The Madaraka Express, operated by Kenya Railways, remains the most efficient and affordable way to travel between Nairobi and Mombasa, as well as other destinations like Suswa and Ngong. In 2025, you can book an SGR train ticket using three main methods:
1️⃣ Online Booking via the Kenya Railways Website
2️⃣ USSD Booking (No Internet Needed)
3️⃣ Physical Booking at SGR Terminus
1. How to Book an SGR Ticket Online (Website Booking)
The easiest and most convenient way to book an SGR ticket is through the Kenya Railways website.
Steps to Book Online:
✅ Step 1: Visit the official booking website: https://metickets.krc.co.ke.
✅ Step 2: Click on “Book a Ticket” and enter your travel details:
- Departure station (e.g., Nairobi Terminus).
- Destination station (e.g., Mombasa Terminus).
- Date of travel.
- Train type:
- Express Train (Stops at Nairobi, Voi, and Mombasa).
- Inter-County Train (Stops at Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi, Mariakani).
- Select travel class:
- Premium Class: Ksh 480 – 12,000 per adult.
- First Class: Ksh 180 – 4,500 per adult.
- Economy Class: Ksh 90 – 1,500 per adult.
✅ Step 3: Enter passenger details (Name, National ID/Passport Number, Mobile Number).
✅ Step 4: Make M-Pesa payment and enter your M-Pesa PIN to confirm.
✅ Step 5: Receive an SMS confirmation with a booking reference number.
✅ Step 6: On the travel date, arrive 1 hour before departure, print your ticket at the self-service machines, and board your train.
2. How to Book an SGR Ticket via USSD Code (No Internet Needed)
If you don’t have internet, you can book your ticket using your mobile phone.
Steps to Book via USSD:
📞 Step 1: Dial *📲 639# on your Safaricom phone.
📍 Step 2: Select departure station, destination, date, and class (Premium, First Class, or Economy).
🆔 Step 3: Enter Name & National ID/Passport Number for all passengers.
💰 Step 4: Make M-Pesa payment when prompted.
📩 Step 5: Receive SMS confirmation with your booking reference number.
🎫 Step 6: Print your ticket at the station before boarding.
3. How to Book an SGR Ticket at the Terminus (Physical Booking)
For those who prefer in-person booking, you can buy your ticket at any SGR station.
Steps for Physical Booking:
🚉 Step 1: Visit an SGR Terminus (Nairobi, Mombasa, or any intermediate station).
📍 Step 2: Provide your travel details to the ticketing agent.
💵 Step 3: Pay in cash or via M-Pesa.
🎟️ Step 4: Get your printed ticket immediately and wait for departure.
⏰ Step 5: Arrive at least 1 hour before departure for security clearance.
SGR Train Schedules & Routes
🛤️ Express Train (Nairobi – Mombasa)
- 🚆 Departs Nairobi: 3:00 PM & 10:00 PM
- ⏰ Arrival in Mombasa: 8:00 PM & 3:30 AM
- 🛑 Stops Only at Voi
🚉 Inter-County Train (Nairobi – Mombasa)
- 🚆 Departs Nairobi: 8:00 AM
- ⏰ Arrival in Mombasa: 2:00 PM
- 🛑 Stops at: Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi, Mariakani
🚆 Nairobi – Suswa Train Service
- 🛤️ Operates on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- 🚆 Departs Nairobi: 8:50 AM → Arrives at Suswa: 11:10 AM
- 🚆 Returns from Suswa: 3:50 PM → Arrives in Nairobi: 6:00 PM
🚆 Nairobi – Ngong Commuter Train
- ⏰ Runs Monday to Friday
- 🚆 Departs Nairobi: 5:00 AM & 6:40 PM
- 🚆 Departs Ngong: 6:20 AM & 7:40 PM
🚉 Total SGR Departures Per Day: 6
🎫 Additional Travel Policies
✅ Tickets are non-transferable – Only valid for the person & date booked.
✅ Refunds & Rescheduling:
- Refunds available 48 hours before departure (30% cancellation fee applies).
- Rescheduling available up to 48 hours before departure (10% fee applies).
✅ Children over 11 years pay the full fare.
✅ No pets allowed on board.
📞 SGR Booking & Support Contact
- ☎ SGR Booking Hotline: 0709 388888 (8:30 AM – 8:00 PM)
- ☎ General Enquiries: 0709 388887 (6:30 AM – 8:00 PM)
🚄 Enjoy your journey on the Madaraka Express! Safe travels!
