madaraka express booking

The Madaraka Express, also known as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), is a modern railway system in Kenya that spans from Mombasa to Nairobi. The project was initiated by the Kenyan government in 2013 and completed in 2017, with the railway system built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). The railway was named Madaraka, meaning ‘independence’ in Swahili, to commemorate Kenya’s attainment of self-rule in 1963. The service has been a significant development in Kenya’s transportation system, providing a safe, efficient, and comfortable travel option for passengers. The Madaraka Express has become the leading mode of transportation between these two cities, boosting the country’s economy and tourism industry and making travel between Nairobi and Mombasa more accessible and faster than ever before.

Train Schedule and Routes

The distance between the two cities is approximately 485 km (301 miles). The Madaraka Express provides three different train services to accommodate different schedules and needs:

1. Inter-County Train The Inter-County Train departs both Mombasa and Nairobi Termini at 8:00 am daily, making scheduled stops at Mariakani, Miasenyi, Voi, Mtito Andei, Kibwezi, Emali, and Athi River stations. This train service is designed for passengers traveling between Nairobi and Mombasa or any of the stations along the route.
2. Afternoon Express Train The Afternoon Express Train departs both Mombasa and Nairobi Termini at 3:00 pm daily, with a stopover at Voi station. This service is ideal for passengers who prefer to travel in the afternoon and arrive at their destination in the evening.
3. Night Train The Night Train departs both Mombasa and Nairobi Termini at 10:00 pm daily, and it does not make any stops during the journey. This service is convenient for passengers who prefer to travel at night and arrive at their destination early in the morning.

How much is the Madaraka express train Fare?

Madaraka Express offers both Standard, and First Class tickets for passengers traveling between Nairobi and Mombasa. 

As of December 2023, the Madaraka Express train fares remain as follows:

Please note that children under 3 years of age can travel for free without a ticket, while children under 11 years of age are eligible for half fare.

Madaraka Express Train Fares (Effective January 1, 2024):

How to Book Madaraka Express SGR Train Tickets 

Here are the various options available for purchasing a Madaraka Express ticket, along with step-by-step instructions for each:

Option 1: Buy at the Station

1. Go to the Madaraka Express station.
2. Queue in line for a ticket.
3. Provide your desired travel dates and destination.
4. Choose between Standard or First Class.
5. Pay using debit or credit cards or M-Pesa. From February 1, 2023, only electronic payments will be accepted.
6. Collect your ticket and keep it safe until your travel date.

Option 2: Buy Online

1. Go to metickets.krc.co.ke.
2. Select your preferred train and starting station.
3. Type in or select your desired destination.
4. Designate or select the travel date.
5. Select the coach type and indicate the number of passengers.
6. Enter passenger details, including full names and passport numbers.
7. Select the payment option (M-Pesa).
8. Print your ticket at the self-service machines at the station or get the ticket from the special counter for M-Pesa transactions.
9. Collect the ticket either on the day of travel or any day beforehand.

Option 3: Buy at the Station by Text with a Mobile Phone

1. Get a Kenyan SIM card for your phone for the Safaricom network.
2. Open an M-Pesa account with a local M-Pesa agent.
3. To book the train, dial the USSD code *639#.
4. Select the booking option, departing station, destination, travel date, class, and the number of passengers.
5. Enter passenger details, meaning the full names and passport numbers.
6. Select the payment option.
7. Pay now, pay late, or exit.
8. Enter the amount specified and enter your M-Pesa account PIN.
9. Receive a payment confirmation message, followed by a booking confirmation.
10. Print your ticket at the self-service machines at the station or get the ticket from the special counter for M-Pesa transactions.
11. Collect the ticket either on the day of travel or any day beforehand.

Option 4: Buy by Phone

1. Dial *639#.
2. Select the desired train.
3. Follow the steps provided.
4. After you’ve made the payment, an M-Pesa confirmation message will be sent.
5. You will get an account number in your SMS.
6. Print your ticket at the self-service machines at the station or get the ticket from the special counter for M-Pesa transactions.
7. Collect the ticket either on the day of travel or any day beforehand.

What documents can be used to buy the train tickets?

Passengers are advised to carry original identification documents when booking tickets and during the journey.

