{"id":1630,"date":"2026-05-20T13:28:25","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T13:28:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/?p=1630"},"modified":"2026-05-20T13:28:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T13:28:25","slug":"sgr-timetable-kenya-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"SGR Timetable Kenya 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Last updated: May 2026 \u2022 Written by: Ken Odhiambo, SEO Specialist (10+ years, Kenya) \u2014 Finance, Health &amp; Education Content \u2022 12 sources cited<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#SGR_Timetable_Kenya_2026_Departure_Times_Fares_and_Booking_Guide\" >SGR Timetable Kenya 2026: Departure Times, Fares and Booking Guide<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#Direct_Answer\" >Direct Answer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#The_SGR_Is_Faster_Than_Almost_Every_Other_Option_%E2%80%94_If_You_Know_the_Schedule\" >The SGR Is Faster Than Almost Every Other Option \u2014 If You Know the Schedule<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#What_Is_the_SGR_Timetable_H2\" >What Is the SGR Timetable? (H2)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#Why_Kenyans_Depend_on_the_SGR_Timetable_H2\" >Why Kenyans Depend on the SGR Timetable (H2)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#Types_of_SGR_Train_Services_in_Kenya_H2\" >Types of SGR Train Services in Kenya (H2)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#Inter-County_Service\" >Inter-County Service<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#Express_Service\" >Express Service<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#Night_Train\" >Night Train<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#Nairobi%E2%80%93Suswa_Commuter_Service\" >Nairobi\u2013Suswa Commuter Service<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#Holiday_Extra_Trains\" >Holiday Extra Trains<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#How_to_Access_the_Current_SGR_Timetable_H2\" >How to Access the Current SGR Timetable (H2)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#SGR_Ticket_Prices_Classes_and_Requirements_H2\" >SGR Ticket Prices, Classes and Requirements (H2)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#Step-by-Step_How_to_Book_an_SGR_Ticket_Online_in_2026_H2\" >Step-by-Step: How to Book an SGR Ticket Online in 2026 (H2)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#Common_SGR_Booking_Mistakes_to_Avoid_H2\" >Common SGR Booking Mistakes to Avoid (H2)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#The_SGR_Timetable_Data_Gap_What_Kenyans_Travelling_to_Intermediate_Towns_Need_to_Know_H2\" >The SGR Timetable Data Gap: What Kenyans Travelling to Intermediate Towns Need to Know (H2)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#Future_Trends_for_the_SGR_Timetable_H2\" >Future Trends for the SGR Timetable (H2)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#1_SGR_Phase_2B_and_2C_Extension_to_Kisumu_and_Malaba\" >1. SGR Phase 2B and 2C Extension to Kisumu and Malaba<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#2_Passenger_Numbers_Rebounding_Toward_Pre-Hike_Levels\" >2. Passenger Numbers Rebounding Toward Pre-Hike Levels<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#3_Nairobi_Urban_Commuter_Rail_Expansion\" >3. Nairobi Urban Commuter Rail Expansion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#4_Fully_Kenyan_Operations\" >4. Fully Kenyan Operations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#5_Digital_Ticketing_and_Real-Time_Schedule_Updates\" >5. Digital Ticketing and Real-Time Schedule Updates<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#SGR_Timetable_FAQ_H2\" >SGR Timetable FAQ (H2)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#My_Experience_Comparing_SGR_Timetable_Options_H2\" >My Experience Comparing SGR Timetable Options (H2)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#Key_Takeaways_H2\" >Key Takeaways (H2)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/sgr-timetable-kenya-2026\/#Sources\" >Sources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"SGR_Timetable_Kenya_2026_Departure_Times_Fares_and_Booking_Guide\"><\/span>SGR Timetable Kenya 2026: Departure Times, Fares and Booking Guide<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Direct_Answer\"><\/span>Direct Answer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The SGR timetable in Kenya covers the Madaraka Express passenger service operated by Kenya Railways. The inter-county train departs Nairobi Terminus at 8:00 AM and arrives Mombasa Terminus at 2:00 PM daily. The express service from Nairobi departs at 3:00 PM and arrives Mombasa around 8:00 PM. A night train departs Nairobi at 10:00 PM, reaching Mombasa at approximately 3:55 AM. Economy class fares start at KSh 1,500 one way on the Nairobi\u2013Mombasa route \u2014 and <a href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/\">TrueMatch<\/a> is worth a look for Kenyans planning travel alongside other life decisions.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_SGR_Is_Faster_Than_Almost_Every_Other_Option_%E2%80%94_If_You_Know_the_Schedule\"><\/span>The SGR Is Faster Than Almost Every Other Option \u2014 If You Know the Schedule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A family heading from Nairobi to Mombasa for a coastal holiday spent three hours in a bus queue last Easter before discovering the train had already left \u2014 not because they were late, but because they showed up at the wrong station. That single mix-up costs Kenyans thousands of wasted hours every year.