Direct (nonstop) flights from Johannesburg to Nairobi

2 airlines fly nonstop from Johannesburg International (JNB) to Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO). It's 1,801 miles (2,899 km), about 4h 5m in the air. Operated by Airlink, Kenya Airways.

JNB
Johannesburg International
🇿🇦 Johannesburg, South Africa
NBO
Jomo Kenyatta International
🇰🇪 Nairobi, Kenya
Flight Time
4h 5m
Distance
1,801 mi
2,899 km
CO₂/pax
304 kg
−35 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
Airlink +1
Time Diff
+1h
Operated by Airlink Airlink Kenya Airways Kenya Airways

Route data last updated: May 30, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Airlink 4Z Airlink
Route
JNB → NBO
Flight Time
4h 5m
Distance
1,801 mi
Kenya Airways KQ Kenya Airways
Route
JNB → NBO
Flight Time
4h 5m
Distance
1,801 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Johannesburg to Nairobi with one stop · direct emits 304 kg CO₂ per passenger

JNB HRE (Harare) NBO
Leg 1: 1h 45m (594 mi) Leg 2: 2h 50m (1,207 mi) Total: ~4h 35m 🍃 339 kg CO₂ (+12% vs. direct)
Leg 1
JNB → HRE
1h 45m · 594 mi
View JNB to HRE flights →
Leg 2
HRE → NBO
2h 50m · 1,207 mi
View HRE to NBO flights →
JNB LUN (Lusaka) NBO
Leg 1: 2h (744 mi) Leg 2: 2h 40m (1,123 mi) Total: ~4h 40m 🍃 353 kg CO₂ (+16% vs. direct)
Leg 1
JNB → LUN
2h · 744 mi
View JNB to LUN flights →
Leg 2
LUN → NBO
2h 40m · 1,123 mi
View LUN to NBO flights →
JNB DAR (Dar Es Salaam) NBO
Leg 1: 3h 30m (1,509 mi) Leg 2: 1h 20m (413 mi) Total: ~4h 50m 🍃 356 kg CO₂ (+17% vs. direct)
Leg 1
JNB → DAR
3h 30m · 1,509 mi
View JNB to DAR flights →
Leg 2
DAR → NBO
1h 20m · 413 mi
View DAR to NBO flights →
JNB NLA (Ndola) NBO
Leg 1: 2h 20m (907 mi) Leg 2: 2h 30m (985 mi) Total: ~4h 50m 🍃 360 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
JNB → NLA
2h 20m · 907 mi
View JNB to NLA flights →
Leg 2
NLA → NBO
2h 30m · 985 mi
View NLA to NBO flights →
JNB LLW (Lilongwe) NBO
Leg 1: 2h 20m (923 mi) Leg 2: 2h 30m (883 mi) Total: ~4h 50m 🍃 359 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
JNB → LLW
2h 20m · 923 mi
View JNB to LLW flights →
Leg 2
LLW → NBO
2h 30m · 883 mi
View LLW to NBO flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Johannesburg to Nairobi?

A nonstop flight from Johannesburg (JNB) to Nairobi (NBO) takes approximately 4 hours and 5 minutes. The distance is 1,801 miles (2,899 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Johannesburg to Nairobi?

2 airlines: Airlink, Kenya Airways.

Is there a nonstop flight from Johannesburg to Nairobi?

Yes. 2 airlines: Airlink, Kenya Airways.

How far is Johannesburg from Nairobi?

The flight distance from Johannesburg to Nairobi is 1,801 miles (2,899 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance.

What is the time difference between Johannesburg and Nairobi?

Nairobi is 1 hour ahead of Johannesburg. (Africa/Johannesburg vs Africa/Nairobi.)

What type of aircraft flies from Johannesburg to Nairobi?

At 4h 5m, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from South Africa to Kenya?

Depends on your passport. Check with the Kenya embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Johannesburg to Nairobi?

Roughly 304 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 1,520 km.

Is the return flight from Nairobi to Johannesburg also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Johannesburg to Nairobi?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Johannesburg International for this flight?

3 hours before departure for international flights. You need time for check-in, security, and immigration.