📑 Table of Contents
  1. Quick Answer
  2. Madaraka Express Fare Calculator
  3. SGR Classes & Prices
  4. Madaraka Express Train Schedule 2026
  5. How to Book Madaraka Express Online
  6. How to Book via USSD (*639#)
  7. How to Book at the Station
  8. Beware of SGR Booking Scams
  9. Madaraka Express Travel Tips
  10. Quiz: Which SGR Class Is Right for You?
  11. FAQ
  12. Book Your Madaraka Express Ticket Today

⚡ Quick Answer: How to Book Madaraka Express Online in Kenya

To book a Madaraka Express (SGR) ticket online in Kenya, use the official portal at metickets.krc.co.ke or dial *639# on your Safaricom phone. Tickets cost from KSh 1,000 for Economy Class (Nairobi–Mombasa) and can be booked up to 60 days in advance.[reference:0] Always use official channels to avoid scams.[reference:1]

🧮 Madaraka Express Fare Calculator

Estimate your Madaraka Express ticket cost based on route, class, and number of passengers. Prices as of 2026.[reference:2]

Estimated Total Fare
KSh 1,000
Per Passenger
KSh 1,000
💡 Tip: Book at least 3–5 days in advance for the best availability, especially during holidays.[reference:3]

📊 Madaraka Express Classes & Prices Comparison

Compare Madaraka Express ticket prices and features across Economy, First Class, and Premium.[reference:4][reference:5]

Feature Economy Class First Class Premium Class
Price (Nairobi–Mombasa) KSh 1,000 KSh 3,000 ~KSh 4,500–5,000
Seating Layout 3-2 layout 2-2 layout Spacious recliner
Meals Included ❌ Not included ✅ Meal included ✅ Complimentary refreshments
Legroom Standard Extra legroom Spacious recliner
Priority Boarding ❌ ❌ ✅
Best For Budget travelers, short trips Families, comfort seekers Luxury, business travel

Source: Kenya Railways, metickets.krc.co.ke. Prices subject to change. Children 3–11 years pay half fare; under 3 years travel free.[reference:6]

🚆 Ready to book your Madaraka Express ticket online? Compare classes and get the best fare for your journey.

🎫 Book Madaraka Express

🕐 Madaraka Express Train Schedule 2026

Madaraka Express operates multiple daily trains between Nairobi and Mombasa. Here is the current SGR schedule.[reference:7]

Direction Train Type Departure Arrival Stops
Nairobi → Mombasa Inter-County 8:00 AM 12:30 PM Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi, Mariakani[reference:8]
Nairobi → Mombasa Express 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Limited / Mostly non-stop[reference:9]
Nairobi → Mombasa Additional (Seasonal) 9:40 AM 3:35 PM Voi only[reference:10]
Mombasa → Nairobi Inter-County 8:00 AM 12:30 PM Mariakani, Miasenyi, Voi, Mtito Andei, Kibwezi, Emali, Athi River
Mombasa → Nairobi Express 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Limited / Mostly non-stop
Mombasa → Nairobi Additional (Seasonal) 4:30 PM 10:55 PM Voi only[reference:11]

Source: Kenya Railways, CityNews. Schedules subject to change. During peak seasons, additional trains may be added.[reference:12]

💡 Pro tip: For the most flexibility, book the 8:00 AM Inter-County or the 3:00 PM Express. Trains sell out fast during weekends and public holidays.[reference:13]

💻 How to Book Madaraka Express Online

Booking your Madaraka Express ticket online is quick and secure. Follow these steps:[reference:14][reference:15]

1
Access the Booking Portal: Visit metickets.krc.co.ke — the only official SGR booking website.[reference:16]
2
Choose Your Booking Type: Select Madaraka Express (standard) or Premium Booking (luxury).[reference:17]
3
Select Trip Details: Choose departure/destination stations, travel date, train type (Express or Inter-County), and class.[reference:18]
4
Enter Passenger Information: Provide full names and National ID or passport numbers for all passengers.[reference:19]
5
Proceed to Payment: Pay via M-Pesa (primary method), Visa, or Mastercard.[reference:20][reference:21]
6
Receive Confirmation: Your e-ticket will be sent via SMS and email as a PDF.[reference:22]

✅ Important: You can book tickets up to 60 days in advance.[reference:23] Online payment requires M-Pesa, Kenya's mobile money system, and a Kenyan phone number.[reference:24]

📱 How to Book Madaraka Express via USSD (*639#)

No internet? No problem. You can book Madaraka Express tickets using the USSD code *639# on any Safaricom phone.[reference:25]

1
Dial *639# on your Safaricom phone to open the SGR menu.[reference:26]
2
Select your train service: Choose from Inter-County, Express, or Suswa train.[reference:27]
3
Enter travel details: Departure/destination stations, travel date, coach type, and number of passengers (up to 5).[reference:28]
4
Provide passenger information: Enter full names and ID/passport numbers of all passengers.[reference:29]
5
Confirm and pay: Review booking summary and pay via M-Pesa.[reference:30]
6
Receive confirmation: You'll get an SMS with your booking reference. Present this at the station to print your physical ticket.[reference:31]