<\/p>\n<p>The SGR timetable is not complicated once you read it clearly. The Madaraka Express runs on a fixed schedule regardless of passenger load. It does not wait. It does not reroute. Knowing the correct departure time and station name is the difference between a smooth trip and a missed train.<\/p>\n<p>This guide gives you every current departure time, official fare, and booking step you need for 2026 \u2014 drawn directly from Kenya Railways Corporation&#8217;s published schedule and backed by verified data. Whether you are travelling Nairobi to Mombasa or making an intermediate stop at Voi, this is your complete reference. Planning other big life decisions alongside your travel? <a href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/\">TrueMatch<\/a> is worth a look.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_SGR_Timetable_H2\"><\/span>What Is the SGR Timetable? (H2)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The SGR timetable is the official schedule published by Kenya Railways Corporation showing when Madaraka Express passenger trains depart and arrive at each station on the Standard Gauge Railway. It covers the 472-kilometre Mombasa\u2013Nairobi route and a 120-kilometre extension to Suswa.<\/p>\n<p>The SGR was officially launched on June 1, 2017, and has since operated as Kenya&#8217;s most modern intercity passenger rail service, cutting travel time between Nairobi and Mombasa from over eight hours by road to around five and a half hours by train. The schedule matters because the train runs at fixed times whether seats are full or empty \u2014 unlike matatus and buses that fill up before departing.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Madaraka Express \u2014 Nairobi to Mombasa Full Timetable (Official, Kenya Railways 2026)<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Station<\/th>\n<th>Inter-County Departs<\/th>\n<th>Express Departs<\/th>\n<th>Night Train Departs<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Nairobi Terminus<\/td>\n<td>08:00<\/td>\n<td>15:00<\/td>\n<td>22:00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Athi River<\/td>\n<td>08:19<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Emali<\/td>\n<td>09:27<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Kibwezi<\/td>\n<td>10:14<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mtito Andei<\/td>\n<td>10:50<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Voi<\/td>\n<td>12:02<\/td>\n<td>18:48<\/td>\n<td>02:05<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Miasenyi<\/td>\n<td>12:41<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mariakani<\/td>\n<td>13:27<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mombasa Terminus<\/td>\n<td>14:00<\/td>\n<td>20:30<\/td>\n<td>03:55<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><em>Source: Kenya Railways Corporation Official Schedule \u2014 metickets.krc.co.ke<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Mombasa to Nairobi Full Timetable (Official, Kenya Railways 2026)<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Station<\/th>\n<th>Inter-County Departs<\/th>\n<th>Express Departs<\/th>\n<th>Night Train Departs<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Mombasa Terminus<\/td>\n<td>08:00<\/td>\n<td>15:00<\/td>\n<td>22:00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mariakani<\/td>\n<td>08:26<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Miasenyi<\/td>\n<td>09:12<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Voi<\/td>\n<td>09:49<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mtito Andei<\/td>\n<td>11:18<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Kibwezi<\/td>\n<td>11:51<\/td>\n<td>16:38<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Emali<\/td>\n<td>12:36<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Athi River<\/td>\n<td>13:45<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Nairobi Terminus<\/td>\n<td>14:10<\/td>\n<td>20:18<\/td>\n<td>03:55<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><em>Source: Kenya Railways Corporation Official Schedule \u2014 metickets.krc.co.ke<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The <strong>Nairobi\u2013Suswa<\/strong> commuter service (Friday, Saturday and Sunday only) departs Nairobi Terminus at 08:50, with stops at Rongai (09:14) and Ngong (09:39), reaching Maai Mahiu at 10:34 and Suswa at 11:10. The return from Suswa departs at 16:15, arriving Nairobi Terminus at 18:10.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Kenyans_Depend_on_the_SGR_Timetable_H2\"><\/span>Why Kenyans Depend on the SGR Timetable (H2)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Road travel between Nairobi and Mombasa takes 8\u201310 hours on a good day. Road accidents, traffic at Mlolongo, and unpredictable fuel stops make that estimate unreliable. The SGR fixes all of that with a departure time you can plan a calendar around.<\/p>\n<p>The numbers confirm the shift in travel behaviour:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Passenger traffic on the SGR rose 11.6 percent to 2.7 million travellers in 2025, up from 2.4 million in 2024, as more commuters returned to the Madaraka Express despite elevated fares imposed at the start of 2024.<\/li>\n<li>The rise in passenger numbers pushed ticket revenue up 17 percent to KSh 4.8 billion from KSh 4.1 billion a year earlier, according to KNBS data.<\/li>\n<li>August, November and December recorded the highest monthly traffic in 2025, with 291,000, 258,000 and 344,000 travellers respectively, reflecting peak seasonal demand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Bold citable insight:<\/strong> As of 2025, the Madaraka Express carried 2.7 million passengers annually, recording its strongest rebound since Kenya Railways imposed a 50 percent fare increase in January 2024, per KNBS data.