Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is the largest airport in Kenya. JKIA is the principal aviation hub for Nairobi and the busiest airport in East Africa. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) welcomes over 7 million passengers annually from destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
The airport has undergone significant upgrades, including the implementation of an automated parking management system designed to streamline vehicle entry, payment, and exit.
Business travelers from London, Dubai, Mumbai, and Amsterdam, alongside leisure tourists from Germany, France, and the United States, rely on JKIA's comprehensive parking facilities for seamless airport access.
The airport's strategic location 15 kilometers from Nairobi's central business district makes it the primary gateway for international visitors conducting business in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Corporate executives flying with Kenya Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines frequently utilize long-term parking for extended business trips, while diplomatic personnel and NGO workers based in Nairobi depend on secure parking for their official vehicles.
Local Kenyan families traveling for holidays to Dubai, London, or visiting relatives in diaspora communities across North America and Europe constitute a significant portion of JKIA's parking clientele.
The airport's parking infrastructure accommodates everything from compact saloon cars to large family SUVs and diplomatic convoy vehicles, with specialized rates for different vehicle categories and parking durations.
JKIA airport parking operates without advance online reservation capabilities, functioning on a first-come, first-served basis across all parking zones.
Kenya Airports Parking Services (KAPS) manages daily operations but does not provide pre-booking services through digital platforms or telephone reservations.
Private parking facilities near JKIA offer advance booking services with shuttle transportation to airport terminals.
Companies like Nairobi Airport Parking and Skypark Kenya provide online reservation systems for travelers requiring guaranteed parking availability during peak seasons like December holidays, Easter breaks, and major conference periods.
For diplomatic missions and corporate fleet managers requiring assured parking access, direct coordination with KAPS management through Kenya Airports Authority provides priority parking arrangements for official vehicles and VIP delegations.
JKIA implements a comprehensive tiered pricing structure based on vehicle classification and parking duration, with rates updated regularly to reflect operational costs and demand management strategies.
Duration |
Saloons, Mini-Vans & Pick-ups |
Trucks & Buses |
0-30 minutes |
Ksh 100 |
Ksh 150 |
30 minutes - 1 hour |
Ksh 150 |
Ksh 200 |
1 hour - 2 hours |
Ksh 200 |
Ksh 300 |
2 hours - 4 hours |
Ksh 300 |
Ksh 400 |
4 hours - 8 hours |
Ksh 400 |
Ksh 500 |
8 hours - 12 hours |
Ksh 500 |
Ksh 750 |
12 hours - 24 hours |
Ksh 750 |
Ksh 1,000 |
Above 24 hours (daily rate) |
Ksh 1,000 |
Ksh 1,250 |
International travelers departing for extended trips to Europe, North America, or Asia benefit from the daily rate structure.
A 10-day business trip to London costs Ksh 10,000 for saloon car parking, while a three-week family vacation to Germany totals Ksh 21,000. Corporate executives frequently traveling between Nairobi and regional offices in Dubai, Mumbai, or Lagos find these rates competitive compared to taxi services for extended trips.
During high-demand periods including December holidays, Easter travel, and major international conferences hosted in Nairobi, parking availability becomes limited. Business travelers attending events like the UN Environment Assembly or World Bank conferences should arrive with extra time for parking space location.
JKIA operates a fully digital payment system, eliminating cash transactions across all parking facilities. Kenya Airports Parking Services (KAPS) processes payments through multiple electronic channels designed to accommodate both local and international travelers' payment preferences.
Terminal 1A departures parking features automated payment kiosks near the main garage elevator access points. Terminal 1B arrivals parking maintains staffed payment counters adjacent to the arrivals hall exit. Long-term parking areas provide both automated and staffed payment options to handle varying customer volumes throughout different travel seasons.
International travelers unfamiliar with Kenyan payment systems receive assistance from KAPS staff members fluent in English, French, and German to accommodate diverse passenger nationalities. Payment stations accept major international currencies through card transactions, though rates apply Kenyan Shilling calculations.
Major Kenyan banks including Equity Bank, KCB, and Cooperative Bank provide JKIA parking payment services through their mobile applications.
International travelers can access these services by:
PayPal, Skrill, and other international digital wallets process JKIA parking payments for overseas visitors.
These platforms convert international currencies to Kenyan Shillings automatically, displaying total costs in travelers' home currencies for transparency.
Kenya Airports Parking Services accepts comprehensive electronic payment options designed to accommodate the diverse international passenger base utilizing JKIA facilities.
Credit and Debit Card Payments:
Mobile Money Platforms:
Bank Transfer Options:
International Payment Solutions:
Cash payments are strictly prohibited across all JKIA parking facilities following the complete digitization of payment systems in 2024.
The Kenya Airports Authority maintains official parking information through www.kaa.go.ke, though the website is currently undergoing reconstruction to improve digital service delivery. During this transition period, parking information and customer service requests are handled through alternative official channels.
KAPS operates as the designated parking management contractor for KAA, handling daily operations, rate collection, and customer service for all JKIA parking facilities. While KAPS does not maintain an independent website, all parking policies and procedures align with official KAA regulations and guidelines.