📌 Requirements: A valid Safaricom SIM card and an active M-Pesa account linked to that line.[reference:32] Bookings must be made within the allowed advance window of up to 60 days.[reference:33]

🏢 How to Book Madaraka Express at the Station

You can also book Madaraka Express tickets in person at any Madaraka Express Passenger Service station.[reference:34]

1
Visit an SGR station: Nairobi Terminus (Syokimau), Mombasa Terminus (Miritini), or any other station along the route.[reference:35]
2
Present your ID: Bring your original National ID or Passport.[reference:36]
3
Provide travel details: Tell the agent your destination, travel date, and preferred class.
4
Pay: You can pay by cash, mobile money, or card.
5
Receive your ticket: You'll get a physical ticket immediately.

🚨 Beware of Madaraka Express Booking Scams

Kenya Railways has warned the public about fraudulent online platforms and social media pages claiming to sell Madaraka Express tickets.[reference:37]

❌ Scam tactics to avoid:

  • Fake Facebook groups and TikTok accounts offering SGR tickets[reference:38]
  • Third-party websites not affiliated with Kenya Railways[reference:39]
  • Phone numbers provided for "ticket sales" that are not official
  • Discounted or last-minute ticket deals — they are likely scams

✅ Official channels only: Kenya Railways confirmed that SGR tickets can only be purchased through:
• metickets.krc.co.ke (online portal)[reference:40]
• *639# (USSD)[reference:41]
• In person at any Madaraka Express station[reference:42]

If you are unsure whether a booking platform is genuine, contact Kenya Railways customer care on 0709 907 000 or 0709 907 555.[reference:43]

🧳 Madaraka Express Travel Tips

Make your Madaraka Express journey smooth with these essential tips:[reference:44]

📍 Know your station
Nairobi terminus is at Syokimau, not Nairobi Central. Mombasa terminus is at Miritini, about 10km from Mombasa CBD.[reference:45]
⏰ Arrive early
Check in at least 30 minutes before departure. Gates close 15 minutes before departure.[reference:46]
🧳 Luggage limits
Economy: 20kg per passenger. First Class: 30kg per passenger.[reference:47]
🦁 Wildlife viewing
The journey passes through Tsavo — you may spot wildlife from your window.[reference:48]
🚌 Getting to the station
At Syokimau, SGR buses connect to Nairobi CBD for a small fee. Taxis, matatus, and bodabodas are also available.[reference:49]
🍽️ Food on board
Food and drinks are available from the dining car. First Class and Premium include meals.[reference:50]

🧠 Quiz: Which Madaraka Express Class Is Right for You?

What's most important for your Madaraka Express journey?

💡 Your answer will help us recommend the best SGR class for your needs.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Madaraka Express Online Booking

Visit the official Kenya Railways portal at metickets.krc.co.ke, select your journey details, enter passenger information, and pay via M-Pesa, Visa, or Mastercard. You'll receive your e-ticket via SMS and email.[reference:51]
Dial *639# on your Safaricom phone. You need a valid Safaricom SIM card and an active M-Pesa account linked to that line.[reference:52][reference:53]
Economy Class costs KSh 1,000, First Class costs KSh 3,000, and Premium Class costs approximately KSh 4,500–5,000 for a one-way ticket.[reference:54] Children 3–11 years pay half fare; under 3 years travel free.[reference:55]
You can book SGR tickets up to 60 days in advance.[reference:56]
Yes. Kenya Railways has warned about fraudulent online platforms and social media pages.[reference:57] Only use the official portal metickets.krc.co.ke, USSD *639#, or book in person at a station.[reference:58]
The Express train travels directly between Nairobi and Mombasa with few or no stops, making it faster.[reference:59] The Inter-County train stops at several intermediate stations including Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, and Miasenyi.[reference:60]
Yes, tickets can be rescheduled or cancelled 48 hours or more before departure.[reference:61] Rescheduling attracts a 10% fee and can only be done once. Cancellations attract a 30% fee. Economy and First Class tickets must be rescheduled or cancelled over the counter, while Premium Class tickets can be managed online.[reference:62]

🚆 Book Your Madaraka Express Ticket Online Today

Plan your journey with the Madaraka Express. Book online, via USSD, or at the station. Compare classes, check schedules, and secure your seat.

Official Kenya Railways booking. Safe, secure, and available 24/7.

Written by: Ken Odhiambo
Reviewed by: Duke Bundi
Last updated:
Last reviewed:
Sources & Disclaimer: Data sourced from Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC), The Kenya Times, CityNews, Smart Nomad Kenya, K24 Digital, and Business Daily. Schedules and prices are subject to change. Always verify current information on the official portal metickets.krc.co.ke before booking.