Your Ultimate Guide to the Madaraka Express Train: Schedules, Costs, and Booking Tips

Imagine gliding through Kenya’s golden savannahs, where distant elephants wander, and beyond the glass windows lie the scenic views of Tsavo National Parks. The Madaraka Express, Kenya’s modern high-speed train, connects the vibrant capital of Nairobi to the coastal paradise of Mombasa in just 5–6 hours, offering a comfortable and scenic journey unlike any other. Whether you’re embarking on a Masai Mara safari, chilling on Diani Beach, or soaking in Kenya’s rich culture, Madaraka Express is your gateway to unforgettable adventures. Savannah Wanderlust Expeditions creates seamless travel through tailor-made itineraries and expert guidance. So advance through our detailed Madaraka Express guide with schedules, costs, and booking tips to prepare for your dream trip.

Arrival on the Madaraka Express: Why Proclaim It Worthy?

The Madaraka Express is more than just making transport—it is the unfolding scenery of Kenya's diverse landscape and dynamic spirit. So why do travelers prefer it?

• Speed and Efficiency: Reduces travel time of over 12 hours by road to 5–6 hours, is faster than buses, and offers better scenic views than flights.

• Scenic Beauty: From Tsavo East and West National Parks, you get to see a streak of wildlife like giraffes, zebras, and even lions.

• Comfort: Modern trains with air-conditioning, comfortable seats, and Wi-Fi (in the higher class) ensure you have a pleasant journey.

• Environmentally friendly: Makes for an enjoyable journey with less noise from road traffic and lulling itself down to carbon emissions.

• Cheap: With fares that go as low as Ksh 1,500 (roughly USD 12), this is a good alternative for those who are looking for cheap flights.

Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, an adventurous person, a culture buff, or a beach bum, the Nairobi-Mombasa train spells destruction in any Kenyan itinerary.

Madaraka Express Schedule: Plan Your Trip

The Madaraka Express is a daily train that offers three different services so that you can choose whichever fits your scheme. Below is the Madaraka Express schedule:

Train Type	Departure from Nairobi	Arrival in Mombasa	Departure from Mombasa	Arrival in Nairobi	Stops
Inter-County Train	8:00 AM	2:18 PM	8:00 AM	1:42 PM	Mariakani, Miasenyi, Voi, Mtito Andei, Kibwezi, Emali, Athi River
Afternoon Express	2:35 PM	7:18 PM	3:15 PM	8:15 PM	Voi
Night Train	10:00 PM	3:35 AM (next day)	10:00 PM	3:35 AM (next day)	None

• Inter-County Train: A sightseeing arrangement, with multiple stops at towns like Voi and Mtito Andei, making it a great knob of rural charm in Kenya.

• Afternoon Express: Faster, making just one stop at Voi, for those who want to make time very important.

• Night Train: Night-travel pleasures, arriving very early to give more days to one in Nairobi or Mombasa.

Time Table:

• Nairobi-Mombasa: Roughly 5:35 (Night Train) – 6:18 (Inter-County).

• Since schedules may differ during higher seasons such as May–August, regular checking on the Kenya Railways website provides the exact current status.

Madaraka Express Prices: Choose the Level of Comfort

Depending on the level of comfort, it includes many options for an all-budget fare between Nairobi and Mombasa on the train:

• Standard Class: Ksh 1,500 to USD 12 (approx.).

  • Lazy glider seats, air-conditioned, good for those wishing to travel on a shoestring or a backpacker.

• First Class: Ksh 4,500 to USD 36 (approx.).

  • Big seats, Wi-Fi, and charging points for those traveling in a group or who want to be a bit more comfortable.

• Premium Class: Ksh 12,000 to USD 96 (approx.).

  • Flatbed seats with luxury, hot meals, and personal services, catered to business travelers or those who want to live in luxury.

Child fares:

• Under 3 years: No charge (ticketless, has to share a seat).

• 3-11 years: 50% of the adult fares (e.g., Standard Class: Ksh 750).

Additional Costs:

• Getting connected to the stations (e.g., Ksh 50 for the Nairobi commuter train, Ksh 100 for the Mombasa shuttle).

• Food and drinks on board (Ksh 200–500, included in Premium Class).

