Quick Inputs:
- Route (9 stations: Nairobi, Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi, Mariakani, Mombasa)
- Class (Economy Ksh 1,000 | First Class Ksh 3,000 full route)
- Adults 12+ years | Children 3-11 years (50% off) | Infants under 3 (free)
- One Way or Round Trip
Instant Results:
- Total fare with all discounts applied
- Per-person breakdown
- Journey time
- Train type (Express 5h or Inter-County 6h)
With more than 300,000 passengers traveling between Nairobi and Mombasa every month, the Madaraka Express SGR is one of the most popular and reliable transport options in Kenya.
Kenyans spend over Ksh 300 million on SGR tickets every month.
SGR Online Booking: Official Prices 2025 #
Nairobi to Mombasa #
| Passenger Age | Economy | First Class |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (12+) | Ksh 1,000 | Ksh 3,000 |
| Children (3-11) | Ksh 500 | Ksh 1,500 |
| Infants (Under 3) | FREE | FREE |
Key routes from Nairobi: Athi River (60), Emali (260), Kibwezi (400), Mtito Andei (490), Voi (700), Mombasa (1,000) – Economy adult fares.
From Mombasa inland: Mariakani (70), Voi (290), Mtito Andei (500), Nairobi (1,000) – Economy adult fares.
Use calculator above for any route with automatic children’s discounts.
How to Book SGR Online: 3 Methods #
1. Online Booking via metickets.krc.co.ke #
Official Kenya Railways booking platform: metickets.krc.co.ke
Requirements: Kenyan phone number, M-Pesa, passenger ID numbers, birth certificates for children
Steps:
- Visit Kenya Railways official website or go directly to metickets.krc.co.ke
- Select stations and date (book up to 60 days ahead)
- Choose class and train time
- Enter passenger details by age category
- Pay via M-Pesa (2-minute payment window)
- Receive SMS ticket with booking reference
Limits: 10 passengers max per transaction
Customer Support: Call +254 709 907 000 or +254 709 388 000 | WhatsApp: +254 709 388 388
Pro tip: Calculate total cost here first, then book online knowing exact amount.
Learn more about M-Pesa booking: How to Get Your M-Pesa Statement: 4 Easy Methods
2. USSD Booking via *639# #
Works on: Any Safaricom line, 24/7, no internet needed
Process: Dial *639# → Book Ticket → Follow prompts → Pay M-Pesa
Limits: 10 passengers per booking
Best for: Quick bookings, no data connection
Want to reduce M-Pesa costs? Read: How to Cut Your Transaction Costs in Kenya (Save Up to KSh 300 Per Month)
3. Station Ticket Office #
Payment: M-Pesa or card only (no cash since Feb 2023)
Available: Same-day and 4 days ahead
Risk: Economy sells out fast, especially weekends. May be forced into First Class at 3x price.
Station locations:
- Nairobi: Syokimau SGR Terminus (17km from CBD)
- Mombasa: Miritini SGR Terminus (15km from CBD)
Recommendation: Use SGR online booking 2-7 days ahead. Don’t risk station queues.
