Madaraka Express SGR Guide 2026 – Fares, Schedule and Booking

The Madaraka Express is Kenya Railways’ passenger service operating on the Standard Gauge Railway between Mombasa and Nairobi. Construction of the 472-kilometre Mombasa–Nairobi section began in January 2015, and passenger services were commissioned on 31 May 2017, immediately before Madaraka Day. Built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the railway was the first new mainline railway completed in Kenya since independence. What began with a single express train has grown into three daily services in each direction: the Intercounty Train, Afternoon Express and Night Express. Passengers can also now choose between Economy, First and the newer Premium Class.

Travelling on the SGR, however, involves more than choosing a departure time and seat. The services do not all make the same stops, both termini are outside the centres of Nairobi and Mombasa, and passengers must follow specific booking, identification, boarding and luggage rules.

Madaraka Express Train Times in 2026

The Madaraka Express operates three passenger services every day in each direction between Nairobi and Mombasa.

1. Intercounty Train: The Intercounty Train leaves both Nairobi Terminus and Mombasa Terminus at 08:00. It stops at Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi and Mariakani. The Nairobi–Mombasa service arrives at 14:00, while the Mombasa–Nairobi service arrives at 14:10.
2. Afternoon Express: The Afternoon Express leaves both termini at 15:00 and makes one intermediate stop at Voi. It arrives in Mombasa at 20:30 and in Nairobi at 20:18.
3. Night Express: The Night Express leaves both termini at 22:00 and also stops at Voi. It arrives in Nairobi or Mombasa at 03:55 the following morning.

For an end-to-end journey, the 08:00 train offers the best daylight views and a convenient afternoon arrival. The 15:00 train is useful if you cannot travel in the morning, but you will reach the destination after 20:00. The Night Express preserves most of your day, although its arrival at around 03:55 means arranging an early pickup or using the connecting train. Choose the Inter-County Train if you are boarding or alighting at one of the intermediate stations.

The stop at Voi is brief and should not be treated as a break. Remain onboard unless the train crew specifically announces that passengers may step off.

Check the current Kenya Railways timetable again shortly before travelling because schedules can change.

Madaraka Express Ticket Prices in 2026

Madaraka Express fares depend on the departure station, destination and travel class. The current adult fares for the complete journey between Nairobi and Mombasa are:

The KSh20,000 return fare applies specifically to Premium Class. Economy and First Class passengers pay the applicable fare separately in each direction.

Fares between intermediate stations are lower and vary according to the distance travelled. Some classes are not listed for every short station pair, so check the current Kenya Railways fare chart or booking platform for the selected journey.

Children aged 3–11 travelling with an adult pay half of the applicable fare, including on journeys involving intermediate stations. Passengers aged 12 and above pay the full adult fare. An original birth certificate must be presented for a child below 12.

One child below three years may travel free with each accompanying passenger when no separate seat is required. If the child needs a seat, or the passenger is travelling with more than one child below three, the minor fare applies. A child below 13 must travel with a guardian, and passengers below 18 are booked using their guardian’s identification details.

Economy, First and Premium Class

Premium Class is a separate third class and should not be confused with First Class. Coach allocation varies, and passengers should not assume that every train uses the newest coaches.

Economy Class

Economy is the lowest-priced option and carries more passengers in each coach. In the newer Economy coaches, seats are arranged 3+2 in rows, with some facing forward and others facing backwards. These coaches include charging points, fold-out tray tables, seat pockets, air conditioning and a baby-changing area.

First Class

Most First Class coaches use a 2+2 seating arrangement, giving each passenger more room than Economy. The seats generally recline and have access to tray tables and charging points. It is the practical middle option for travellers who want additional space without paying the considerably higher Premium Class fare. The precise fittings can vary between older and newer coaches.

Premium Class

Kenya Railways introduced Premium Class in 2024. It offers fully reclining and rotating seats, meals, entertainment, Wi-Fi and baby-changing facilities. The full Nairobi–Mombasa fare is KSh12,000 one way or KSh20,000 return.

