Updated 25 October 2026
Quick answer: You book Madaraka Express (SGR) tickets on the official Kenya Railways site metickets.krc.co.ke, by dialling *639# on a Safaricom line, or over the counter at any Madaraka Express station. Payment is by M-Pesa, because Kenya Railways says it doesn’t accept credit or debit cards. An adult one-way ticket from Nairobi to Mombasa costs KSh1,500 in Economy, KSh4,500 in First Class and KSh12,000 in Premium (KSh20,000 return). Tickets open 60 days before travel, which matters for December.
The fares, times and rules below come from Kenya Railways’ published fare schedule, its Madaraka Express FAQ page and the Madaraka Express Passenger Service Conditions of Carriage, checked on 24 October 2026.
In this guide
Ways to Book an SGR Ticket
| Channel | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Online | metickets.krc.co.ke | Open 24 hours; up to 10 passengers per transaction |
| USSD | Dial *639# on Safaricom | Open 24 hours; up to 10 passengers per transaction |
| Station counter | Any Madaraka Express station | Booking office open 6:30am to 8:30pm; carry original ID |
| Phone | 0709 388888 | Calls taken 8:30am to 8:30pm; enquiries on 0709 388887 |
Kenya Railways warns passengers not to deal with anyone offering to sell tickets through other channels. Touts selling “confirmed seats” on WhatsApp or Facebook in December are a common way people lose money.
How to Book SGR Tickets Online, Step by Step
- Open metickets.krc.co.ke on your phone or computer. Check that the address is exactly that before typing any details.
- Choose your route (for example Nairobi to Mombasa), the travel date and the train: the 8am inter-county train, the 3pm Afternoon Express or the 10pm Night Express.
- Pick the class: Economy, First Class or Premium. Fares differ by class, so check the total before you continue.
- Enter each passenger’s details exactly as they appear on their ID or passport. The ticket carries the passenger’s name and ID number, and the name and ID are checked before boarding.
- Add children correctly. Children under three travel free, children aged 3 to 11 pay half fare, and anyone from 12 years pays the full adult fare.
- Pay with M-Pesa as the site prompts, using the phone number you entered, and approve the payment with your M-Pesa PIN. Keep the M-Pesa confirmation message.
- Wait for the confirmation SMS. It contains your e-ticket code (seven letters), the train, date, route, coach number and seat number. Keep it.
If the confirmation SMS never arrives, Kenya Railways says you can still print your ticket at the station using the self-service machines. You key in the phone number you paid with and the account number shown in your M-Pesa message.
Booking by USSD (*639#)
Dial *639# on a Safaricom line and follow the menu: route, date, train, class, number of passengers and ID details, then confirm with your M-Pesa PIN. The same 10-passenger limit applies. USSD is handy when the website is slow, which happens in the weeks before Christmas and Easter.
SGR Fares From Nairobi in 2026
As at October 2026, Kenya Railways’ published one-way adult fares from Nairobi Terminus are:
| From Nairobi to | Economy (KSh) | First Class (KSh) | Premium one way (KSh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athi River | 90 | 180 | 480 |
| Emali | 390 | 1,190 | 3,180 |
| Kibwezi | 600 | 1,820 | 4,860 |
| Mtito Andei | 740 | 2,240 | 5,980 |
| Voi | 1,050 | 3,200 | 8,540 |
| Miasenyi | 1,350 | 3,680 | 9,820 |
| Mariakani | 1,410 | 4,310 | 11,500 |
| Mombasa (Miritini) | 1,500 | 4,500 | 12,000 |
Source: Kenya Railways, Madaraka Express Passenger Service Train Fares. Premium return from Nairobi to Mombasa is KSh20,000. The Nairobi to Suswa line is cheaper: KSh130 to Ongata Rongai or Ngong and KSh250 to Maai Mahiu or Suswa in Economy.
What a Family Trip to the Coast Costs on the Train
| Family of four (2 adults, 2 children aged 3 to 11) | One way (KSh) | Return (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | 4,500 (2 x 1,500 plus 2 x 750) | 9,000 |
| First Class | 13,500 (2 x 4,500 plus 2 x 2,250) | 27,000 |
This uses the half-fare rule for children aged 3 to 11. A child under three rides free but doesn’t get a seat of their own.