SGR Booking Online from Nairobi to Mombasa: Real Family Costs #
Family of 4: 2 Adults + 2 Children (Ages 8 & 5) #
- Adults: 2 × 1,000 = Ksh 2,000
- Children: 2 × 500 = Ksh 1,000
- Total Economy: Ksh 3,000
- Savings: Ksh 1,000 (vs 4 adult fares)
Couple with Baby: 2 Adults + 1 Infant (18 months) #
- Adults First Class: 2 × 3,000 = Ksh 6,000
- Infant: FREE (sits on lap)
- Total: Ksh 6,000
- Savings: Ksh 3,000 (infant free)
Solo Traveler #
- 1 Adult Economy: Ksh 1,000
- Total: Ksh 1,000
Group of 12 Adults #
- 12 × 1,000 = Ksh 12,000 Economy
- 12 × 3,000 = Ksh 36,000 First Class
- Book: Two transactions (10 + 2 passengers)
SGR Timetable: Train Departure Times #
Inter-County Train (stops all 9 stations):
- Nairobi → Mombasa: 8:20 AM, arrives 2:00 PM (5h 40min)
- Mombasa → Nairobi: 8:00 AM, arrives 2:10 PM (6h 10min)
Express Train (Nairobi-Voi-Mombasa only):
- Both directions: 3:00 PM, arrives 8:08 PM (5h 8min)
Choose Inter-County if: Boarding at intermediate stations, want daytime wildlife views through Tsavo
Choose Express if: Direct Nairobi-Mombasa, faster journey, evening arrival
SGR Tickets: Passenger Age Rules That Save Money #
Children (3-11 Years): 50% Discount #
- Fare: Half of adult price
- Seat: Full seat allocated
- ID: Birth certificate required
- Example: Nairobi-Mombasa = Ksh 500 Economy vs Ksh 1,000 adult
Infants (Under 3 Years): 100% Free #
- Fare: Ksh 0
- Seat: None (sits on parent’s lap)
- ID: Birth certificate mandatory
- Example: Nairobi-Mombasa = Ksh 0 (saves Ksh 1,000)
Adults (12+ Years): Full Fare #
- Fare: Standard price
- ID: National ID or passport
- Example: Nairobi-Mombasa = Ksh 1,000 Economy or Ksh 3,000 First Class
Common mistake: Booking all passengers as adults and missing 50% children’s discount or 100% infant savings.
SGR Online Booking via M-Pesa: Payment Process #
Via Website (metickets.krc.co.ke): #
- Complete booking form with passenger details
- System generates M-Pesa STK push prompt on your phone
- Enter M-Pesa PIN within 2 minutes (payment window)
- Payment confirmed instantly
- Ticket sent via SMS + email with booking reference
Via USSD (*639#): #
- Dial *639# on any Safaricom line
- Complete booking prompts
- Select “Pay with M-Pesa”
- Enter PIN when prompted (2-minute window)
- Confirmation SMS received with ticket details
Alternative: eCitizen Paybill: #
- Paybill: 222222 via Kenya Railways eCitizen
- 30-minute payment window for paybill bookings
Payment Limits: Standard M-Pesa transaction limits apply. Use our MPESA Calculator to check transaction costs.
Failed Payment: Booking expires if payment not completed within time window. Must start new booking.
Refunds: 30% penalty on cancellations, 10% on reschedules via metickets.krc.co.ke
For international visitors without M-Pesa: Book at station with card, or contact customer care at +254 709 907 000 for group booking arrangements.
Common SGR Booking Mistakes #
| Mistake | Result | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Booking all as “adults” | Miss 50% child discount | Select passenger ages correctly |
| Booking too late | Economy sold out, pay 3x for First | Book 1-2 weeks ahead (weekends) |
| No birth certificate | Can’t prove child’s age, pay adult fare | Always carry when traveling with kids |
| Wrong station | Book “Nairobi Central” instead of “Nairobi Terminus” | Always select “Terminus” stations |
| Late arrival | Miss train, forfeit ticket | Arrive 1 hour before departure |
| Lost booking reference | Can’t board | Screenshot ticket, save reference number |
Hidden Costs Beyond SGR Ticket Price #
Connection Transport #
- Nairobi: CBD to Syokimau = Ksh 50-800 (commuter train 50, Uber 800). Check the Nairobi commuter rail schedule for connecting train times.
