The Madaraka Express (Standard Gauge Railway – SGR) remains Kenya’s most popular and reliable passenger train service connecting Nairobi to Mombasa and extending to Suswa. Whether you’re planning a business trip, family holiday, or weekend leisure ride to Suswa, understanding the official Madaraka Express Conditions of Carriage is essential to avoid penalties, ensure smooth boarding, and enjoy a safe journey.
This 2025 updated guide covers everything you need to know: ticket purchasing, validity rules, child fares, cancellation and refund policy, luggage allowance, prohibited and restricted items, train schedules, and passenger conduct. All information is drawn directly from Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) guidelines. In case of conflict, Kenyan law prevails.
Madaraka Express Train Schedules and Routes
The service operates multiple daily trips between Nairobi Terminus and Mombasa Terminus, plus the popular weekend leisure train to Suswa.
- Inter-County Train (Daily)
Departure: 8:00 am from both Nairobi and Mombasa
Stops: Mariakani, Miasenyi, Voi, Mtito Andei, Kibwezi, Emali, Athi River, Nairobi Terminus
Counties traversed: Kwale, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado - Afternoon Express Train (Daily)
Departure: 3:00 pm from both ends
Limited stop: Voi - Night Express Train (Daily)
Departure: 10:00 pm from both ends
Limited stop: Voi - Suswa Leisure Train (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays)
Outbound: Departs Nairobi Terminus 8:50 am → Arrives Suswa 11:10 am
Return: Departs Suswa 4:05 pm → Arrives Nairobi 6:10 pm
Stops: Ongata Rongai, Ngong (Kajiado), Nachu (Kiambu), Maai Mahiu (Nakuru), Suswa (Narok)
Key Definitions – Madaraka Express Conditions of Carriage
- Passenger – Anyone traveling or intending to travel
- Travel Ticket – Proof of right to travel (paper/digital/manual)
- Infant – Below 3 years (free, no seat)
- Minor – 3–11 years (half fare)
- Luggage – Personal effects (suitcases, handbags)
- Penalty – Financial fine for violations
- KR / We / Us – Kenya Railways Corporation
- Madaraka Express – Nairobi–Mombasa rail line and extensions (including Suswa)
How to Buy Madaraka Express Tickets – Official Channels Only
Avoid scams by using only authorized platforms:
- Online: https://metickets.krc.co.ke
- USSD: Dial *639# (Safaricom lines)
- In-person: Any Madaraka Express station ticket counter
Required during booking:
- Full names
- Valid original ID (Kenya ID, Passport, Military ID, Diplomatic ID, Alien Card, Driving License, Police Abstract valid 6 months)
- Phone number
Minors under 12: Birth certificate required
Children under 18: Guardian’s ID used
Persons with disabilities/special needs: Declare at time of purchase
Always verify ticket details before leaving the counter/online – KR is not liable for errors you provide.
Madaraka Express Ticket Categories & Child Fare Policy
- Adult (12 years+) → Full fare
- Minor (3–11 years) → 50% fare (birth certificate mandatory)
- Infant (below 3 years) → Free (no seat allocated; maximum one per adult)
If infant needs a seat or more than one infant per adult → minor fare applies.
Minors under 13 years must travel with a guardian.
Payment Methods
- M-Pesa (via SIM toolkit)
- Point-of-Sale (POS) at stations (cards/cash)
Ticket Validity Rules & Penalties
- Valid only for the exact date, time, train, route, and class printed/stated
- Non-transferable – ID must match ticket holder
- No upgrades between classes
- Must sit in assigned coach and seat
Violations (wrong train, no ticket, ineligible discount, journey extension, wrong coach):
→ Pay full applicable fare + 30% penalty
Lost ticket → Replacement costs full fare + 30% penalty (after verification)
Retain ticket until exit – random inspections occur.
Required Travel Documents (Originals Only – Copies Not Accepted)
- Kenya National ID
- Valid Passport
- Military Identification Card
- Diplomatic ID
- Kenyan Alien Card
- Valid Driving License
- Police Abstract (valid for 6 months)
- Birth Certificate (for minors under 12 years)
Arrival & Security Screening
Arrive at station at least 1 hour before departure.
All passengers and luggage undergo mandatory security screening.
Non-compliance = denied boarding.
Ticket Cancellation, Refund & Rescheduling Policy
Economy & First Class
- Cancellation or rescheduling: Must be done 48+ hours before scheduled departure
- Cancellation → 30% penalty deducted; processed over the counter (original ID + photocopy)
- Rescheduling → 10% fee; only once; same class/route/person; subject to availability; over the counter
Premium Class
- Cancellation → 30% penalty; processed online (metickets.krc.co.ke)
- Rescheduling → 10% penalty; subject to seat availability; online platform
Premium Open Tickets → Rescheduling uses original booking details (same class/route/person)
Damaged or tampered tickets are ineligible for refund/rescheduling.
Luggage Allowance & Restrictions
- Passenger must carry own luggage
- Maximum dimensions: 160 cm (length) × 200 cm (height) × 60 cm (width)
- KR not liable for loss or damage
Prohibited Items (confiscated immediately – stored 14 days then disposed):
- Alcoholic beverages
- Smoking/vaping (anywhere on premises or train)
- Aerosol sprays (hair spray, pepper spray, insecticides, etc.)
- Firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks
- Flammable liquids/materials (petrol, paraffin, paints, lighters)
- Compressed gases
- Animal trophies (skins, horns, shells)
- Narcotics/controlled substances
- Live animals/pets
- Oxidizing substances, poisons, radioactive/corrosive materials
- Disabling devices (mace, tasers, tear gas)
- Any item deemed a security risk
Restricted Items:
- Bicycles (currently not permitted)
- Spillable batteries
- Workshop tools (hammers, pliers, screwdrivers – must be surrendered to security)
Lost & Found / Confiscated Items
- Confiscated prohibited items: Stored 14 days
- Lost & found property: Stored 28 days
- Collection requires identification
- Unclaimed items disposed per Disposal Act
Onboard Conduct & Right to Refuse Carriage
Passengers must behave responsibly. Disruptive conduct (disturbing others, obstructing staff) results in detraining and possible prosecution under Kenya Railways Act or Penal Code.
KR may refuse boarding if passenger:
- Appears mentally unstable
- Has contagious/infectious disease
- Is under influence of alcohol/drugs
For the latest timetables, fares, and real-time updates, visit https://metickets.krc.co.ke or official Kenya Railways channels.
Safe travels on the Madaraka Express – Kenya’s modern rail pride connecting coast to capital and beyond!
