Updated 28 October 2026
SGR economy vs first class on the Madaraka Express from Nairobi to Mombasa: Economy costs KSh 1,500 one way and First Class costs KSh 4,500, three times as much, on the same trains and timetable. Premium Class, sold separately online, is KSh 12,000 one way. The cancellation, rescheduling and luggage rules are the same for Economy and First Class. Updated October 2026.
Updated October 2026. Official sources: Kenya Railways Madaraka Express booking site, its train schedule and fare sheet, and its ticketing terms and conditions (read 28 October 2026).
SGR economy vs first class fares 2026
One-way fares from Kenya Railways’ published fare sheet. Premium fares are included for comparison.
| Route (one way) | Economy | First Class | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi to Mombasa | KSh 1,500 | KSh 4,500 | KSh 12,000 |
| Nairobi to Voi | KSh 1,050 | KSh 3,200 | KSh 8,540 |
| Nairobi to Mtito Andei | KSh 740 | KSh 2,240 | KSh 5,980 |
| Nairobi to Kibwezi | KSh 600 | KSh 1,820 | KSh 4,860 |
| Nairobi to Emali | KSh 390 | KSh 1,190 | KSh 3,180 |
| Nairobi to Mariakani | KSh 1,410 | KSh 4,310 | KSh 11,500 |
| Athi River to Mombasa | KSh 1,430 | KSh 4,340 | KSh 11,580 |
| Voi to Mombasa | KSh 440 | KSh 1,320 | KSh 3,520 |
Premium also has a return fare (KSh 20,000 Nairobi to Mombasa). The fare sheet lists no return discount for Economy or First Class, so a Nairobi to Mombasa round trip costs KSh 3,000 in Economy and KSh 9,000 in First Class.
What the difference buys you
Kenya Railways sells Economy and First Class on the same Inter-County, Express and Night trains, so the timetable and journey time are identical. The fare sheet and terms do not list seat specifications for each class; First Class is the higher-priced coach class. Read the class details on the booking page, or ask at the station, before you pay. Premium is a separate product with its own online booking (“Book Premium”) and cancellation handled on the online platform.
For a family of four (two adults, two children aged 3 to 11 who pay half fare), Nairobi to Mombasa one way costs KSh 4,500 in Economy and KSh 13,500 in First Class. Over a return trip that is KSh 9,000 versus KSh 27,000.
Madaraka Express train times
| Train | Nairobi departs | Mombasa arrives | Mombasa departs | Nairobi arrives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inter-County (stops at all stations) | 08:00 | 14:00 | 08:00 | 14:10 |
| Express (stops at Voi) | 15:00 | 20:30 | 15:00 | 20:18 |
| Night train (stops at Voi) | 22:00 | 03:55 | 22:00 | 03:55 |
There is also a weekend service (Friday to Sunday) from Nairobi Terminus to Suswa via Ongata Rongai, Ngong and Maai Mahiu, with fares from KSh 70 to KSh 250.
Rules that apply to both classes
- ID: you need your full names, an accepted ID (national ID, passport, military ID, diplomatic ID, alien card, driving licence or a police abstract valid for 6 months) and a phone number to book. Carry the original ID and ticket to board; copies are not accepted. Minors below 12 use a birth certificate.
- Children: ages 3 to 11 travelling with adults pay half fare; over 11 pay full fare; 3 and below travel free if they do not need a seat (one child per passenger).
- Arrival: be at the station at least one hour before departure for screening.
- Cancellation: 48 hours or more before departure, at a station counter, with a 30% fee.
- Rescheduling: 48 hours or more before departure, same class and person, once only, with a 10% fee.
- Lost ticket: replacement costs 30% of the fare after verification.
- Luggage: carry what you can manage; Kenya Railways is not liable for loss or damage.
- Payment: M-Pesa through the SIM toolkit, or card (POS) at the counter.
Our guide on how to book SGR tickets online walks through the booking screens.
Economy, First Class or the bus?
Choose Economy if price matters most: at KSh 1,500 it is the cheapest way to cover the full route by train. Choose First Class if Economy is sold out on your train or you simply prefer the higher class and the KSh 3,000 extra each way is worth it to you. If the train is sold out, compare coach options in our Buscar contacts and booking guide and Easy Coach contacts.
Kenya Railways contacts: 0709 907 000, 0709 907 555, info@krc.co.ke.
SGR economy vs first class: frequently asked questions
How much is SGR first class from Nairobi to Mombasa?
KSh 4,500 one way, according to Kenya Railways’ fare sheet. Economy is KSh 1,500.
Is the SGR first class train faster than economy?
No. Both classes travel on the same trains, so departure and arrival times are the same.
How much do children pay on the SGR?
Children aged 3 to 11 pay half fare, so a child costs KSh 750 in Economy or KSh 2,250 in First Class from Nairobi to Mombasa.
Can I cancel an SGR economy ticket?
Yes, at least 48 hours before departure at a station counter, with 30% of the fare deducted.
What is SGR premium class?
A separate class booked online at KSh 12,000 one way or KSh 20,000 return between Nairobi and Mombasa.
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