• The accepted identification documents include:
  • Kenya National Identity Card
  • Valid Passport
  • Huduma Card
  • Alien ID card
  • Kenya Military Identity Card
  • Diplomatic ID
  • New Generation/Smart Driving License
  • Police Abstract indicating loss of identity card
  • Valid National ID Waiting Card

Booking rescheduling and cancellation policy

Advance Booking:

• Passengers can purchase a ticket up to sixty (60) days in advance and a return ticket as long as it is within the sixty (60) days window period.
• Passengers are advised to have original identification documents when booking over the counter and during the journey.
• You can conveniently purchase a maximum of 5 tickets in a single transaction.
• It’s important to note that if you’re planning a group booking of over 20 passengers, you need to make the reservation at least nine (9) days prior to the travel date.

Rescheduling and Cancellation:

• Tickets for individual travel can be rescheduled not later than forty-eight (48) hours before the departure time indicated on the ticket.
• To reschedule a ticket, passengers must visit the nearest Madaraka Express Passenger Service station and provide the original identification documents and a photocopy of the same.
• Rescheduling is subject to the availability of seats and can only be done once. A rescheduled ticket cannot be refunded in case the passenger fails to travel.
• To cancel a ticket, passengers must visit the nearest Madaraka Express Passenger Service station and provide the original identification documents and a photocopy of the same.
• Cancelling a ticket for individual travel should be done no later than forty-eight (48) hours before the departure time indicated on the ticket.
• Refunds shall be subject to a 30% fee of fare.
• Requests for a refund will be rejected in cases where the tickets are damaged (unrecognizable).

Train Features and Amenities

The Madaraka Express features modern air-conditioned train cars made in China, with spacious and comfortable seating arrangements in both First and Standard class.

First Class offers reclining seats arranged 2+2 across the car width, with fold-out tray tables and power sockets for laptops and mobile devices. Complimentary water is also available. There is a buffet car with table seating area serving drinks and snacks, restricted to First Class passengers only.

Standard Class has seats arranged 2+3 across the car width, 

Security

The Madaraka Express has strict security controls to ensure the safety of passengers, and prohibited items include glass bottles and metal tools like Swiss army knives. Passengers should arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time to go through the security screening process, which includes a sniffer dog and baggage scanning. Firearms, explosives, and flammable materials are among the items not allowed on board, and large items like bicycles or excessive luggage are also prohibited. To enter the waiting hall, all passengers must queue up for another round of body and luggage screening.

Dining

The Madaraka Express provides onboard catering services by NAS Serve Air Ltd, offering passengers the option to purchase snacks, beverages, or meals during their journey. Apart from the onboard catering services, there are restaurants available at both terminus’ main waiting hall, serving a variety of dishes and cuisines to cater to passengers’ diverse tastes. Additionally, there is a supermarket available at the Nairobi Terminus for passengers to purchase snacks and other necessities. Passengers are not allowed to consume alcohol onboard the train, but they are allowed to do so at the restaurants and other designated areas within the main waiting halls.

Other amenities

Other amenities, include, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and ample storage space for luggage.

Commuter Link Train and NCR Bus Service 

Kenya Railways has made it easier for passengers to travel to and from the Madaraka Express with the introduction of the Commuter Link train and the Nairobi Commuter Rail (NCR) Bus Service.

Commuter Rail (NCR) Bus Service, 

Commuter Rail (NCR) Bus Service connects road and rail transport to provide a seamless commuting experience. 

For instance, passengers headed to Westlands can board the NCR Bus every morning at Nairobi Central Station. The buses drop off passengers at various points along the route, including Jeevanjee, Museum Hill, CFC Stanbic, Chiromo, and Westlands Bus Terminus (WBT), among others. Passengers can catch the buses at the same points in the evening, starting at 3:30 pm.

Commuter Link train

Kenya Railways has also provided the Commuter Link train, which transports passengers between Nairobi Central station in the Central Business District and the Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau. This service is available every day, and it is designed for customers who wish to catch the Madaraka Express Passenger Service Inter-county train to Mombasa.

Passenger stations

Along the railway line, there are nine passenger stations, each with its own unique architectural features inspired by local elements.

1. Mombasa Terminus: The station’s design is characterized by concentric circles and a central tower, symbolizing a ripple in the ocean.
2. Mariakani: The station features porticos inspired by coconut trees, which are plentiful in the region.
3. Miasenyi: The station’s design incorporates white and brown stripes resembling the stripes of a zebra.
4. Voi: The station’s V-shape represents the spirit of Harambee, with the letter V being the first letter of Voi.
5. Mtito Andei: The station’s sloping roofs represent Mount Kilimanjaro and the Chyulu Hills.
6. Kibwezi: The station’s design is based on traditional African architecture, with leaves that shade passengers from the sun.
7. Emali: The station’s architecture is represented by a closed fist, symbolizing unity.
8. Athi River: The station’s shape is influenced by the region’s hills.
9. Nairobi Terminus: The station features two trains with a bridge on top, and it is the final destination of the railway line.

