Kenya

Brief History

The history of rail transportation in Kenya is a story of perseverance and growth with deep roots in the late 19th century. The first rails between the port of Mombasa and Nairobi in 1896 laid the foundation for future economic development.

The establishment of the rail network quickly brought economic benefits. It increased trade, facilitated the transportation of goods, and promoted agricultural development. Over time, however, the system faced challenges, including deteriorating infrastructure.

In the early 21st century, reforms were undertaken to revitalize rail transportation. The Standard Gauge Railway Line project connecting Mombasa and Nairobi was a milestone in modernization. It promoted the integration of the region and stimulated economic development.

Today, rail transportation in Kenya continues on its journey to unite cities, facilitate trade and promote growth. This story is an example of how strategic investment and reform can transform infrastructure and support a country's economy.

General Information and Statistics

Kenya Railways is the largest rail passenger transport operator in Kenya. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), trains carried 1.99 million passengers in 2021

The total length of railway tracks in Kenya is about 2,541 km. The 5,400 railway stations in Germany are used by 21 million passengers every day (2022, including long-distance and regional travellers).

Kenya does not yet have electrified tracks, but in January 2018, a $240 million contract was awarded to China Electricity and Technology Company (CET) to electrify the SGR rail line.

What connections to other countries there are.

Kenya has no international rail connections with neighboring countries. Kenya's main rail services are concentrated on domestic routes, particularly the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) between Nairobi and Mombasa.

Are trains fast in Kenya in general? How much time to cross the country?

The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kenya offers relatively fast train services compared to traditional rail lines. The SGR passenger trains, particularly the Madaraka Express, have been designed for efficient travel.

The Madaraka Express has two services: the Express Service, which directly connects Nairobi and Mombasa, and the Intercounty Service, which stops at intermediate stations. The Express Service takes approximately 5 hours to travel between Nairobi and Mombasa, covering a distance of about 472 kilometers. The Intercounty Service trip takes approximately 6 hours to complete.

What railway companies are available?

Kenya Railways Corporation (Kenya Railways) is the main rail infrastructure management and rail transportation services company in Kenya.

What train types are available in Kenya

The following types of trains are available in Kenya:
    • Madaraka Express Passenger Service (Madaraka Express Passenger Trains): These are fast and comfortable standard gauge passenger trains (SGR) that connect Kenya's capital, Nairobi, to the port of Mombasa. The service includes both express trains and trains with stops at intermediate stations.
    • The Nairobi Commuter Rail: This is a commuter train system serving Nairobi and its environs, providing passengers with a convenient way to travel within the city and its immediate suburbs.
    • Nairobi to Nanyuki Service (Nairobi-Nanyuki Trains): This is a train service providing transportation service between Nairobi and the city of Nanyuki.
    • Madaraka Express Freight Service (Madaraka Express Freight Trains): This service provides Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) freight transportation between various points using modern rail infrastructure.
    • Kenya Railways Transit Shed: This refers to freight loading and unloading points at railway stations.
    • The Kisumu Safari train: This is a specialized tourist train designed to organize safari trips in the city of Kisumu.

Are there high-speed-trains available?

There are no specialized high-speed trains in Kenya. The main rail service is provided by the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), including the Madaraka Express passenger trains between Nairobi and Mombasa. These trains have a maximum speed of 120 kilometers per hour.

Most important train stations / hubs.

The main railway stations in Kenya are Nairobi, Mombasa, Naivasha, Nakuru, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nanyuki.

Websites to buy train tickets for Kenya?

https://metickets.krc.co.ke/

Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Kenya?

Kenya Railways has an app called SGR madaraka express.

Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in Kenya?

Train tickets in Kenya can be purchased at train stations.

Can I buy my ticket by phone?

Madaraka Express tickets can be purchased over the phone via USSD payment solution by dialing *639# on Safaricom number, up to 60 days before travel, including return ticket. The USSD and the online platform operate 24/7. The maximum number of tickets in a single transaction is 10 pieces.

Return the ticket.

Madaraka Express ticket cancelations and rescheduling:
Cancellations:
    • Cancellation and refund requests for tickets are accepted at Madaraka Express station.
    • Cancellation and refund requests must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to the specified departure time.
    • Original and photocopy of ID is required to cancel a ticket.
    • Refunds are subject to a 30% deduction of the ticket price.
    • Refunds will be honored within two weeks.
    • Damaged tickets are non-refundable.
Rescheduling:
    • Requests to reschedule tickets will be accepted at least 48 hours prior to the specified departure time.
    • Tickets are transferred using the same details as the original booking.
    • Ticket transfer can be done at Madaraka Express station.
    • Ticket transfer will be subject to a fee of 10% of the ticket price.
    • Each ticket can be transferred only once.
Lost tickets:
    • Replacement of a lost ticket will be charged 30% of the lost ticket price after verification of booking information.

Train ticket prices

Train ticket prices in Kenya depend on the comfort class and distance between destinations. Classes include economy and first class. Longer routes can usually have higher prices due to the length of the journey.
You can buy tickets to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa in economy class for €6.40 and first class for €19.15.

Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?

Kenya has no international rail connections with neighboring countries. Kenya's main rail services are concentrated on domestic routes, particularly the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) between Nairobi and Mombasa.

Where to find timetables.

