cost approximately KSH 400-500 and take 3-4 hours. Taxis from Mombasa SGR to Watamu can cost between KSH 6,500 and KSH 10,000.
By Bus:
From Nairobi:: Overnight buses, such as Tahmeed Express or Buscar, depart from Nairobi CBD directly to Watamu or Gede (a nearby town), with the journey taking just under 9 hours. Tickets generally cost between KSH 1,500 and KSH 3,000.
From Mombasa:: Buses and 'matatus' (local public vans) are readily available. Buses from Mombasa to Malindi can take around 1 hour 44 minutes to 2 hours 9 minutes and cost about KES 800 or USD 50-65. Matatus are a more budget-friendly option, costing KES 200-300 and taking a bit longer than taxis. The road journey from Mombasa to Watamu typically takes 2-3 hours by car.
By Car:
Self-drive from Nairobi:: Driving to Watamu from Nairobi typically takes 7-10 hours, covering a distance of approximately 557 km.
Self-drive from Mombasa:: The drive from Mombasa to Watamu is about 108 km and generally takes 1 hour 40 minutes to 3 hours, with costs for car rental or fuel ranging from USD 13-18.
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