Third-Party Information Sources: Various travel websites and airport information platforms provide JKIA parking details, but these sources operate independently from official KAA systems. Travelers should verify current rates and policies through official KAA communication channels to ensure accuracy.
Social Media Updates: Kenya Airports Authority provides parking updates and service announcements through official Twitter (@KenyaAirports) and Facebook accounts, particularly during system changes, rate adjustments, or service disruptions.
Terminal 1B international arrivals parking serves passengers collecting family members, business associates, and guests from incoming international flights. This facility maintains strategic positioning adjacent to the arrivals hall, customs clearance areas, and baggage claim zones.
Free Dropping Period: JKIA provides a complimentary 3-minute grace period for vehicle movement through the arrivals dropping zone.
This brief window accommodates quick passenger pickup without incurring parking charges. Exceeding this timeframe automatically triggers the standard parking rate structure.
Arrivals Parking Rate Structure: Vehicles remaining beyond the 3-minute grace period incur standard short-term parking charges starting at Ksh 100 for saloon cars (0-30 minutes) and Ksh 150 for trucks and buses.
Extended stays follow the tiered pricing model outlined in the comprehensive rate structure.
Peak Hour Considerations: Major international flight arrivals from Dubai (Emirates EK722, EK720), London (Kenya Airways KQ100, British Airways BA065), and Amsterdam (KLM KL566) create substantial parking demand. These flights typically arrive during morning and evening peak periods, requiring additional time for parking space location.
Diplomatic and VIP Arrivals: Special parking zones within Terminal 1B accommodate diplomatic vehicles, government officials, and VIP passengers.
These areas maintain enhanced security protocols and direct access to customs expediting services for official delegations and high-profile visitors.
Long-term Arrivals Parking: Extended parking in arrivals areas serves situations where incoming passengers require assistance, medical attention, or extensive customs processing.
The daily rate structure (Ksh 1,000 for saloons) applies to extended stays exceeding 24 hours.
Terminal 1A international departures parking accommodates passengers beginning international journeys, providing convenient access to check-in counters, security screening, and departure gates for major airlines including Kenya Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and European carriers.
Short-term Departures Parking: Quick passenger drop-off zones adjacent to Terminal 1A allow brief stops for luggage unloading and passenger departure preparation. These areas maintain 30-minute maximum stays with rates of Ksh 100 for saloon cars and Ksh 150 for larger vehicles.
Long-term International Travel Parking: The main parking garage serves passengers departing for extended international trips, business assignments, and family visits overseas.
Corporate executives traveling to regional offices in Dubai, Mumbai, or European destinations utilize these facilities for trips ranging from several days to multiple weeks.
Business Traveler Services: Priority parking zones within the main garage accommodate frequent business travelers, diplomatic personnel, and VIP passengers requiring expedited departure processing. These areas maintain proximity to premium check-in counters and business class lounges.
Family Travel Accommodation: Large family vehicles, SUVs, and multi-passenger cars receive adequate parking space allocation within designated areas of the departures parking facility. These zones accommodate families traveling together to destinations across Europe, North America, and other international locations.
Security and Monitoring: Departures parking areas maintain 24-hour security surveillance, regular patrol services, and access control systems to protect vehicles during extended international travel periods. Security measures include CCTV monitoring, perimeter lighting, and coordinated response protocols.
JKIA Airport Parking Map and Terminal Layout
JKIA's parking infrastructure encompasses multiple zones strategically distributed around the airport's terminal complex, cargo areas, and service facilities to optimize traffic flow and accessibility for different passenger categories.
Main Parking Garage (Terminal 1A Proximity): The multi-level covered parking structure accommodates approximately 2,000 vehicles across multiple floors. Level 1 serves short-term parking for departing passengers, while upper levels provide long-term parking for extended international travel. Direct pedestrian access connects to Terminal 1A departures through covered walkways.
Terminal 1B Arrivals Parking Zone: Located adjacent to the international arrivals hall, this open-air parking area maintains capacity for approximately 800 vehicles. The zone includes designated areas for diplomatic vehicles, taxi staging, and private car parking with direct pedestrian access to baggage claim and customs areas.
Long-term Parking Areas: Extended parking zones positioned beyond the main terminal complex offer cost-effective parking for travelers departing on lengthy international trips. These areas maintain shuttle service connections to terminal buildings during peak travel periods and provide adequate lighting and security coverage.
Terminal 1C Domestic Parking: Separate parking facilities serve domestic travelers using airlines like Jambojet, Fly540, and other regional carriers operating within Kenya and East Africa. These areas maintain lower parking rates and shorter-term parking options suitable for domestic travel patterns.
Cargo Area Parking (Terminal 2): Specialized parking zones accommodate commercial vehicles, freight trucks, and cargo operation vehicles serving JKIA's substantial cargo business. These areas operate under different rate structures and access protocols designed for commercial transportation requirements.
Traffic Flow and Navigation: Clear directional signage guides drivers to appropriate parking zones based on their departure terminals, arrival pickup needs, and vehicle classifications. Electronic display boards provide real-time parking availability information during high-demand periods, particularly during holiday seasons and major international conferences.
Kenya
Nairobi
Available
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