Find train schedules on https://metickets.krc.co.ke/

Buying tickets in advance or right before the train

In Kenya, it is advisable to buy train tickets, especially for popular routes and during peak periods, in advance. This helps to guarantee a seat on the train and plan your trip. It is also possible to buy tickets before departure, especially during less busy periods.

Types of tickets.

Types of tickets for standard gauge rail (SGR) travel in Kenya:
    • Economy Class Ticket: Provides standard seats and basic amenities at an affordable price.
    • First Class Ticket: Provides more comfortable seats, extra space, and possibly improved amenities compared to Economy Class.
    • Intercounty Ticket: Allows passengers to travel between intermediate stations along a route.
    • Express Service Ticket: Provides direct and fast connections between major cities such as Nairobi and Mombasa with limited or no stops.
    • Night Train : A Night Train Ticket provides passengers with the opportunity to travel while they sleep.

Interrail/Eurail Passes in Kenya

Interrail/Eurail Passes are not available in Kenya.

Saver price.

There are no special reduced-price tickets on Kenya's trains.

Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?

Buy single tickets, not return tickets. This will give you more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. It is not cheaper to buy return tickets.

Flexible tickets.

Flexible tickets are not available. 

Rules of boarding.

Passengers must carry a national identity card (ID) or other valid identification card during the journey. Persons traveling without a national ID card or other identification will not be allowed to board the train.

Discounts for group travel.

There are no discounts on group tickets on Kenya trains.

Age groups and discounts.

Children can travel free of charge under the age of three. Children between the ages of four and eleven must purchase a ticket, which is usually half (50% off) the adult fare. Ages twelve and older must purchase a ticket at the full adult fare.

Age limitations for minors.

Children over the age of 13 can ride unsupervised on Kenya's trains.

Handicapped passengers.

Assistance for Disabled Persons, Ailing Persons and/or Persons with Special Conditions
Persons Living with Disability, ailing persons or persons with any special condition, are advised to notify Kenya Railways during purchase of the ticket or at least forty- eight (48 hours) prior to the departure time indicated on the ticket by calling our Contact Centre. Sick or ailing persons must be accompanied by guardian/caretaker.

Seat reservations in trains in Kenya.

A seat is only reserved upon completion of the booking process and payment of the full ticket fee for the intended journey.

Comfort classes on the trains.

The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) operated by Kenya Railways offers two main comfort classes for passengers:

    • Economy Class: This class provides standard seating and basic amenities at an affordable price. It is suitable for passengers looking for a cost-effective travel option.

    • First Class: First Class offers more comfortable seating, additional legroom, and potentially enhanced amenities compared to Economy Class. Passengers traveling in First Class can enjoy a higher level of comfort during their journey.

Food and drink in trains / train restaurant in Kenya.

Madaraka Express Passenger Service passengers will be offered a complimentary drink (water/tea/juice) at seat. Additional snacks, beverages or meal can be purchased from the dining car. Meanwhile in Economy class, you may purchase a snack, beverage or meal from the caterers.

Night trains in Kenya?

The Madaraka Express line has a night train that departs at 22.00 and arrives at 03.35.

Important train routes in Kenya.

AUGUST 2023

Nairobi – Mombasa (express) / 5:08 hours / from 6,40 EUR / 2 trains a day
Nairobi – Kibwezi / 2:14 hours / from 2.55 EUR / 1 train a day
Nairobi – Miaseni / 4:41 hours / from 5.75 EUR / 1 train a day
Nairobi – Suswa / 2:20 hours / from 3,75 EUR / 1 train a day
Nairobi – Syokimau / from 0:35 hours / from 0.32 EUR / 7 trains a day
Nairobi – Embakasi / from 0:44 hours / from 0.32 EUR / 8 trains a day
Nairobi – Ruiru / 1:30 hours / from 0.51 EUR / 1 train a day

International train routes.

There are no international trains in Kenya at the moment

Tourist / scenic routes in Kenya.

Kenya offers beautiful hiking routes:
    • Rift Valley Route: Traveling from Nairobi to Naivasha through the Rift Valley provides spectacular views of landscapes and lakes, offering a unique panoramic experience.
    • Drive to Kisumu: Traveling from Nairobi to Kisumu, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, offers unique views of landscapes, lakes and cultural attractions.
    • Mombasa Coast Trip: From Nairobi to Mombasa, one of the largest port cities in East Africa, you can enjoy fascinating ocean views and explore the city's cultural heritage.
    • Kisumu Safari Train: A spectacular overnight journey from Nairobi to Kisumu. Panoramic stops include Naivasha, Nakuru and Muhoroni. Passengers arrive in Kisumu before dawn. The return journey is Sunday.

Luggage information.

Each passenger is allowed to bring items on board. The allowed maximum weight is 30 kilograms and measurement is 1 metre height by 1 metre breadth and 1 metre width. Passengers are advised to have a tag with personal details during travel.

Bicycle on the train.

Bicycles are not currently allowed aboard passenger trains.

Ski or snowboard on the train.

There is no information about the possibility to carry skis or snowboards.

Luggage lockers on the stations in Kenya.

At the Nairobi CST train station, you can store your luggage for 30 days. Storage costs €0.1 per bag for the first 24 hours and €0.13 for each subsequent day.

Lost and Found Items.

Any property found on the train is handed in to our passenger stewards and kept safely. In order to claim lost and found items, one needs to visit the arrival station and identify the item before collecting. Notifications for lost and found items should be done within 30 days of the incident date.

Pets on the trains.

Pets are not allowed on the trains.