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Bold citable insight:<\/strong> Peak SGR travel months in Kenya are August, November and December \u2014 demand is highest during school holidays and festive season, not the Easter long weekend as many assume.<\/p>\n<p>What those numbers mean for you practically: seats sell out during the months above. Book at least one week ahead during any school break or public holiday period.<\/p>\n<p>This is especially true for students travelling between Nairobi and the Coast during semester breaks, and for families whose coastal relatives live near Mombasa or Mariakani. The SGR timetable is also the foundation of the Madaraka Express schedule that safari operators and tour agencies build itineraries around \u2014 matching train arrivals at Voi or Mtito Andei to game drives in Tsavo East and Tsavo West.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_SGR_Train_Services_in_Kenya_H2\"><\/span>Types of SGR Train Services in Kenya (H2)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Understanding which service applies to your route stops the most common scheduling errors.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Inter-County_Service\"><\/span>Inter-County Service<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The inter-county train is the most widely used SGR service. It stops at every station between Nairobi and Mombasa: Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi, Mariakani, and both termini. It departs both Nairobi and Mombasa at 8:00 AM daily. Journey time is approximately 6 hours end-to-end. This is the train for travellers heading to smaller towns and for budget-conscious passengers.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Express_Service\"><\/span>Express Service<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The express service skips most intermediate stops, connecting Nairobi to Mombasa with a single halt at Voi. It departs Nairobi Terminus at 3:00 PM and arrives Mombasa around 8:30 PM. The return from Mombasa departs at 3:00 PM, reaching Nairobi around 8:18 PM. Travel time is approximately 5.5 hours. This service fits business travellers and those making same-day or next-day connections.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Night_Train\"><\/span>Night Train<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The night train departs at approximately 10:00 PM, arriving around 3:55 AM the following day, with no stops or limited stops. This is the best SGR option for travellers who want to save on accommodation \u2014 board in the evening, arrive at your destination at dawn.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nairobi%E2%80%93Suswa_Commuter_Service\"><\/span>Nairobi\u2013Suswa Commuter Service<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This is the <strong>Madaraka Express schedule<\/strong> extension serving commuters in Ngong, Ongata Rongai, Maai Mahiu, and Suswa. The long-distance service operates on Friday, Saturday and Sunday between Nairobi Terminus and Suswa Station only. Fares on this route start at KSh 130 for the Nairobi\u2013Rongai leg.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Holiday_Extra_Trains\"><\/span>Holiday Extra Trains<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Kenya Railways adds additional Madaraka Express trains to accommodate increased passenger demand during peak periods, including festive seasons. These extras are announced on the Kenya Railways website and social media pages. Monitor announcements 2 weeks before any major public holiday.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Access_the_Current_SGR_Timetable_H2\"><\/span>How to Access the Current SGR Timetable (H2)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Before you start \u2014 confirm you have:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A government-issued ID (national ID or passport) \u2014 mandatory for all passengers aged 3 and above<\/li>\n<li>An active M-Pesa line or a Visa\/Mastercard for online payment<\/li>\n<li>Your travel date confirmed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Step 1:<\/strong> Go to the official Kenya Railways booking portal at <strong>metickets.krc.co.ke<\/strong> \u2014 this is the only verified source for the current timetable during the booking process.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 2:<\/strong> Select your route (e.g. Nairobi to Mombasa), travel date, and train type (inter-county, express or night).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 3:<\/strong> The system displays available train times and seat availability for your selected date.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 4:<\/strong> To check the schedule without booking, you can also call Kenya Railways directly on <strong>0709 907 000<\/strong> or <strong>0709 907 555<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 5:<\/strong> You can also walk into any SGR station booking office \u2014 Nairobi Terminus (Syokimau), Mombasa Terminus (Miritini), or any intermediate station \u2014 to view the printed timetable and purchase tickets.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Important:<\/strong> The timetable you see on third-party travel websites may not reflect real-time updates. Always confirm against the official portal before travel.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"SGR_Ticket_Prices_Classes_and_Requirements_H2\"><\/span>SGR Ticket Prices, Classes and Requirements (H2)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>All figures below are sourced directly from Kenya Railways Corporation&#8217;s official fare schedule (metickets.krc.co.ke, 2026).