Kampala, Uganda → Nairobi, Kenya · ✈ 1h 8min · 🚗 8h 12min
273 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: east
The distance from Kampala to Nairobi is 505 km (314 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 8min.
The straight-line distance from Kampala, Uganda to Nairobi, Kenya is approximately 505 kilometers (314 miles or 273 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Nairobi is located east of Kampala. Kampala is in Africa, in the Central region of Uganda, while Nairobi is in Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya. Both cities are in Africa.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 505 km | ~1h 8min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~657 km | ~8h 12min | Feasible with breaks |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~606 km | ~5h 3min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Kampala to Nairobi. For 505 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 657 km, fuel costs for driving from Kampala to Nairobi are approximately $53–$99 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Kampala sits at 0.3476°N, 32.5825°E, while Nairobi is located at 1.2921°S, 36.8219°E. The initial compass bearing from Kampala to Nairobi is 111° (ESE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Kampala heading roughly ESE. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 1.64° and the longitude difference is 4.24°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Kampala and Nairobi is approximately 0.4726°S, 34.7019°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 253 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Kampala and Nairobi share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Kampala is a major city in Uganda with a population of approximately 1,680,600. Located in the Central region, it is an important hub in Africa. Kampala is a significant metropolitan area in Uganda with good domestic and international transport connections.
Nairobi is a notable city in Kenya with a population of approximately 4,734,000. Situated in the Nairobi region, it serves as a key destination in Africa. Nairobi offers solid transport connections and a variety of arrival options as a major city in Kenya.
→ See all distances from Nairobi
505 km is a medium-distance route, similar to traveling across a mid-sized European country. A flight covers this distance quickly, but driving or rail travel remains feasible for those who prefer ground transport. For reference, New York to Chicago is about 1,150 km.
At 505 km, the Kampala-Nairobi route is about 1.3% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 8min.
The straight-line distance from Kampala to Nairobi is approximately 505 kilometers (314 miles, 273 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 8min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 8h 12min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Nairobi is approximately Same timezone compared to Kampala.
The estimated road distance is approximately 657 km, which is about 30% longer than the 505 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.