Chauffeur-driven car hire in Nairobi

Why hire a car with a driver

• You land after a long flight and would rather not face Mombasa Road traffic.
• Parents or grandparents need to get around but would rather not drive.
• You have back-to-back meetings and want to work in the back seat, not look for parking.
• You are going upcountry on roads you do not know.
• It is a wedding, a funeral or a ruracio, and nobody should be driving home late.

What our chauffeurs promise

Our drivers are vetted before they drive for us, and they are long-serving members of our team, not drivers picked up for the day. They know Nairobi's roads, its traffic and its security gates, and the main routes upcountry. They are on time, discreet, careful and presentable, and the car is clean. Many repeat clients ask for the same driver every time they come back: just ask when you book. Read our full chauffeur standards.

What it costs

• Within Nairobi: KES 4,000 ($31 USD / £23 GBP / €28 EUR) a day.
• Outside Nairobi: KES 5,000 ($39 USD / £29 GBP / €34 EUR) a day. Away from Nairobi, the driver's allowance is KES 1,000 ($8 USD / £6 GBP / €7 EUR) a night, and you also cover the driver's hotel and food.
• The chauffeur price includes up to 12 hours a day. Extended hours are available for an additional fee (KES 500 ($4 USD / £3 GBP / €3 EUR) an hour).
• The car's daily rate on top, and VAT at 16% on the total.

With one of our chauffeurs driving there is no security deposit and no Excess Fee for Damage. The table above shows the all-in total for 3 and 7 days with a chauffeur in Nairobi.

VIP car hire

For VIP guests, delegations and visiting executives, the Mercedes-Benz S 350 is our flagship saloon, the Land Cruiser V8 the car Kenya respects most, and the Toyota Alphard a lounge on wheels with captain seats. The Porsche Cayenne suits a guest who likes a sportier car. All come with a chauffeur on request, and the Alphard always does.

Executive car hire

Consultants and business travellers in Nairobi for a week or two often take a Toyota Harrier or Mazda CX-5 with a driver: smart outside an office in Upper Hill or Westlands, and easy to park. For a team, the Mazda CX-8 seats seven. Companies booking regularly should read our corporate car hire page.

Airport meet and greet

Add your flight number and we track your flight. Your chauffeur meets you in the arrivals hall at JKIA with a sign bearing your name, takes your bags and drives you to your hotel or home. See how JKIA car hire works and our airport promise.

Upcountry with a driver

On long trips your driver stays with you. You cover their food and a room for the night away from Nairobi; many lodges and hotels have driver accommodation, so ask when you book your stay. Our guide to self-drive vs chauffeur helps you decide.

How it works at Urban Escape

• Delivered anywhere in Nairobi and JKIA: JKIA arrivals, your hotel or your home. Delivery and collection cost KES 1,000 ($8 USD / £6 GBP / €7 EUR) each way anywhere in Nairobi.
• Flight tracking: add your flight number and your driver works to the real landing time. The evening before you land, we send your driver's name and number on WhatsApp.
• A video walk-round: we film the car with you at handover and again at return, and you leave with a written return receipt.
• 2019 or newer cars: every car is a 2019 model or newer, serviced and cleaned before each hire. In most cases you will know the exact car assigned to you in advance: your booking page shows it, with its licence plate and photos.
• A replacement car if the car has a manufacturer (mechanical) issue.
• 24/7 support: one call or WhatsApp message reaches a person, day or night.

The rules that matter

• Drivers must be 25 or over and have held a full licence for at least 2 years. We can sometimes waive the 2-year rule; ask before you book.
• The minimum hire is 3 days.
• Mileage is unlimited on every car.
• Paved roads only. Game drives only in our Land Cruiser Safari.
• No border crossing: our cars stay in Kenya.

These are the headline rules. The rental agreement you sign for each booking is the one that counts, so check it before you drive. Our rental terms in plain words explain every clause.

Paying today

No credit card is required for checkout. You pay a refundable 30% reservation deposit within 2 hours of booking (card payment link or M-Pesa), and the balance when you see the car, by M-Pesa, bank transfer, credit card or cash. Cancellation is free until the car is handed over. Paying from abroad? Our guide to paying for car hire from abroad explains each option.