- Mombasa: Miritini to CBD = Ksh 100-150 (official bus 100)
Food & Snacks #
- Economy pays: Water (50), meals (200-600)
- First Class: Complimentary meals included
Excess Luggage #
- Free allowance: 30kg checked + 10kg hand (Economy) or 15kg (First)
- Excess: Ksh 100 per kg
Real cost example: Ksh 1,000 ticket + Ksh 150 transport + Ksh 200 snacks = Ksh 1,350 total trip cost
Economy vs First Class: What You Actually Get #
| Feature | Economy (1,000) | First Class (3,000) |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2+3 (5 per row) | 2+2 (4 per row) |
| Legroom | Standard | Extra space |
| Reclining | No | Yes + footrests |
| Food | Buy from trolley | Complimentary meals |
| Power | Limited outlets | Every seat |
| Hand luggage | 10kg | 15kg |
| Checked luggage | 30kg | 30kg |
| Booking ease | Sells out fast | Usually available |
When First Class is worth it: Business travel, need to work (power outlets), want complimentary food, booking last-minute (Economy sold out)
When Economy works fine: Budget travel, short trips, groups, booked in advance
SGR Nairobi to Mombasa: Complete Journey Guide #
Full Route Stations & Times (Inter-County train): #
- Nairobi Terminus (0:00) – Start
- Athi River (0:15) – 60 Economy
- Emali (1:10) – 260 Economy
- Kibwezi (2:00) – 400 Economy
- Mtito Andei (2:35) – 490 Economy
- Voi (3:45) – 700 Economy (Tsavo access)
- Miasenyi (4:25) – 900 Economy
- Mariakani (5:10) – 940 Economy
- Mombasa Terminus (5:40) – 1,000 Economy
Express Train: Skips stations 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 (only stops Nairobi, Voi, Mombasa) – 5h 8min
Frequently Asked Questions About SGR Booking #
Can I book SGR online without M-Pesa? #
No. SGR online booking requires M-Pesa for payment. No card option on metickets.krc.co.ke. Alternative: Buy at station with card.
Do I need to print SGR tickets? #
No. Digital ticket on phone works. Screenshot it in case of network issues at station.
How far ahead can I book SGR? #
60 days in advance via SGR online booking or *639#. Station bookings: 4 days ahead only.
Can children travel alone on SGR? #
No. Children and infants must have at least one adult (12+) accompanying them. Unaccompanied minors not allowed.
Is there WiFi on SGR trains? #
No reliable WiFi. Download content before travel. Mobile data works most of route (Safaricom best).
What time should I arrive for SGR? #
Minimum 1 hour before departure for check-in and security. Trains leave on time.
Can I cancel SGR booking? #
Yes, with 30% penalty via metickets.krc.co.ke. Changes cost 10% penalty.
What is the SGR ticket price from Nairobi to Mombasa? #
Economy: Ksh 1,000 (adults), Ksh 500 (children 3-11), FREE (infants under 3). First Class: Ksh 3,000 (adults), Ksh 1,500 (children), FREE (infants).
How do I pay for SGR tickets online? #
Via M-Pesa only. After booking on metickets.krc.co.ke or *639#, you’ll receive an STK push. Enter your PIN within 2 minutes to complete payment.
What documents do I need for SGR booking? #
Adults: National ID or passport. Children (3-11): Birth certificate mandatory to get 50% discount. Infants: Birth certificate required for free travel.
Related Calculators & Resources #
Official Kenya Railways Resources: #
- Kenya Railways Official Website – Latest updates and announcements
- SGR Online Booking Portal – Book tickets directly
- Kenya Railways eCitizen Services – Pay via Paybill 222222
Travel & Money Calculators: #
- MPESA Calculator – Calculate M-Pesa transaction costs
- Emergency Fund Calculator – Budget for travel emergencies
- Compound Interest Calculator – Save for future trips
- 52 Week Savings Challenge Calculator – Save for your vacation
Kenya Travel Guides: #
- How to Send Money from M-Pesa to Equity Bank – Bank transfers for travel funds
- How to Cut Your Transaction Costs in Kenya – Save on M-Pesa fees
- How to Increase Your Fuliza Limit – Emergency travel cash
Kenya Government Services: #
- Kenya Revenue Authority – Tax clearance for travel
- Directorate of Immigration Services – Passport services
Calculate Your SGR Fare Before Booking #
Stop guessing ticket prices during SGR online booking.
Stop missing 50% children’s discounts.
Stop paying adult fares for infants who should travel free.
Use the calculator above:
- Enter exact passenger ages (adults 12+, children 3-11, infants under 3)
- Select your route and class
- Get total fare with all discounts automatically applied
- Know exact cost before you book via metickets.krc.co.ke or *639#
No signup. Accurate 2025 SGR booking prices. Calculate once, book confidently.
Save this page. Share with family planning trips. Because knowing the right fare beats overpaying every time.
Ready to book your SGR ticket? Use the calculator at the top of this page to get your exact fare, then head to metickets.krc.co.ke to complete your booking online.
