Ultimate Guide to Nairobi Airport Lounges Locations Hours & Amenities and more [2026]

Introduction

Welcome to the Ultimate Guide to Nairobi Airport Lounges, where we’ll navigate the different types of lounges within Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
For travelers traveling through JKIA Nairobi Terminal 1A, 1B,1C ,1D understanding the various lounge options available can significantly elevate your airport travel experience.
From seeking a tranquil space to unwind before a departure flight, to indulging in complimentary snacks and beverages, the lounges in Nairobi Airport cater to diverse needs and preferences.
In this guide, we’ll explore the locations, hours of operation, and amenities offered within these coveted spaces, ensuring you make the most of your time at one of Africa’s busiest airports.
Whether you’re a seasoned frequent flyer or planning your first journey, our comprehensive insights will help you navigate the landscape of Nairobi Airport Lounges facilities at JKIA with ease and efficiency.

Key Takeaways

  1. Jomo Kenyatta International airport located in Nairobi has four main terminals 1A ,1B, 1C 1D where all lounges are spread across.
  2. In some cases access is available to all passenger ,first & business class passengers have free access on qualifying international and transcontinental flights, along with select elite status holder. Economy class passengers can walk in and pay upfront at any lounge irrespective of the airline one is flying.
  3. The different lounges serve various airlines and offer dining, cocktails, and shower suites.
  4. All lounges are purely accessible for departure flights.
  5. None of the airport lounges is accessible for arrival flights only available for departure flights

 

Table of Contents

  1. Pride lounge
  2. Simba lounge
  3. Asante lounge
  4. Aspire lounge
  5. Msafiri Lounge
  6. Plaza Premium Lounge
  7. Turkish Lounge
  8. Final Thoughts
  9. Frequently Asked Questions
Kenya Airways Pride Lounge

1. Pride Lounge

Location: This Nairobi Airport lounge operated by Kenya Airways is situated on Level 2 above Gate 17 of Terminal 1A.You need to use the elevator to access the lounge. After the security screening, walk to the left until gate 17, take a left to access the elevator.
Press level 2 once inside the elevator

Hours of Operation: 24 hours 7days a week

Fee & Access: This lounge is open to all Sky Team business class and Sky Team Elite Plus passengers, plus premium passengers on Air Mauritius, Precision Air, and Rwand Air.All other passengers can also walk in and pay a fee of USD40 for 0-4 hours, USD70 for 4-6 hours admission is on a first come first served basis.Please visit Kenya Airways website for purchase of lounge access

Size: seating capacity of this lounge is approximately 250 guests with an approximate floor area of 990 sqm

Amenities:

  • Showers
  • Business Lounge
  • Smoking room
  • Premium Food
  • Snacks
  • Spirits & Liquor
  • Beer & Wine
  • Wi-Fi
Kenya airways simba lounge

2. Simba Lounge

Location: This Kenya Airways operated  lounge is located past central security checkpoint in Terminal 1A on the second level. You need to aces the elevator on the right hand side, to gain entry to level 2.

Hours of Operation: 24 hours 7days a week

Fee & Access: Available to Sky Team business class passengers and travelers with Elite Plus status (plus one guest).
All other passengers can also walk in and pay a fee of USD 40 for 0-3 hours, USD 70 for 4-7 hours admission is on a first come first served basis.Please visit Kenya Airways website for purchase of lounge access.This lounge is accessible by any other passenger with a valid boarding pass, irrespective of the airline they are flying.

Size: seating capacity of this lounge approximately 100 guests with an approximate floor area of 360 sqm

Amenities:

  • Premium Food
  • Snacks
  • Spirits & Liquor
  • Beer & Wine
  • Wi-Fi
  • Showers
  • Flight Monitors
  • Newspapers & Magazines
  • TVs
  • Children’s Area
  • Printers & Copiers
  • Smoking Area
  • VIP room
Asante Lounge KQ

3. Asante Lounge

Location: : This Kenya Airways operated  lounge is located in terminal 1C right between gate 6 and gate 7
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Hours of Operation: 24 hours 7days a week

Fee & Access: The lounge is open for all business class guests, Asante Rewards Platinum and Gold members as well as
Sky Team Frequent Flier eligible programs.  All other passengers even if not flying with KQ can simply walk in and purchase lounge access at USD 25 for 3 hours, or USD 40 for 5 hours. Please visit Kenya Airways website for purchase of lounge access.

Size: seating capacity of this lounge approximately 40 guests

Amenities:

  • Premium Food
  • Wi-Fi
  • Showers
  • Flight Monitors
  • Newspapers & Magazines
  • Alcoholic & Non Alcoholic beverages
swissport aspire lounge jkia

4. Aspire Lounge

Location: This Lounge  Operated by Swissport is located in terminal 1B right between gates 11 and gate 12
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Hours of Operation: 24 hours 7days a week

Fee & Access: The Aspire Lounge at Jomo Kenyatta Airport is open to all passengers departing from terminal 1A,1B,1C irrespective of class or the airline.
Passengers with priority & dragon pass membership can access at no fee.Walk in passengers pay from 35USD  3-4hours per pax.
Please vizit Priority Pass website for purchase of lounge aces

Size: seating capacity of this lounge approximately 40 guests

Amenities:

  • Disability Access
  • Premium Food & Drinks
  • Wi-Fi
  • Flight Monitors
  • Newspapers & Magazines
  • TVs
  • Internet Terminals
  • Showers & Restrooms

