THe Madaraka Express SGR Train is a cheap, modern way to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa return.
The high-speed train from Nairobi to Mombasa is known by two names: the SGR (an acronym meaning Standard Gauge Railway) used before the line was named, and The Madaraka Express. Kenyans refer to the railway by both. Whatever you call it, the train is now Nairobi’s favourite way to reach the coast. It’s easy to book, cheap, and the route has incredible scenery. As of 2024, the train now has a Premium Class, which offers a luxurious way to travel from city to coast.
So what are perks and minuses of travelling on the Nairobi to Mombasa train?
What is The Madaraka Express?
The Chinese built high speed Nairobi to Mombasa train is the first in Kenya. It’s a modern train and network of stations. The SGR train runs from the highlands at Nairobi through Tsavo down to Mombasa, stopping at 8 train stations along the way, as follows: Nairobi: Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei,Voi, Miasenyi, Mariakani, and Mombasa
Timing and Frequency of The SGR Kenya Train
The SGR Kenya train operates an early morning train that takes six hours and stops frequently. There is also an express option that leaves in the afternoon and takes a speedier 5 hours.
The Mombasa to Nairobi train is capable of fast speed but prefers to chug along at grandma’s pace. The slow train stops at 9 stations in between. Many of them are handy stop offs for safari’s disembark at Emali for Amboseli or Mtito Andei or Voi for Tsavo National Park.
If you are going to the Kenyan coastal resorts of Diani or Watamu then jump off at Mariakani. You save time on the journey and avoid the hectic Mombasa traffic.
Reasons for Travelling on The Madaraka Express SGR Train
Perhaps one of the most inspiring reasons to travel by train is the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa itself. As you leave the suburbs of Nairobi behind, you encounter wildlife and wildflowers. The SGR Kenya train journey takes you within sight of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, whose snowy peak is often visible from the train. The Madaraka Express takes you through baobab country, the statuesque trees, native to Africa, become innumerable as you edge towards the coast, and past the safari destination of Tsavo National Park, where you can frequently spot elephant and other safari animals. The Nairobi to Mombasa train journey offers you a fantastic chance to see more of the real Kenya.
How Much Does the Madaraka Express SGR Kenya Train Cost?
The SGR train is reasonably priced, although sadly more expensive than it used to be.
Premium Class is 12,000 KSH one way
First Class is 4,500 KSH one way
Second Class is 1,500 KSH one way
Full details of pricing can be found here. https://metickets.krc.co.ke/
Children below 3 years are free and those between 3 and 11 are half price.
Considering a local flight to Mombasa will cost you 7,500 at the cheapest, and even a bus is 1000 KES. The second class option on the train is the same cost as the bus, but the comfort is vastly superior, with toilets and trolley service, leg space and no fear of death by Mombasa road trucks.
The Madaraka Express SGR Train Terminals
Every station along the route is modern and clean, with toilets and waiting areas. The terminal stations at Mombasa and Nairobi are as sleekly modern, clean and functional as any you would find in Europe. Both stations have cafes and bars and small shops selling water and snacks.
The Madaraka Express SGR Train Premium Class
Premium Class, new to the Maraka Express since 2024, costs significantly more than First Class. So what’s are you getting for the money?
Luxury seating: Premium Class features more spacious and plush seating with extra legroom, larger recline options.
Enhanced Service: Premium Class passengers have priority boarding and an elevated level of attention throughout the journey. The ticket comes with complimentary snacks and beverages, such as soft drinks, water,
Air Conditioning: The Premium Class coaches are fully air-conditioned,
Entertainment: Passengers have onboard Wi-Fi and multimedia content.
The Madaraka Express SGR Train First Class
First Class was equivalent to first class in most trains in Europe. Lots of space, two seats to a row, some facing in a quad of four and some individual. They all came with armrests and metal tray tables. There is a food service trolley or a shop you can walk to at the end of the carriage. The food isn’t very good. It is prohibited to bring alcohol on board, but you can by beer and cider.
The Madaraka Express SGR Kenya Train Second Class
The second class cabins are clean but cramped on a long journey. They aren’t overcrowded, no standing in corridors or sitting on the floor outside the loo, as is my experience of commuting to London every day. The seating is a bench seating with little space. There’s a table that only the person in the window seat can use, but you’d be hard pressed to find the space to work even if you manage to grab it. There are no armrests or ways for the seat to recline, so it’s really hard to sleep unless you feel like dribbling on a stranger’s shoulder. There is minimal leg room. None of this is a deal breaker on a short journey, but on a 6-hour journey it was a lesson in staying still. Everything ached by the end, and there was no way to stretch or change position.
The Madaraka Express SGR Train Ticket Collection
Picking up your tickets for The Madaraka Express SGR Kenya train is easy. There are self serve machines or you can go to the counters situated at the entrance to the building. Come armed with your phone number and the reference number that will have been sent to you via SMS. You’ll also need your ID.
Security at SGR Train Stations
Security is tight. Your car is searched as you enter the car park, and you and your bag are searched another 5 times before you get on the train. Arrive an hour ahead to cater for the many checks. Sniffer dogs patrol as you stand in a line, X-ray scanners for you and your bags at three different checkpoints and a pat down. Don’t bring alcohol.
The Madaraka Express SGR Train Kenya Booking
Booking the SGR train by heading to https://metickets.krc.co.ke/ and selecting the date, time and class of travel. Pay easily by credit card or Mpesa. Takes seconds.
Passengers can book tickets 30 days in advance and a return ticket as long as it is within 30 days.
One can book up to a maximum of five persons per transaction
Travelling to and from Mombasa Train Station
It’s a quick walk out of the station to meet a bewildering flurry of taxis drivers and matatus all hassling to take you into town.
Travelling to and from the SGR Train station in Nairobi
In Nairobi, catch the commuter train from the CBD railway station at 6:10 am; The same services are available upon arrival at both destinations
Connect services are offered by the Commuter Train and City shuttle buses at the CBD railway station. The Commuter train will pick up customers at 06:10am and transport them to the Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau area at Ksh. 50
Connecting Services for The Madaraka Express SGR Train
Kenya Railways provides bus/connect services to and from the Mombasa and Nairobi Termini.
In Mombasa, boarding is at the Mombasa Terminus in Miritini. Customers can catch the connect bus from the old railway station along Mijikenda Road at 6:00 am.
The same buses will transport customers on arrival from the Mombasa Terminus to Mombasa CBD. The cost is Ksh. 100
It is possible to rent a for driving around Nairobi and Mombasa, but frequent taxis and tuktuks mean it isn’t essential,
Luggage on The Madaraka Express SGR Train
- Weight: Not exceeding 30 kilograms
- No alcohol is allowed on the train.
