Best Bus Companies in Kenya

Are you planning a long-distance journey and are trying to figure out the best bus companies in Kenya?  Well, there are several.

Gone are the days when Akamba and Gateway Bus Companies dominated local and regional travel. Akamba, with its yellow colour, was iconic and highly visible. A household name, it plied several routes within Kenya and regionally to Dar es Salaam and Rwanda. I used it several times between Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, the last time in 2009 swearing never to use it again!

Gateway, a Uganda bus company with headquarters in Tororo, was well-known in Uganda and Kenya and plied the Kenyan route from Eastern Uganda (Malaba, Tororo, Mbale, Soroti) to Nairobi. We also used to use it from Kampala to Tororo.

The winds have changed though. Akamba is dead, and Gateway is struggling. Its founders, both of Somali origin, have passed on and families cannot properly handle their founder’s vision. Newcomers have entered the market and competition is stiff.  Besides the larger 40-something seater buses, we also have smaller shuttles/coaches that accommodate up to 14 passengers. You can also travel by train from Nairobi to Mombasa Terminal, although buses seem to be faster and more affordable, and popular with Kenyans.

East African buses have main stops around River Road (Nairobi), Ubungo (Dar es Salaam) and Dewinton Road (Kampala).

We have come up with a list of the best buses for long-distance travel, that provide better service and good customer care. Some of them have internet, entertainment services, provide drinks, are safe and clean and keep time.

1. Dreamline

Over the recent years, Dreamline has curved its way up on top of other bus companies because of its classy, perfect, and incredible interior design. They have an online booking portal where you can book your tickets and just go for check-in. 

I mean, who doesn’t prefer comfort and safety? Dreamline has more than delivered and also impressed its customers. They have big recliner seats, a charging port, an air conditioner, and enough leg room to allow passengers to sit and stretch with ease. Furthermore, they have modern buses, clean seats, and good customer support, thus improving their brand.

Dreamline covers routes from:

•     Nairobi – Mombasa
•     Nairobi -Kampala

2. Tahmeed

It’s among the best buses in Kenya because it provides its passengers with comfort and reliable travel services. They also have a cargo carrier. Tahmeed offers comfort, ample space, charging ports, and air conditioning, to name a few features. 

The routes covered include:

• Nairobi -Mombasa
• Nairobi- Kisumu
• Kisumu
• Mombasa -Kisumu
• Kisumu-Malindi
• Nairobi -Nakuru
• Eldoret
• Busia
• Kakamega
• Bungoma

3. Coast Bus

Coast Bus is reputable for long-distance services across Kenya and beyond. It ranks amongst the best buses in Kenya because of its reliability and comfort. The bus has fascinating features, including air conditioning, onboard entertainment, and recliner seats. 

Route’s covered

• Nairobi – Mombasa
• Mombasa – Malindi
• Mombasa – Kisumu
• Nairobi- Malindi

4. Modern Coast

Modern Coast is among the legendary bus companies in Kenya. It was launched in 2007 and has done its best to remain relevant and reputable. This bus also operates locally. They travel as far as East Africa, then to and from Kigali and Tanzania.

They also provide comfortable, reliable, and timely services and have cargo carriers. Modern Coast has very disciplined drivers who drive carefully and are mindful of the safety of their passengers.

They also have good stuff that allows customers to issue challenges and resolve them amicably whenever they encounter one.  They have an online portal where passengers can book their tickets without going physically to the office.

Routes covered

•     Nairobi -Kampala
•     Nairobi – Tanzania
•     Nairobi- Mombasa
•     Mombasa – Dar es Salaam

5. Mash Poa East Africa

Mash Poa (which means “cool” was launched in 2004 and has been fully operational to date.  Many passengers prefer using Mash East Africa because of its reliability over other buses. Unlike other buses, Mash East Africa cares for all the local and long-distance passengers.

Here’s the cool part about this bus – they issue the same number of water bottles and snacks for everyone on board, from VIPs to regulars. This bus company tops the list of the best buses in Kenya, and its passengers have ranked it the best.

It gets better: Mash Cool also has 24/7 customer support, and the buses depart on time. This bus is exquisite, and has air conditioning, recliner seats, enough head and legroom, and entertainment on board.

The company also has an online booking portal that allows passengers to book their seats from the comfort of their homes and just go for check-in. In addition, it has the best service, from careful driving to affordable ticket prices.

Route’s covered

•     Nairobi- Kampala
•     Nairobi -Tanzania
•     Nairobi – Mombasa
•     Nairobi Busia

6. Ena Coach

Ena Coach offers various services, from carrying passengers to cargo carriers. Its modern coaches have recliner seats, air conditioning, and ample space that provide maximum comfort and enjoyment. The well-maintained coaches don’t just look good from the outside; they’re worth a try. You can book online from home and choose the right seat. 

Routes they cover

•     Nairobi to Mombasa
•     Nairobi to Kilifi
•     Nairobi to Malindi
•     Lamu,
•     Western
•     Kisumu
•     Kakamega
•     Watamu

Bottom Line

All these buses offer luxury comfort, and most have cargo carriers. There are other companies, but they all provide comfort, safety, and affordable pricing when travelling. When travelling for vaccinations, work, or leisure, you can tag your family along and enjoy the cruise.

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