By: A Local Guide in Kenya
The official SGR fare from Nairobi to Mombasa is KES 1,500 for Economy Class and KES 4,500 for First Class. This page provides a detailed breakdown of the ticket prices for both Express and Inter-County trains, including specific fares for children. For information on how to book, see our main Madaraka Express guide.
The Madaraka Express provides two passenger classes for the journey between the Nairobi Terminus and the Mombasa Terminus. The ticket price is the same whether you use the direct Express Train or the Inter-County train that makes several stops along the way. The primary difference between the two services is the total travel time.
| Travel Class | Train Service | Adult Fare (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| First Class | Express / Inter-County | 4,500 |
| Economy Class | Express / Inter-County | 1,500 |
Last updated: August 2025
Kenya Railways offers discounted SGR fares for children traveling on the Nairobi-Mombasa route. The price is calculated based on the child's age and the selected travel class. Children under the age of three travel for free but are not allocated a seat.
| Age Group | First Class Fare (KES) | Economy Class Fare (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Below 3 Years | Free | Free |
| 3 to 11 Years | 2,250 (Half Price) | 750 (Half Price) |
| Above 11 Years | 4,500 (Full Price) | 1,500 (Full Price) |
While the SGR fare from Nairobi to Mombasa covers the train journey itself, travelers should account for minor additional costs for transport to and from the main termini. Both the Nairobi and Mombasa SGR stations are located outside the city centers.
These connection services are separate from the main ticket price and are paid for directly. Planning for these extra costs is a useful part of creating a Kenya travel budget.
The SGR fares are set by Kenya Railways and do not typically change with seasons or booking times. However, it is always best practice to confirm the price during the booking process. The official booking portal and the USSD payment solution are the most reliable sources for the current fare. For a complete guide on booking methods, please visit our main getting around Kenya page which details various transport options.
Yes, the SGR ticket price from Nairobi to Mombasa is the same for both the direct Express train and the Inter-County train. An Economy Class ticket costs KES 1,500 and a First Class ticket costs KES 4,500 on either service.
The fare includes your seat for the journey and a luggage allowance of up to 30 kilograms (not exceeding 1.6 metres in height, width, and depth). Connecting transport to and from the termini is an additional cost.
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended as tickets, especially during peak travel seasons, sell out quickly. Passengers can book tickets up to sixty (60) days before their travel date.
No, the SGR fare is fixed by Kenya Railways and does not typically increase during holidays or peak seasons. However, ticket demand is extremely high during these periods, making early booking essential.