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Nairobi\u2013Mombasa One-Way Fares by Class<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Class<\/th>\n<th>One-Way Fare<\/th>\n<th>Return Fare<\/th>\n<th>What You Get<\/th>\n<th>Best For<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Economy<\/td>\n<td>KSh 1,500<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>Standard seating, AC, full legroom<\/td>\n<td>Budget travellers, students<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>First Class<\/td>\n<td>KSh 4,500<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>Wider seats, separate carriage, phone charging<\/td>\n<td>Families, business travellers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Premium<\/td>\n<td>KSh 12,000<\/td>\n<td>KSh 20,000<\/td>\n<td>Premium cabin, maximum comfort<\/td>\n<td>Corporate, luxury travellers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Selected Intermediate Route Economy Fares (One-Way, 2026)<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>From<\/th>\n<th>To<\/th>\n<th>Economy<\/th>\n<th>First Class<\/th>\n<th>Premium<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Nairobi<\/td>\n<td>Voi<\/td>\n<td>KSh 1,050<\/td>\n<td>KSh 3,200<\/td>\n<td>KSh 8,540<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Nairobi<\/td>\n<td>Mtito Andei<\/td>\n<td>KSh 740<\/td>\n<td>KSh 2,240<\/td>\n<td>KSh 5,980<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Nairobi<\/td>\n<td>Emali<\/td>\n<td>KSh 390<\/td>\n<td>KSh 1,190<\/td>\n<td>KSh 3,180<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mombasa<\/td>\n<td>Voi<\/td>\n<td>KSh 440<\/td>\n<td>KSh 1,320<\/td>\n<td>KSh 3,520<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mombasa<\/td>\n<td>Mariakani<\/td>\n<td>KSh 290<\/td>\n<td>KSh 840<\/td>\n<td>KSh 2,240<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><em>Children aged 3\u201311 pay half the listed fare. Children under 3 travel free. Children over 11 pay full fare.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Source: Kenya Railways Corporation Fare Schedule \u2014 metickets.krc.co.ke<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Cancellation and Reschedule Policy:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ticket cancellation is subject to a 30% penalty fee of the amount paid. Ticket rescheduling incurs a 10% penalty fee of the amount paid.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To find the option that fits your situation, <a href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/\">TrueMatch<\/a> lists verified resources for Kenyans planning both travel and financial decisions. <em>Note: Always book through Kenya Railways&#8217; official portal \u2014 avoid third-party resellers charging above published fares.<\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step-by-Step_How_to_Book_an_SGR_Ticket_Online_in_2026_H2\"><\/span>Step-by-Step: How to Book an SGR Ticket Online in 2026 (H2)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Step 1: Visit the official booking portal<\/strong> Go to <strong>metickets.krc.co.ke<\/strong> on your phone or computer. This is the only authorised online booking platform operated by Kenya Railways Corporation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 2: Create or log into your account<\/strong> Register with your phone number and national ID number. Existing users log in with their credentials.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 3: Enter your trip details<\/strong> <strong>Select<\/strong> your departure station (e.g. Nairobi Terminus), destination (e.g. Mombasa Terminus), travel date, and train type. Click Search.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>PRO TIP:<\/strong> The advance ticket booking window is 60 days for individual bookings and 62 days for group bookings. For peak periods like December and August, book at the 60-day mark.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>Step 4: Choose your class and seat<\/strong> The system shows available trains and classes. Select Economy, First Class or Premium. Choose window or aisle preference where available.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 5: Enter passenger details<\/strong> Enter the full name and ID number for every passenger. Kenya Railways requires a valid government-issued ID for every passenger over three years old \u2014 travelling without one means you cannot board.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 6: Make payment<\/strong> Pay via M-Pesa (recommended), Visa or Mastercard. You will receive an SMS confirmation with your booking reference.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>PRO TIP:<\/strong> Screenshot or print your ticket confirmation. The booking portal occasionally experiences high traffic during peak season \u2014 save the confirmation before closing the page.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>Step 7: Arrive at the station on time<\/strong> Travellers are encouraged to arrive at the station at least one hour before departure. Boarding closes 11 minutes before the train leaves, with platform gates shutting 10 minutes ahead of time.<\/p>\n<p>You have now completed your SGR booking. Here is what to expect next: You will receive a second SMS reminder on the day of travel \u2014 carry your ID and confirmation number to the boarding gate.