Mombasa SGR Train Guide: Tickets, Schedule & Getting from Miritini Station
The Madaraka Express connects Nairobi to Mombasa in approximately 4.5 to 6 hours across three daily departures and three ticket classes, with tickets bookable online, by USSD, or at any SGR station. Mombasa’s terminus sits at Miritini, roughly 15km from the city centre and coastal hotel zones — far enough that arranging onward transport in advance matters more than many first-time travellers expect. Pre-booking a transfer from Miritini avoids the unmetered rates charged by station taxi touts and ensures a driver is waiting on the concourse regardless of whether the train runs early or late.
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What Is the Madaraka Express SGR Train?
The Madaraka Express is Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway passenger service connecting Nairobi to Mombasa, covering 592 kilometres in approximately 4.5 to 6 hours. The line is operated by Kenya Railways Corporation and remains a popular alternative to flying or the bus for travellers moving between the two cities.
Madaraka Express Schedule & Ticket Prices
Three trains depart daily from both Nairobi and Mombasa: an 8am Inter-county service that stops at several stations along the route (Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi, Mariakani), a 3pm Express service, and a 10pm Night Express. The Express and Night Express services skip intermediate stops and complete the journey faster than the Inter-county train.
| Departure Time | Train Type | Stops | Approx. Journey Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00am | Inter-county | Multiple county stations | 6 hours |
| 3:00pm | Express | None | 4.5–5 hours |
| 10:00pm | Night Express | None | 4.5–5 hours |
Ticket prices for the full Nairobi–Mombasa route are set across three classes: Economy (KES 1,500), First Class (KES 4,500), and Premium Class (KES 12,000). Children aged 3–11 pay half fare. [PLACEHOLDER — verify current fares against metickets.krc.co.ke before publishing, as SGR pricing can change.]
How to Book Madaraka Express Tickets
Book online at metickets.krc.co.ke, dial the USSD code *639#, or purchase tickets in person at any SGR station, including Nairobi’s Syokimau Station and Mombasa’s Miritini Station. Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure and bring the same identification document used during booking.
Where Is Mombasa’s SGR Station?
Mombasa Terminus sits at Miritini, roughly 15km from Mombasa Island and the city centre — too far for most hotels to arrange pickup informally. This distance is the main reason onward transport planning matters: unlike a city-centre station, Miritini isn’t within easy walking or short-taxi-ride distance of most coastal accommodation.
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What Happens After You Arrive at Miritini Station?
Booking the train itself is only half the journey. Once you step off at Miritini, the next decision — how to reach your actual destination along the coast — matters just as much for a smooth arrival.
Getting from Miritini Station to Your Hotel or Resort
Onward transport from Miritini covers every major coastal destination, including Nyali and the North Coast hotel strip, Bamburi and Shanzu, Diani Beach and the South Coast, and Kilifi, Malindi, and Watamu further afield.
Booking an SGR Transfer in Advance
Pre-booking an SGR transfer avoids relying on station taxi touts, who are known to charge unmetered, premium rates to arriving passengers without a pre-arranged ride. A pre-booked driver tracks your train’s actual arrival time — not just the printed schedule — and waits on the Miritini concourse with a name board, ready to help with luggage. Vehicles fitted with child seats are available on request for families continuing on to coastal resorts.
See SGR transfers from Miritini Station for the full service breakdown, or jump straight to a specific route: Diani SGR transfer or Nyali SGR transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the SGR train take from Nairobi to Mombasa?
Approximately 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on whether you take the Inter-county service (which makes several stops) or one of the two Express services.
Where exactly is Mombasa’s SGR station?
At Miritini, roughly 15km from Mombasa Island and the main coastal hotel areas.
Can I book a transfer from Miritini Station in advance?
Yes — pre-booking secures a fixed price and a driver waiting at the concourse, rather than negotiating with taxi touts on arrival. See fixed SGR transfer pricing for rates by route.
Are there vehicles with child seats for the onward journey?
Yes — vehicles fitted with child seats can be requested for SGR transfers the same way as airport transfers; specify the number and age of children when booking.
What if my train is delayed?
A pre-booked driver tracks the train’s actual schedule, not the printed timetable, so your pickup time adjusts automatically without you needing to make contact.
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