The link train connects Nairobi Central Railway Station in the CBD with Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau, helping Madaraka Express passengers avoid much of the road traffic along Mombasa Road. It follows the southern Nairobi railway corridor, with the operating pattern coordinated around selected SGR departures and arrivals.
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Route overview
| Route detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Operator | Kenya Railways |
| Starting station | Nairobi Central Railway Station |
| Final station | Nairobi SGR Terminus |
| Terminus location | Syokimau |
| Main purpose | Madaraka Express passenger connection |
| Railway systems | Metre-gauge link to the SGR terminus |
| General corridor | Makadara and southern Nairobi |
| Service type | SGR link train |
Understanding the two Nairobi stations
Nairobi Central Railway Station and Nairobi Terminus are separate facilities.
| Station | Location and purpose |
|---|---|
| Nairobi Central Railway Station | Located near Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi CBD; serves commuter and selected long-distance trains |
| Nairobi Terminus | Located in Syokimau; main Nairobi station for Madaraka Express SGR services |
Passengers should not travel to Nairobi Central when their SGR ticket instructs them to board at Nairobi Terminus.
General journey direction
The link service follows this direction:
Nairobi Central Railway Station → southern Nairobi railway corridor → Nairobi Terminus, Syokimau
Makadara lies along the wider southern railway approach, but passengers should confirm whether the selected link train makes any intermediate passenger stops. Some services may operate primarily as direct transfers for SGR passengers.
Boarding at Nairobi Central
Passengers should arrive early and carry their Madaraka Express booking details. Before boarding the link train, confirm:
- The departure time
- The SGR train it connects with
- Whether a separate link-train ticket is required
- The platform
- Expected arrival at Nairobi Terminus
- The applicable luggage requirements
Kenya Railways recommends allowing sufficient time for security screening and check-in at the SGR terminus.
Connecting with Madaraka Express
The link train is intended to connect passengers with Madaraka Express services operating from Nairobi Terminus towards:
- Athi River
- Emali
- Kibwezi
- Mtito Andei
- Voi
- Miasenyi
- Mariakani
- Mombasa
The Express service may travel directly between Nairobi and Mombasa, while the Inter-County service makes scheduled intermediate stops.
Link-train schedules
Kenya Railways coordinates selected link-train departures with Madaraka Express services. The operating times may change whenever the SGR timetable is revised.
Passengers should confirm current link-train information through the Madaraka Express passenger-service website or directly with Kenya Railways.
Train schedules can change at any time. Confirm the link train and SGR departure times before travelling.
Tickets and fares
The link train and Madaraka Express are separate railway services. Passengers should confirm whether the link fare is included or requires an additional ticket.
The Madaraka Express ticket must show the correct date, passenger details, departure station and destination.
Train fares, booking requirements and link-service arrangements can change at any time.
Luggage and security checks
Passengers travelling on Madaraka Express should comply with the operator’s luggage and security rules. Allow time to transfer from the link train, enter the SGR terminus and complete screening.
Keep identification and ticket information accessible throughout the transfer.
Matatu connections at Nairobi Central
Nairobi Central is accessible from Haile Selassie Avenue, Uhuru Highway, Landhies Road and several CBD matatu stages.
Passengers can use services arriving from:
- South B and South C
- Lang’ata and Nairobi West
- Ngong Road
- Eastlands
- Thika Road
- Waiyaki Way
- Kiambu Road
- Limuru Road
View Nairobi Matatu Routes and Numbers
Allow time to walk or connect from the matatu drop-off point to the railway station.
Matatu connections at Nairobi Terminus
Nairobi Terminus is located in Syokimau, near the Mombasa Road transport corridor. Passengers can connect with services serving Mlolongo, Athi River and Kitengela.
Route 110 — Mlolongo / Athi River / Kitengela
Via Mombasa Road towards Mlolongo, Athi River and Kitengela.
Route 110A — Athi River
Via Mombasa Road and Mlolongo towards Athi River.
A boda boda, taxi, shuttle or local vehicle may be required between the Mombasa Road stage and the terminus entrance.
Matatu routes, boarding stages and fares can change. Confirm the destination displayed on the vehicle before boarding.
Link train compared with road transport
| Option | Main consideration |
|---|---|
| Link train | Avoids much of the Mombasa Road traffic but operates at selected times |
| Matatu | More frequent but affected by congestion and requires a final connection |
| Taxi or ride-hailing service | Direct but generally more expensive |
| Private vehicle | Requires sufficient travel and parking time |
| Syokimau commuter train | Useful only when its schedule matches the required journey |
Arriving from Mombasa
Passengers arriving at Nairobi Terminus should check whether a link train is available to Nairobi Central. If it is unavailable, road transport options include matatus, taxis, ride-hailing services and private pickups.
Do not assume a link train will operate immediately after every arrival.
Passenger tips
- Distinguish Nairobi Central from Nairobi Terminus.
- Confirm that the link train matches the SGR departure.
- Arrive early for ticketing and security screening.
- Carry the identification used when booking.
- Check the luggage rules before travelling.
- Keep a road-transport alternative available.
- Confirm the return link after arriving from Mombasa.
Master-page entry
Nairobi Central Railway Station ↔ Nairobi Terminus
SGR link-train service through the southern Nairobi railway corridor to Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau. Passengers can find road connections in the Nairobi Matatu Routes and Numbers guide.
