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The flight from New York to Nairobi connects travellers from a fast-paced U.S. lifestyle to Kenya’s lively capital city. The air distance between New York (JFK) and Nairobi (NBO) is about 7,360 miles (11,844 kilometres). Direct flights usually take around 13–14 hours. While one-stop flights from New York to Nairobi can take about 18–21 hours, depending on the layover location and waiting time. Travellers can often find better prices by booking early, staying flexible, and comparing different airlines and dates.
The average flight time from New York to Nairobi is about 13 to 14 hours if you take a direct flight. If your flight has a layover, the travel time can increase to 18 to 21 hours, depending on how long you wait between connecting flights. This long trip takes travellers from the busy city life of New York to Nairobi, a lively capital known for wildlife, culture, safaris, and exciting adventure activities.
Kenya Airways is the only airline that flies direct flights from New York to Nairobi. Other popular airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Lufthansa offer connecting flights through major cities such as Doha, Istanbul, Dubai, Addis Ababa, and Frankfurt. Direct flights take about 13–14 hours, while one-stop flights usually take 17–20 hours. The distance for this trip is around 7,360 miles (11,844 kilometres).
Another useful thing to know is that Nairobi uses one single time zone across all of Kenya, called East Africa Time (EAT – UTC+3). There are no time changes within the country, which makes planning tours and safaris easier. Nairobi is usually 7 hours ahead of New York, so when it’s morning or afternoon in New York, it is already evening in Nairobi. New York uses Daylight Saving Time, so this time difference can change slightly for a short period each year. This does not change the real flight time, but it can make arrival times look different on your ticket. Airlines always show departure and arrival times in the local airport time, so just follow what is written on your boarding pass.
To get the cheapest flight deals, try booking your tickets 3–6 months before your trip. Being flexible with travel dates, flying on weekdays, and choosing early-morning or late-night flights can also help you save money.
How long is the flight to Nairobi from New York?
A direct flight from New York to Nairobi takes about 13–14 hours. Only Kenya Airways flies nonstop on this route. If your flight has a stop, the total time can be 18–21 hours, depending on how long you wait at the layover airport.
How far is Nairobi from New York?
The distance between New York and Nairobi is about 11,844 kilometres or 7,360 miles. This long trip connects the United States to East Africa, where many people travel for safaris, culture, and holidays.
What is the time difference between New York and Nairobi?
Nairobi is usually 7 hours ahead of New York. For example, if it is 12:00 PM in New York, it is 7:00 PM in Nairobi. Kenya uses East Africa Time (EAT – UTC+3) all year and does not change clocks. New York changes time during the summer, so the time difference can change slightly for a short period. Knowing this helps you plan sleep, meetings, and travel plans better after you arrive. This does not change the real flight time, but it can make arrival times look different on your ticket.
Planning beyond this route? Explore more flight times, distances, and travel durations using our tools below. Start with our Flight Time Calculator to estimate journey times worldwide, or browse average travel times from your departure city using the New York Flight Times.