Planning for a trip from Nairobi to Mombasa?
The question remains: What is the SGR price from Nairobi to Mombasa?
At first, when you ask randomly, the exact figure is always simple, Ksh. 1500 for economy class and Ksh. 4500 for first class, and just like that, you will feel like you have already figured out everything about everything about the SGR price from Nairobi to Mombasa, and that should not be the case, the SGR price from Nairobi to Mombasa is more than just the SGR ticket price.
At times, what many travellers do not remember is that there are also expenses that you incur during the 6 hours of your journey from Nairobi to Mombasa that will be discussed later.
In this guide, Adequate Safaris will help you understand the full picture of what the SGR price from Nairobi to Mombasa simply comprises in detail, ensuring that before you travel via the SGR, you are well-informed and you will be in a position to make better decisions.
Why Choose Travelling With the Standard Gauge Railway ( SGR)?
a) The SGR price from Nairobi to Mombasa is very affordable, ensuring anyone can afford to use it easily.
b) Travelling with the SGR gives you a chance to adventure and explore Kenya’s countryside with beautiful wildlife views on a 6-hour journey.
c) The SGR offers convenience as you travel, such as charging stations, moving trolleys for snacks, clean restrooms, and comfortable seats with leg room.
d) From the moment you get to the Nairobi Terminus, you immediately notice how safe it is. You will see sniffer dogs at work, ensuring there are no threats or danger during your journey.
SGR Stations
Out of the 8 SGR stations, which also serve as stop-overs, we will focus on the 2 most important stations, the Nairobi Terminus and the Mombasa Terminus.
Nairobi Terminus
The Nairobi-Mombasa Terminus is the most famous for travellers departing from Nairobi to Mombasa, located along Mombasa Road in Syokimau, about 20 kilometres from the city centre.
There are 4 main ways of arriving at the Nairobi-Mombasa Terminus, which include;
a) Via train from the Nairobi Railway station, charging between $1 -$2, taking about 45 minutes to the Nairobi terminus.
b) If you choose to go via bus or matatu, you can alight at the Nairobi CBD, which heads to Syokimau or Athi River. However, do not hesitate to confirm with the driver if he will pass through the Nairobi-terminus SGR route.
The bus fare from Nairobi CBD to Nairobi-Mombasa Terminus might cost you around KSh. 150 to KSh. 200 that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the traffic along Mombasa Road or Lang’ata Road.
c) The most preferred means of getting to the Nairobi Terminus easily and on time is by using Bolt or Uber, which is quite expensive compared to the train or the bus option, depending on where you are coming from. This option is easy, convenient, and faster.
d) If you choose to travel to Mombasa with a travel operator such as Adequate Safaris, you will be dropped off by an Adequate Safaris driver.
Mombasa Terminus
On the other hand, the Mombasa Terminus is located in Miritini in Mombasa County, about 11 KM from the Mombasa CBD, where you will alight from Nairobi, then proceed to the agenda of your trip.
SGR Train Type
The SGR, which operates under the Madaraka Express, offers 2 main train types.
Here is a breakdown of the train types.
Express Train ( Nairobi to Msa)
The Express train is a modern high-speed SGR operating at 120 km/h, moving from the Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau to the Mombasa Terminus in Miritini, taking about 5-6 hours with only one stop at Voi.
After many years of helping travellers visit Mombasa from Nairobi, we have realised that different travellers prefer travelling at different times.
All thanks to the SGR ( Standard Gauge Railway) Madaraka Express for offering travel options, whether you want to travel in the morning, afternoon, or at night.
Morning Express
They say, “ The early bird catches the worm.”
According to research, about 60% to 75% prefer the SGR morning option, where the train departs at 8:00 AM and arrives in Mombasa at 3:00 PM.
This morning option is always considered peaceful, quiet and less crowded. During the journey, you will get the chance to enjoy the scenic views of Kenya’s open landscape and the beauty of one of the best National Parks in Kenya, Tsavo National Park. Note that it is better to sit on the left side of the SGR to spot various wild animals such as zebras, giraffes, elephants and buffalo, etc.
However, note that you might tend to spend more on expenses such as breakfast before the journey begins and also the early morning transfer if you use Uber or Taxis.
Most travellers always tend to get late and end up missing the 8:00 AM trip due to traffic that they may encounter along the way, leading to their delay. Hence, you advised being at the Nairobi Terminus as early as 6:30 AM to avoid the rush.