Train Terminus Locations and Directions 

The Madaraka Express train service in Kenya has two main terminus locations: the Nairobi Terminus and the Mombasa Terminus. 

The Nairobi Terminus is located in Syokimau, which is about 20 kilometers from Nairobi City Centre while the Mombasa Terminus is located in Miritini, which is about 16 kilometers from Mombasa City Centre.

How to get to the Mombasa Terminus

There are several options available for passengers who want to get to the Mombasa Terminus. They include:

1. By Car: Passengers can use their private cars or taxis to get to the Mombasa Terminus. The terminus is located off the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway, and there is ample parking available for passengers who are driving to the terminus.
2. By Public Transport: Passengers can also get to the Mombasa Terminus through public transport. This option is available from various points throughout the coastal region. Unlike normal matatus, the shuttles only ferry passengers to and from the train station and leave within the scheduled time, making them reliable. Additionally, these shuttles are air-conditioned and kept clean for passenger comfort.

For travelers arriving at the Mombasa Terminus, it’s good to know that there are plenty of public service vehicles (PSV) available at any time of the day or night to take you to your desired destination. These are mini-buses (known as shuttles) that operate along different routes within the city and its environs, and they can drop you off at a location of your choice. The PSV pick-up and drop-off points are located just outside the Mombasa Terminus, and passengers can easily find them by following the crowds at the exit to the parking lot. It’s recommended to confirm the fare with the driver before getting on the PSV to avoid any misunderstandings or overcharging.

How to get to the Nairobi Terminus

There are several options available for passengers who want to get to the Nairobi Terminus. They include:

1. By Car: Passengers can use their private cars or taxis to get to the Nairobi Terminus. The terminus is located in Syokimau, off Mombasa Road, and there is ample parking available for passengers who are driving to the terminus.
2. By Public Transport: Passengers can use matatus (minibusses) or buses to get to the Nairobi Terminus. These public transport options are available from Nairobi City Centre.
3. Commuter Link Train: The Madaraka Express train service also offers a Commuter Link Train for passengers who want to get to the Nairobi Terminus. The train service is available from designated pick-up points in Nairobi City Centre.

Madaraka Express Guidelines: What to Do and Avoid, and Items to Bring or Leave Behind

Dos:

• Carry your original identification documents when booking tickets and during the journey.
• Arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure time.
• Follow the security controls before boarding the train.
• Listen to and follow the instructions of the train crew and attendants.
• Keep your personal belongings safe and secure throughout the journey.
• Use the onboard catering services if desired.
• Enjoy the scenic views along the journey.

Don’ts:

• Do not carry prohibited items such as firearms, explosives, and drugs.
• Do not board the train without a valid ticket.
• Do not smoke, use electronic cigarettes, or consume alcohol on the train.
• Do not use loud and disruptive behaviour that may inconvenience other passengers.
• Do not use the emergency stop button or interfere with train equipment or operations.

Appropriate Attire for a Comfortable Journey on Madaraka Express Train

When travelling on the Madaraka Express, passengers are advised to dress comfortably and appropriately for the climate. Here are some guidelines on what to wear:

• Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement, especially if you are travelling long distances.
• Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary within the train cars and also between outdoor temperatures at different points along the journey.
• Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety and comfort.
• If you are travelling in the rainy season, bring a raincoat or umbrella.
• Avoid wearing revealing or provocative clothing, as this may be considered inappropriate in a public setting.

Madaraka Express Contacts

• Website: Madaraka Express
• Address: Workshops Road off Haile Selassie Avenue, opposite Technical University of Kenya
• Phone numbers:
  • Inquiries, complaints,
  • lost & found: 0709 388 887
  • Bookings: 0709 388 888
• Email: info@krc.co.ke

Kenya Railways Headquarters customer care:

• Phone number: 0709 907 000

Customers can contact Madaraka Express Passenger Service at the provided phone numbers or email for inquiries, bookings, complaints, or lost & found. For general inquiries, customers can contact Kenya Railways Headquarters customer care at the provided phone number.