Once your car clears at Mombasa, it still has about 480 km to travel to Nairobi. Upcountry buyers in Nakuru, Eldoret or Kisumu face an even longer trip. So, should you use a car carrier, have the container delivered inland, or drive the car yourself? This guide compares all three.
Elisa Motors includes delivery planning in every import. Therefore, you can collect in Mombasa, Nairobi or your home county, whichever suits you.
Option 1: Car carrier (car transporter truck)
A car carrier is a truck that carries several cars at once. It is the most common way to move imported cars inland. The car arrives with no extra mileage, no wear and no risk of a road accident on the way.
Open carriers are cheaper and carry many cars. Enclosed or single-car carriers cost more but protect high-value cars, such as a G-Wagon or a new-shape Range Rover, from stone chips and weather. Delivery to Nairobi typically takes one to three days once the car is loaded.
What affects the car carrier cost from Mombasa to Nairobi?
Several factors move the price. First, the size and weight of the car: a Land Cruiser takes more space than a Vitz. Second, open versus enclosed transport. Third, the destination, since Kisumu or Eldoret costs more than Nairobi. Finally, timing, because a carrier that is waiting to fill up is cheaper than a dedicated truck. Ask for a written quote that includes insurance.
Option 2: Container delivery from Mombasa to Nairobi
If your car shipped in a container, you can sometimes move the whole container inland. The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) carries containers to the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Nairobi, and road hauliers also move containers. In that case, the car may be cleared in Nairobi instead of Mombasa.
Container delivery suits shared containers and high-value cars. However, it depends on how the shipment was booked. Read our RoRo vs container guide to understand the options.
Option 3: Driving a newly imported car from Mombasa to Nairobi
Driving is the cheapest option on paper. Yet many experienced buyers avoid it. Here is why.
The risks of driving a new import
Unknown service condition. The car has sat on a ship for weeks. Fluids, tyres and the battery have not been checked since export. Long, busy road. The Mombasa–Nairobi highway carries heavy truck traffic, and accidents are common. No local familiarity. You may not yet know the car's controls, especially if it still has a Japanese-language screen.
Registration and insurance. The car must be registered, plated and insured before it goes on the road. Fatigue. Many drivers take the SGR to Mombasa, then drive straight back the same day. That is a long day. As a result, a carrier is usually the safer choice.
If you do decide to drive
Make sure the car is registered and insured. Check tyre pressures, oil, coolant and brakes before leaving. Start early, avoid night driving and plan fuel stops at Mariakani, Voi, Mtito Andei or Emali. Finally, book a full service soon after arrival.
Collecting your car in Mombasa
Some buyers prefer to collect in Mombasa, especially coast residents in Nyali, Bamburi, Diani or Kilifi. In that case, we hand over with all documents ready. See our Mombasa clearing guide.
Delivery upcountry
Carriers also deliver beyond Nairobi to Nakuru, Naivasha, Eldoret, Kisumu, Kakamega, Kericho, Kitale, Nyeri, Nanyuki, Meru and Embu. Delivery to western Kenya usually takes a day or two longer than Nairobi.
Timeline: from ship to your driveway
First, the vessel docks and the car is discharged. Next, clearing and verification take about a week, depending on documents and port congestion. Then, the car is registered and loaded onto a carrier. Finally, it reaches Nairobi in one to three days. Read our NTSA registration guide for the registration step.
Our delivery services
1. Delivery planning in every quote
Our landed price can include delivery to Nairobi or your county, so there are no surprises.
2. Insured carriers
We use carriers that insure cars in transit. In addition, high-value cars can travel in enclosed transport.
3. Handover checks
We check the car again on arrival and hand over with the logbook, keys and documents.
4. Anywhere in Kenya
From Mombasa to Kisumu, we deliver nationwide.
Talk to us
Call +254 725 310 112 or WhatsApp +254 725 310 112. Browse Harrier or Prado prices, or send an import request.
