The proposed Syokimau–JKIA airport railway would connect Nairobi SGR Terminus with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The approximately five-kilometre line is intended to integrate JKIA with Madaraka Express and the Nairobi Commuter Rail network, providing an alternative to road travel between the airport, Syokimau and Nairobi CBD.
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Project overview
| Project detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Proposed route | Nairobi SGR Terminus–JKIA |
| Common description | Syokimau–JKIA railway |
| Approximate length | Five kilometres |
| Starting point | Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau |
| Destination | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport |
| Developer | Kenya Railways |
| Status | Proposed |
| Passenger operations | Not yet available |
Kenya Railways lists the Nairobi SGR Terminus–JKIA line among the railway projects earmarked under its strategic plan. Kenya Railways Strategic Plan
Proposed route
The planned connection can be presented as:
Nairobi Central → Makadara → Imara Daima → Syokimau/Nairobi Terminus → JKIA
Only the final section between Nairobi Terminus and JKIA would require the proposed new airport link. Nairobi Central is already connected to the Syokimau area through commuter and SGR link trains.
Is there currently a train to JKIA?
No. Passengers cannot currently board a train directly to or from JKIA.
Nairobi Terminus is located in Syokimau near the airport, but travellers must still complete the journey by road.
Project-status notice: The Nairobi Terminus–JKIA railway is proposed and is not open to passengers. Its design, construction timetable, airport station and opening date remain subject to official confirmation.
How it would connect with Nairobi Central
Passengers could potentially use the existing link between Nairobi Central and Nairobi Terminus before transferring to the airport railway.
Nairobi Central Railway Station ↔ Nairobi Terminus Link Train
Connects Nairobi CBD with Nairobi SGR Terminus in Syokimau for selected Madaraka Express services.
A completed airport link could create a railway journey between Nairobi CBD and JKIA without requiring the final road transfer from Syokimau.
Connection with Madaraka Express
Nairobi Terminus is the main Nairobi station for Madaraka Express trains. The proposed airport railway could allow passengers arriving from Mombasa, Voi, Mtito Andei, Kibwezi, Emali or Athi River to transfer towards JKIA.
It could also help air passengers connect to SGR services without travelling through central Nairobi.
Expected commuter and traveller benefits
If completed, the airport railway could:
- Provide a direct rail connection to JKIA
- Reduce dependence on Mombasa Road
- Connect air and SGR passengers
- Improve access between Nairobi CBD and the airport
- Reduce uncertainty caused by road congestion
- Support airport employees and airline passengers
- Strengthen Nairobi’s integrated transport network
- Improve first- and last-mile travel around Syokimau
These are expected benefits, not services currently available.
Proposed JKIA railway station
Detailed passenger information about the proposed airport station has not yet been confirmed. Future updates should establish:
- The airport terminal served
- Walking distance to check-in areas
- Shuttle arrangements between terminals
- Luggage facilities
- Accessibility
- Security screening procedures
- Operating hours
- Connection times with flights and SGR trains
Metros should not assume that the station will directly serve every JKIA terminal.
Existing matatu connections to JKIA
Until the railway is constructed, passengers can use airport-area matatus, buses, taxis and ride-hailing services.
Route 34 — JKIA / Embakasi
Provides public transport connections between Nairobi, Embakasi and the JKIA area.
Route 34A — Pipeline / Embakasi / JKIA
Connects Pipeline and Embakasi with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Passengers should confirm whether the selected vehicle enters the airport or stops along a nearby road.
Connections from Syokimau
Route 110 — Mlolongo / Athi River / Kitengela
Connects the Syokimau and Mombasa Road area with Mlolongo, Athi River and Kitengela.
Route 110A — Athi River
Serves Mlolongo and Athi River through Mombasa Road.
A taxi or ride-hailing vehicle may remain the most direct option between Nairobi Terminus and JKIA until the railway link opens.
Current airport travel options
| Starting point | Current option |
|---|---|
| Nairobi CBD | Airport bus, matatu connection, taxi or ride-hailing vehicle |
| Nairobi Terminus | Taxi, shuttle or road transfer |
| Syokimau | Local road transport or taxi |
| Pipeline or Embakasi | Route 34 variant or airport-area connection |
| Mlolongo | Connect through Mombasa Road and Airport North Road |
| Madaraka Express arrival | Use road transport from Nairobi Terminus |
View Nairobi Matatu Routes and Numbers
Construction, schedules and fares
No confirmed passenger timetable, fare structure or opening date should be added until the airport line is completed and Kenya Railways announces operations.
Metros should avoid publishing:
- Estimated train departure times
- Unconfirmed airport station locations
- Projected fares
- Claims that construction is complete
- Guarantees about flight connection times
Master-page entry
Syokimau–JKIA Airport Railway Link — Proposed
Proposed five-kilometre railway connecting Nairobi SGR Terminus in Syokimau with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The service is not yet operational. Current airport road connections are available through the Nairobi Matatu Routes and Numbers guide.
