Parking at JKIA
JKIA has parking at the terminals for both a quick pick-up or drop-off and a longer stay while you fly. Take a ticket at the barrier, pay at a machine before you exit, and expect a vehicle security check on entry. Tariffs are set by the airport and shown on site.
Pick-up & drop-off
Close to the terminal for meeting arrivals or a quick drop.
Leave the car
For travellers parking while away; confirm the daily rate on site.
Check the posted rate
Rates are displayed at the barrier and payment machine — confirm on arrival.
Parking zones at JKIA
Parking is arranged around the terminals, split by how long you need it. Choose short-term for a quick visit and long-term to leave a vehicle while you travel.
Checked
15 July 2026
Primary source
Airport parking signage and payment machines
What can change
Tariffs, zone layout and available capacity
Short-term & pick-up / drop-off
Closest to the terminal, for dropping a passenger, meeting an arrival or a brief stop. Charged by the hour, so it works out expensive for a long stay. There may be a short free grace period at drop-off — confirm the posted terms.
Long-term parking
For travellers leaving a vehicle while they fly, charged at a daily rate that is better value over several days. It can be a little further from the terminal, so allow a few extra minutes to walk or use any shuttle.
How JKIA parking works
It is a standard ticket-and-barrier system. The key thing travellers forget: pay at the machine before you go back to your car, not at the exit.
- Enter and take a ticketCollect the ticket at the entry barrier; your vehicle may be screened by security on the way in.
- Park and keep your ticketNote your row, and keep the ticket with you rather than leaving it in the car.
- Pay at the machine before you leaveUse a payment machine in the terminal or car park to settle before returning to your vehicle.
- Exit before the ticket expiresInsert the paid ticket at the exit barrier; leave promptly, as extra time can incur a further charge.
Picking up or dropping off
To meet an arriving passenger, park in the short-term or pick-up area rather than circling or waiting on the roadway, which is not permitted and gets congested.
- Track the flight on live arrivals and wait for the Landed status before you head in.
- Allow time after landing for immigration, baggage and customs before your passenger appears — often 30 to 90 minutes.
- Use short-term parking if you may wait a while; a quick kerbside drop is fine at the drop-off area.
- Prefer not to drive and wait? A meet & greet or private transfer removes the parking altogether.
Accessible parking and security
Accessible bays are provided near the terminals, and the car parks sit within the airport’s controlled, patrolled environment — but take the usual precautions with a parked car.
Accessible bays
Designated accessible parking is available closer to the terminal entrances. If you or a passenger needs help through the airport, arrange assistance with your airline in advance — see special assistance.
Security
Vehicles are screened on entry and the car parks are patrolled, but do not leave valuables visible in the car, keep your ticket with you, and lock up. Report anything of concern to airport security or staff.
Rates and payment
Parking tariffs at JKIA are set by the airport and displayed at the entry barriers and payment machines. They vary by how long you stay and the zone you use, so check the posted rate when you arrive rather than relying on an old figure.
How much it costs
Short-term is charged by the hour and long-term at a daily rate. Because tariffs are reviewed and change, we don’t quote a figure here — the current rate is shown on the barrier and the payment machine, which is the authoritative source.
How to pay
Pay at the machine before returning to your vehicle. Card and mobile-money (M-Pesa) payment are commonly accepted alongside cash; confirm the accepted methods at the machine. Keep your ticket safe, as a lost ticket can mean a higher charge.
Confirm the current tariff on site. Do not assume online pre-booking is available — plan to take a ticket and pay at the machine, and check any official pre-booking option before relying on it. For alternatives to driving, compare airport transport.
Related guides
Verified by the JKIA.co.ke Flightline Desk
We are a small independent desk that tracks JKIA day to day. This guide explains how airport parking works, where the zones sit and how to pay — the practical steps a driver needs.
We deliberately don’t print a parking price, because the tariff is set by the airport and changes; the barrier and payment machine always show the current rate.
- Status
- Checked 15 July 2026
- Reviewer
- JKIA.co.ke Flightline Desk editor
- Source
- Airport parking signage; confirm on site
- Review
- Quarterly, and after tariff changes
JKIA.co.ke is an independent passenger information and booking website and is not Kenya Airports Authority or an airline. Parking tariffs, zones and capacity can change — confirm the current rate at the airport before you rely on it.
JKIA parking: frequently asked questions
Is there parking at JKIA?
Yes. JKIA has parking at the terminals, with short-term and pick-up/drop-off areas close to the terminal and long-term parking for longer stays. You take a ticket at the barrier and pay at a machine before you exit; tariffs are set by the airport and shown on site.
How much is parking at JKIA?
Rates are set by the airport and displayed at the entry barriers and payment machines. They vary by how long you stay and the zone. We don’t quote a figure here because tariffs change — check the posted rate or the machine when you arrive.
Where do I park to pick someone up at JKIA?
Use the short-term or pick-up parking near the terminal rather than waiting on the roadway. Track the flight on live arrivals and allow time for immigration and baggage before your passenger appears — often 30 to 90 minutes after landing.
Is there long-term parking at JKIA?
Yes, long-term parking is available for travellers leaving a vehicle while they fly, charged at a daily rate. Confirm the daily rate on site and allow a few extra minutes to reach the terminal, as long-term areas can be a little further out.
How do I pay for parking at JKIA?
Pay at a payment machine before returning to your vehicle, and keep your ticket. Card and mobile-money (M-Pesa) payment are commonly accepted alongside cash; confirm the accepted methods at the machine. A lost ticket can mean a higher charge.
Is there accessible parking at JKIA?
Yes, designated accessible bays are provided near the terminal entrances. If you or a passenger needs help through the airport, arrange special assistance with your airline in advance; see the special assistance guide.
Can I book JKIA parking online?
Online pre-booking may not be available, so do not assume it is. Plan to take a ticket and pay on site, and confirm any official pre-booking option before relying on it. If you would rather not drive, compare the airport transport options instead.
Is parking at JKIA safe?
The airport is a controlled environment with vehicle screening on entry and security patrols, but never leave valuables visible in your car and lock up. Keep your ticket with you rather than in the vehicle, and report anything of concern to airport security or staff.
Is there a drop-off area at JKIA?
Yes, there is a drop-off area for setting a passenger down quickly; there may be a short free grace period, but waiting or circling on the roadway is not permitted. If you need to wait, move into short-term parking and pay for the time.