Distance Calculator
Los Angeles, United States → Nairobi, Kenya
Distance Result
9,658 miles
15,543 km | 8,393 nautical miles
Straight-line (great circle) distance
The distance from Los Angeles to Nairobi is about 15,543 km (9,658 miles) as the crow flies, or 8,393 nautical miles.
This is the great-circle distance — the shortest path over the surface of the Earth, computed with the haversine formula from the coordinates of both cities. Road or rail distance is always longer, and the gap widens with every mountain range or coastline in between.
Putting the number to use
- At a cruising speed near 800 km/h the airborne time is about 19.4 hours; add 30-45 minutes for taxi, climb and descent.
- Time zone difference changes the arrival time on your ticket far more than the flying time does.
- For shipping, use road or sea distance instead — great-circle figures understate real routes.
Driving
≈ 7d 4h
Estimated at 90 km/h average. Actual road distance is typically 15-30% longer than the straight line.
Flying
≈ 19h 2min
Estimated at 850 km/h cruising speed plus takeoff and landing time.
Route Map
Distances from Los Angeles to Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
The straight-line (great circle) distance between Los Angeles and Nairobi is 9,658 miles (15,543 kilometers).
A direct flight from Los Angeles to Nairobi takes approximately 19h 2min, based on an average cruising speed of 850 km/h plus takeoff and landing time.
Driving from Los Angeles to Nairobi takes approximately 7d 4h, assuming an average speed of 90 km/h. Actual time depends on the route and traffic.