Matatu Routes: Matatu Routes in Nairobi Fares, Stages and Map.
Get all routes of matatus in Nairobi, their fares, stages, maps and good Saccos. Get to know how to get the cheapest of the matatu in Nairobi and ride like a local.
What Are the Matatu Routes in Nairobi?
Matatu routes in Nairobi are particular routes followed by the common minibuses (matatus) in the city of Nairobi to carry passengers to various estates and the central business district (CBD). All the routes operate under a registered Sacco and travel on specific Nairobi stage routes (Railways, Kencom or Ambassador).
Example: Route 46 is on Ngong-CBD route and covers Kawangware, Dagoretti and Karen.
Matatu Routes in Nairobi (2025)
| Route Number | Destination | Main Stage (CBD) | Areas Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | Lang’ata – CBD | Railways Bus Station | Madaraka, Nyayo Stadium, Wilson Airport |
| 46 | Ngong – CBD | Kencom | Kawangware, Dagoretti, Karen |
| 105 | Kikuyu – CBD | Odeon | Kangemi, Uthiru, Kinoo |
| 111 | Rongai – CBD | Railways | Bomas, Hardy, Galleria Mall |
| 17 | Buruburu – CBD | Ambassador | Jericho, Harambee, Jogoo Road |
| 34 | Umoja – CBD | Ambassador | Donholm, Tena, Outer Ring |
| 33 | Embakasi – CBD | Commercial | Pipeline, Fedha, Tassia |
| 44 | Kasarani – CBD | Fire Station | Roysambu, TRM, Hunters |
| 58 | Githurai – CBD | Tea Room | Zimmerman, Kahawa Wendani |
| 15 | Eastleigh – CBD | OTC | Pangani, Mlango Kubwa |
What Is the Fare for Matatu in Nairobi?
The fares of the Matatu buses in Nairobi are between Ksh 30-150, depending on the distance, route and the time of the day.
Average fare examples (2025):
CBD to Rongai – Ksh 80-150.
CBD to Buruburu – Ksh 50-100.
CBD to Kasarani – Ksh 50-120.
The fares can double in the busy time at around (6-9 AM and 5-8 PM) because of heavy traffic.
All Saccos can do cashless transaction either by M-Pesa or BebaPay.
Which are the best Matatus Saccos in Nairobi?
The highly-rated matatu Saccos in Nairobi (2025) are as follows:
Super Metro Sacco – It is popular with such routes as Kikuyu, Juja and Rongai.
Orokise Sacco – Good on Ongata Rongai route and Kiserian route.
Rembo Shuttle – Umoja and Buruburu.
Umoinner Sacco – Eastlands (Donholm and Tena).
Zuri Sacco – Covers Kasarani and Thika road.
These Saccos are associated with reasonable fares, comfort and professionalism.
Where can I Find the Nairobi Matatu Route Map?
The current Nairobi matatu route map is on:
- Digital Matatus( web application that fits a mobile phone)
- Google Maps transit (search route number then type Nairobi).
- Stage information and fare changes can be found at Matwana Culture pages.
The tools indicate matatu stops, stages, routes and estimated prices thereby simplifying the process of new commuters.
Why Are Matatus the most popular means of transport in Nairobi?
Matatus are the cheapest and the readily available mode of transport in Nairobi since they:
- Cover almost all the estates and suburbs.
- Work from early in the morning until late in the night.
- Charge low prices as opposed to taxis or ride hailing apps.
- Fast in off-peak time.
Despite the existence of such applications as Uber, Bolt and Little Cab, matatus remain the primary means of transport among the Nairobi population.
In Kenya, the city of Nairobi depends on the matatus as the main form of transport. You going to work, to school or to a weekend trip, knowing the route numbers, stages and fares will enable you to travel smart and save.
The next time you enter the city, take a ride in a matatu, not only because it is a means of transport, but a Nairobi experience.
FAQs
Question: Which are the major matatu routes in Nairobi?
Answer: The major matatu routes of Nairobi are Route 46 (Ngong-CBD), Route 23 (Lang’ata-CBD), Route 105 (Kikuyu – CBD), Route 111 (Rongai-CBD) and Route 33 (Embakasi-CBD), and they have their stages by routes at Railways, Kencom and Ambassador.