Booking Tips: Book your tickets early, especially for first and premium class, as they tend to sell out fast during holidays. Use our agency as a bargain to combine your Serengeti safari or Zanzibar beach package with a train fare.

How to Book the Madaraka Express

Booking your Madaraka Express ticket is easy, with local and international options:

1. Book Online Directly:

   • Go to metickets to book.

   • Payment requires M-Pesa and thus may require a Kenyan SIM card. Non-residents can ask a local contact or an agency to book on their behalf.

   • Book up to 60 days before for better availability.

2. International Platforms:

   • Platforms like Bookaway can accept international credit cards; they are recommended for tourists.

   • Expect a small convenience fee of approximately USD 2–5.

3. Through Savannah Wanderlust Expeditions:

   • Contact us at info@savannahwanderlustexpeditions.com or +254 786 542 264.

   • We take care of bookings to fulfill your requirements for preferred class of travel and integrating the train journey into your itinerary, be it a Masai Mara safari or a holiday in Diani.

Booking Tips:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before train departure for security checks, which will include baggage screening and IG checking (passport or national ID for identification).

• Ensure you book return tickets simultaneously to guarantee your preferred train times, mainly for the Night Train.

Getting to the Train Stations

Madaraka Express runs from contemporary termini built for efficiency.

• Nairobi Terminus (Syokimau):

  • Located 20 km away from Nairobi CBD, and it can be accessed using:

    • Commuter Train: Departs from Nairobi Central Station at 6:40 AM (morning train), 12:50 PM (afternoon), and 8:10 PM (night). Cost: Ksh 50.

    • Taxi/Uber: Costs about Ksh 1,000–1,500 from CBD.

    • Private Transfer: Can be pre-booked from us (2,000–3,000 Ksh) for smooth transfer.

• Mombasa Terminus (Miritini):

  • Situated 11 km away from Mombasa CBD and can be accessed through:

    • Connect Bus: Departs from Mombasa's old Railway Station (Mijikenda Road). Cost: Ksh 100.

    • Taxi: Approx. Ksh 500–800 from Mombasa CBD.

    • Matatu: Local minibuses from CBD to Miritini (Ksh 100–200).

Tip: Account for traffic delays, mainly in Nairobi, during rush hours. Our agency can organize transfers that will allow you to arrive with no stress.

Onboard the Madaraka Express: What to Expect

The Madaraka Express offers a modern, comfortable experience tailored to the different types of travelers:

• Standard Class:

  • Air-conditioned carriages with ergonomically designed seats.

  • Big windows offering panoramic views of landscapes in Kenya.

  • An affordable price range for budget travelers going from Nairobi to Mombasa.

• First Class:

  • Extra legroom in more spacious seats.

  • Wi-Fi and charging points.

  • Perfect for families or those who want to take it easy.

• Premium Class:

  • Flatbed seats that recline fully for a perfect night train experience.

  • Hot meals served free of charge (such as grilled chicken with rice or vegetarian options).

  • The finest treatment of personal care in your business class.

Journey Highlights:

• Views: Go through Tsavo East and West National Parks, where you may spot elephants, zebras, or giraffes just outside the tracks.

• Services: clean toilets, snack carts carrying sandwiches and sodas priced between Ksh 200 and 500, and friendly staff.

• Night Train: Sleep under the stars while the train glides through the heartland of Kenya, only to be woken up by views of sunrise from the coast.

Traveler Tips:

• Carry your snacks and drinking water, especially for Standard Class or longer trips.

• Have a light jacket handy for the air-conditioned carriages.

• Carry binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to capture any wildlife you see passing your window, especially with the sun.

Practical Travel Information for Your Journey

Visa Requirements

• Kenya Visa: Most nationalities require an eVisa, which you can obtain from the Kenya eVisa website. It costs USD 51, allows for single entry, and lasts for 90 days. Apply for at least seven days ahead of your travel.

• East African Tourist Visa: Covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for 90 days (USD 100, multiple entries). It will be good if you glide your train journeys through gorilla trekking in Uganda.

• Note: Please check if you require a visa for your nationality; certain countries (e.g., certain African nations) may be visa-exempt.

