Updated 10 November 2026
The Nanyuki safari train is Kenya Railways’ weekend service from Nairobi Central to Nanyuki on the old metre-gauge line. It leaves Nairobi on Friday at 9:00am, reaches Nanyuki at about 4:49pm, and returns on Sunday at 9:00am. A full trip costs KSh400 in economy or KSh1,000 in first class, which makes it one of the cheapest ways to reach the foot of Mount Kenya for a weekend. Here are the full fares, the stop-by-stop timetable and the practical points to check before you go.
Updated November 2026. Fares and times are from the Kenya Railways Nanyuki Safari Train schedule and fares sheet, which KR still links from its Nairobi to Nanyuki service page as of 10 November 2026. The sheet was uploaded in March 2025, so call KR to confirm before you travel.
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Nanyuki safari train fares at a glance
| Trip from Nairobi | Economy | First class |
|---|---|---|
| Within the Nairobi zone (Makadara to Kalimoni) | KSh150 flat | KSh500 flat |
| Nairobi to Thika | KSh150 | KSh500 |
| Nairobi to Sagana | KSh260 | KSh500 |
| Nairobi to Karatina | KSh300 | KSh1,000 |
| Nairobi to Nanyuki | KSh400 | KSh1,000 |
A couple travelling Nairobi to Nanyuki and back in first class would pay KSh4,000 for the train. The same pair in economy would pay KSh1,600.
Economy fares by station
Economy fares from Nairobi, Makadara, Dandora, Mwiki, Githurai, Kahawa, Ruiru and Kalimoni are the same, because KR treats those stations as one Nairobi zone:
| From the Nairobi zone to | Economy fare |
|---|---|
| Thika | KSh150 |
| Mitubiri | KSh160 |
| Makuyu | KSh180 |
| Maragua | KSh200 |
| Murang’a | KSh250 |
| Sagana | KSh260 |
| Karatina | KSh300 |
| Kiganjo | KSh350 |
| Chaka | KSh360 |
| Naro Moru | KSh360 |
| Nanyuki | KSh400 |
Short hops between neighbouring stations beyond Thika cost KSh50 in economy, for example Karatina to Kiganjo or Naro Moru to Nanyuki. Thika to Nanyuki costs KSh260.
First class fares on the Nanyuki safari train
First class has just two price bands from the Nairobi zone. Any trip to Thika, Mitubiri, Makuyu, Maragua, Murang’a or Sagana costs KSh500. Any trip to Karatina, Kiganjo, Chaka, Naro Moru or Nanyuki costs KSh1,000. Travel inside the Nairobi zone is a flat KSh500.
Friday timetable: Nairobi to Nanyuki
The train departs Nairobi Central at 9:00am. Scheduled arrival times are:
| Station | Arrives | Station | Arrives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makadara | 9:13am | Makuyu | 12:16pm |
| Dandora | 9:36am | Maragua | 12:38pm |
| Mwiki | 9:58am | Murang’a | 1:10pm |
| Githurai | 10:08am | Sagana | 1:40pm |
| Kahawa | 10:18am | Karatina | 2:39pm |
| Ruiru | 10:32am | Kiganjo | 3:24pm |
| Thika | 11:14am | Naro Moru | 4:08pm |
| Mitubiri | 11:44am | Nanyuki | 4:49pm |
The train waits about two minutes at most stations. Allow for delays on the older line and plan your Nanyuki check-in for the evening.
Sunday return: Nanyuki to Nairobi
The return train leaves Nanyuki at 9:00am on Sunday and is scheduled into Naro Moru at 9:49am, Kiganjo 10:33am, Karatina 11:18am, Sagana 12:17pm, Murang’a 12:41pm, Maragua 1:06pm, Makuyu 1:28pm, Mitubiri 2:00pm, Thika 2:30pm, Ruiru 3:12pm, Kahawa 3:26pm, Githurai 3:38pm, Mwiki 3:48pm, Dandora 4:08pm, Makadara 4:31pm and Nairobi Central at 4:46pm.
Child fares and practical tips
- Children aged 3 to 11 travelling with adults pay half fare.
- Children over 11 pay the full fare.
- Children aged 3 and below travel free.
- Confirm before you go. Call Kenya Railways on 0709 907 000, 0709 907 555, 0115 169 759 or 0115 102 558 to check that the train is running that weekend and how tickets are sold.
- Pack for a long day. The trip takes almost eight hours, so carry water, snacks and a power bank.
- Book your stay early. Two nights in Nanyuki fit neatly between the Friday arrival and Sunday departure.
The route and why it is worth it
Kenya Railways describes the Thika to Nanyuki branch as part of the metre-gauge railway, with a route length of 177.2 km. It was built in three phases: Nairobi to Thika by 1913, Thika to Naro Moru by 1927, and Naro Moru to Nanyuki by 1931. The line runs through six counties: Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri and Laikipia, ending at Nanyuki near the foot of Mount Kenya.
The Nanyuki safari train is slower than the road, but far cheaper than a private transfer, and the views are the point. If you prefer the modern standard gauge railway for coast trips, compare SGR economy and first class and see how to book SGR tickets online. For a bigger holiday, our December coast trip budget prices a full week.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Nanyuki safari train fare?
Nairobi to Nanyuki costs KSh400 in economy and KSh1,000 in first class, according to the Kenya Railways fares sheet. Shorter trips start at KSh150 in economy.
What time does the Nanyuki safari train leave Nairobi?
It departs Nairobi Central on Friday at 9:00am and is scheduled to reach Nanyuki at 4:49pm.
When does the train return from Nanyuki?
On Sunday at 9:00am, arriving at Nairobi Central at about 4:46pm.
Do children pay on the Nanyuki safari train?
Children aged 3 to 11 pay half fare, those over 11 pay full fare, and children aged 3 and below travel free.
Is the Nanyuki safari train still running?
Kenya Railways still lists the service and its fares sheet on its website as of November 2026. Call KR on 0709 907 000 before travelling to confirm the weekend’s run.
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