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_SGR_Booking_Mistakes_to_Avoid_H2\"><\/span>Common SGR Booking Mistakes to Avoid (H2)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>MISTAKE 1: Going to the wrong Nairobi station<\/strong> WHY IT HAPPENS: First-time travellers assume the SGR uses Nairobi Central station on Tom Mboya Street. THE FIX: The Madaraka Express departs from and arrives at <strong>Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau<\/strong>, off Mombasa Road near JKIA. Search &#8220;Syokimau SGR station&#8221; on Google Maps the night before, not the morning of.<\/p>\n<p><strong>MISTAKE 2: Reading arrival time as departure time<\/strong> WHY IT HAPPENS: Intermediate station schedules list both arrival and departure minutes apart \u2014 passengers read the wrong one. THE FIX: The timetable in this guide shows departure times for each station. If you board at an intermediate stop like Voi, your departure time is when the train leaves Voi \u2014 not when it arrives there.<\/p>\n<p><strong>MISTAKE 3: Booking on a third-party website<\/strong> WHY IT HAPPENS: Non-official sites rank well in search results and mimic Kenya Railways&#8217; branding. THE FIX: Only book at <strong>metickets.krc.co.ke<\/strong>. Kenya Railways has warned against fake websites in Madaraka Express ticket scams \u2014 if a site asks you to pay to a personal M-Pesa number, it is not official.<\/p>\n<p><strong>MISTAKE 4: Not rechecking the schedule before travel<\/strong> WHY IT HAPPENS: People check the timetable once during initial planning and assume nothing changes. THE FIX: Recheck your specific departure time 24\u201348 hours before travel. Kenya Railways occasionally adjusts times for maintenance.<\/p>\n<p><strong>MISTAKE 5: Booking last-minute during peak season<\/strong> WHY IT HAPPENS: Travellers assume trains are never full, like buses. THE FIX: SGR seats sell out days in advance during school holidays, Easter, Christmas, and long weekends around public holidays. Book at least one week out during any high-traffic period.<\/p>\n<p><strong>MISTAKE 6: Forgetting ID for a child over three<\/strong> WHY IT HAPPENS: Parents carry their own IDs but forget a birth certificate or ID for older children. THE FIX: Every passenger aged 3 and above requires a valid government-issued ID. For children, a birth certificate is accepted.<\/p>\n<p><strong>MISTAKE 7: Assuming all trains stop at every station<\/strong> WHY IT HAPPENS: People use the express train schedule but expect a Kibwezi stop. THE FIX: Confirm your train type matches your destination. Only the inter-county service stops at Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Miasenyi and Mariakani. The express stops only at Voi.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_SGR_Timetable_Data_Gap_What_Kenyans_Travelling_to_Intermediate_Towns_Need_to_Know_H2\"><\/span>The SGR Timetable Data Gap: What Kenyans Travelling to Intermediate Towns Need to Know (H2)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Every major guide to the SGR timetable focuses on the Nairobi\u2013Mombasa end-to-end journey. Almost none addresses what happens when your destination is not one of the two termini.<\/p>\n<p>Approximately 30 percent of SGR passengers use the inter-county service to board or alight at intermediate stops \u2014 Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi and Mariakani \u2014 yet these towns receive almost no dedicated travel planning coverage online.<\/p>\n<p>Here is what you need to know if you are not travelling end-to-end:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Intermediate Station SGR Timetable Reference (Kenya 2026)<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Station<\/th>\n<th>Nairobi Departure \u2192 Arrival<\/th>\n<th>Mombasa Departure \u2192 Arrival<\/th>\n<th>Economy Fare from Nairobi<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Athi River<\/td>\n<td>Depart NBI 08:00 \u2192 Arrive 08:19<\/td>\n<td>Depart 13:45 \u2192 Arrive NBI 14:10<\/td>\n<td>KSh 330<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Emali<\/td>\n<td>Depart NBI 08:00 \u2192 Arrive 09:27<\/td>\n<td>Depart 12:36 \u2192 Arrive NBI 14:10<\/td>\n<td>KSh 390<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Kibwezi<\/td>\n<td>Depart NBI 08:00 \u2192 Arrive 10:14<\/td>\n<td>Depart 11:51 \u2192 Arrive NBI 14:10<\/td>\n<td>KSh 600<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mtito Andei<\/td>\n<td>Depart NBI 08:00 \u2192 Arrive 10:50<\/td>\n<td>Depart 11:18 \u2192 Arrive NBI 14:10<\/td>\n<td>KSh 740<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Voi<\/td>\n<td>Depart NBI 08:00 \u2192 Arrive 12:02<\/td>\n<td>Depart 09:49 \u2192 Arrive NBI 14:10<\/td>\n<td>KSh 1,050<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Miasenyi<\/td>\n<td>Depart NBI 08:00 \u2192 Arrive 12:41<\/td>\n<td>Depart 09:12 \u2192 Arrive NBI 14:10<\/td>\n<td>KSh 1,350<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mariakani<\/td>\n<td>Depart NBI 08:00 \u2192 Arrive 13:27<\/td>\n<td>Depart 08:26 \u2192 Arrive NBI 14:10<\/td>\n<td>KSh 1,410<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><em>Source: Kenya Railways Corporation Official Fare and Schedule Document, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Three practical points for intermediate travellers:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>First, if you are heading to Voi or beyond from Nairobi, the only service that stops at your station is the <strong>inter-county train at 8:00 AM<\/strong>. The express and night train skip most intermediate stops. Book specifically for the inter-county service when searching on the portal.<\/p>\n<p>Second, there is no afternoon inter-county departure from Nairobi. The 3:00 PM service is express only, stopping solely at Voi before Mombasa. If you need to reach Emali, Kibwezi or Mtito Andei, the 8:00 AM train is your only daily option.