This morning option is best for:
- First-time travellers who would like to get to Mombasa early.
- Families, to avoid getting there late, for the sake of the kids.
Afternoon Express
The afternoon express option is also a perfect choice for most travellers since they do not have to get up so early, especially those looking forward to a weekend getaway at the Coast. You get to take their sweet time before the train departs at 3:00 PM and arrives at 10:00 PM.
Night Express
The night express train is less crowded with fewer stops compared to the intercity train option, which departs at 10:00 PM and arrives at around 3:35 AM.
Intercounty Train
On the other hand, if you opt to choose to travel with the inter-county train, this train will stop at various stops before it gets to its final destination.
These major stops are:
- Athi River
- Emali
- Kibwezi
- Mtito Andei
- Voi
- Mariakani
SGR Train Classes
The SGR train is divided into 3 classes that determine the SGR price from Nairobi to Mombasa depending on your choice of travel.
Yes, the difference may be seen as just the SGR price from Nairobi to Mombasa, but it goes completely above that, including the travel experience and comfort.
Here is a breakdown of the three SGR travel classes with their SGR price from Nairobi to Mombasa.
Premium Class
The premium SGR class is the most luxurious on the Nairobi-Mombasa Madaraka Express, costing KSh. 12,000 for adults for a one-way journey from Nairobi to Mombasa.
Here, you will experience high-end services such as personal entertainment with 24/7 WI-FI with dedicated hospitality serving you meals at the comfort of your seat.
First Class
On the other hand, the first class SGR class is considered much cheaper than the premium class, which costs Ksh. 4, 500 for adults and half price for children, which is Ksh. 2,250. It is also considered comfortable, perfect for travellers who want to travel in a more relaxed way, since it is less crowded, accommodating about 35 passengers per coach, ideal for couples and business people.
Economy Class
The economy class is typically the most affordable compared to the premium class and the first class, which are mostly considered by solo travellers, families, groups of friends, and regular commuters travelling from Nairobi to Mombasa on a budget, which costs KSh. 1,500 for adults and half price for kids aged 3-11 years old,d which is KSh. 700 per child.
How to Book for an SGR Ticket
Before you depart the Nairobi Terminus, the SGR ticket is a must-have for both adults and children, en which determines the SGR price from Nairobi to Mombasa.
For you to travel via the SGR, you must book your SGR ticket online by paying for your ticket in advance, avoiding them selling out.
However, you can also visit the SGR office at the Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau and book your travel ticket before your time of travel, whether it is at 8:00 am, 3:00 pm or 10:00 pm.
Here is a breakdown of how you can go about your SGR application process.
Via Kenya Railway Website
One of the easiest and preferred options to apply for your SGR travel ticket within minutes is via the Kenya Railway platform via email metickets.krc.co.ke. Make sure that you are connected to WI-FI or mobile data, since the application cannot be used offline.
All you need to fill in as you book your SGR ticket via the website are:
- Destination Station ( Nairobi Terminus to Mombasa Terminus)
- Dates of travel
- SGR train class, whether it is premium, first-class, or economy
- Passenger details ( National ID, Email, Passport Number)
Also note that through the website, you are able to trace available seats before you make your booking.
Via Mobile USSD
On your handset, you will dial mobile USSD *639# using your Safaricom line and ensure you have airtime. Thisis also an easy step that you can use offline without internet, by just following simple steps such as:
- Departure destination ( Nairobi to Mombasa)
- Departure Time (8:00 AM, 3:00 PM or 10:00 PM)
- Travel dates
- SGR Class ( First class or economy class)
- Group size including children aged 3-11 years who are charged half price
- Personal details ( Name, gender, National ID, Nationality, and age)
Once you have filled in the required details, you will receive an M-PESA payment request after about 5 seconds from Madaraka Express.
On-site Booking
On-site booking simply means purchasing your SGR ticket on the day of travel at the Nairobi Terminus. You are advised to have your National Identification card with you since the SGR ticket is linked to it.
For the on-site booking, the station tends to be so crowded, and you might end up being late.
However, it is highly recommended that you be there at least an hour before departure.
SGR Fare From Nairobi to Mombasa
Over the year, the SGR has been offering reliable fares with convenient and simple booking options of different travel categories from economy to premium, which determines the SGR price from Nairobi to Mombasa, ensuring every traveller’s needs are met.
Here is a breakdown of SGR fares from Nairobi to Mombasa.
