Cheap car hire in Nairobi, Kenya

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Nairobi

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Nairobi car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Nairobi pick-up location

There are 18 car hire locations in Nairobi. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Nairobi

Hiring a car in Nairobi: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyUnicorn rent a car
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Average daily price88 €
Best time to book2 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Nairobi

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Nairobi car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Nairobi

  • Grab a cheap rental car in Nairobi and start your adventure for around 88 € a day. From solo getaways to family escapes, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.

  • Leave high costs in the rearview by reserving your ride in December. With average daily rates of 38 €, it's the cheapest month to rent a car in Nairobi.

  • Here's the secret to booking at the right time. Three weeks in advance gives you the best window to grab a cheap rental car in Nairobi.

  • Leading rental brands such as Green Motion, Auto-Union and Unicorn rent a car are great options for car hire deals in Nairobi.

  • Whether you choose Green Motion or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your Nairobi car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others treat it as an add-on.

  • Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for cheaper deals. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for rent in Nairobi. Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can lock in some awesome one-way prices.

  • Save money on fuel by choosing a car hire in Nairobi that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore further.

  • A city pickup isn't your only rental choice. If you're flying into Nairobi, check out the range of car rentals in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. You'll also find car rentals in Wilson Airport.

Compare car hire types in Nairobi

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Nairobi may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, great on mileage, and just the thing for city driving.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the just-right ride you need in your life. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are good for small families and couples.

  • Large: Long drives fly by in this Nairobi car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra space and comfort make them a top choice for groups of friends and families.

  • SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel ticket to adventure. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and scenic backroads alike.

  • Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Nairobi makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're roomy, reliable, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your Nairobi car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.

  • Travel smarter when you rent a car in Nairobi by adding some handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.

Good to know

  • Age requirements often vary by company and even car type, so know the rules before you book. Some companies in Kenya may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.

  • If the kids are tagging along, check if you should add a child car seat to your Nairobi car hire reservation. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Nairobi

  • Snap up a car hire deal in Nairobi and then get ready to discover the city's best attractions, such as Masai Mara National Reserve and The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Whether you drive or get there another way, you'll want to see these highlights before you chase the next stop.

  • Stay close to the action in Nairobi by staying at Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel or The Concord Hotel & Suites.

  • Around 40 kilometres north-east of central Nairobi, Thika should be on your itinerary. Head straight for can't-miss sights like Fourteen Falls and Monumental Uhuru Gardens.

  • You'll be looked after like a regular at Shuhan Hotel and Paleo Hotel and Spa, two accommodation options in Thika.

  • Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Nairobi and head roughly 80 kilometres north-west to Naivasha. Featuring Lakes NAIVASHA - Crescent Island and Kitaru, its attractions are worth the drive.

  • Take it easy after a day spent exploring Naivasha at Panorama Park Hotel. Or spend your downtime at Berlin Guest House.

  • Ready to go the extra mile? Kisumu is a top road trip destination that's around 274 kilometres north-west of Nairobi. Make a few pit stops at Hippo Point and Kisumu Impala Park Wildlife Sanctuary Office.

  • Find a room at The Homestay Cottage or Sovereign Hotel. Make one of them your base and enjoy everything Kisumu has to offer.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Nairobi will set you back around 88 € per day or 255 € per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Nairobi is a mini estate (sometimes known as a station wagon). The most popular is Economy, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Nairobi are currently Green Motion and U-Save.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Nairobi is currently December.
On average, around 255 €. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Nairobi is 198 €.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Nairobi for a whole month is 1.341 €. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Nairobi, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Nairobi that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Nairobi.
Most places – Nairobi included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is 37 € per day. The average price per day is around 88 €.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Unicorn rent a car, Green Motion and Right Cars offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Auto-Union as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Nairobi.