Premium Class is not offered on every departure. When it is available for the selected date and train, it will appear as a booking option alongside Economy and First Class.

How to Book Madaraka Express SGR Train Tickets 

Tickets can be booked up to 60 days before the travel date. Use only the official Kenya Railways channels and avoid individuals, unofficial websites, applications and social-media accounts claiming to sell SGR tickets.

Book Online

Visit the official Madaraka Express booking website at metickets.krc.co.ke.

Select your departure station, destination, travel date, preferred train and class. Enter each passenger’s details exactly as they appear on the identification document that will be presented when travelling. Complete the payment through M-Pesa and wait for the booking confirmation by SMS or email.

The confirmation contains the information needed to print the ticket at a self-service machine or ticket counter at a Madaraka Express station.

Book Using USSD

Dial *639# on a Safaricom line and follow the instructions to select the route, travel date, train and class. Enter the passenger information carefully and complete the payment through M-Pesa.

Book at a Railway Station

Tickets can also be purchased over the counter at a Madaraka Express passenger station, where Point of Sale payment is available. This is the most practical option for anyone who needs help selecting the route, date or train before paying.

There is no separate group-booking service. Groups use the same online platform, *639# service or passenger-station counters as individual travellers.

The USSD service currently allows up to 10 passengers in one transaction. If the group is larger, complete additional transactions or ask at a passenger-station counter. For weekends, school holidays and major public holidays, book as early in the 60-day window as possible because popular departures can fill quickly.

After successful payment, the passenger receives a confirmation message showing the journey, coach and seat. If the confirmation does not arrive, use the account number from the M-Pesa transaction message and the telephone number used for payment to retrieve and print the ticket at a passenger station.

Print the ticket at a self-service machine or ticket counter at any Madaraka Express passenger station before boarding. It can be printed on the travel date or earlier.

Identification Required for Madaraka Express Travel

Every passenger must carry the original identification document used for the booking. The name and identification details must match the information printed on the ticket. Photocopies are not accepted for boarding.

Accepted identification documents are:

• Kenyan national identification card
• Valid passport
• Military identification card
• Valid diplomatic identification card
• Valid Kenyan alien card
• Valid driving licence
• Kenya Police Abstract issued within the previous six months
• Original birth certificate for a child below 12

A ticket is valid only for the passenger, date, departure time, train and route printed on it. It cannot be transferred to another person, and a passenger cannot upgrade from one class to another after booking.

Passengers must travel in the coach and occupy the seat printed on the ticket unless instructed otherwise by an authorised railway employee. Keep the ticket throughout the journey because it may be required when leaving the destination station.

Changing or Cancelling a Madaraka Express Ticket

The 48-hour deadline means at least 48 actual hours before the departure time printed on the ticket, irrespective of when the ticket was purchased.

Economy and First Class tickets can only be rescheduled once. The new booking must remain in the same passenger’s name, class and service and is subject to seat availability.

Premium tickets must remain in the same passenger’s name, class and route and are also subject to seat availability. If you have a Premium return ticket and only want to cancel one leg, call customer care before submitting the cancellation so that the entire booking is not affected unintentionally.

For an Economy or First Class cancellation, take the original identification document and a photocopy to the passenger station. Damaged, altered or illegible tickets may not be accepted. Once a ticket has been rescheduled, it cannot subsequently be cancelled.

If the wrong route was booked, visit a Madaraka Express passenger station at least 48 hours before departure with the original identification document and a photocopy. A fee equal to 30% of the fare applies to the route change.

A lost ticket can be replaced at a passenger station after the original booking details have been verified. The replacement charge is 30% of the fare.

If a service is cancelled or rescheduled because of unforeseen circumstances, affected passengers are given an opportunity to move their booking within the period announced for that disruption.