SGR Train Times
| Train | Departs Nairobi and Mombasa | Stops |
|---|---|---|
| Inter-county train | 8:00am (both ends at the same time) | Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi, Mariakani |
| Afternoon Express | 3:00pm | Voi only (6:48pm from Nairobi, 4:38pm from Mombasa) |
| Night Express | 10:00pm | Voi only (2:05am from Nairobi, 11:45pm from Mombasa) |
| Suswa leisure train | 8:50am from Nairobi Terminus, Friday to Sunday | Ongata Rongai, Ngong, Maai Mahiu, Suswa; returns 4:05pm |
Source: Kenya Railways Madaraka Express FAQ. Times can change, so check the time printed on your ticket.
Rules You Need to Know Before Travel Day
- When to arrive: at least 60 minutes before departure for document checks and security. The final boarding call is 11 minutes before departure and the platform gates close 10 minutes before.
- ID: carry the original ID or passport you booked with. Tickets can’t be transferred to another person.
- Last sales: ticket sales for the Nairobi to Mombasa line stop 30 minutes before departure.
- Luggage: up to 30kg per passenger. The FAQ gives a size limit of 1 metre by 1 metre by 1 metre, while the online booking site’s policy says 1.6 metres, so pack to the smaller size to be safe. Tag your bag with your name and phone number.
- Pets: not allowed on the trains.
- Parking: overnight parking at the station costs KSh200 a night, and you must tell security.
Changing, Cancelling or Losing a Ticket
| Situation | Rule | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Cancel Economy or First Class | At least 48 hours before departure, at a station, with original ID and a photocopy | 30% of the fare |
| Reschedule Economy or First Class | At least 48 hours before departure, at a station; same class, service and person; once only | 10% of the fare |
| Cancel Premium | At least 48 hours before departure, online | 30% of the fare |
| Group bookings (over 20 people) | Book 62 days ahead; cancel or reschedule 72 hours before | As above |
| Lost or stolen ticket | Stewards check the record and issue a Passenger Transport Record | 30% of the fare |
A rescheduled ticket can’t then be cancelled. Cancelled seats go back on sale about 30 minutes later, so if a train shows as full, keep checking the site or *639#.
Tips for Booking SGR Tickets for December
- Set a reminder for 60 days before your travel date. For a 19 December trip, sales open around 20 October; for 2 January returns, around early November.
- Book the return at the same time, as long as it falls inside the 60-day window.
- Check the Kenya public holidays for 2026 and 2027 to see which days around Jamhuri Day and Christmas will be busiest.
- If the train is full, compare buses. See our Easy Coach contacts and booking offices page for the coach option.
- Paid the wrong number by mistake? Read how to reverse an M-Pesa transaction straight away.
- Planning a safari stop at Tsavo from Voi or Mtito Andei? You can pay KWS park fees on eCitizen before you travel.
Moving to the coast for work? Browse jobs in Mombasa on JobinKenya, and see the schools in Mombasa County if you’re relocating with children.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the SGR from Nairobi to Mombasa?
KSh1,500 in Economy, KSh4,500 in First Class and KSh12,000 in Premium for an adult one way, as at October 2026. Children aged 3 to 11 pay half.
Can I pay for SGR tickets with a bank card?
No. Kenya Railways says it doesn’t accept credit or debit cards at the moment. Pay with M-Pesa online, through *639#, or at the station.
How early can I book SGR tickets?
Up to 60 days before the travel date. Groups of more than 20 must book 62 days ahead.
Can someone else use my SGR ticket?
No. Tickets carry the passenger’s name and ID number and can’t be transferred.
How long does the SGR take from Nairobi to Mombasa?
The 3pm Afternoon Express reaches Mombasa at about 8pm, according to the Kenya Railways schedule. The inter-county train is slower because it stops at seven stations.
What happens if I miss my train?
Kenya Railways only allows rescheduling at least 48 hours before departure, so a missed train is usually treated as used. Arrive an hour early.
Last checked 24 October 2026 against Kenya Railways’ fare schedule, Madaraka Express FAQ and Conditions of Carriage.
Prefer WhatsApp? Follow Business Radar on WhatsApp
Weekly, free. We only use your email for this newsletter and you can unsubscribe in one click. Privacy policy.
