On January 8, 2018, Kenya Railways launched the Madaraka Express train service Website. The website came after months of challenges getting the tickets. The prior available means of booking SGR tickets for the trains between Nairobi and Mombasa were either using USSD Code *639# or visiting the respective station.Passengers can now enjoy the convenience of booking a ride on the Madaraka Express Train and SGR intercounty train through Kenya railway’s online booking system. It is quick and very easy to use.
Kenya is a country that is seeing an increase in traveler volume
A General Overview of How to Book Kenya Railways SGR Train
- Go to the Kenya Railways website (www.krc.co.ke) and click on the “Online Booking” tab on the top menu.
- Select the type of ticket you want to purchase: one-way, round-trip, or multi-trip.
- Choose the date and time of your travel and the class of service (economy or first class).
- Select the departure and arrival stations and the number of tickets you want to purchase.
- Enter your personal and payment details and click “Continue to Payment.”
- Review your booking details and click “Confirm Payment” to complete the booking process.
Once your booking is complete, you will receive a confirmation email with your ticket details and a reference number. You can use this reference number to retrieve your ticket at the station or to make changes to your booking.
Note: You may need to have a Kenyan ID or passport to complete the booking process. If you are an international traveler, you may need to present your passport at the station when you board the train.
How to book Madaraka Express online from the Website
- Go to metickets.krc.co.ke
- Select the Preferred train (Madaraka Express for the afternoon or SGR intercounty for morning travel)
- Select your Starting station (Mombasa, Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Miaseny, Mariakani, Mtito Andei, Voi or Nairobi)
- Type in or Select your desired destination (Nairobi, Voi, Mtito Andei, Mariakani, Miaseny, Kibwezi, Emali, Athi River or Mombasa,)
- Indicate or select the travel date
- Select the coach type and indicate the number of passengers (Second Class or First class)
- Enter the passenger details (Full names, ID/Passport number, and Country)
- Select the payment option (Mpesa)
Once you make the SGR online booking, you will get a confirmation message which you will use the details to print the ticket at the respective station (departing station)
Booking SGR Tickets without Mpesa (For International Travelers)
Useful information when booking Madaraka express online
You can book individual tickets 30 days in advance. Group bookings for more than 20 passengers should be done officially 30 days in advance.
Update: You can now book the tickets 60 Days in Advance
SGR Mombasa Terminus Location (Miritini Main Station)
SGR Nairobi Terminus Location (Syokimau Main Station)
Madaraka Express Passenger station Contacts
For inquiries, you can contact Kenya Railways through the following numbers and contacts.
- Kenya Railways Email: info@krc.co.ke
- SGR Booking phone number: 0709 388 888
- SGR Website: www.krc.co.ke
- Facebook account: Kenya Railways
- Twitter account: @KenyaRailways
Trains between Nairobi and Mombasa Schedule
N1 (Intercounty) train from Mombasa to Nairobi will depart Mombasa Terminus at 8:00 am and arrive at Nairobi Terminus at 1:42 pm.
N2 (Intercounty) train from Nairobi to Mombasa shall depart Nairobi Terminus at 8:20 am to arrive in Mombasa Terminus at 2:18 pm.
E1 (Express) train will depart Mombasa Terminus at 3:15 pm and arrive at Nairobi Terminus at 8:14 pm.
E2 (Express) train from Nairobi to Mombasa shall depart at 2:35 pm to arrive in Mombasa Terminus at 7:18 pm.
Conclusion
Over time I have had a very frequently asked question about SGR booking using Mpesa or USSD *639#. Many passengers after paying for the tickets, they don’t get a confirmation message from Kenya Railways. All they get is a Mpesa message.
