Are direct flights from San Francisco to Nairobi always the best option?

Direct flights offer convenience by minimizing travel time and avoiding layovers. However, they are not always the most budget-friendly choice. Connecting flights can often be more affordable, especially for long-haul international journeys, though they require more travel time.

Can flexible travel dates help on San Francisco to Nairobi flights?

Yes, being flexible with your travel dates can significantly impact flight prices. Flying on weekdays or during off-peak seasons often results in lower fares compared to weekends or popular holiday periods. Adjusting your departure or return by even a few days may reveal cheaper options.

What extra costs should I check before booking San Francisco to Nairobi flights?

Before booking, always check for potential extra costs such as baggage fees, seat selection charges, and in-flight meal costs. Be aware of any fees for changes or cancellations, as these can add up. Some airlines may also charge for carry-on bags.

Flights From San Francisco

To Nairobi

Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Nairobi

Browse current best options from San Francisco. Become a member to unlock all deals and get alerts when new deals appear.

Deals from

San Francisco

RatePunk searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Nairobi

Prices updated 6 days ago

402 airlines compared

80%+ AI score for best value

Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated Jul 12, 2026.)

Today’s best flight deals from San Francisco to Nairobi

Explore current cheapest deals departing from San Francisco to Nairobi

Round trip

Sort by: Cheapest

January 21 - January 30

Cheapest

Best

SFO - Nairobi

$1,313

$949

Round trip

October 27 - November 8

SFO - Nairobi

$1,249

$971

Round trip

October 27 - November 7

SFO - Nairobi

$1,249

$971

Round trip

November 3 - November 10

SFO - Nairobi

$1,136

$1,009

Round trip

September 15 - September 22

Earliest

SFO - Nairobi

$1,110

$1,011

Round trip

October 7 - October 15

SFO - Nairobi

$1,194

$1,018

Round trip

November 3 - November 9

SFO - Nairobi

$1,137

$1,021

Round trip

September 23 - September 30

SFO - Nairobi

$1,110

$1,025

Round trip

October 6 - October 9

SFO - Nairobi

$1,238

$1,030

Round trip

October 18 - October 30

SFO - Nairobi

$1,210

$1,038

Round trip

Unlock all 500+ flight deals to Nairobi and get alerts when great deals appear

San Francisco to Nairobi: Overview

Insights for flights from San Francisco to Nairobi

For cheap flights from San Francisco to Nairobi, December stands out as the most affordable month, with a median fare of just $897. Other cost-effective options include March, where the median fare is $1348, and August, with a median of $1611. Planning your trip during these months could lead to significant savings.

Fares for this route typically range from $1947 to $3273, with a median price of $2796. Right now, current fares are significantly below the typical level, indicating a potentially good time to book. Only 2% of recent fares have been classified as a good price, suggesting that deals are relatively rare for this route.

When flying from San Francisco to Nairobi, most itineraries connect at least once. Recent data shows that 0% of flights on this route are non-stop, meaning you should expect connecting flights. The typical number of connections for these itineraries is 2, so factor in layover times when planning your journey.

A typical journey from San Francisco to Nairobi takes approximately 60h 52m, including connections. This is a long-haul route, and the journey time reflects the need for multiple stops given the lack of direct flights. New deals for this route show up several times a week, so keeping an eye on price alerts can be beneficial.

The distance between San Francisco and Nairobi is approximately 15458 kilometers. This classifies the route as a long-haul journey, which typically involves extended flight times and often multiple connections.

How much is a round trip from San Francisco to Nairobi

Regular price: $1,071 - $1,377

Prices are currently below the regular range.

The regular price range for flights from San Francisco to Nairobi is between $1071 and $1377. The current lowest deal is $926 with Turkish Airlines for travel from Oct 12-Oct 26.

now $926

Low $1,071

High $1,377

The cheapest time to fly from San Francisco to Nairobi

The cheapest month to fly from SFO to NBO is December, with a median price of $897. The most expensive month is June, with a median price of $3219. Prices are generally lower from March to December.

December

Cheapest

Flights from $897

June

Most Expensive

Flights from $3,219

Jan

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from San Francisco to Nairobi

Emirates Airlines

Turkish Airlines

Deutsche Luft Hansa

KLM

Last-minute flights going from San Francisco to Nairobi

Sun, Jul 12

⌛ Last-Minute

SFO - Nairobi

San Francisco (SFO) - Nairobi (NBO)

$1,309

$1,119

One-way

Sun, Jul 12

⌛ Last-Minute

SFO - Nairobi

San Francisco (SFO) - Nairobi (NBO)

$1,310

$1,119

One-way

Mon, Jul 13

⌛ Last-Minute

SFO - Nairobi

San Francisco (SFO) - Nairobi (NBO)