Arriving at the Station and Boarding

Arrive at the departure station at least 60 minutes before the train leaves. This allows time for ticket and identification checks, luggage screening and boarding. Do not arrive at the stated departure time; boarding will already be closing.

Carry the printed ticket and the original identification document used for the booking. At the main termini, expect more than one queue as tickets and identification are checked, bags pass through the scanner and passengers go through body screening before entering the waiting and boarding areas. This is why arriving an hour early matters, particularly during weekends and holiday periods.

Passengers requiring mobility assistance or other support should request it when purchasing the ticket and arrive with enough time for staff to assist them. Newer coaches include accessible seating and toilets together with Braille signage, but facilities vary between coaches and stations. Arrange any essential assistance before the travel date rather than waiting until boarding.

Madaraka Express Luggage Allowance

Each passenger may carry up to 30 kilograms of luggage. Unlike an airline journey, there is no separate checked-baggage process: you take your bags through security and keep them with you during the journey. Pack only what you can handle comfortably and label each bag with your name and telephone number.

For most travellers, a normal suitcase or holdall is fine. What matters in practice is keeping it within the 30-kilogram allowance and small enough to pass through the security scanner, lift without assistance and store inside the coach. Large boxes, equipment and other awkward items may be refused even when they are within the weight limit, so call ahead before bringing them.

Keep valuables, identification documents, medication and electronics in a smaller bag at your seat. You remain responsible for your luggage throughout the journey.

Items Not Allowed on the Madaraka Express

The following items are prohibited or restricted within the stations and trains:

• Alcoholic beverages brought into the station or train
• Smoking within railway premises or onboard
• Aerosol cans such as hairspray, body spray, insecticide, shaving foam and aerosol sunscreen
• Firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks and flares
• Petrol, kerosene, gas cylinders, lighters, matches and other flammable materials
• Narcotic or controlled drugs
• Wildlife trophies, including skins, hides and horns
• Oxidising, corrosive, poisonous or radioactive materials
• Live animals and pets
• Bicycles
• Devices containing spillable batteries
• Workshop tools such as hammers, pliers and screwdrivers unless surrendered to railway security

Registered firearm holders should contact the Kenya Railways security team for instructions before travelling. Security officers have authority to confiscate prohibited items during screening.

Surrendered or confiscated items are retained for 14 days and can be collected after identification. Items left beyond that period may be disposed of.

Useful Things to Carry

Keep the items needed during the journey in a small bag that remains with you. Useful items include:

• Printed ticket and original identification document
• Original birth certificate when travelling with a child below 12
• Phone charger or power bank
• Any medication required during the journey
• Light sweater or hoodie in case the air-conditioned coach feels cold
• Water and a small snack, particularly when travelling with children
• Umbrella or light raincoat during the rainy season
• Contact details and location of the arranged transport from the arrival terminus

For the Night Express, a neck pillow, eye mask and light blanket or hoodie may make the journey more comfortable. Both Night Express services arrive at approximately 03:55, so arrange a safe pickup or confirm the connecting train before travelling.

Madaraka Express Stations Between Nairobi and Mombasa

The Nairobi–Mombasa route has two termini and seven intermediate stations. Travelling from Nairobi towards Mombasa, the correct order is:

1. Nairobi Terminus
2. Athi River
3. Emali
4. Kibwezi
5. Mtito Andei
6. Voi
7. Miasenyi
8. Mariakani
9. Mombasa Terminus

The stations appear in the reverse order when travelling from Mombasa to Nairobi. Only the 08:00 Inter-County Train serves every intermediate station; the Afternoon and Night Express trains stop only at Voi.

Select the departure and destination stations carefully during booking because the ticket is valid only for the route printed on it. For station locations and details, read our complete guide to the SGR stations from Nairobi to Mombasa.

Getting to and From Nairobi Terminus

NairobiNairobi Terminus is in Syokimau, outside Nairobi city centre. Kenya Railways operates a link train between Nairobi Central Railway Station in the CBD and Nairobi Terminus.

