How to Get to Diani Beach?
So you’ve seen the pictures of white sand, turquoise sea, and palm trees doing their best impression of a travel ad, and now you’re wondering how to get to Diani Beach. Same. That was me Googling like mad (or rather my husband to honest 😀) before our trip, because Diani is stunning, but getting there isn’t always straightforward. Good news: it’s actually easier than you think, if you know the best routes.
Here’s everything I learned (and lived through) getting to Diani Beach in 2025.
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Flying to Diani Beach
Let’s get straight to the point: the easiest way to get to Diani Beach is to fly. No long drives, no sweaty transfers, no chaotic ferry crossings. We booked a quick domestic flight and landed directly at Ukunda Airport, which is Diani’s small local airport, and I mean small. There are no jet bridges, no endless terminals. You land, walk out, and you’re 10–15 minutes away from the beach. In the end it all felt more like a bus ride than a flight.
We flew with Skyward Express and Jambojet, both solid options, although the planes are tiny propeller ones. If you’re used to big commercial jets, be warned: every vibration, every shift in wind… you feel it. Not the most relaxing flight of my life, but totally worth it once you touch down. It was all perfectly safe and these are reputable companies, but just a heads up if you are not used to propeller planes.
If you’re flying to Diani Beach, try to get a seat on the right-hand side of the plane – you’ll likely catch an incredible view of Mount Kilimanjaro!
How to Get to Diani Beach from Nairobi
The most common route people take is from Nairobi to Diani Beach, and trust me, flying is your best bet here.
There are two airports in Nairobi:
- Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) — huge, international, and chaotic.
- Wilson Airport (WIL) — small, domestic, and honestly, a dream by comparison.
If you can, fly out of Wilson Airport. It’s the kind of place where check-in takes five minutes and you’re wondering if you accidentally walked into a bus terminal instead of an airport.. No crowds, no stress. Most domestic airlines like Skyward Express, Safarilink, and Jambojet fly out of there.
My advice? Take a taxi to Wilson Airport. You’ll arrive at the main building where check-in happens. There’s coffee, snacks, and a few places to sit. After a while, they’ll call your flight and put you on a small bus or van that takes you to another building for the security check and boarding. It’s all very chill, but just a bit unconventional if you’re used to big airports.
The flight to Ukunda takes about 1 hour. You land basically in paradise, and your hotel will likely be just a short tuk-tuk or car ride away.
Why I don’t recommend flying from Jomo Kenyatta International for this? It’s a massive, hectic airport built for international traffic, and doing a short domestic flight from there just feels like overkill. The lines are longer, the process is slower, and honestly, it adds unnecessary stress to what should be a quick and easy trip. Wilson Airport is way more relaxed and made for exactly this kind of travel.
What about the train from Nairobi to Diani Beach?
There is an option to take the SGR train from Nairobi to Mombasa, and then continue to Diani by car or van. While the train is scenic and fun, it’s also longer, involves a transfer across the Likoni Ferry, and by the time you add everything up (including potential delays), it might end up costing you more time and energy than flying.
How to Get to Diani Beach from Mombasa
If you’re already in Mombasa, Diani is just across the channel, but don’t be fooled by the distance. The Likoni Ferry is the main crossing point, and it can be a bottleneck.
You’ve got two main options:
- Taxi or private transfer from Mombasa to Diani Beach
- Expect a 1.5–2 hour journey, depending on ferry traffic.
- Price-wise: around $30–50 depending on your bargaining skills and level of comfort.
- Expect a 1.5–2 hour journey, depending on ferry traffic.
- Shared shuttle or matatu (local van)
- Super affordable but not for the faint-hearted. These are cramped, chaotic, and often stop frequently.
- Do it if you’re adventurous and traveling light.
- Super affordable but not for the faint-hearted. These are cramped, chaotic, and often stop frequently.
If you are wondering what are the best things to do Diani Beach, you can find out here.
How to Get to Diani Beach from Mombasa Airport
If you’re flying into Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa, you’re technically not far from Diani, but again, the Likoni Ferry is the big variable.
Here’s the simplest way to do it:
- Grab a taxi or pre-booked transfer from the airport directly to your hotel in Diani. Many accommodations can arrange this for you in advance.
- The drive + ferry combo takes about 2 hours if everything goes smoothly.
Try to avoid rush hour, locals will tell you ferry delays are practically a rite of passage.
If you want to book a private transfer from Mombasa Airport to Diani Beach, you can book below a tested and reputable service:
Best Time to Visit Diani Beach
Let’s talk timing, because not all months are created equal on the Kenyan coast.
We went in September, and it was absolutely perfect. Warm days, clear skies, and way fewer tourists than in peak season. If you’re looking for that dreamy mix of sunshine and space to breathe, September really delivers.
Generally speaking, the best time to visit Diani Beach is:
- January to March: hot, dry, and full-on beach mode.
- July to October: slightly cooler but still sunny and dry. Great if you’re pairing Diani with a safari (hello Great Migration!).
Try to avoid April and May. It’s the rainy season, and while it won’t rain non-stop, it can mess with your beach plans (and your mood).
Final Thoughts: Getting There Is Worth It
Sure, Diani isn’t the most straightforward place to reach, no slick international airport just around the corner, and getting there can involve a few moving parts. But that’s also what keeps it from turning into another overbuilt beach resort.
Once you’re actually there, toes in the sand, staring at that turquoise water, you’ll get it. It’s worth the extra step.
FAQ: Getting to Diani Beach
Can you fly directly to Diani Beach?
Not internationally. The closest airport is Ukunda (UKA), which handles domestic flights from Nairobi and Mombasa. It’s just 10–15 minutes from most beach hotels.
Is the ferry from Mombasa to Diani safe?
Yes, the Likoni Ferry is widely used by both locals and tourists. It’s chaotic at times but generally safe. Just avoid peak hours to save your nerves.
What’s the easiest way to get to Diani from Nairobi?
Flying from Wilson Airport to Ukunda is by far the easiest and fastest option. The flight takes about 1 hour, and you're on the beach in no time.