The Nairobi–Mombasa Express Train provides a faster Madaraka Express service between Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau and Mombasa Terminus in Miritini. Unlike the Inter-County Train, the express service makes only a limited intermediate stop at Voi.
← View all Kenya train routes, stations and railway guides
Nairobi–Mombasa Express route
Route: Nairobi Terminus ↔ Mombasa Terminus
Via: Voi
The service operates in both directions, connecting Nairobi and Mombasa through the Standard Gauge Railway network. Passengers should check their ticket carefully because Kenya Railways operates different train types along this corridor.
Express Train stopping pattern
The Nairobi–Mombasa Express stopping sequence is:
- Nairobi Terminus
- Voi Station
- Mombasa Terminus
This stopping pattern distinguishes the Express Train from the Inter-County service, which serves Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi and Mariakani.
Passengers travelling to stations other than Voi should confirm whether they need the Nairobi–Mombasa Inter-County Train before purchasing a ticket.
Nairobi Terminus
Nairobi Terminus is located in Syokimau, outside Nairobi’s central business district. Passengers travelling from the CBD should account for the additional journey to the terminus and arrive early enough for security checks and boarding.
Selected departures may connect with services from Nairobi Central Railway Station. Read the Nairobi Central–Nairobi SGR Terminus Link Train guide when planning this part of the journey.
Passengers travelling by road can also consult the Route 110 Nairobi–Mlolongo, Athi River and Kitengela guide for public transport options along the Mombasa Road corridor.
Voi Station
Voi is the principal intermediate stop used by Nairobi–Mombasa Express services. The station provides access to Voi town and other destinations within Taita Taveta County.
Passengers alighting at Voi should arrange onward transport from the station. Those continuing to towns or tourist destinations outside Voi may require a taxi, shuttle, matatu or prearranged transfer.
Mombasa Terminus
Mombasa Terminus is located in Miritini rather than Mombasa CBD. Passengers arriving at the terminus therefore require onward transport to Mombasa Island and destinations such as the airport, port area, Nyali, Bamburi, Likoni and the wider coastal region.
Kenya Railways may provide connecting buses between Mombasa Terminus and the old railway station in Mombasa. Passengers should confirm the availability, departure arrangements and applicable charges before travelling.
Express and Inter-County trains
The two principal service patterns on the Nairobi–Mombasa SGR corridor are:
- Express Train: Connects Nairobi Terminus and Mombasa Terminus with a limited stop at Voi.
- Inter-County Train: Serves Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi and Mariakani.
The Express Train is most suitable for passengers travelling between Nairobi and Mombasa or to and from Voi. The Inter-County Train is required for passengers using the other intermediate stations.
Booking a ticket
Passengers can book through the official Madaraka Express online booking platform, the authorised Kenya Railways USSD service or a Madaraka Express station ticket counter.
When booking, confirm that the selected train stops at the required destination. Passengers should also ensure that their identification details, travel date, departure station and destination are correct.
Matatu and first-mile connections
Public transport along Mombasa Road can help passengers reach the Syokimau area, but travellers should confirm where to transfer for Nairobi Terminus.
Use the Nairobi Matatu Routes and Numbers guide to identify services connecting Nairobi CBD with Mombasa Road, Imara Daima, Syokimau, Mlolongo and neighbouring areas.
Matatu routes, boarding stages and fares can change. Confirm the destination displayed on the vehicle before boarding.
Important travel notice
Train schedules can change at any time. Confirm the latest departure and return times with Kenya Railways.
Train fares, ticketing arrangements and service schedules can change at any time. Check the official Kenya Railways website or Madaraka Express booking platform before travelling.
