The Nairobi–Nanyuki Safari Train connects Nairobi Central Railway Station with Nanyuki through the Nairobi–Ruiru railway corridor and towns across Central Kenya. It is a long-distance metre-gauge railway service, not an SGR or regular Nairobi commuter train.
← View all Kenya train routes, stations and railway guides
Nairobi–Nanyuki train route
Route: Nairobi Central ↔ Nanyuki
Via: Makadara, Dandora, Mwiki, Githurai, Kahawa, Ruiru, Thika, Mitubiri, Makuyu, Maragua, Murang’a, Sagana, Karatina, Kiganjo and Naro Moru.
The route links Nairobi with parts of Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri and Laikipia counties.
Nairobi–Nanyuki stations
Based on the published Kenya Railways route, the principal station sequence is:
- Nairobi Central Railway Station
- Makadara
- Dandora
- Mwiki
- Githurai
- Kahawa
- Ruiru
- Thika
- Mitubiri
- Makuyu
- Maragua
- Murang’a
- Sagana
- Karatina
- Kiganjo
- Naro Moru
- Nanyuki
Passengers should confirm that the train will stop at their chosen station when purchasing a ticket.
Nairobi Central Railway Station
The journey begins at Nairobi Central Railway Station, located near Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi CBD. This is different from Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau, which primarily serves Madaraka Express SGR trains.
Passengers should check the station name carefully to avoid travelling to the wrong departure point.
Nairobi urban stations
Before leaving the Nairobi metropolitan area, the train serves stations including Makadara, Dandora, Mwiki, Githurai, Kahawa and Ruiru.
These stops allow some passengers to join the train without travelling to Nairobi CBD. However, ticket availability and boarding arrangements at intermediate stations should be confirmed beforehand.
Relevant road alternatives include:
- Route 36 Nairobi–Dandora
- Route 17B Nairobi–Mwiki
- Route 44 Nairobi–Githurai and Kahawa West
- Route 145 Nairobi–Ruiru
- Route 237 Nairobi–Thika
Central Kenya railway corridor
Beyond Thika, the train continues through Mitubiri, Makuyu, Maragua and Murang’a before reaching Sagana, Karatina and Kiganjo.
This section provides an alternative connection between Nairobi and several Central Kenya towns. Passengers alighting at intermediate stations may need matatus, taxis or private transfers to reach surrounding residential, commercial and rural destinations.
Naro Moru and Nanyuki
Naro Moru provides access to communities around the western side of Mount Kenya and is commonly used as a gateway to nearby tourism and outdoor destinations.
Nanyuki is the northern terminus of the passenger route. The town serves as an important commercial and tourism centre in Laikipia County, with onward road connections towards Nyeri, Isiolo, Meru, Rumuruti and other destinations across northern and central Kenya.
Passengers continuing beyond Nanyuki should arrange their onward transport before travelling.
Is the Nairobi–Nanyuki train an SGR service?
No. The Nanyuki Safari Train operates on Kenya’s older metre-gauge railway network. It does not use the Standard Gauge Railway serving Nairobi, Mombasa and Suswa.
It also departs from Nairobi Central Railway Station, not Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau.
Service frequency
The Nanyuki Safari Train is generally operated as a selected weekly or weekend-oriented service rather than a daily commuter train. Kenya Railways has previously suspended and resumed the route, and its operating days can change.
Passengers should not travel to the station based solely on an older timetable. Confirm that the service is running and that tickets are available for the intended date.
Tickets and boarding
Ticket arrangements for the Nanyuki Safari Train may differ from those used for Madaraka Express services. Passengers should contact Kenya Railways or visit an authorised station ticket office to confirm:
- Current operating days
- Departure and arrival times
- Available seating classes
- Fares for the complete journey or intermediate stations
- Identification requirements
- Luggage conditions
- Boarding arrangements at intermediate stations
The Kenya Railways Nanyuki Safari Train schedule provides the published route and station sequence, but travellers should still confirm that it remains applicable.
Matatu alternatives and station connections
Matatus provide more frequent road alternatives between Nairobi, Ruiru, Thika and many Central Kenya towns. They can also provide first- and last-mile connections between railway stations and surrounding communities.
Explore the Nairobi Matatu Routes and Numbers guide for services connecting Nairobi with stations along the metropolitan section of the railway.
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 before travelling.