$1,309

$1,103

One-way

Mon, Jul 13

⌛ Last-Minute

SFO - Nairobi

San Francisco (SFO) - Nairobi (NBO)

$1,371

$1,107

One-way

Mon, Jul 13

⌛ Last-Minute

SFO - Nairobi

San Francisco (SFO) - Nairobi (NBO)

$1,310

$1,114

One-way

Tue, Jul 14

⌛ Last-Minute

SFO - Nairobi

San Francisco (SFO) - Nairobi (NBO)

KLM

$1,307

$1,106

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from San Francisco to Nairobi

5 nights

Dec 2 - Dec 7

$1,469 → $1,069

27%

3 nights

Jul 9 - Jul 12

$1,446 → $1,099

24%

18 nights

Dec 8 - Dec 26

$1,463 → $1,162

21%

19 nights

Dec 7 - Dec 26

$1,462 → $1,162

21%

Popular Airports to fly from San Francisco to Nairobi

San Francisco - Nairobi route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are below the typical level

Recent fares from San Francisco to Nairobi are below the typical level at $926.

📅 Best time to fly

December is historically cheapest at $897

Historically, December is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Nairobi, with a median price of $897.

⏱️ Flight duration

Median flight time is 60h 52m

The median flight time for connecting flights from San Francisco to Nairobi is 60h 52m.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Connecting flights are dominant

There are no direct flights; connecting flights are dominant with a median of 2 stopovers.

🏆 Airline highlight

Turkish Airlines has a recent deal for $926

Turkish Airlines recently offered a flight from San Francisco to Nairobi for $926.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals appear regularly for this route

Deals for flights from San Francisco to Nairobi appear regularly, offering opportunities for savings.

San Francisco main airports to depart from

San Francisco International (SFO)

Cheapest

San Francisco International is a good choice for flights from San Francisco to Nairobi.

📍 ~20 km from city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$1005

Nairobi main airports to arrive at

Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO)

Cheapest

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is a primary arrival option for flights from San Francisco to Nairobi.

📍 ~10 km from Nairobi (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$1007

Wilson (WIL)

Wilson Airport offers an alternative arrival point for travelers flying from San Francisco to Nairobi.

📍 ~5 km from Nairobi (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$2926

Airports nearby Nairobi used as alternative

Kilimanjaro International (JRO)

Cheapest

Kilimanjaro International is a major international airport and the most reliable alternative for international travelers.

📍 ~200 km from Nairobi (requires an international border crossing and 4-5 hours by road).

💸 Flights from ~$1,100

Arusha (ARK)

Arusha Airport is a significant regional hub for Northern Tanzania with frequent connections to other East African cities.

📍 ~230 km from Nairobi (cross-border travel required).

💸 Flights from ~$1,423

Nanyuki (NYK)

Nanyuki Airport is located within Kenya, avoiding border crossing formalities, and serves the Mount Kenya region.

📍 ~150 km from Nairobi (reachable by car).

💸 Flights from ~$2,854

Amboseli (ASV)

Amboseli Airport is relatively close to the Kenyan-Tanzanian border and Nairobi, with regular scheduled bush flights.

📍 ~180 km from Nairobi (reachable by car).

💸 Flights from ~$2,542

Mara Serena (MRE)

Mara Serena Airport is useful for travelers already positioned in the western safari circuits of Maasai Mara.

📍 ~230 km from Nairobi (reachable by car).

💸 Flights from ~$2,470

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Nairobi

Discover luxury on the budget with premium cabin class on flights from San Francisco to Nairobi.

Elite

Best Elite deals to Nairobi

Exclusive daily First Class, Business Class, and Premium Economy flight deals, refreshed every 24 hours.

