No. 1 Guide on Kenya Railways and SGR Trains Online Booking

Kenya Railways operates several trains in Kenya, which include Nairobi Commuter Rails, SGR Trains, which has an online booking, Suswa Train, and two MGR trains.

This article will focus on the Madaraka Express Trains between Nairobi and Mombasa, also called the SGR Trains. To get you started, below are a few terms you need to know about the SGR Trains.

Terms Associated with Kenya Railways and SGR Trains

SGR: It stands for Standard Guage Rail.
MGR: It stands for Meter Guage Rail.
Kenya Railways: The government corporation operates railways and rolling stock in Kenya.
Madaraka Express: These are SGR trains between Nairobi and Mombasa. They depart each city at 3 PM and 10 PM and only stop at Voi Station.
SGR Inter-County Trains: These trains depart each city at 8 AM and stop at all stations along the railway line.
SGR Link Trains: This commuter trains ferry travelers from the Nairobi Central Railways Station to the Nairobi Terminus.
Metickets: The official online website for booking SGR Trains. It’s run by Kenya Railways.
SGR Online Booking: This is the process of buying SGR tickets from the Kenya Railways Booking Website.
Tickets Booking Number: The Safaricom mobile number you use to buy SGR tickets. It’s usually your M-Pesa number.
Tickets Account Number: The e-ticket number you receive after buying your SGR tickets.
SGR Terminus: These are the main SGR train stations in Kenya. They include Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau and Mombasa Terminus in Miritini.
SGR Intermediate Stations: There are inter-county train stations along the main SGR line. They include Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi, and Mariakani.

Kenya Railways SGR Trains

There are six daily SGR trains between Nairobi and Mombasa (three from each city). The trains have unique codes and depart from each station at different times. I have used all the trains from Nairobi to Mombasa or Mombasa to Nairobi, and they are very reliable, comfortable, and affordable.

If you’re planning a train ride from Mombasa or Nairobi, below is a list of the available SGR Trains. It includes train type, destinations, and departure and arrival times.

SGR Trains from Nairobi to Mombasa (Train Types and Timetable)

The morning train (N2) stops at all intermediate stations, while the afternoon train (E2) only stops at Voi intermediate station. The night train (E4) continues beyond any intermediate station.

N2: Morning Inter-County train (08:00 AM – 02:00 PM) – 6 Hours
E2: Afternoon Express train (03:00 PM – 08:30 PM) – 5 Hours 30 Minutes
E4: Night Express train (10:00 PM – 03:35 AM) – 5 Hours 35 Minutes

SGR Trains from Mombasa to Nairobi (Train Types and Timetable)

The morning train (N1) stops at all intermediate stations, while the afternoon train (E1) only stops at Voi intermediate station. The night train (E3) does not stop at any intermediate station.

N1: Morning Inter-County (08:00 AM – 02:10 PM) – 6 Hours 10 Minutes
E1: Afternoon Express train (03:00 PM – 08:18 PM) – 5 Hours 18 Minutes
E3: Night Express train (10:00 PM – 03:35 AM) – 5 Hours 35 Minutes

Madaraka Express and SGR Trains Online Booking

Follow the following steps to buy SGR tickets online and pay using Mpesa.

Go to the Metickets website – the official Kenya Railways SGR Trains Online Booking site.
Enter your journey details (train type, departure station, arrival station, date of travel, and time of travel.)
Select the number of travelers and train class (economy or first).
Click on book train.
Enter your booking details (name, ID, gender, and nationality).
Enter your payment details (Mpesa mobile number).
Click on proceed to pay.
Confirm your journey details.
Click on pay now or pay later.

Once the payment is successful, you’ll receive a Mpesa confirmation message with your Account Number.

SGR Trains between Nairobi and Mombasa Fare Prices

The Madaraka Express trains have two classes (first class and economy class). Each class has different fare prices depending on your departure and arrival stations.

The following are the latest ticket fares and prices for the SGR trains between Mombasa and Nairobi.

First Class SGR Tickets

Adults (and children above 12 years): Ksh 3,000
Children (3 – 11 years): Ksh 1,500
Children (below 3 years): Free of charge

Economy Class SGR Tickets

Adults (and children above 12 years): Ksh 3,000
Children (3 – 11 years): Ksh 1,500
Children (below 3 years): Free of charge

SGR Link Trains Service

Kenya Railways provides link trains to ferry passengers from Nairobi Central Railway Station to the Nairobi Terminus. Passengers from Mombasa can also use the link train services from Nairobi Terminus to Imara Daima, Makadara, and Nairobi Central Railway Station. Below are the available SGR link trains

6:35 AM: for those traveling on the morning Inter-County train.
12:00 PM: for those traveling on the afternoon Express train.
8:10 PM: for those traveling on the night Express train.

SGR Tickets Refunds and Rescheduling

SGR tickets are non-refundable. However, you can reschedule your journey by visiting a nearby train station. Make sure to carry your original travel document.

How to Contact Kenya Railways SGR & Madaraka Express

Kenya Railways and Madaraka Express can be reached using the contact details below.

Mobile 1: 0709 388 887 – for service inquiries, lost & found, and complaints,
Mobile 2: 0709 388 888 – for SGR bookings.
Telephone: 0709 907 000 – for headquarters customer service.
Email: info@krc.co.ke
Booking Website: Metickets
Main Website: Kenya Railways

SGR Trains Online Booking: FAQs

What is the difference between economy class and first class in SGR?

First-class coaches have fewer seats that face forward, giving you more comfort and privacy. On the other hand, economy class coaches have more seats facing each other.

How many hours does the train from Nairobi to Mombasa take?

The morning Inter-County train from Nairobi to Mombasa takes about 6 hours, while the Express trains (afternoon and night) take about 5 hours 30 minutes.

How to make SGR online booking from Mombasa to Nairobi?

You can book SGR tickets online via Metickets and complete the payment with Mpesa.

How many SGR trains are there?

There are six SGR trains between Nairobi and Mombasa. Two trains travel in the morning (8 AM), two in the afternoon (3 PM), and two at night (10 PM).

How to check Madaraka express ticket?

You can check and print your Madaraka express ticket at the nearby SGR station or terminus. Use your booking number and account number to print the tickets.

How much is Madaraka express from Nairobi to Mombasa?

An economy-class ticket on the train costs Ksh 1,000 ($10), while a first-class ticket costs Ksh 3,000 ($30). Children between 3 and 11 years pay half the price for both classes, while those under 3 years travel free of charge.

Are food and drinks allowed in SGR?

Yes. Food, snacks, water, and soft drinks are allowed on SGR trains. However, don’t bring any alcoholic drinks.

Conclusion: SGR Trains Online Booking

There you have it. That’s the No. 1 Guide to Kenya Railways, Madaraka Express, and SGR Online Booking. If you’re looking for the SGR timetable, booking number, or booking via Mpesa, reread the article for more details.

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No. 1 Guide on Kenya Railways and SGR Train Online Booking