SGR train booking can be done through the following ways in any of the nine stations
- Online booking on the SGR portal (Website)
- USSD/ purchase using M-Pesa
- Visiting the station or sending someone to book for you.
- Call Kenya railway for seat reservation.
Think of SGR as a way of enjoying the nature trail as you travel to your desired destination. No wonder it has been ranked among the best rails globally. Booking can be done online, through USSD or visiting the station. Discussed below are a timetable, schedule, fare per station, jobs and personnel and benefits of SGR.
How to book SGR train Online
Here’s how to book SGR online:
- Visit the SGR online booking portal.
- Select the train type (inter-county or express).
- Fill in the no of adults and children 12-17 yr and 3-11 yrs.
- Select the coach type either economy or first class
- Click Book, and fill in your mobile number and email.
- Proceed to pay the amount displayed on the booking window. You may also choose to pay later.
- You will receive the payment notification. Visit the station to Print the ticket before or early enough on the traveling day.
How to book SGR through USSD and M-Pesa.
Passengers seeking to travel using SGR train (Madaraka Express) may buy Tickets through M-Pesa. The Kenya railway unveiled a code *639# for train tickets. The code enables the user to book, pay and even cancel their tickets for a refund.
Here’s how to book SGR train ticket using USSD and pay via MPesa:
- Dial *639#
- You will receive a notification to select either Book a ticket or Check tickets and select the desired entry.
- A prompt to enter your full name and Id no will be given. enter the full names and id no of adults. You can book for a maximum of 5 adults.
- You will get a prompt to enter the no of children of ages 3-11 years
You may also buy the tickets by visiting the station or by calling 0709388888 (Contact) and paying via M-Pesa. If the booking is for a group of over 20 passengers it must be 9 days before the travel date. Booking can only be done by going or sending someone to the station.
Online booking is open for 60 days before the travel date. You may even book for the return ticket.
SGR Schedule and Fares
The following are schedule, timetable, and fares from Nairobi en-route Mombasa time.
| Station | Economy (Kshs) | Business (Kshs) | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | 0820 Hrs | |||
| Athi-river | 60 | 120 | 0840 Hrs | 0843 Hrs |
| Emali | 260 | 790 | 0947 Hrs | 0951 Hrs |
| Kibwezi | 400 | 1210 | 1032 Hrs | 1035 Hrs |
| Mtito | 490 | 1490 | 1120 Hrs | 1124 Hrs |
| Voi | 700 | 2130 | 1229 Hrs | 1233 Hrs |
| Miaseny | 900 | 2450 | 1304 Hrs | 1307 Hrs |
| Mariakani | 940 | 2870 | 1349 Hrs | 1352 Hrs |
| Mombasa | 1000 | 3000 | 1418 Hrs | |
| **MADARAKA EXPRESS** | 1000 | 3000 | 1435 Hrs | 1918 Hrs |
Below are the fares for short distances en route Mombasa from Nairobi.
| Origin | Destination | Economy (Kshs) | First class (Kshs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | Athi-river | 60 | 120 |
| Athiriver | Emali | 220 | 660 |
| Emali | Kibwezi | 140 | 430 |
| Kibwezi | Mtito | 100 | 230 |
| Mtito | Voi | 210 | 640 |
| Voi | Miaseny | 110 | 640 |
| Miaseny | Mariakani | 140 | 430 |
| Mariakani | Mombasa | 70 | 140 |
Below are fare and Schedule From Mombasa to Nairobi
| Station | Economy (Kshs) | Business (Kshs) | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mombasa | 0800 Hrs | |||
| Mariakani | 70 | 140 | 0824 Hrs | 0827 Hrs |
| Miasenyi | 190 | 560 | 0909 Hrs | 0912 Hrs |
| Voi | 290 | 880 | 0943 Hrs | 0947 Hrs |
| Mtito | 500 | 1520 | 1052 Hrs | 1056 Hrs |
| Kibwezi | 590 | 1800 | 1125 Hrs | 1128 Hrs |
| Emali | 730 | 2230 | 1209 Hrs | 1212 Hrs |
| Athi-river | 950 | 2890 | 0116 Hrs | 0116 Hrs |
| Nairobi | 1000 | 3000 | 0142 Hrs | |
| ***EXPRESS*** | 1000 | 3000 | 1515 Hrs | 2014 Hrs |
Below are fare for Short Distances Enroute Nairobi
| Origin | Destination | Economy (Kshs) | First class (Kshs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mombasa | Mariakani | 70 | 140 |
| Mariakani | Miasenyi | 140 | 430 |
| Miasenyi | Voi | 110 | 320 |
| Voi | Mtito | 210 | 640 |
| Mtito | Kibwezi | 100 | 230 |
| Kibwezi | Emali | 140 | 430 |
| Emali | Athiriver | 220 | 660 |
| Athi-river | Nairobi | 60 | 120 |
****Children below 3 yrs free (1 child) but above 3-11 yrs half price
Cargo charges
The conventional cargo rates for the up direction (Mombasa to Nairobi) is Ksh. 2,050 per ton and the conventional cargo rate for the down direction (Nairobi to Mombasa) is Ksh. 1,025 per ton. The price is fairer than normal trucks.
