Did you know that on the journey between Nairobi and Mombasa, you might spot elephants roaming across the savannah from your train window? The ride on the Madaraka Express isn’t just a way to get from the city to the coast, it’s one of Kenya’s most unique travel experiences.
Running between Nairobi and Mombasa, the SGR train has transformed travel across the country, offering a fast, comfortable and scenic journey that passes through incredible landscapes, including parts of Tsavo National Park.
Whether it’s your first time taking the train or you’re planning your next coastal escape, this guide shares everything you need to know before travelling on Kenya’s SGR. From booking tickets to practical travel tips, this guide covers everything you need for a smooth journey.
How to book your Nairobi-Mombasa SGR train tickets?
Booking your ticket on the Madaraka Express is relatively straightforward, but it’s best to plan ahead. Trains can sell out fast, particularly during weekends, public holidays, peak travel seasons, or when events like unexpected airport disruptions increase demand for the train.
Here are a few things to know before booking your SGR ticket:
Online booking
You can reserve tickets through the official SGR website or mobile booking platform when you plan beforehand. However, online payment currently requires M-Pesa, Kenya’s mobile money system and a Kenyan phone number. International travellers may choose to buy a Safaricom SIM card at the airport, which allows them to access M-Pesa and complete their booking online. Alternatively, if you book a personalised itinerary with Travel4Purpose, we can handle the SGR bookings for you, making the process simple and stress-free.
Buy at the station
Tickets are also available at the Ticket Office at Nairobi Terminus or Mombasa Terminus.
Choose your class
- First Class – more spacious seats and quieter coaches:
- 4500 KES per adult
- 2250 KES per child (3-11 years)
- Children under 3 travel free
- Economy Class – comfortable and budget-friendly:
- 1500 KES per adult
- 750 KES per child (3-11 years)
- Children under 3 travel free
Note: Prices as of March 2026
Carry identification
Passengers must present a passport or a valid ID when purchasing tickets and when boarding the train.
Booking your ticket in advance helps ensure you get the departure time and seat that best fits your travel plans.
What to expect on the train journey?
Travelling on the Madaraka Express is one of the most comfortable and scenic ways to travel across Kenya. The journey takes around 5–6 hours, offering travellers a relaxed alternative to flying or driving while watching Kenya’s landscapes slowly unfold.
Here’s what you can expect onboard:
Reliable departure times
The SGR is known for running punctually, with most trains departing and arriving on time. Arriving early is still recommended to allow for security checks and boarding procedures.
Comfortable seating
Both Economy and First Class offer comfortable seating with good legroom. First Class coaches are generally quieter and more spacious, making them a popular option for travellers looking for a more relaxed journey.
Dining and cafe coach
Passengers can purchase light meals, snacks, tea, coffee and soft drinks during the journey. A snack and drink trolley regularly moves through all carriages, allowing everyone onboard to buy refreshments without leaving their seats. In addition, First Class passengers have access to a dedicated cafe carriage, where they can sit, relax and enjoy food and drinks during the trip.
Large windows for scenic views
The train’s large windows make it easy to enjoy the scenery along the way. First Class coaches and cafe feature larger windows, offering even better views of the landscapes outside.
For many travellers, the SGR journey becomes more than just transportation. It’s part of the adventure, offering a unique perspective of Kenya between the capital and the coast while also providing a more sustainable and affordable way to travel compared to flying or driving.
Wildlife Views: The Unique Experience of Crossing Tsavo by Train
One of the most memorable parts of travelling on the Madaraka Express is the moment the train enters Tsavo National Park, one of the largest and most iconic wildlife conservation areas in the country. Unlike most train journeys around the world, this route gives passengers a rare opportunity to travel through a national park, offering glimpses of Kenya’s wild landscapes along the way.
