The Only Guide You will Ever Need to book SGR train online
The Madaraka Express, Kenya’s flagship Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) service, offers a fast, safe, and scenic way to travel between Nairobi and Mombasa, with stops in major towns along the route. Whether you’re planning a leisurely coastal getaway or a business trip, booking your train tickets online is the most convenient and efficient way to secure your seat.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire online booking process for Madaraka Express SGR, highlight key tips for a hassle-free experience, and answer common questions to ensure your journey starts on the right track.
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Madaraka Express - SGR Routes
The Madaraka Express Passenger Service offers 2 types of train service each making two round trips a day.
The Inter-county train runs in the morning and makes stopovers in Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi and Mariakani county stations.
The Express trains (Afternoon & Night) does not stop along the way during the journey.
Madaraka Express SGR Quick Tips
- The SGR timetable is the same every day of the week and the train runs 7 days a week. At the moment, there is NO 'downloadable' SGR app to book or purchase tickets. It is important to NOTE that you can only pay for the SGR via M-PESA mobile money,
- The Nairobi SGR Terminus is a 20-30-minute drive outside the city centre when there is no traffic congestion (or if you use the Express Way). Otherwise consider sparing about 1 hour from Nairobi CBD to the terminus.
- It can take between 30 minutes and 1 hour to get through security and checks in at Nairobi and MombasaTerminus.
- The Mombasa SGR terminus is also 30 minutes outside Mombasa with normal traffic. You can take a taxi or bus to the city. For beach destinations north and south of Mombasa, book a taxi or shuttle bus.
Madaraka Express Trains SGR Timetable
From Nairobi to Mombasa
Train Type | Departure | Arrival |
Inter-County Train | 8.00 am | 2.00 pm |
Express Train | 3.00 pm | 8.10 pm |
Express Night Train | 10.00 pm | 3.35 am |
From Mombasa To Nairobi
Inter-County Train | 8.00 am | 2.00 pm |
Express Train | 3.00 pm | 8.10 pm |
Express Night Train | 10.00 pm | 3.35 am |
Steps to Booking SGR Madaraka Express Online
Step 1: Visit the official Madaraka Express website (https://metickets.krc.co.ke/)
Step 2: Choose the Preferred train type (Madaraka Express for the afternoon or SGR Intercounty for morning travel)
Step 3: Select your starting station (Mombasa, Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Miaseny, Mariakani, Mtito Andei, Voi, or Nairobi)
Step 4: Type in or Select your desired destination (Nairobi, Voi, Mtito Andei, Mariakani, Miaseny, Kibwezi, Emali, Athi River, or Mombasa)
Step 5: Select your preferred travel date
Step 6: Click on the “Book Ticket” button on the homepage
Step 7: On the next page select the number of tickets you would like to purchase
Step 8: Choose the class of service you would like (First or Economy class)
Step 9: Fill in Passenger details, this includes your name, ID number, Gender, Nationality and contact information
Step 10: Review your booking details and click “Confirm” to proceed with the payment
Step 11: Select the payment option (M-PESA)
Step 12: Once the payment is successful, you will receive a confirmation email and a text message with your booking details and a QR code. You will use these details to print the ticket at the respective station (departing station)
Important Notes About Online Purchase of SGR Madaraka Express Tickets
One is allowed to purchase up to a maximum of 5 tickets in one transaction.
Madaraka SGR online ticket purchase service is available 24/7
You can book your ticket seven (7) days in advance plus a return ticket as long as it is within a (seven) 7-day window period.
Group travel bookings for passengers numbering above 20 MUST made nine (9) days before the travel date.
You may also buy SGR Madaraka Express tickets over the counter at the Mombasa and Nairobi termini and at the respective departing intermediate station or by calling 0709 388888 and paying via M-PESA, or by using the USSD code *639# from a Safaricom mobile line and pay via mpesa.
Madaraka Express Passenger Contacts
Passenger Service bookings: 0709388888
Passenger Service inquiries, complaints, lost & found: 0709 388 887