Refund Policy and Rescheduling Tickets
Rescheduling and refund requests can be done 48-72 hrs before the time of traveling for individuals or a group. However, refund attracts 30% fee of the ticket price, while rescheduling attracts 10% fee on the ticket price. Note both transactions are only done over the counter and you must have an original ID(Identification Documents) or Passport.
The inter-county train leaves between 8.30 and 9.00 am, taking 6 hours as it stops in all 7 substations. The Madaraka express leaves between 2.30 to 3.15 pm takes 5 hrs for a non-stop trip.
SGR is one of the most expensive infrastructures ever taken since Kenya independence at a cost of US $3.6 billion. The contractor is China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) with an estimate of 25,000 Kenyans hired laborers.
For conveniences, Online booking and use of USSD are the current most preferred means. Receipt printing may then be done on a traveling day at the station of origin.
SGR Contacts
Enqueries:– Tel 0728603582 0728603581 0708572574 0708571587 .
Passenger Service inquiries, complaints, lost & found:– 0709 388 887 –
Passenger Service bookings:– 0709 388 888
KR HQ customer care:– 0709 907 000
Offices:– Workshops Road Off Haille Selasssie Avenue Opposite Technical University of Kenya
Email:– info@krc.co.ke.
Postal Adress:– P.O Box 30121- 00100, Nairobi Kenya.
Website:– www.krc.co.ke.
Facebook :– https://www.facebook.com/sgrke/
Twitter:– https://twitter.com/sgr_ke?lang=en
https://twitter.com/sgr_ke?lang=en
Key Benefits of Traveling with SGR
- The train journey between Nairobi to Mombasa is cut to 4.5 hours from 12 hours by previous railway and 9 hours by bus.
- A train ticket costs 100 Ksh (approximate $10) slightly cheaper than bus tickets. In case you prefer a business class it cost 3000 Ksh ( approximate $30).
- The project was fully funded by China.
- The line is expected to be connected to all East African regions like Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and Ethiopia.
- On freight rail, its safer, cheaper and faster than Trucks. It can also carry many tonnes per trip than a truck.
- Increased Freight carrying capacity reduces wear and tears on the Kenyan roads.
- It a symbol of the gleaming symbol of economic progress in the region. it can attract more investments and push the volume of business up.
- Kenya being an economic and business giant, SGR rail is a critical part of connecting neighboring states by rail as well as making trade easier with the rest of the world.
- Employment creation to the citizens as well as revenue to the government of Kenya.
Passenger Stations and Their Designs
In Nairobi-Mombasa route there are nine stations built with unique architecture designs. Nairobi and Mombasa being the main station and the other 7 sub stations.
| Stations | Designs |
|---|---|
| Mombasa | Concentric circles and central tower (inspired by ripple in the indian ocean) |
| Mariakani | Porticos (inspired by coconut tree grown in the area) |
| Miasenyi | White and brown stripes (inspired by zebra stripes) |
| Voi | V Shaped representing voi and the spirit of harambee (looks like person with raised hard. Inpired by harambee spirit in kenya national anthem) |
| Mtito Andei | Sloping roofs (inspired by chyulu hills an mt kilimanjaro) |
| Kibwezi | Traditional artcitecture (based on leaves that shades one from sun) |
| Emali | Closed fist (inspired by kenyan flag unity) |
| Athi-river | Looks like hills observable on the region. |
| Nairobi | Two trains with bridge on top |
SGR stands for Standard Gauge Railway. its derived from the railroad track having a standard with of 56.5 inches. The track gauge of 4 ft 81/2 inches (1435 mm).This represent the distance between inside edges of the rails, accepted internationally except US.
SGR Jobs and Operations
Many employees are Kenyans with critical positions being handled by Chinese nationals. According to Transport Ministry, the Chinese are expected to hand over the project to local employee in 2027. The line covers a distance of 485 km or 301 miles. The operating speed for passengers train is 120 km/h or 75 mph while the freight train is 80 km/h or 50 mph. There are some expectations for future electrification upgrades.