Best Time to Travel

• Dry Seasons (June–October, January–February): A good time to combine your train journey with a safari (such as Masai Mara) or a beach holiday (Diani Beach), as the skies are clear and temperatures are comfortable.

• Wet Seasons (March–May, November): Fewer crowds and lower charged rates; nevertheless, the rains might hamper your Mombasa plans.

• Peak Seasons: Demand skyrockets around school holidays (April, August, and December); hence, booking in May–August ought to be done early.

Additional Costs

• To the Station: Costs range from Ksh 50 to Ksh 1,500 depending on the mode of transport (commuter train vs. taxi).

• Accommodation in Nairobi/Mombasa:

  • Budget: Hostels such as Nairobi Backpackers (Ksh 1,000–2,000 per night).

  • Mid-Range: The Sarova Stanley (Nairobi, Ksh 10,000–15,000 per night) or PrideInn Mombasa (Ksh 8,000–12,000 per night).

  • Luxury: Fairmont The Norfolk (Nairobi, Ksh 20,000–30,000 per night) or Serena Beach Resort (Mombasa, Ksh 25,000–40,000 per night).

  • Activities: Safari stopovers (e.g., a day trip to Tsavo, Ksh 5,000–10,000) or Mombasa tours (e.g., Fort Jesus, Ksh 1,000).

Health and Packing

• Health: No mandatory vaccinations for Kenya, but malaria prophylaxis is recommended while in Mombasa. Take travel insurance.

• Packing: Light clothing, a camera, a pair of shades, a reusable water bottle, and a travel pillow for night trains.

Combine Your Train Journey with Kenya's Best Experiences

The Madaraka Express is your seamless connection to Kenya's best places:

• Wildlife Safaris: Alight at Voi and get on a day trip to Tsavo East National Park to spot lions and elephants, then on to Mombasa.

• Beach Holidays: Arrive at Mombasa and head to Diani Beach or Watamu for snorkeling, dolphin sightings, or just lounging by the Indian Ocean.

• Cultural Exploration: Explore cultural treasures in Nairobi such as the Nairobi National Museum or Mombasa's UNESCO-listed Fort Jesus.

• Multi-Country Adventures: Adding a Serengeti safari in Tanzania or the beaches of Zanzibar via a short flight from Mombasa to your train itinerary will ensure you are well explored.

Our agency specializes in crafting itineraries that combine the Nairobi-to-Mombasa train with these experiences. Contact us to create a tailor-made package that suits your interests, be it a family tour or a luxury escape.

Why Book with Savannah Wanderlust Expeditions?

• Tailor-Made Itineraries: Your itinerary is fully customized, where we combine your Madaraka Express journey with any combination of safaris, beach holidays, or cultural tours.

• Local Expertise: Our Kenyan guides offer insider tips to ensure genuine cut-and-dried experiences.

• Hassle-Free Booking: We look after the train tickets, transfers, and itinerary planning while you concentrate on having fun.

• Sustainable Travel: We sponsor environmentally friendly causes that complement the ecological benefits of the train.

Testimonials

"The Madaraka Express was a highlight of our Kenyan adventure! The views of Tsavo National Park from the train were incredible, and the first-class seats were so comfortable. Would really recommend the booking with Savannah Wanderlust Expeditions; it was so easy and stress-free." - Sarah & Mike, UK

"After the safari, the train journey was for relaxing and enjoying every moment on the way to Mombasa. Those Premium Class fares were worth it-all the way! Gourmet meals and flatbed seats were pure luxury actually." - John & Lisa, USA

Conclusion

The Madaraka Express makes traveling between Nairobi and Mombasa scenic, comfortable, and cheap. From the vast savannahs teeming with wildlife in Tsavo to the shores boasting turquoise ocean and gentle caressing winds, this train ride is an absolute must in any itinerary of a Kenyan trip. Whether you are thinking of a Masai Mara safari, beach excitement in Diani, or any kind of cultural exploration, Savannah Wanderlust Expeditions has got you covered for the entire journey.

That sounds swell already. Shall we then go for a ride on the Madaraka Express? Please write to us at info@savannahwanderlustexpeditions.com or call +254 786 542 264 to book your journey and begin planning the Kenyan adventure of your dreams. Let's create everlasting memories!