From SFO

Elite

Jun 24

Nairobi, Kenya

91% AI deal score

$7,001

$5,091

Save $1,910

From SFO

Elite

Jul 04

Nairobi, Kenya

91% AI deal score

$2,622

$2,044

Save $578

From SFO

Elite

Jun 29

Nairobi, Kenya

91% AI deal score

$2,657

$2,050

Save $607

From SFO

Elite

Jun 29

Nairobi, Kenya

91% AI deal score

$2,765

$2,052

Save $713

From SFO

Elite

Jul 22

Nairobi, Kenya

91% AI deal score

$2,655

$2,052

Save $603

From SFO

Elite

Jun 24

Nairobi, Kenya

91% AI deal score

$2,591

$2,052

Save $539

From SFO

Elite

Jun 21

Nairobi, Kenya

91% AI deal score

$2,623

$2,061

Save $562

From SFO

Elite

Jun 22

Nairobi, Kenya

91% AI deal score

$2,616

$2,086

Save $530

From SFO

Elite

Sep 08

Nairobi, Kenya

90% AI deal score

$2,533

$2,052

Save $481

From SFO

Elite

Jun 22

Nairobi, Kenya

90% AI deal score

$2,582

$2,063

Save $519

From SFO

Elite

Oct 15

Nairobi, Kenya

89% AI deal score

$7,191

$4,852

Save $2,339

From SFO

Elite

Oct 12

Nairobi, Kenya

89% AI deal score

$7,352

$4,946

Save $2,406

From SFO

Elite

Sep 15

Nairobi, Kenya

88% AI deal score

$6,584

$4,852

Save $1,732

From SFO

Elite

Aug 10

Nairobi, Kenya

86% AI deal score

$6,003

$4,945

Save $1,058

From SFO

Elite

Jul 04

Nairobi, Kenya

85% AI deal score

$6,494

$5,129

Save $1,365

From SFO

Elite

Jul 05

Nairobi, Kenya

85% AI deal score

$6,491

$5,129

Save $1,362

From SFO

Elite

Jul 04

Nairobi, Kenya

80% AI deal score

$6,469

$5,129

Save $1,340

From SFO

Elite

Jul 05

Nairobi, Kenya

80% AI deal score

$6,460

$5,129

Save $1,331

From SFO

Elite

Jul 06

Nairobi, Kenya

80% AI deal score

$6,439

$5,129

Save $1,310

From SFO

Elite

Jul 06

Nairobi, Kenya

80% AI deal score

$6,439

$5,129

Save $1,310

From SFO

Elite

Jul 07

Nairobi, Kenya

80% AI deal score

$6,443

$5,129

Save $1,314

From SFO

Elite

Jul 07

Nairobi, Kenya

80% AI deal score

$6,443

$5,129

Save $1,314

From SFO

Elite

Jul 08

Nairobi, Kenya

80% AI deal score

$6,426

$5,134

Save $1,292

From SFO

Elite

Jul 08

Nairobi, Kenya

80% AI deal score

$6,426

$5,134

Save $1,292

From SFO

Elite

Jul 09

Nairobi, Kenya

80% AI deal score

$6,483

$5,134

Save $1,349

From SFO

Elite

Jul 09

Nairobi, Kenya

80% AI deal score

$6,449

$5,134

Save $1,315

From SFO

Elite

Sep 15

Nairobi, Kenya

80% AI deal score

$6,583

$5,442

Save $1,141

From SFO

Elite

Sep 16

Nairobi, Kenya

80% AI deal score

$6,575

$5,442

Save $1,133

From SFO

Elite

Sep 17

Nairobi, Kenya

80% AI deal score

$6,564

$5,442

Save $1,122

From SFO

Elite

Aug 11

Nairobi, Kenya

80% AI deal score

$6,055

$5,885

Save $170

From SFO

Elite

Jul 03

Nairobi, Kenya

79% AI deal score

$6,490

$6,264

Save $226

From SFO

Elite

Jul 13

Nairobi, Kenya

79% AI deal score

$6,572

$6,462

Save $110

From SFO

Elite

Jun 22

Nairobi, Kenya

79% AI deal score

$7,216

$7,047

Save $169

From SFO

Elite

Jul 06

Nairobi, Kenya

78% AI deal score

$6,439

$5,535

Save $904

From SFO

Elite

Jul 21

Nairobi, Kenya

78% AI deal score

$6,472

From SFO

Elite

Jun 22

Nairobi, Kenya

78% AI deal score

$7,025

$6,868

Save $157

From SFO

Elite

Dec 06

Nairobi, Kenya

78% AI deal score

$7,157

$6,975

Save $182

From SFO

Elite

Jun 17

Nairobi, Kenya

78% AI deal score

$2,587

$2,536

Save $51

From SFO

Elite

Jul 06

Nairobi, Kenya

77% AI deal score

$6,439

$5,675

Save $764

From SFO

Elite

Jul 06

Nairobi, Kenya

77% AI deal score

$6,439

$5,675

Save $764

From SFO

Elite

Sep 17

Nairobi, Kenya

77% AI deal score

$6,575

$6,032

Save $543

From SFO

Elite

Jul 01

Nairobi, Kenya

76% AI deal score

$2,941

From SFO

Elite

Jul 01

Nairobi, Kenya

76% AI deal score

$2,960

From SFO

Elite

Jul 02

Nairobi, Kenya

76% AI deal score

$2,975

From SFO

Elite

Jul 22

Nairobi, Kenya

76% AI deal score

$2,982

From SFO

Elite

Jul 21

Nairobi, Kenya

76% AI deal score

$2,985

From SFO

Elite

Aug 15

Nairobi, Kenya

76% AI deal score

$3,008

From SFO

Elite

Aug 31

Nairobi, Kenya

76% AI deal score

$3,019

From SFO

Elite

Jun 23

Nairobi, Kenya

76% AI deal score

$3,028

From SFO

Elite

Jul 04

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$6,469

$6,172

Save $297

From SFO

Elite

Jul 05

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$6,460

$6,172

Save $288

From SFO

Elite

Jul 07

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$6,443

$6,172

Save $271

From SFO

Elite

Jul 08

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$6,426

$6,172

Save $254

From SFO

Elite

Jul 09