From Nairobi CBD to Nairobi Terminus

The link-train journey usually takes about 30 minutes. Treat this as a planning estimate rather than arriving at the last moment, and allow additional time to find the correct platform and complete the security checks at Nairobi Terminus.

Take the 06:40 link train when connecting to the 08:00 Inter-County Train. Arrive at Nairobi Central before 06:40 because that is the departure time, not the recommended time to enter the station.

From Nairobi Terminus to the CBD

The Night Express is scheduled to arrive at 03:55, and the CBD link follows shortly afterwards. Go directly to the link-train area and follow the station announcements rather than leaving the terminus or relying on an exact minute.

Taxis, ride-hailing services, matatus and private vehicles also serve Nairobi Terminus. Fares vary considerably according to the starting point, traffic and demand, so check the live price before travelling. Allow additional road time because congestion on Mombasa Road and the approaches to Syokimau can affect the journey.

Secure overnight parking is available at Nairobi Terminus. Ask the parking attendant for the current charge before leaving the vehicle, and do not leave valuables inside.

Getting to and From Mombasa Terminus

Mombasa Terminus is in Miritini, outside Mombasa Island and the main tourist areas. It should not be confused with Mombasa Railway Station on Mijikenda Road in the CBD.

Kenya Railways operates a commuter connection between Mombasa Railway Station and Mombasa Terminus. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes and costs KSh 50. The tables below show the departures timed specifically for Madaraka Express passengers; additional commuter services operate at other times of the day.

From Mombasa CBD to Mombasa Terminus

From Mombasa Terminus to the CBD

Check the current Mombasa commuter timetable before travelling.

Taxis, ride-hailing services, matatus, boda bodas and private vehicles also serve Mombasa Terminus. Prices vary by destination and demand. Passengers arriving on the Night Express should arrange their onward transport in advance if they do not intend to use the 04:10 commuter train.

Secure parking is available at Mombasa Terminus. Ask the parking attendant for the current charge before leaving the vehicle, and do not leave valuables inside.

Facilities at the Main Termini

Madaraka Express tickets include an assigned coach and seat. Remain in the class and seat printed on the ticket unless a Kenya Railways employee instructs otherwise.

The trains are air-conditioned, and toilets are available onboard. NAS Serve Air operates the catering service. Premium Class includes meals, while Economy and First Class passengers can purchase food and drinks as the trolley moves through the coaches. Selection and payment options can vary, so carry drinking water and a small snack, especially when travelling with children.

Passengers may carry ordinary food and non-alcoholic drinks through security. Keep food simple, securely packed and easy to eat at your seat. Alcohol is not allowed within the stations or onboard.

Newer coaches include charging points, fold-out tray tables, seat pockets, baby-changing facilities, accessible seating and toilets, and Braille signage. Coach allocation varies, so do not rely on every Economy or First Class coach having the same fittings or onboard Wi-Fi. Premium Class includes Wi-Fi.

Keep your phone or camera nearby as the train passes through the Tsavo area. Elephants, giraffes and other animals are sometimes visible from the train, but they can appear on either side and sightings depend entirely on timing and luck.

Kenya Railways Contacts

For Madaraka Express passenger enquiries, complaints and lost property, use the following official contacts:

• Passenger enquiries, complaints and lost and found: 0709 388 887
• Kenya Railways customer care: 0709 907 000 or 0709 907 555
• Email: info@krc.co.ke
• Passenger-service email: mepassenger@krc.co.ke
• Official booking website: metickets.krc.co.ke

Report lost property as soon as possible. Have the travel date, train service, direction, coach and seat number, boarding and destination stations, and a clear description of the item ready. Lost property is retained for 28 days before disposal.

This guide was checked and updated on 4 August 2026 using information published by Kenya Railways. Fares, train times, connection times and operating procedures may change, so reconfirm important details before travelling.

Originally published March 2023 · Fully updated 4 August 2026