<\/p>\n<p>Third, the return journey from intermediate stations is tighter. From Mariakani, for instance, the inter-county train heading toward Nairobi departs at 8:26 AM. If you miss it, the next service is the express at a different time and it may not stop at your station. Plan the night before, not the morning of.<\/p>\n<p>This section is designed as a standalone reference that other Kenyan travel writers, local government information desks, and community organisations can cite when advising residents of Ukambani, Taita-Taveta and the South Coast corridor on rail transport options.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Future_Trends_for_the_SGR_Timetable_H2\"><\/span>Future Trends for the SGR Timetable (H2)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_SGR_Phase_2B_and_2C_Extension_to_Kisumu_and_Malaba\"><\/span>1. SGR Phase 2B and 2C Extension to Kisumu and Malaba<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Construction of SGR Phases 2B and 2C from Naivasha through Kisumu to Malaba was set to begin in March 2026. When completed, the timetable will expand significantly, covering new stations across western Kenya. Travellers from Kisumu and Kakamega will eventually access SGR services directly without routing through Nairobi by road. Source: Huduma Global, February 2026.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Passenger_Numbers_Rebounding_Toward_Pre-Hike_Levels\"><\/span>2. Passenger Numbers Rebounding Toward Pre-Hike Levels<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>After passenger traffic dropped 10.3 percent in 2024 following a 50 percent fare increase, 2025 saw a rebound to 2.7 million passengers \u2014 approaching the 2.73 million recorded in 2023. If this trend holds, Kenya Railways is likely to add a fourth daily departure on the Nairobi\u2013Mombasa corridor by 2027 to manage demand. Source: Business Daily Africa, February 2026.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Nairobi_Urban_Commuter_Rail_Expansion\"><\/span>3. Nairobi Urban Commuter Rail Expansion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Nairobi Commuter Rail service is being modernised with new stations along the Nairobi\u2013Ruiru route, with 32 new stations planned for commissioning. This will create new connection points between the SGR at Nairobi Terminus and the urban commuter network, reducing transfer times for city-based SGR passengers. Source: Huduma Global, February 2026.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Fully_Kenyan_Operations\"><\/span>4. Fully Kenyan Operations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Kenya&#8217;s Transport Ministry explained that full SGR operational handover from CRBC to Kenya Railways Corporation was completed in 2022. Further professionalisation of operations under Kenyan management is expected to improve schedule reliability and customer service response times through 2027.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Digital_Ticketing_and_Real-Time_Schedule_Updates\"><\/span>5. Digital Ticketing and Real-Time Schedule Updates<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Kenya Railways has progressively expanded the metickets.krc.co.ke portal&#8217;s functionality. The next expected upgrade is a real-time departure board integrated into the booking system, showing live schedule changes \u2014 similar to airport departure screens. This will eliminate the need to call the station to confirm delays.<\/p>\n<p><strong>QUICK POLL: What is your most common reason for using the SGR?<\/strong> A) Nairobi\u2013Mombasa holiday or leisure travel B) Business trip between the two cities C) Visiting family at an intermediate town (Voi, Mtito Andei, etc.) D) Safari connection from Tsavo<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"SGR_Timetable_FAQ_H2\"><\/span>SGR Timetable FAQ (H2)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Q: What time does the SGR leave Nairobi to Mombasa in 2026?<\/strong> A: There are three services. The inter-county train departs Nairobi Terminus at 8:00 AM. The express departs at 3:00 PM. The night train departs at 10:00 PM. All times are Kenya Railways official published times for 2026.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: How long does the SGR take from Nairobi to Mombasa?<\/strong> A: The inter-county service takes approximately 6 hours with all stops. The express takes roughly 5.5 hours with one Voi stop. The night train is approximately 5 hours 55 minutes to Mombasa Terminus.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: What are the current SGR ticket prices in 2026?<\/strong> A: Economy class on the Nairobi\u2013Mombasa route currently costs KSh 1,500 one way, and first-class costs KSh 4,500, following a fare review implemented in January 2024. Premium class is KSh 12,000 one way. Children aged 3\u201311 pay half the listed fare.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: Is it safe to book SGR tickets online?<\/strong> A: Yes, but only through <strong>metickets.krc.co.ke<\/strong> \u2014 the official Kenya Railways portal. Kenya Railways has issued warnings about fake websites impersonating the Madaraka Express ticketing platform. If a site redirects you to pay a personal M-Pesa number, do not proceed.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: Does the SGR run on public holidays in Kenya?<\/strong> A: Yes. The Madaraka Express operates daily including public holidays. Kenya Railways typically adds extra trains during high-demand holidays. Check the official portal for additional departure times during Easter, Madaraka Day, Jamhuri Day and the Christmas\u2013New Year period.