Know What You'll Pay
Before You Board
Matatu fares in Nairobi vary by route, time of day, and sacco. Matatu Pulse gives you accurate fare estimates for every tracked route so you're never caught short.
Nairobi Matatu Fares by Route
Estimates based on current sacco rates. Peak-hour fares apply during morning (6:30–9am) and evening (4:30–7:30pm) rush periods.
| Route | Standard Fare | Peak Fare | Approx. Journey | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBD → Westlands | KES 50 | KES 70 | 20–35 min | Live |
| CBD → Kangemi (Rt. 46) | KES 60 | KES 100 | 35–65 min | Live |
| CBD → Kasarani | KES 80 | KES 120 | 40–70 min | Live |
| CBD → Rongai | KES 100 | KES 150 | 50–90 min | Live |
| CBD → Eastlands | KES 50 | KES 70 | 25–45 min | Live |
| CBD → Ngong | KES 100 | KES 160 | 55–100 min | Live |
| CBD → Karen | KES 80 | KES 120 | 40–70 min | Live |
| CBD → Githurai | KES 70 | KES 110 | 45–80 min | Live |
| CBD → South B / C | KES 50 | KES 70 | 20–40 min | Live |
| CBD → Ruaka | KES 80 | KES 130 | 45–80 min | Live |
Note: Fares listed are estimates based on reported sacco rates and rider-submitted data. Actual fares may vary by specific vehicle, conductor, or current petrol prices. Matatu Pulse updates fare data regularly but does not set or guarantee fares. Always confirm with the conductor before boarding.
Why Fares Change — and When
Matatu fares in Nairobi aren't fixed by the government. Here's what actually determines what you pay.
Each sacco sets its own standard fare for a given route, typically based on fuel costs, route distance, and competition from other saccos or alternative routes.
During morning and evening rush hours, most saccos charge a higher fare — typically 30–60% above the standard rate — reflecting higher demand and slower turnaround times.
When pump prices rise significantly, saccos adjust fares upward — sometimes overnight. Matatu Pulse updates estimates as these changes are reported by our partner saccos and rider community.
The same destination can cost different amounts depending on your boarding stage. Boarding at a terminus is usually cheaper than boarding mid-route on a partially-filled vehicle.
On routes served by multiple saccos, competition can keep fares lower than on monopoly routes. Our data shows up to 30% fare variation between competing routes to the same destination.
When saccos in our partner network change their rates, we update the estimates in-app within 24 hours. Riders can also flag incorrect fares directly in the app.
How to Pay Less and Wait Less
Timing Is Everything
The single biggest lever a Nairobi commuter has over their daily transport cost is when they travel. Peak-hour surcharges on most routes add KES 30–60 per trip — that's KES 1,200–2,400 per month for a daily commuter, purely from timing.
Matatu Pulse shows you live ETAs so you can optimise departure time — leaving earlier on a clear route costs you nothing extra and saves you both time and money.
Board at the terminus rather than mid-route where possible. Terminus fares are typically lower and you're guaranteed a seat.
Travel 30 minutes before peak. The fare is standard, the vehicle is less crowded, and your journey time is significantly shorter.
Compare routes in the app before heading to the stage. Parallel routes sometimes offer the same destination at a lower fare due to sacco competition.
Flag fare changes in the app when you notice they've changed. Your report helps keep estimates accurate for the entire community.
Check Friday evenings separately — end-of-week evening peak is Nairobi's most expensive and slowest period for most outbound routes.
Always Know the Fare
Before You Board
Check live fare estimates, compare routes, and set arrival alerts — all free in the Matatu Pulse app or web tracker.
Free for all riders. Fare data updated daily from partner saccos.