Adult Fare
| Class | One-way Fare | Comfort Level |
| Premium | Ksh. 12,000 | Luxury |
| First Class | Ksh. 4,500 | Moderate |
| Economy | Ksh. 1,500 | Basic |
Children’s Fare
According to the SGR Madaraka Express, children below the age of 12 travel at a discounted price, which is usually 50% the adult fare, whereas children above the age of 12 pay the full adult price.
Note that children’s birth certificates may be needed when booking their tickets with the help of their guardians.
| Age Group | Fare Type | Economy Class | First Class |
| 0 to 3 years | Infant ( free) | Free ( No seat) | Free ( No seat) |
| 3 to 11 years | Child( 50% fare) | KSh. 750 | KSh. 2,250 |
| 12 years and above | Adult fare | KSh. 1,500 | Ksh. 4,500 |
SGR Timetable
When travelling, there is a tendency that there might be confusion if there is no proper planning, and that is why the SGR came up with a schedule/ timetable that suits your day of travel and experience.
Moreover, understanding this SGR timetable enables you to see the availability, if you have a chance to still book and reserve your seat.
You can therefore go ahead and reserve your seat from Nairobi to Mombasa at the times below.
| Type of Train | Nairobi Terminus | Athi River | Emali | Kibwezi | Mtito Andei | Voi | Miasenyi | Mariakani | Mombasa Terminus |
| Inter-county | 8:00 am | 8:19 am 8:22 am | 9:12 am 9:31 am | 10:14 am 10:18 am | 10:50 am 10:54 am | 12:02 pm 12:08 pm | 12:36 pm 12:39 pm | 1:45 pm 1:47 pm | 2:00 pm |
| Express | 3:00 pm | 6:48 pm 6:53 pm | 10:08 pm | ||||||
| Night | 10:00 pm | 3:35 AM |
Common Mistakes Travellers Make When Booking SGR Tickets
When booking for SGR tickets from Nairobi to Mombasa, travellers tend to make the following mistakes;
a) Entering incorrect personal details. Note that your names should match on all your documents.
b) Booking during the last minute, especially during the peak season, when seats tend to sell out so fast.
c) Assuming that SGR tickets can be transferred to someone else easily. Note that your ticket can only be used by you, and the other person should purchase their own ticket under their name, but not someone else’s name.
d) Confusing times and trains is also a major mistake that travellers make, hence leading to mixed departures.
e) Forgetting children’s documents that should be used during booking, such as birth certificates for children below the age of 18 and National IDs for children above 18 years.
f) Avoid buying your SGR tickets from just anyone, especially on social media such as X or Facebook, where so many fraudsters and scammers or conmen provide phone numbers where you end up sending money blindly to get a ticket easily, but it’s in vain, hence messing up your whole trip.
Other Expenses You can Spend Beyond your SGR Ticket
When planning to travel, note that the total SGR price from Nairobi to Mombasa is above the SGR ticket price only.
Other expenses that you may incur on your 6-hour journey from Nairobi to Mombasa include:
a) Paying for a taxi or Uber to the SGR Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau and afterwards another one from the Mombasa Terminus to your hotel. If you choose to drive yourself, parking fees will be required.
b) In the SGR before arriving in Mombasa, you will need food and refreshments that come at an extra cost.
c) As you travel, you will want to create memories, hence you will need to purchase mobile data, especially in the economy class that doesn’t have WI-FI like the premium class.
d) You might also want to tip the service providers depending on the extra services you receive. You are advised to always have extra cash.
Why You Should Consider Adequate Safaris for Your SGR booking from Nairobi to Msa?
Adequate Safaris is one of the most reliable tour companies in Kenya, always ready to ensure travellers get the best travel services that they require with ease and helping them book their SGR tickets is one of them.
Once you consider Adequate Safaris your go-to tour company, you are guaranteed that a booking will be done for you without you having to struggle much. All you will need to provide are your personal details and the group size, and the rest you can leave to us, ensuring you get the class, seat with perfect views of the open plains and the timings you want.
Remember, the SGR price from Nairobi to Mombasa is part of your tour package.
Are you looking forward to travelling to Mombasa via the SGR Madaraka Express, and you would want everything planned for you, including the SGR bookings?
Look no further, contact Adequate Safaris via +254768555444 or email in**@*************is.com.