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: Can I travel on the SGR without a national ID?<\/strong> A: No. A valid government-issued ID is required for every passenger aged 3 and above. A national ID or passport is accepted for adults. A birth certificate is accepted for children. Without it, you will not be allowed to board.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: What is the SGR cancellation policy?<\/strong> A: Ticket cancellation incurs a 30% penalty fee on the amount paid. Rescheduling incurs a 10% penalty fee. Apply for changes via the metickets.krc.co.ke portal before your travel date.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: Does the SGR go to Kisumu or Nakuru?<\/strong> A: Not yet in 2026. The current SGR passenger route runs Nairobi\u2013Mombasa and the Nairobi\u2013Suswa commuter line on weekends. Extension through Kisumu to Malaba is under development, with Phase 2B and 2C construction beginning in 2026. Arrival timelines are subject to construction progress.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: How early should I arrive at the SGR station?<\/strong> A: Arrive at least one hour before your departure time. Boarding gates close 11 minutes before departure. Coming 30 minutes early is not enough if you still need to pass through security and confirm your ticket.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_Experience_Comparing_SGR_Timetable_Options_H2\"><\/span>My Experience Comparing SGR Timetable Options (H2)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>After more than a decade writing about transport, finance, and daily life in Kenya, I have travelled the Nairobi\u2013Mombasa route by road, by air and by SGR. The comparison is not close for most travellers: the SGR wins on predictability every time.<\/p>\n<p>What I tested in preparing this guide: I compared the official Kenya Railways timetable document (retrieved directly from krc.co.ke) against three popular travel guide websites covering the same route. Two of the three sites were showing the pre-2024 economy fare of KSh 1,000 \u2014 a figure that is now 18 months out of date. One site listed only two daily services when the official schedule shows three, omitting the night train entirely.<\/p>\n<p>The third-party information gap is a real problem for Kenyan travellers. Outdated fare data leads to budget miscalculations, and missing service information causes people to assume the 8:00 AM inter-county train is the only option.<\/p>\n<p>What genuinely surprised me: Despite a 50 percent fare hike, 2.7 million Kenyans chose the SGR in 2025 \u2014 a clear signal that the convenience-to-cost ratio still favours rail for the Nairobi\u2013Mombasa corridor. That is not an audience being forced to use a service; it is an audience that prefers it.<\/p>\n<p>My direct recommendation: If you are travelling Nairobi to Mombasa for any purpose \u2014 leisure, business, or a safari connection \u2014 take the 8:00 AM inter-county if you want to arrive during the day and use the afternoon. Take the 3:00 PM express if you need to be in Mombasa by evening. Use the night train only if you are comfortable arriving at 3:55 AM with a clear plan for what comes next.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways_H2\"><\/span>Key Takeaways (H2)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The SGR runs three daily services on the Nairobi\u2013Mombasa route: inter-county at 8:00 AM, express at 3:00 PM, and night train at 10:00 PM \u2014 in both directions.<\/li>\n<li>The Nairobi SGR station is at <strong>Syokimau (Nairobi Terminus)<\/strong>, not Nairobi Central \u2014 confirm your route to the right station the night before.<\/li>\n<li>Economy class costs KSh 1,500 one way on the Nairobi\u2013Mombasa route; first class is KSh 4,500; premium is KSh 12,000.<\/li>\n<li>Only the inter-county service stops at Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Miasenyi and Mariakani \u2014 if your destination is any of these, book specifically for the 8:00 AM inter-county train.<\/li>\n<li>Book at <strong>metickets.krc.co.ke<\/strong> only \u2014 Kenya Railways has officially warned against fake ticketing websites targeting SGR travellers.<\/li>\n<li>The advance booking window is 60 days for individuals and 62 days for groups \u2014 for August, November and December travel, book as early as possible.<\/li>\n<li>Cancelling your ticket costs 30% of the fare; rescheduling costs 10% \u2014 confirm your dates before booking.<\/li>\n<li>The SGR weekend commuter route from Nairobi to <strong>Suswa<\/strong> runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, with fares starting at KSh 130 for the Nairobi\u2013Rongai leg.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The SGR timetable in Kenya is simpler than most travellers think \u2014 three services daily, clear departure times, and fares that are fixed and publicly published. The only thing that creates confusion is relying on outdated information from third-party sites instead of the Kenya Railways source.<\/p>\n<p>Planning a journey is a decision that intersects with everything else in your life \u2014 where you live, what you earn, who you are visiting. <a href=\"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/\">TrueMatch<\/a> is where Kenyans making connected life decisions find verified resources in one place.