Want to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa or other SGR routes? You can book tickets online easily. This guide shows you how to book SGR tickets step by step.
What is SGR?
Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is Kenya’s modern train service connecting major towns. It’s fast, comfortable, and affordable.
Current Routes:
- Nairobi - Mombasa
- Nairobi - Naivasha
- Connecting stations in between
What You Need
Before booking, prepare:
- Valid phone number (M-Pesa registered)
- National ID or passport number
- Email address
- Payment method: M-Pesa or card
- Travel date and time
- Internet connection
Example: If traveling on January 10th, book at least 2-3 days early for better seat availability.
Step 1: Visit SGR Booking Website
Open your browser and go to: www.makadara.railway.co.ke
Or download the Madaraka Express app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Example: For mobile users, the app is easier and faster than the website.
Step 2: Create Account or Log In
For new users:
- Click Register or Sign Up
- Enter your details:
- Full name (as on ID)
- National ID or passport number
- Phone number
- Email address
- Create password
- Verify email (check inbox)
- Log in
For existing users:
- Click Log In
- Enter phone number or email
- Enter password
- Click Sign In
Example: Name: John Kamau, ID: 12345678, Phone: 0722123456, Email: john@gmail.com
Step 3: Select Your Route
- Choose Departure Station from dropdown
- Choose Arrival Station
- Select Travel Date from calendar
- Click Search Trains
Example:
- From: Nairobi Terminus
- To: Mombasa Terminus
- Date: January 10, 2026
Step 4: Choose Train and Class
You’ll see available trains with times and prices.
Classes Available:
Economy Class:
- Price: KES 1,000 (Nairobi-Mombasa)
- Comfortable seats
- Good for budget travelers
Business Class:
- Price: KES 3,000 (Nairobi-Mombasa)
- More spacious seats
- Better comfort
First Class:
- Price: KES 6,000 (Nairobi-Mombasa)
- Private cabins
- Premium service
Select your preferred:
- Train time (morning or afternoon)
- Class (Economy, Business, or First)
- Number of passengers
- Click Book Now
Example: For 2 people in Economy, morning train departing 8:00 AM, total cost: KES 2,000.
Step 5: Enter Passenger Details
Fill details for each passenger:
Required Information:
- Full name (as on ID)
- ID/Passport number
- Phone number
- Email address
- Age (Adult or Child)
Example for Passenger 1:
- Name: John Kamau
- ID: 12345678
- Phone: 0722123456
Example for Passenger 2:
- Name: Jane Wanjiku
- ID: 23456789
- Phone: 0733234567
Important: Names must match ID exactly. Any mismatch will cause boarding issues.
Step 6: Review Booking Details
Before payment, confirm:
- Route is correct
- Date and time are right
- Passenger names are correct (no typos)
- Class selected is what you want
- Total amount is as expected
Click Edit if you need to change anything.
Example: Double-check departure time. Morning train is 8:00 AM, afternoon train is 3:00 PM.
Step 7: Make Payment
Choose payment method:
Option 1: M-Pesa
- Select M-Pesa
- Enter M-Pesa phone number
- Click Pay
- You’ll receive M-Pesa prompt on phone
- Enter your M-Pesa PIN
- Confirm payment
Example: For KES 2,000 booking, you’ll get SMS: “Enter PIN to pay KES 2,000 to MADARAKA EXPRESS”
Option 2: Credit/Debit Card
- Select Card Payment
- Enter card details
- Click Pay Now
- Complete bank verification (OTP)
Example: You’ll receive OTP on your phone from bank. Enter it to complete payment.
Step 8: Receive Confirmation
After successful payment:
- SMS confirmation sent to your phone
- Email confirmation sent
- E-ticket PDF attached to email
- Booking reference number provided
Example: SMS: “Booking confirmed. Reference: SGR123456. Train departs Nairobi Terminus on 10/01/2026 at 08:00 AM.”
Step 9: Print or Save Ticket
- Open email confirmation
- Download PDF ticket attachment
- Print ticket (recommended) or save to phone
Your ticket shows:
- Booking reference number
- Passenger names
- Date and time
- Route
- Coach and seat numbers
- QR code
Example: Ticket shows: “Coach B3, Seat 12” - remember this for easy boarding.
Step 10: Arrive Early for Travel
On travel day:
Arrival Time:
- Arrive 1 hour before departure
- Station opens 2 hours before train time
What to Carry:
- Printed e-ticket or show on phone
- Original ID/Passport (must match booking)
- Luggage (maximum 2 bags per person)
At Station:
- Go to check-in counter
- Show ticket and ID
- Security screening
- Board your coach
Example: For 8:00 AM train, arrive by 7:00 AM. Gates close 10 minutes before departure.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: Payment successful but no ticket received Solution: Check spam/junk email folder. Call SGR customer care with M-Pesa confirmation code.
