The Madaraka Express, operated by Kenya Railways, provides a reliable and efficient train service between Nairobi and Mombasa, as well as intermediate stations. It also serves Suswa and Ngong on select schedules. You can book an SGR train ticket through three main methods: Online Booking, USSD Booking, and Physical Booking.

Booking online is the most convenient way to secure your seat. Follow these steps:

  • Choose your departure station (e.g., Nairobi Terminus).
  • Select your destination (e.g., Mombasa Terminus).
  • Pick the travel date from the calendar.
  • Choose the train type:
    • Express Train (Stops only in Nairobi, Voi, and Mombasa).
    • Inter-County Train (Stops at Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi, Mariakani).
  • Select your preferred class:
    • Premium Class – From Ksh 480 to Ksh 12,000 per adult.
    • First Class – From Ksh 180 to Ksh 4,500 per adult.
    • Economy Class – From Ksh 90 to Ksh 1,500 per adult.
  • Input your full name and National ID/passport number.
  • Provide your mobile phone number to receive the booking confirmation.
  • If traveling with others, enter their details as well.
  • Choose M-Pesa as the payment method.
  • Enter your M-Pesa PIN when prompted.
  • After successful payment, you will receive an SMS confirmation with your booking reference number.
  • On the day of travel, arrive at the station at least 1 hour before departure.
  • Use the self-service ticket machine to print your ticket by entering your booking reference number.
  • Proceed through security checks and board the train.

If you don’t have internet access, you can book your ticket using your phone’s USSD code.

  • On a Safaricom mobile phone, dial *639# and press call.
  • Select your departure station and destination.
  • Pick the travel date and preferred class (Premium, First Class, or Economy).
  • Provide your full name and ID/passport number.
  • Enter details for additional passengers if applicable.
  • The system will generate a payment request via M-Pesa.
  • Enter your M-Pesa PIN to confirm payment.
  • You will receive an SMS with your booking reference number.
  • Use this number to print your ticket at the station before boarding.

For those who prefer in-person booking, you can buy your ticket at any SGR station.

  • Booking offices are available at Nairobi Terminus, Mombasa Terminus, and all intermediate stations.
  • Inform the ticketing agent of your:
    • Departure and arrival stations.
    • Travel date.
    • Preferred class (Premium, First Class, or Economy).
  • Pay via cash or M-Pesa.
  • After payment, you will receive a printed ticket immediately.
  • Arrive at least 1 hour before departure.
  • Proceed through security checks and board your train.
  • Express Train: Departs Nairobi at 3 PM and 10 PM, arriving in Mombasa at 8 PM and 3:30 AM, stopping only at Voi.
  • Inter-County Train: Departs Nairobi at 8 AM, arriving in Mombasa at 2 PM, stopping at Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi, and Mariakani.
  • Nairobi – Suswa Service: Operates on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, stopping at Rongai, Ngong, and Maai-Mahiu. Departs Nairobi at 8:50 AM, arriving at Suswa at 11:10 AM. Returns from Suswa at 3:50 PM, arriving in Nairobi at 6:00 PM.
  • Nairobi – Ngong Commuter Service: Runs Monday to Friday, departing Nairobi at 5 AM and 6:40 PM, and Ngong at 6:20 AM and 7:40 PM.
  • Total SGR Departures Per Day: 6
  • Tickets are non-transferable and only valid for the specified date, time, and train.
  • Refunds & Rescheduling: Available 48 hours before departure with a 30% cancellation fee or 10% rescheduling fee.
  • Children over 11 years pay the full fare.
  • No pets allowed onboard.
  • Booking & Support Hotline: 0709 388888 (8:30 AM – 8:00 PM)
  • General Enquiries: 0709 388887 (6:30 AM – 8:00 PM)