The 9 SGR Stations from Nairobi to Mombasa

The Standard Gauge Railway between Nairobi and Mombasa has nine passenger stations. The SGR stations from Nairobi to Mombasa begin at Nairobi Terminus, end at Mombasa Terminus and include seven intermediate stops. The 08:00 Inter-County Train serves every station, while the Afternoon Express and Night Express stop only at Voi between the two termini.

The stations vary considerably in size, setting and design. Some serve large towns, while others are smaller stops for the surrounding communities. Each was also given its own architectural identity, drawing on the landscape, wildlife or cultural ideas associated with its location.

1. Nairobi Terminus

Nairobi Terminus is in Syokimau, outside the city centre. It is the Nairobi endpoint of the route and is used by the Inter-County, Afternoon Express and Night trains.

It is not the same place as Nairobi Central Railway Station. Kenya Railways operates link trains from the city-centre station to connect with the three daily Madaraka Express departures. Passengers can also reach the terminus by matatu, boda boda or taxi. When arranging transport, ask specifically for Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau rather than simply saying Nairobi Railway Station.

The terminus is intended to resemble two trains pointing in different directions, with a bridge-like form above them. Its size and sweeping roof make it noticeably different from the smaller stations farther along the route.

View Nairobi Terminus on Google Maps

2. Athi River Station

Athi River is the first intermediate stop after Nairobi Terminus. It serves passengers travelling to and from Athi River and the wider Mavoko area without requiring them to begin or end their journey in central Nairobi.

Only the Inter-County Train stops here. The Afternoon Express and Night Train pass through without stopping, so passengers using Athi River need to choose the correct service when booking.

The outline of the station was inspired by the hills around Athi River. Its roof rises and falls across the building rather than following the flatter form used at some of the other intermediate stops.

View Athi River SGR Station on Google Maps

3. Emali Station

Emali is the second intermediate stop from Nairobi, coming after Athi River and before Kibwezi.

The station is served only by the Inter-County Train. Passengers heading beyond Emali town should arrange their onward transport separately, especially when expecting to be collected from the station.

Emali has one of the route’s easiest architectural ideas to recognise. The building resembles a closed fist, representing unity and people coming together.

View Emali SGR Station on Google Maps

4. Kibwezi Station

Kibwezi is the third intermediate station from Nairobi and lies between Emali and Mtito Andei.

Only the Inter-County Train stops at Kibwezi. An SGR ticket brings a passenger to the railway station, but any journey to accommodation, farms, parks or settlements outside the town must be completed by road.

The design draws from traditional African forms associated with gathering beneath trees and branches for shelter. Its broad roof and shading elements are both decorative and practical in the hot Kibwezi climate.

View Kibwezi SGR Station on Google Maps

5. Mtito Andei Station

Mtito Andei is the fourth intermediate stop from Nairobi. It comes after Kibwezi and before Voi.

The station is served only by the Inter-County Train. The Afternoon Express and Night Train do not stop here, despite what is claimed in some older station guides.

Mtito Andei can be used by passengers who have arranged onward transport towards Tsavo West or accommodation in the wider area. The railway station is not a direct entrance into the park, so a safari transfer or another road connection should be organised in advance. Kenya Wildlife Service identifies Mtito Andei as the rail arrival point for visitors continuing to Tsavo West.

The station’s sloping roofs represent Mount Kilimanjaro and the Chyulu Hills, connecting the building with the mountain landscape around this section of the route.

Beyond Mtito Andei, the view opens into the wider Tsavo landscape. This is one of the most memorable stretches of the journey, particularly when the light is clear across the dry plains. Wildlife may sometimes be visible from the train, but sightings are never guaranteed.

View Mtito Andei SGR Station on Google Maps

6. Voi Station

Voi is the only intermediate station served by all three daily Nairobi–Mombasa trains. The Inter-County, Afternoon Express and Night Train all stop here, giving Voi passengers more departure choices than those using any other intermediate station.

The station serves Voi town and travellers continuing to other parts of Taita Taveta County. It is also a useful rail arrival point for visitors who have arranged a road transfer towards Tsavo East or accommodation outside Voi. Kenya Wildlife Service identifies Voi as one of the SGR stations that can be used when travelling to Tsavo East.

Voi Station has a prominent V-shaped form. The shape represents the first letter of Voi and resembles a person with raised hands, linking the design to the spirit of Harambee and the idea of pulling together.

View Voi SGR Station on Google Maps

7. Miasenyi Station

Miasenyi comes after Voi and before Mariakani when travelling towards Mombasa. This is the correct order of the two stations.

Only the Inter-County Train stops here. Miasenyi is one of the smaller stops on the route, so passengers who are unfamiliar with the area should arrange their onward transport before travelling.

The station is immediately recognisable from its striped exterior. Its white and brown bands were inspired by zebra markings and the wildlife associated with the surrounding landscape.

The spelling used in this guide is Miasenyi. It is also the spelling shown on the current passenger timetable.

View Miasenyi SGR Station on Google Maps

8. Mariakani Station

Mariakani is the final intermediate stop before Mombasa Terminus. It is served only by the Inter-County Train, while the Afternoon Express and Night Train continue directly between Voi and Mombasa.

The station is useful for passengers whose destination is Mariakani or nearby. It should not, however, be treated as the most convenient stop for every destination in Kilifi County. Someone travelling farther along the coast may still have an easier road connection from Mombasa Terminus, depending on the destination and available transport.

Mariakani’s entrance porticos were inspired by coconut trees, marking the transition from the inland landscape towards the coast. The same features also provide shade around the building.

View Mariakani SGR Station on Google Maps

9. Mombasa Terminus

Mombasa Terminus is the final stop when travelling from Nairobi. It is in Miritini, outside Mombasa’s central business district, and is used by the Inter-County, Afternoon Express and Night trains.

The correct passenger-facing name is Mombasa Terminus, not Mombasa West or Mombasa Central.

Mombasa Terminus is also different from Mombasa Railway Station in the CBD. The Madaraka Express journey ends in Miritini and does not continue into the city centre as the same train. A separate commuter service connects the terminus with Miritini Station and Mombasa Railway Station, with link trains arranged around the main Madaraka Express departures and arrivals.

The terminus is built around concentric circles and a central tower. The circles represent ripples spreading across the ocean, giving the building a clear connection to Mombasa and the coast.

When arranging a pickup, say Mombasa Terminus in Miritini so the driver does not go to Mombasa Railway Station in the CBD.

View Mombasa Terminus on Google Maps

For fares, booking, identification requirements, luggage rules, train classes and connections, read our complete guide to travelling on the Madaraka Express SGR

The route at a glance