The Nairobi Central–Syokimau commuter train connects Nairobi CBD with Makadara, Imara Daima and Syokimau. It provides an alternative to travelling by road along the congested Mombasa Road corridor and can also connect passengers with the Nairobi SGR Terminus.
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Route overview
| Route detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Operator | Kenya Railways |
| Railway service | Nairobi Commuter Rail |
| Starting station | Nairobi Central Railway Station |
| Final station | Syokimau Railway Station |
| Intermediate stations | Makadara and Imara Daima |
| Main areas served | Nairobi CBD, Makadara, Imara Daima and Syokimau |
| Railway system | Metre-gauge railway |
| Service type | Urban commuter and SGR link service |
Station sequence
The route generally follows this direction:
Nairobi Central → Makadara → Imara Daima → Syokimau
| Station | Main areas and connections |
|---|---|
| Nairobi Central | Nairobi CBD, Haile Selassie Avenue and city-centre matatu stages |
| Makadara | Makadara, Jogoo Road and surrounding Eastlands neighbourhoods |
| Imara Daima | Imara Daima, Mombasa Road, Pipeline and Embakasi connections |
| Syokimau | Syokimau, Nairobi SGR Terminus, Mlolongo and Mombasa Road connections |
Passengers should confirm whether their selected train stops at every intermediate station.
Boarding at Nairobi Central
Nairobi Central Railway Station is situated near Haile Selassie Avenue. Passengers should arrive before the scheduled departure to purchase or validate their tickets and identify the correct platform.
Confirm:
- The train is heading to Syokimau
- Whether it stops at Makadara or Imara Daima
- The scheduled departure time
- The return service
- Whether it connects with the intended SGR departure
Syokimau and the Nairobi SGR Terminus
Syokimau Railway Station provides access to the wider Syokimau area and connections towards the Nairobi SGR Terminus. Kenya Railways operates selected link-train services between Nairobi Central and the SGR terminus.
Passengers connecting to the Madaraka Express should confirm that the commuter or link train matches their SGR departure time. Allow enough time for ticket checks and security screening at the terminus.
Train schedules
Kenya Railways has previously published scheduled services between Nairobi Central, Makadara, Imara Daima and Syokimau. Timings may change due to operational requirements, maintenance or changes to Madaraka Express departures.
Check the latest schedule through Kenya Railways before travelling.
Train schedules can change at any time. Confirm the latest departure and return times with Kenya Railways.
Tickets and fares
Passengers should confirm the current fare and accepted payment method at the station. Travellers connecting to the Madaraka Express require a separate SGR ticket.
Train fares, ticketing arrangements and service schedules can change at any time.
Connecting matatus at Makadara
Makadara provides connections to matatus operating along Jogoo Road and towards Buruburu, Donholm, Umoja and other Eastlands destinations.
Route 58 — Buruburu
Via Jogoo Road, Makadara and Rabai Road towards Buruburu.
Route 23KS — Kariobangi South
Via Jogoo Road, Jericho, Harambee and Buruburu towards Kariobangi South.
Connecting matatus at Imara Daima
Imara Daima provides access to the Mombasa Road, Pipeline, Fedha and Embakasi transport network.
Route 33 — Embakasi / Fedha / Pipeline
Serves Pipeline, Fedha and Embakasi, with connections towards Airport North Road.
Route 34A — Pipeline / Embakasi / JKIA
Provides connections between Pipeline, Embakasi and the JKIA area.
Connecting matatus at Syokimau
Passengers continuing from Syokimau can use matatus operating along Mombasa Road towards Mlolongo, Athi River, Kitengela and Nairobi.
Route 110 — Mlolongo / Athi River / Kitengela
Serves Mlolongo, Athi River and Kitengela through Mombasa Road.
Route 110A — Athi River
Connects Nairobi and Mlolongo with Athi River.
Passengers may require a boda boda, taxi or local shuttle between the railway station and their final Syokimau destination.
View Nairobi Matatu Routes and Numbers
Matatu routes, boarding stages and fares can change. Confirm the destination displayed on the vehicle before boarding.
Planning a train-to-matatu journey
| Final destination | Suggested connection |
|---|---|
| Buruburu | Alight at Makadara and connect to Route 58 |
| Pipeline or Fedha | Alight at Imara Daima and connect to Route 33 |
| Embakasi or JKIA area | Connect at Imara Daima using a confirmed Route 34 service |
| Mlolongo | Continue to Syokimau and connect to Route 110 |
| Athi River | Connect at Syokimau to Route 110 or 110A |
| Kitengela | Connect at Syokimau to a confirmed Kitengela-bound Route 110 |
| Mombasa by SGR | Use the appropriate link service to Nairobi Terminus |
Return journey
Confirm the return train before leaving Nairobi Central or Syokimau Station. Commuter trains operate at selected times, and missing a service may require travelling by matatu or another road-based option.
Passengers arriving by Madaraka Express should also confirm the available link train to Nairobi CBD.
Passenger tips
- Arrive before the scheduled departure.
- Confirm every intermediate station served.
- Keep commuter and SGR tickets separate.
- Allow enough transfer time when connecting to Madaraka Express.
- Check the return timetable before starting the journey.
- Use recognised matatu stages for onward travel.
- Allow time for first- and last-mile connections.
Master-page entry
Nairobi Central ↔ Syokimau
Via Makadara and Imara Daima, with connections to Syokimau, Mombasa Road and Nairobi SGR Terminus. Passengers can find onward road connections in the Nairobi Matatu Routes and Numbers guide.
