There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Hola into a quick city adventure. From HOA, the Taxis / Matatus can get you into town in around 30 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Important Details Before You Go
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at HOA:
First, verify that you can enter Kenya — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxis / Matatus takes about 30 minutes into Hola, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — KES is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some KES in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Get Into Hola
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis / Matatus | ~30 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~50 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Taxis / Matatus is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
What’s Worth Seeing in Hola
For a layover visit to Hola, we’d suggest Hola Town Market and Tana River Viewpoint. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Great for picking up a quick snack or souvenir between flights. The views are worth the trip if you have time.
If you’d rather stay inside HOA — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- HOA Airport Waiting Area
- Airstrip View & Local Operations
Food Worth Trying
In Hola
If you make it into town, Hola Local Eatery (Generic) is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Tana River Refreshments.
Inside HOA
If you’re staying in the terminal, HOA Airport Refreshments & Snacks is your main option. Local Bites Stall (Airport) works too if you want something quick.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Hola might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$4 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$19 USD
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at HOA aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Hola itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and HOA is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Hola and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Taking a Break at HOA
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at HOA.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Hola with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Hola may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.