Trains route
Nairobi Terminus (Syokimau) → Mombasa Terminus (Miritini)
The modern standard-gauge line across Tsavo country — Kenya’s best-value long-distance ride.
- Kenya Railways — Madaraka Express (SGR)
- 5–6 h
- ≈ US$9 (2nd class) · US$29 (1st class)
The Madaraka Express covers Nairobi–Mombasa in about five hours on clean, air-conditioned Chinese-built trains, racing through Tsavo National Park where elephants occasionally halt the line. Second class is comfortable 4-across seating; first class is 2-across with more legroom. A morning intercity train and an afternoon train run daily; overnight sleepers also operate on some days. Both terminus stations are far from the city centres — plan the last mile (Mombasa’s terminus is ~20 km from the Old Town).
Service classes
- Second class (4-across)
- First class (2-across)
- Sleeper (selected days)
Booking information
Book on metickets.krc.co.ke or at terminus ticket offices; bring the ID/passport used to book. Tickets sell out around holidays — buy a few days ahead.
Good to know
Security checks open ~1 h before departure and the train leaves on time. Snack trolley on board; bring water for Tsavo’s midday heat.
Times and fares are curated guidelines, not a live timetable.
Always confirm before you travel.
Continue the journey