The compact city centre is bounded by Uhuru Hwy, Haile Selassie Ave, Tom Mboya St and University Way. The main bus and train stations are within a few minutes walk of this area. The main budget accommodation area is centred on Latema Rd, just east of Tom Mboya St, and near River Rd - take care in this area. The National Museum is to the north of the central area, while Westlands is further north. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is 15km (9mi) southeast of the centre; Wilson Airport is 6km (4mi) south of the centre.

The Metro Shuttle airport bus runs every half hour between the international airport and city centre hotels. Better - and reasonably-priced if you're good at bargaining - is a taxi. Once in the city, buses are a cheap way of getting around, but they can be very crowded during peak hour and are a pickpocket's paradise. Matatus (minibuses) are much the same, although they tend to be more frequent and their drivers often crazier. Taxis are unmetered and expensive, but vital for night travel for safety reasons and often well worth the extra money during the daytime as well. The main part of town is easily traversed on foot.