Final Thoughts
To wrap up, choosing to travel with the SGR from Nairobi to Mombasa is one of the best travel options due to its affordability, reliability, comfort, safety and convenience. With proper planning, such as booking your tickets early, keenness while keying in your personal details, and having extra cash above the ticket price, ensuring you get the best 6 hours of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)
1. What is the SGR price from Nairobi to Mombasa Today?
The SGR price from Nairobi to Mombasa depends on the class ticket that you choose.
- Premium Class Ticket goes for KSh. 12,000 for adults and KSh. 6,000 to children aged 3 to 11 years.
- First Class Tickets go for KSh. 4,500 for adults and KSh. 2,250 for children aged 3 to 11 years.
- Economy Class Tickets go for KSh. 1,500 for adults and KSh. 750 for children.
2. How long does the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa take via SGR?
The journey from Nairobi to Mombasa using the SGR takes about 5 hours for the express train and 6 hours for the inter-county train. For instance, if you choose to travel with the intercounty train and the journey starts at 8:00 AM, you will arrive at the Mombasa Terminus at 3:00 PM. If you choose the afternoon train, which departs at 3:00 PM, you will arrive at 10:00 PM, and lastly, the night train departs at 10:00 PM and arrives at 3:35 AM.
3. Is the SGR safe?
The SGR is considered to be 100% safe from the moment you arrive. There are strict security measures, such as personal searches and dog-sniffing of luggage in every terminal. Inside the SGR, there are high-end CCTV cameras for surveillance of every activity happening. In the SGR, your safety is a priority.
4. Can I book and pay for my SGR ticket the same day of travel?
Yes, you can make a booking and also pay for your SGR ticket on the same day of travel.
However, you are advised to get there earlier and avoid long queues that may cause a delay to your trip. Therefore, to ensure that you have a smooth process, you need to make your SGR ticket booking online.
5. Between the SGR and the flight, which is better?
When travellers are looking forward to visiting Mombasa, most travellers consider travelling using the SGR rather than the flight option, which is known to take only 45 minutes. To cut costs, the overall experience that the SGR gives, from the SGR price from Nairobi to Mombasa, the hospitality, comfort, and breathtaking views along the way, is unforgettable.
7. Can I reschedule my SGR ticket after booking online?
Booking online is known to be the easiest way to secure your travel SGR ticket. In case of any circumstances, and you need to reschedule, it is recommended that you do so 48 hours before departure to avoid losing the entire SGR fare from Nairobi to Mombasa, and you will need to make payment again.
Also, note that rescheduling tends to attract 10% fee of the SGR fare and can only be done once.
However, incase you want to cancel completely, you will only be refunded only 70% of the SGR fare, and the rest 30% will serve as a compensation fee.
8. What will happen if I miss my train and I have already made my payment?
Incase you miss your train from Nairobi to Mombasa on your day of travel, and you have already made your payment, you will have to get a new SGR ticket.
9. What is the best time to travel via SGR from Nairobi to Mombasa?
The SGR seats do sell out so fast, especially during the weekends, public holidays, and during the festivities, and you might end up missing a chance to travel as you had intended to.
Therefore, the best time to travel is during off-peak season or weekdays.
10. If I book with Adequate Safaris, is my SGR ticket part of the tour package?
Booking your trip with Adequate Safaris is the best decision you could ever make. If you get to book with them for your trip from Nairobi to Mombasa, the SGR ticket is usually part of the tour package, ensuring it is booked on time and you get the perfect seat.
11. Is the SGR fare from Nairobi to Mombasa cheaper when travelling in a group than travelling solo?
The SGR prices from Nairobi to Mombasa are totally different from flight prices, which can be discounted.
For SGR, no matter the size of the group, the price remains the same based on the class, economy, first-class, or premier.
The only group of people that pays differently is children aged 3 to 11, who pay half the price.
12. Are there transfers from the Mombasa SGR Terminus to my hotel?
Absolutely. There are always transfers from the Mombasa SGR Terminus to your hotel by taxis, Uber, or Bolt at a fee.
However, if you get to book with Adequate Safaris, you will be dropped off by our driver/guide.
13. Which is the better means of paying for my SGR fare, via cash or M-PESA?
Paying for your SGR ticket via cash is an option, but the best option still remains to be via M-Pesa, which is popularly known as Safaricom’s mobile money, which is so easy, convenient, and seamless whether you are booking your ticket online or at the station.
However, if you do not have cash in your M-PESA account or you do not have the M-Pesa mobile app, especially for non-residents, you can choose to use your credit or debit card.