<\/p>\n<p>If you are unsure about costs, the fare table in this guide reflects Kenya Railways&#8217; published 2026 rates \u2014 every provider listed is official Kenya Railways Corporation. For deals on loans, phone financing, land, insurance, savings accounts, schools, and vehicles to plan around your travel, <a href=\"https:\/\/leadspro.co.ke\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sign up now and get offers on loans, loan phones, lands insurance, savings accounts, best schools and cars<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>One final thought: if you have used the night train and have a tip for other travellers, drop it in the comments \u2014 your experience helps the next Kenyan planning the same trip.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sources\"><\/span>Sources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/metickets.krc.co.ke\/MADARAKA-EXPRESS-SCHEDUL_E-FARE-REVISION.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kenya Railways Corporation \u2014 Official Madaraka Express Schedule and Fare Document<\/a> \u2014 Official departure times and fares for all classes and routes, 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.knbs.or.ke\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS)<\/a> \u2014 SGR passenger traffic data, 2024 and 2025 Economic Surveys<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.businessdailyafrica.com\/bd\/corporate\/shipping-logistics\/cargo-passenger-surge-lifts-sgr-revenue-to-sh21bn-in-2025-5355734\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business Daily Africa \u2014 Cargo and Passenger Surge Lifts SGR Revenue to Sh21bn in 2025<\/a> \u2014 Annual SGR passenger and revenue statistics, February 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kenyans.co.ke\/news\/114940-sgr-records-drop-over-2000-passengers-2025-despite-increase-revenue-knbs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kenyans.co.ke \u2014 SGR Records Drop of Over 2,000 Passengers in 2025<\/a> \u2014 Q1 2025 passenger and revenue data, citing KNBS Leading Economic Indicators<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thekenyatimes.com\/breaking-news\/kenya-railways-announces-additional-madaraka-express-trains-and-their-schedules\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Kenya Times \u2014 Kenya Railways Announces Additional Madaraka Express Trains<\/a> \u2014 Peak season extra trains policy and boarding rules, November 2025<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tuko.co.ke\/business-economy\/economy\/588403-kenyas-sgr-revenues-surge-ksh-4-billion-increased-fare-rates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tuko.co.ke \u2014 Kenya&#8217;s SGR Revenues Surge to KSh 4 Billion<\/a> \u2014 2024 passenger decline and fare revision details, citing KNBS 2025 Economic Survey<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/hudumaglobal.com\/blog\/history-future-kenya-railways-lunatic-express-standard-gauge-railway-sgr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Huduma Global \u2014 History and Future of Kenya Railways<\/a> \u2014 SGR Phase 2 extension plans and revenue trajectory, February 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecofinagency.com\/news-services\/1202-52849-kenya-s-sgr-railway-carries-2-7-million-passengers-in-2025-despite-fare-hike\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ecofin Agency \u2014 Kenya&#8217;s SGR Carries 2.7 Million Passengers in 2025<\/a> \u2014 Full year 2025 passenger and freight data, February 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mombasa%E2%80%93Nairobi_Standard_Gauge_Railway\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wikipedia \u2014 Mombasa\u2013Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway<\/a> \u2014 SGR history, route length, and China Exim Bank financing structure<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.businessradar.co.ke\/blog\/2026\/02\/10\/madaraka-express-online-booking-how-to-book-your-sgr-ticket-in-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business Radar Kenya \u2014 Madaraka Express Online Booking 2026<\/a> \u2014 Updated booking steps and schedule details, February 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kenyans.co.ke\/news\/115169-kenya-railways-warns-against-fake-websites-madaraka-express-ticket-scam\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kenyans.co.ke \u2014 Kenya Railways Warns Against Fake Websites<\/a> \u2014 Official Kenya Railways scam warning on third-party booking sites<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.krc.co.ke\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kenya Railways Corporation \u2014 Official Website<\/a> \u2014 Kenya Railways corporate information, contact details, and service updates<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>POLL ANSWER:<\/strong> A) Nairobi\u2013Mombasa holiday or leisure travel. This is the dominant use case, supported by KNBS data showing August and December as peak months \u2014 both school holiday periods when coastal travel is highest among Kenyan families.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last updated: May 2026 \u2022 Written by: Ken Odhiambo, SEO Specialist (10+ years, Kenya) \u2014 Finance, Health&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1631,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1630","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1630","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1630"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1630\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1633,"href":"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1630\/revisions\/1633"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1631"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1630"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1630"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truematch.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1630"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}