Madaraka Express SGR train from Nairobi to Mombasa Latest

Madaraka Express SGR train services between Nairobi and Mombasa.

After a long wait, the Standard Gauge Railway Project Kenya is complete. The Madaraka Express SGR trains are now in operation. The distance between Nairobi and Mombasa is now reduced from 15 hours to only 4 hours 30 Minutes.

Madaraka Express may not be the most magical experience compared to the former overnight train, but it is still enjoyable and the journey is scenic.
You can now travel from Nairobi to Mombasa or from Mombasa to Nairobi using the New SGR Train (Madaraka Express).

Old Train from Nairobi to Mombasa

Madaraka Express timings and ticket purchase points

For those traveling to Mombasa from Nairobi, you can now catch the Madaraka Express train at the Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau. The train leaves daily at 08:00 am and arrives in Mombasa at 1:55 pm. The afternoon train leaves Nairobi at 14:20 and arrives in Mombasa at 19:20 pm.

Those traveling to Nairobi from Mombasa, you can now catch the Madaraka Express train at the Mombasa Terminus in the Miritini area of Mombasa county. The train leaves Mombasa at 07:15 am and arrives in Nairobi at 1:05 pm. The afternoon train leaves Mombasa at 15:15 pm and arrives in Nairobi at 20:20 pm.

As at the time of writing this post, there is a bus connection service for travelers in both towns (Nairobi Central railway station and the old Mombasa Railway station on Miji Kenda Street. (There is a commuter train to and from Nairobi station to Syokimau Station. At Miritini station in Mombasa, there are buses, taxis, and matatus that take you to and from the city. The matatus to the train station are boarded at the old railway station and charge Kshs 200).

Kenya Railways is availing a train to transport travelers arriving at the Nairobi terminus from Mombasa aboard the Madaraka Express train at 1:30 pm to the Nairobi Central railway station.

Book your stay in Mombasa

There is also a train at Nairobi Central railway station (in CBD) to transport travelers to the Nairobi terminus to board the 08:00 am Madaraka Express train to Mombasa. It leaves the station at 6:00 am.

Madaraka Express SGR train services in Kenya.

Here is a summary of the fare rates, schedule, and facts about the New SGR Train in Kenya (Madaraka Express).

The Madaraka Express train service between Nairobi and Mombasa is currently operational with two trains leaving Mombasa SGR Terminus and another two leaving Nairobi SGR Terminus daily.

Schedule for Madaraka Express SGR train Between Nairobi and Mombasa

Schedule for Madaraka Express train(Afternoon)

Mombasa to Nairobi (E1)

Departure: 15:15 pm
Arrival: 20:20 pm

Nairobi to Mombasa (E2)

Departure: 14:20 pm
Arrival: 19:15 pm

Schedule for SGR Inter-County train(Morning)

Mombasa to Nairobi (N1)

Departure: 07:15 am
Arrival: 13:05 pm

Nairobi to Mombasa (N2)

Departure: 08:00 am
Arrival: 13:55 pm

Fare rates and train tickets.

There are three ways to book Madaraka Express and the Intercounty trains. With all the ways, travelers can either pay via Mpesa or by cash. This is a disadvantage for travelers who are traveling from abroad and do not have Safaricom Simcard which has Mpesa.

How to book SGR Madaraka Express Train Tickets. (Local Travelers)

By using Safaricom USSD code *639#
Through Kenya Railways Online Booking Website
By visiting the nearby train station

How to book SGR Madaraka Express Train Tickets. (International Travelers)

Ask your host or hotel in Nairobi to book the tickets for you.
Use Kenyan Backpacker SGR train service (Contact me to learn more).

A booking of up to seven days before the date of travel is highly recommended – booking windows are open about 30 days in advance.

Update: You can now book the tickets 60 Days in Advance (As From June 01, 2019)

Train ticket rates for adults:

Economy Class: Kshs 1,000 ($11)

First Class: Kshs 3,000 ($31)

Train ticket rates for Children:

Less than 3 years: free of charge
Age 3-11 years: half price.
Above 11 years: full price.

Madaraka express train Stops, Luggage allowance, and other facts

At the moment the Madaraka Express train is only stopping at Mtito Andei Intermediate station. There will be other stops as indicated in the train chart pictured below.

Maximum luggage per passenger: 30 Kg and below – Luggage should not measure more than 1.6 meters in width, height, and breadth.

Maximum speed: 120 km/h

Transit time: 5 hours and 20 minutes

Number of seats per train: 1,200

Action item:

If you need more information about the train or you need someone to book Madaraka Express SGR Train advance tickets for you before you travel, contact the Kenyan Backpacker.

Note: You need to book the SGR tickets in advance (7 days before travel day). You can also get return tickets in advance also 7 days before travel day.

Update: You can now book the tickets 60 Days in Advance (As From June 01, 2019)