Since its launch in June 2017, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Madaraka Express has transformed travel between Nairobi and Mombasa, offering an affordable, efficient, and comfortable alternative to road and air transport. Despite its popularity, many passengers initially struggled to book tickets, but Kenya Railways has since introduced several convenient methods, including online booking, mobile USSD, and station visits. This guide will walk you through the entire SGR booking process, costs, and other essential information.
How to Book an SGR Train Online
Booking SGR tickets online is the most convenient option for most travelers. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the SGR Booking Website
Go to the official Kenya Railways ticketing site: metickets.krc.co.ke. - Select the Train
Choose between the two main services:- Madaraka Express: The afternoon express train between Nairobi and Mombasa.
- SGR Intercounty: The morning train with stops at various stations between Nairobi and Mombasa, including Athi River, Emali, and Voi.
- Choose Your Departure and Arrival Stations
Select your departure point from the available options such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, or Mariakani. Next, select your destination. - Pick Your Travel Date
Choose your desired travel date. - Select Coach Type and Number of Passengers
Choose between Economy Class (Ksh 1,000) or First Class (Ksh 3,000) and indicate the number of passengers. - Enter Passenger Details
Fill in the passengers’ full names, ID or passport numbers, and country of origin. - Choose Payment Method
Currently, M-Pesa is the most widely accepted payment method. After confirming your booking details, proceed to make payment via M-Pesa.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll receive a confirmation message via SMS. This message contains a unique booking reference number, which you will need to print your ticket at the station on the day of your journey.
How Long is the SGR Journey?
The SGR trains travel at a maximum speed of 120 km/h. The Madaraka Express (afternoon) takes approximately 5 hours, while the SGR Intercounty train (morning) takes about 5 hours and 55 minutes, depending on the stops.
SGR Ticket Pricing
- Economy Class: Ksh 1,000 (one-way)
- First Class: Ksh 3,000 (one-way)
Other Booking Methods
- USSD Code Booking
- Dial *639# using your Safaricom line.
- Follow the prompts to select the desired train, station, and travel date.
- Make payment via M-Pesa and receive your ticket details via SMS.
- Station Booking You can still purchase your tickets by visiting Syokimau Station (Nairobi) or Miritini Station (Mombasa). Remember to book in advance as tickets sell out fast, especially during peak seasons.
- Group Bookings For groups of 20 or more, it is advisable to make reservations 30 days in advance. You can contact Kenya Railways to facilitate these bookings.
SGR Refund Policy
If you miss your train, you can apply for a partial refund, provided you notify Kenya Railways before the train’s departure. Refunds are given as follows:
- 80% refund: If you notify them before the train departs.
- No refund: If you fail to notify them before the departure or if the ticket is lost or damaged.
What You Need to Know About the Madaraka Express
- Restaurant Service: Yes, the train has a restaurant coach where you can purchase refreshments such as water, tea, snacks, and more during the journey.
- Arrival Time: It is recommended that passengers arrive at the station at least 1 hour before departure to allow enough time for ticket printing and boarding.
Additional SGR Contacts
For any inquiries or assistance with booking, Kenya Railways has customer support available via:
- Phone: +254 709 388 888 (7 AM to 4 PM)
- Email: contact@krc.co.ke
- Website: www.krc.co.ke
- Twitter: @KenyaRailways
- Facebook: Kenya Railways
Passengers can also reach out via their booking contacts:
- Mombasa: +254 728 603 581, +254 728 603 582
- Nairobi: +254 708 571 587, +254 708 571 574
The SGR Madaraka Express train offers a seamless travel experience between Nairobi and Mombasa, giving passengers a blend of affordability, speed, and convenience. Booking your SGR ticket online or via USSD ensures that you have a stress-free journey, and with proper planning, you can avoid the disappointment of missing out on tickets. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, the SGR is an excellent choice for exploring Kenya’s key cities.