5. Msafiri Lounge

Location: This Kenya Airways operated  lounge is located in domestic terminal 1D after security screening to the right adjacent to gate 1.
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Hours of Operation: Operational daily from 5am to 11pm since past 12am there are no operational flights at terminal 1D

Fee & Access:  All Elite plus guests Platinum and Gold pay a discounted rate of USD 10 or its equivalent in Kenya Shillings.
Any other passenger can walk in and pay a fee of $20 for 0-3hours. Please vizit Kenya Airways website for purchase of lounge aces

Size: seating capacity of this lounge approximately 20 guests

Amenities:

  • Premium Food & Snacks
  • Spirits & Liquor
  • Beer & Wine
  • Wi-Fi
  • Newspapers & Magazines
  • TVs & Flight Monitors
Plaza Premium Lounge NBO JKIA

6. Plaza Premium Lounge

Location: This lounge is located at terminal 1D but accessible by passengers departing from terminal 1A,1B & 1C.Walk straight past gate 4,continue walking for about 2 minutes and there it is.

Hours: Operational daily 24hours hours 7days a week.

Fee and Access:
Any Passengers flying first and business class on partner airlines such as emirates have free access, also supports Lounge Key , priority pass memberships
All other walk in passenger can access the lounge,prices are 3hrs @$45 adult and child at $31.Please visit Plaza premium Lounge website for purchase of lounge access.

Size: Seating capacity of this lounge approximately 150 seats

Amenities:

  • Exclusive Food & Beverage selection
  • Shower and washroom Facilities
  • Flight information display
  • Prayer Room
  • Wi-Fi

 

 

Turkish Lounge NBO

7. Turkish Lounge

Location: This lounge is located at the right most end terminal 1E , right after gate 3 after the plaza premium lounge. Its accessible from departure terminal ,1B & 1C. Walk straight past gate 4, continue walking for about 5minutes

Hours:Operational daily 24hours hours 7days a week

Fee & Access:
This Lounge supports aces to the several memberships such as: Priority Pass, Dream Folks, Dragon Pass ,Lounge Key.
All other walk in passengers can access the lounge,prices from are 3hrs @$35 and addition hour past the 3hrs is $12.
Please visit Turkish Airlines Lounge website for purchase of lounge access and more information

Lounge Amenities

  • Shower Facilities
  • Restrooms
  • Open buffet
  • Flight information display
  • Prayer Room
  • Wi-Fi
  • Kids Play Area

 

Final Thoughts

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has several options for Lounge access , but only available for departure passengers. All lounges allow walk ins based on their sitting capacity and have the basic amenities (food,drinks, rest areas) but not all have showers.
Additionally there are restaurants and additional sitting and resting areas accessible to all.For passengers who need privacy and comfort, opt for lounge access for a smoother departure or flight connection at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International airport.

However, if you have a long layover more than 24hours at JKIA, you may consider staying at an airport hotel which generally have better and more comfortable sleeping facilities, which may offer some amenities for resting and relaxing.Additionally for you to exit the terminal, you shall need to apply for a visa (now referred to as ETA) using the official government immigration website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about Lounges

Airport lounge access in Nairobi varies by terminal and lounge. Walk-in rates and advance day passes generally range from $32 to $45 USD for a 3-hour stay. Prices depend on which specific lounge you select at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).
Economy passengers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) can access several premium lounges by purchasing walk-in day passes, using membership programs like Priority Pass, or accessing premium credit card networks. Entry is subject to space availability and the specific terminal you are departing from
Terminal 1 (International Flights) * Aspire Lounge: Located in Terminal 1B (opposite Gate 11). Open 24/7, it offers hot food, complimentary drinks, business facilities, and showers. Access is available via Priority Pass or pre-booked passes on the Aspire Lounges platform. * Plaza Premium Lounge: Located in Terminal 1D. Open 24/7, this premium facility features diverse food options, shower facilities, and comfortable seating. Details and booking can be made via Plaza Premium Lounge. * Turkish Airlines Star Alliance Lounge: Located in Terminal 1E. Serves Star Alliance business class passengers and qualifying status members. * Kenya Airways Pride Lounge: Located in Terminal 1A. The premier lounge for Kenya Airways and SkyTeam. Features premium dining, full bars, showers, and business areas. * Kenya Airways Simba Lounge: Located in Terminal 1A. Offers excellent runway views and VVIP sections. * Kenya Airways Asante Lounge: Located in Terminal 1C. Offers a full buffet, refreshments, and business facilities * Kenya Airways Msafiri Lounge: Located in Terminal 1D. Usually reserved for domestic departures, offering light meals, drinks, and TV areas.
JKIA lounges provide premium pre-flight amenities to help you relax, work, or dine. Standard features across the terminals include complimentary Wi-Fi, charging points, and comfortable seating. Depending on the specific lounge, you can also enjoy hot meals, full bar service, shower suites, and business centers. Core Amenities * Complimentary Food & Drink: Hot buffet-style meals, local/international snacks, and complimentary soft and alcoholic drinks. * Business Centers: Dedicated workspaces, high-speed Wi-Fi, and device charging ports. * Rest & Refreshment: Private shower suites, TVs, flight information screens, and complimentary magazines. How to Access Access is generally available to first/business class passengers, SkyTeam Elite Plus members, or through programs like Priority Pass and DragonPass. Economy class passengers can also purchase walk-up or advance day passes starting at around $40 for a 3-hour stay