The Nairobi–Mombasa Madaraka Express connects Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau with Mombasa Terminus in Miritini. It is Kenya’s principal intercity passenger railway, serving travellers moving between the capital, lower eastern Kenya and the Coast.
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Nairobi–Mombasa SGR route
Route: Nairobi Terminus ↔ Mombasa Terminus
Via: Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi and Mariakani.
The complete stopping pattern applies to the Madaraka Express Inter-County Train. Express services also operate between Nairobi and Mombasa but make fewer intermediate stops. Passengers should therefore check the service type before booking.
Stations on the Nairobi–Mombasa route
Travelling from Nairobi towards Mombasa, the Inter-County service follows this station sequence:
- Nairobi Terminus
- Athi River
- Emali
- Kibwezi
- Mtito Andei
- Voi
- Miasenyi
- Mariakani
- Mombasa Terminus
The railway passes through parts of Kajiado, Machakos, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa counties.
Nairobi Terminus
Nairobi Terminus is situated in the Syokimau area, outside Nairobi’s central business district. Passengers should allow enough time to travel to the terminus, complete security screening and locate their assigned coach.
Kenya Railways provides connecting services between Nairobi Central Railway Station and Nairobi Terminus for selected Madaraka Express departures and arrivals. Read the Nairobi Central–Nairobi SGR Terminus Link Train guide for information about this connection.
Passengers using road transport can also consult the Nairobi–Mlolongo, Athi River and Kitengela Route 110 guide and the Route 110A Nairobi–Athi River guide.
Inter-County and Express services
The Nairobi–Mombasa corridor is served by different Madaraka Express service types:
- Inter-County Train: Stops at Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi and Mariakani.
- Express trains: Travel between Nairobi and Mombasa with fewer intermediate stops. Some services stop at Voi, but passengers should confirm the current stopping pattern when booking.
A passenger travelling to an intermediate station should select the Inter-County service unless the booking platform shows that another train stops at the required destination.
Mombasa Terminus
Mombasa Terminus is located at Miritini, west of Mombasa Island. It is separate from the old railway station in Mombasa CBD.
Passengers continuing to the city centre, airport, port area, beaches or other parts of Mombasa will need an onward road connection. Kenya Railways may provide connecting buses between Mombasa Terminus and the old Mombasa railway station, but availability, departure times and charges should be confirmed before travelling.
Tickets and booking
Tickets can be purchased through the official Madaraka Express online booking platform, through the authorised Kenya Railways USSD service or at a Madaraka Express passenger station.
Passengers should use official booking channels and avoid individuals claiming to sell or reserve tickets privately. Identification details entered during booking should match the passenger’s identification document.
Planning your journey
Arrive at the station early enough to undergo security screening and boarding procedures. Passengers should also confirm:
- Their departure terminus
- Train type and stopping pattern
- Departure date and time
- Coach and seat details
- Luggage requirements
- First- and last-mile transport arrangements
The Nairobi Terminus is in Syokimau, while the Mombasa Terminus is in Miritini. Neither station is located within the respective city centre, so the journey to and from each terminus should be included in the travel plan.
Matatu connections
Passengers approaching Nairobi Terminus can use public transport operating along Mombasa Road and the Syokimau corridor before completing the final part of the journey using an appropriate connecting vehicle.
Explore the Nairobi Matatu Routes and Numbers guide to identify services connecting Nairobi CBD, Mombasa Road, Imara Daima, Mlolongo, Athi River and surrounding areas.
Matatu routes, boarding stages and fares can change. Confirm the destination displayed on the vehicle before boarding.
Important passenger 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. Consult the official Kenya Railways website or Madaraka Express booking platform before beginning your journey.