As the train glides across elevated tracks designed to minimise disruption to wildlife, keep an eye out of the window. Passengers sometimes spot animals moving across the plains. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but travellers have reported seeing:
- Elephants wandering across the savannah
- Giraffes grazing near acacia trees
- Zebras and antelope roaming the plains
- Occasional buffalo in the distance
The elevated railway line allows animals to safely pass underneath, making the journey not only scenic but also a thoughtful example of how infrastructure can coexist with nature.
Tip for travellers:
Try to secure a window seat when booking directly from the ticket office and keep your camera or phone ready. Wildlife sightings can appear suddenly and disappear just as quickly.
Even if animals stay hidden, the landscapes of Tsavo, with its striking red earth, open plains and scattered acacia trees, offer some of the most beautiful views along the journey between Nairobi and Mombasa. For many travellers, this stretch of the trip becomes one of the highlights of the entire SGR experience.
Essential SGR Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey
A little preparation can make your trip on the Madaraka Express between Nairobi and Mombasa smooth and stress-free. Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind before boarding.
Arrive early for security checks
Passengers should arrive at least one to two hours before departure at Nairobi Terminus or Mombasa Terminus. Security screening and luggage checks are similar to airport procedures and arriving early helps avoid unnecessary stress before boarding.
Carry your ticket and identification
Make sure you have your ticket confirmation with your E-Ticket number and passport or valid ID ready when entering the station and boarding the train, as these are checked by staff.
Pack light and keep essentials with you
There is storage for luggage onboard, but it’s best to pack light and keep important items in a small bag at your seat. Items such as water, snacks, headphones, a light sweater (the air conditioning can feel cool) and downloaded entertainment can make the journey more comfortable.
Know what items are not allowed
Due to safety regulations, certain items are not permitted on the train and may be confiscated during security checks. These include:
- Alcohol
- Vapes or e-cigarettes
- Gas canisters or camping fuel
- Aerosol Sprays
- Camping knives or sharp objects
- Other potentially hazardous items
If you’re travelling with camping or adventure gear, it’s worth double-checking your bags before arriving at the station. It’s worth checking the latest Madaraka Express prohibited items list before travelling.
Choose a window seat if you can
If you enjoy scenic views, try to select a window seat at the ticket office counter. The journey passes through open landscapes and parts of Tsavo National Park, where travellers occasionally spot wildlife from the train.
With a bit of preparation, the SGR journey becomes an easy and enjoyable way to travel between Kenya’s capital and coast, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the ride.
Choosing the train between Nairobi and Mombasa isn’t just convenient, it can also be a more sustainable way to travel. Rail transport generally produces significantly lower carbon emissions per passenger compared to flying or driving the same route, making it a more environmentally conscious option for travellers who want to reduce their footprint while exploring Kenya.
Beyond the environmental benefits, travelling by train also allows visitors to experience the landscapes and communities between destinations, rather than simply passing over them. From the plains of Tsavo National Park to the vibrant coastal culture awaiting in Mombasa, the journey becomes part of the travel experience itself. It offers a rare opportunity to slow down, be present and appreciate travel as an experience rather than just a means of getting somewhere.
A route we regularly use the SGR for is accessing Tsavo National Park and Amboseli National Park. It’s a practical and more budget-friendly way to enjoy a safari, with both parks easily accessible from the railway. Making it an ideal option for travellers looking to combine convenience with meaningful wildlife experiences.
For organisations like us, Travel4Purpose, responsible travel means encouraging ways of exploring that are slower, more mindful and more connected to local communities and environments. Choosing thoughtful transport options is one small step travellers can take to ensure their journey through Kenya leaves a positive impact.
If you’re planning your journey along the Nairobi–Mombasa route, why not take the opportunity to go beyond the typical tourist path?
At Travel4Purpose, we design experiences that connect travellers with local communities, culture and nature, from hands-on craft workshops to meaningful city and cultural tours.
Discover more of our purposeful travel experiences across Kenya, subscribe to our newsletter for travel insights, or share this guide with fellow travellers planning their SGR journey.
Together, we can help make travel more meaningful, more sustainable and more impactful.
Have you travelled on the SGR before, or would you choose the train for your next trip to the coast?