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$6,449

$6,172

Save $277

From SFO

Elite

Sep 16

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$6,584

$6,310

Save $274

From SFO

Elite

Nov 12

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$3,560

From SFO

Elite

Nov 12

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$3,560

From SFO

Elite

Nov 12

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$3,560

From SFO

Elite

Aug 24

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$3,622

From SFO

Elite

Jun 25

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$3,635

From SFO

Elite

Aug 23

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$3,637

From SFO

Elite

Aug 24

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$3,704

From SFO

Elite

Aug 23

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$3,719

From SFO

Elite

Oct 27

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$3,778

From SFO

Elite

Oct 27

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$3,801

From SFO

Elite

Oct 27

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$3,801

From SFO

Elite

Oct 27

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$3,801

From SFO

Elite

Oct 27

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$3,801

From SFO

Elite

Oct 26

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$3,835

From SFO

Elite

Oct 26

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$3,858

From SFO

Elite

Oct 26

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$3,858

From SFO

Elite

Oct 26

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$3,858

From SFO

Elite

Oct 26

Nairobi, Kenya

75% AI deal score

$3,858

From SFO

Elite

Jul 04

Nairobi, Kenya

74% AI deal score

$6,501

$6,312

Save $189

From SFO

Elite

Jul 05

Nairobi, Kenya

74% AI deal score

$6,460

$6,312

Save $148

From SFO

Elite

Jul 07

Nairobi, Kenya

74% AI deal score

$6,443

$6,312

Save $131

From SFO

Elite

Jul 08

Nairobi, Kenya

74% AI deal score

$6,426

$6,312

Save $114

From SFO

Elite

Jul 09

Nairobi, Kenya

74% AI deal score

$6,449

$6,312

Save $137

From SFO

Elite

Jul 16

Nairobi, Kenya

74% AI deal score

$3,605

From SFO

Elite

Jul 14

Nairobi, Kenya

74% AI deal score

$3,621

From SFO

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Jun 24

Nairobi, Kenya

74% AI deal score

$3,650

From SFO

Elite

Jul 14

Nairobi, Kenya

74% AI deal score

$3,894

From SFO

Elite

Jul 12

Nairobi, Kenya

74% AI deal score

$3,908

From SFO

Elite

Jul 13

Nairobi, Kenya

73% AI deal score

$7,081

From SFO

Elite

Jul 06

Nairobi, Kenya

73% AI deal score

$7,114

From SFO

Elite

Jul 13

Nairobi, Kenya

73% AI deal score

$7,279

From SFO

Elite

Aug 01

Nairobi, Kenya

73% AI deal score

$7,555

From SFO

Elite

Jul 04

Nairobi, Kenya

73% AI deal score

$3,927

From SFO

Elite

Oct 19

Nairobi, Kenya

73% AI deal score

$5,294

From SFO

Elite

Sep 22

Nairobi, Kenya

73% AI deal score

$5,409

From SFO

Elite

Jul 07

Nairobi, Kenya

72% AI deal score

$7,323

From SFO

Elite

Aug 29

Nairobi, Kenya

72% AI deal score

$7,574

From SFO

Elite

Oct 17

Nairobi, Kenya

72% AI deal score

$7,841

From SFO

Elite

Jul 12

Nairobi, Kenya

72% AI deal score

$7,922

From SFO

Elite

Aug 25

Nairobi, Kenya

72% AI deal score

$8,210

From SFO

Elite

Jun 18

Nairobi, Kenya

72% AI deal score

$8,994

From SFO

Elite

Jun 18

Nairobi, Kenya

72% AI deal score

$8,997

From SFO

Elite

Nov 22

Nairobi, Kenya

72% AI deal score

$5,351

From SFO

Elite

Aug 02

Nairobi, Kenya

72% AI deal score

$5,409

From SFO

Elite

Jul 08

Nairobi, Kenya

71% AI deal score

$7,152

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Nairobi

To find more affordable flights, consider being flexible with your travel dates and times. Comparing prices across different airlines and booking sites can often reveal better deals. Setting up price alerts may also notify you when fares drop.

Booking in advance often provides more options and potentially lower prices, especially for international routes. However, last-minute deals can sometimes appear, so it's wise to monitor fare trends. There isn't a single 'best' time, as prices can fluctuate.

Comparing nearby airports can sometimes lead to more affordable flight options or different airline choices. While it may add to ground travel time, the potential savings could be significant. Always factor in the cost and convenience of transportation to and from alternative airports.

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