Problem: Name has typo on ticket Solution: Contact customer care immediately. May need to cancel and rebook (charges apply).
Problem: Can’t find train on desired date Solution: Trains fill fast. Book at least 3-5 days ahead, especially weekends and holidays.
Problem: Website not loading Solution: Try using the mobile app instead. Or clear browser cache and try again.
Problem: M-Pesa payment fails Solution: Ensure sufficient balance. Wait 5 minutes and retry. Or use card payment.
Important Tips
- Book early - tickets sell out fast, especially weekends
- Morning trains (8:00 AM) are usually less crowded than afternoon
- Children under 3 years travel free (no seat)
- Children 3-11 years get 50% discount
- Arrive early - gates close 10 minutes before departure
- Carry physical ID - you won’t board without it
- Save booking reference number - need it for inquiries
- Screenshot your ticket as backup
- Luggage limit: 2 bags per person, max 30kg total
- No food sold on train - carry snacks and water
Ticket Prices (Nairobi-Mombasa)
Adults:
- Economy: KES 1,000
- Business: KES 3,000
- First Class: KES 6,000
Children (3-11 years):
- Economy: KES 500
- Business: KES 1,500
- First Class: KES 3,000
Other Routes: Prices vary. Check website for exact fares.
Train Schedule
Nairobi to Mombasa:
- Morning: Departs 8:00 AM, Arrives 2:00 PM
- Afternoon: Departs 3:00 PM, Arrives 9:00 PM
Mombasa to Nairobi:
- Morning: Departs 8:00 AM, Arrives 2:00 PM
- Afternoon: Departs 3:00 PM, Arrives 9:00 PM
Journey time: Approximately 6 hours
Example: Book morning train if you need to arrive in Mombasa by afternoon for meetings.
Stations Available
Main Stations:
- Nairobi Terminus (Syokimau)
- Athi River
- Emali
- Kibwezi
- Mtito Andei
- Voi
- Miasenyi
- Mombasa Terminus (Miritini)
Naivasha Line:
- Nairobi
- Mai-Mahiu
- Naivasha
You can board or alight at any station.
Cancellation and Refunds
To cancel booking:
- Log into your account
- Go to My Bookings
- Select booking to cancel
- Click Cancel Booking
Refund Policy:
- Cancel 24+ hours before departure: 75% refund
- Cancel less than 24 hours: No refund
- Refund processed in 7-14 days
Example: If you paid KES 2,000 and cancel 3 days early, you get back KES 1,500.
Group Bookings
For 10+ passengers:
- Contact SGR customer care
- Group discounts available
- Special arrangements for schools, companies
- Email: customercare@makadara.railway.co.ke
Contact Information
SGR Customer Care:
- Phone: +254 709 388 888
- Email: customercare@makadara.railway.co.ke
- Working hours: 7 days a week, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Station Contacts:
- Nairobi Terminus: 0709 388 000
- Mombasa Terminus: 0709 388 001
Online Help:
- Website: www.makadara.railway.co.ke
- Facebook: Madaraka Express
- Twitter: @MadarakaExpress
What to Expect on Train
Facilities:
- Clean, air-conditioned coaches
- Comfortable reclining seats
- Large windows for scenery
- Charging ports for phones
- Clean washrooms
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free WiFi (business class)
Services:
- Security personnel on board
- Helpful attendants
- First aid available
- Entertainment screens (business/first class)
Travel Tips
Before Journey:
- Charge your phone fully
- Download movies/music
- Carry snacks and water
- Wear comfortable clothes
- Carry jacket (AC can be cold)
During Journey:
- Enjoy Tsavo National Park views
- Take photos from windows
- Stay in your seat during movement
- Follow attendants’ instructions
Example: Best views are between Mtito Andei and Voi stations - you can see wildlife from train!
Why Choose SGR?
Benefits:
- Faster than road (6 hours vs 8-10 hours by bus)
- Safer than matatus
- Comfortable journey
- Affordable prices
- Punctual (trains rarely delay)
- Scenic views
- Reliable service
Comparison:
- Bus to Mombasa: KES 1,200-1,500, 8-10 hours, cramped
- SGR Economy: KES 1,000, 6 hours, spacious and comfortable
Start booking your SGR journey today for a smooth, comfortable travel experience!