The Madaraka Express passenger network operates on Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway between Mombasa, Nairobi and Suswa. Its stations and corridors serve Mombasa, Nairobi, Ongata Rongai, Ngong, Maai Mahiu and Suswa, alongside intermediate stations on the coastal route.

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Network overview

Kenya Railways’ conditions of carriage describe the passenger service as extending between Mombasa County and Suswa in Narok County. However, passengers should understand that the network is operated through separate service patterns rather than assume that every train travels directly from Mombasa to Suswa. Kenya Railways conditions of carriage

Main passenger corridors

The SGR passenger network should be divided into two route guides:

1. Mombasa ↔ Nairobi Madaraka Express
2. Nairobi ↔ Suswa Leisure Train

Nairobi Terminus is the principal interchange between the two corridors.

Mombasa–Nairobi route

The Inter-County service generally follows:

Mombasa Terminus → Mariakani → Miasenyi → Voi → Mtito Andei → Kibwezi → Emali → Athi River → Nairobi Terminus

Express services make fewer intermediate stops than the Inter-County train. The exact stopping pattern depends on the train selected during booking.

Nairobi–Suswa route

The Nairobi–Suswa Leisure Train serves the Phase 2A section of the SGR.

The corridor generally follows:

Nairobi Terminus → Ongata Rongai → Ngong → Nachu → Maai Mahiu → Suswa

Kenya Railways identifies this as a leisure service operating on selected days rather than a frequent daily commuter train.

Important service distinction

A passenger should not assume that one train operates continuously from Mombasa to Suswa.

Always verify the available connection before booking a multi-section journey.

Nairobi Terminus interchange

Nairobi Terminus is located in Syokimau and serves as the main interchange between:

• Mombasa–Nairobi Madaraka Express trains
• Nairobi–Suswa passenger services
• The Nairobi Central link train
• Syokimau commuter services
• Mombasa Road matatus
• Taxis, shuttles and private pickups

Nairobi Central ↔ Nairobi Terminus Link Train
Connects Nairobi CBD with Nairobi SGR Terminus for selected Madaraka Express departures and arrivals.

Ongata Rongai Station connections

The SGR station serving Ongata Rongai may require a first- or last-mile road connection to reach Rongai town, residential estates or Magadi Road destinations.

Route 125 — Ongata Rongai
Connects Nairobi with Ongata Rongai through Lang’ata Road, Bomas and Galleria.

Rongai–Kiserian Road Matatu Routes
Provides onward connections from Rongai towards Nkoroi, Matasia and Kiserian.

Ngong Station connections

Passengers arriving at Ngong Station can connect to Ngong town, Karen, Dagoretti Corner and surrounding Kajiado communities.

Route 111 — Ngong
Connects Nairobi with Ngong through Ngong Road and Dagoretti Corner.

Confirm the distance between the SGR station and the required destination because the station may not be within convenient walking distance.

Maai Mahiu connections

Maai Mahiu provides road connections towards:

• Naivasha
• Narok
• Suswa
• Longonot
• Nakuru
• Surrounding Rift Valley communities

Passengers should confirm local matatu stages and the last practical connection before travelling.

Suswa connections

Suswa is the western passenger terminus of the current leisure-train corridor. Local transport may provide onward connections towards Narok, Maai Mahiu and surrounding communities.

Service availability may be lower than in Nairobi, making advance return planning essential.

Mombasa Terminus connections

Mombasa Terminus is located in Miritini rather than Mombasa CBD. Passengers may use Kenya Railways connecting transport, matatus, buses, taxis or private pickups.

Always confirm the current connection between Mombasa Terminus and the city centre.

Tickets and identification

Passengers can book through the official Madaraka Express platform or use other ticketing options authorised by Kenya Railways.

Passengers should:

• Use the correct identification details
• Select the correct origin and destination
• Check the train type
• Confirm the stopping pattern
• Arrive before check-in closes
• Retain the ticket throughout the journey
• Review current luggage requirements

Schedules and fares

Mombasa–Nairobi and Nairobi–Suswa services operate under different timetables. Express, Inter-County and Leisure trains may also have different fares and operating days.

Train schedules, fares, stopping patterns and booking requirements can change at any time. Confirm the latest information with Kenya Railways before travelling.

Current SGR passenger network

Master-page section

Madaraka Express and SGR Passenger Routes

The Madaraka Express passenger network connects Mombasa and Nairobi, while the Suswa Leisure Train extends SGR passenger travel from Nairobi Terminus through Ongata Rongai, Ngong and Maai Mahiu to Suswa.

Mombasa ↔ Nairobi Madaraka Express
SGR passenger services through Mariakani, Miasenyi, Voi, Mtito Andei, Kibwezi, Emali and Athi River.

Nairobi ↔ Suswa Leisure Train
Via Ongata Rongai, Ngong, Nachu and Maai Mahiu towards Suswa.

Passengers can find station-area road connections through the Nairobi Matatu Routes and Numbers guide.