The service connects major routes and commuter lines. Travelers choose Express, Inter-County, or commuter services like Nairobi-Suswa or Nairobi-Ngong. Classes include Premium, First, and Economy, with fares from Ksh 90 to Ksh 12,000 per adult. Mpesa ensures secure transactions and instant confirmations.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Provider | Kenya Railways (Madaraka Express) |
| Routes | Nairobi-Mombasa, Nairobi-Suswa, Nairobi-Ngong, intermediate stations |
| Train Types | Express, Inter-County, Commuter |
| Class Options | Premium (Ksh 480–12,000), First (Ksh 180–4,500), Economy (Ksh 90–1,500) |
| Payment Method | Mpesa (Online, USSD, or In-Person) |
| Booking Platforms | Website (metickets.krc.co.ke), USSD (*639#), SGR Terminus |
| Contact Hotline | 0709 388888 (Booking), 0709 388887 (Enquiries) |
| Reference Website | Kenya Railways Official Site |
Online Booking with Mpesa
Book tickets online through the Kenya Railways website. The process takes five minutes.
- Visit the Website: Go to metickets.krc.co.ke and click “Book a Ticket.”
- Choose Travel Details: Select departure (e.g., Nairobi), destination (e.g., Mombasa), date, train type (Express or Inter-County), and class (Premium, First, or Economy).
- Enter Passenger Information: Input name, ID or passport number, and phone number. Add details for group travelers.
- Pay with Mpesa: Select Mpesa, enter your PIN, and confirm payment. An SMS with a booking reference arrives instantly.
- Collect Ticket: Arrive at the station one hour early. Use the booking reference at a self-service machine to print your ticket.
This method suits tech-savvy travelers. It requires internet access. The website supports routes like Nairobi-Mombasa and Nairobi-Suswa.
USSD Booking with Mpesa
No internet? Use USSD for SGR booking via Mpesa. This method works on basic phones.
- Dial the Code: On a Safaricom line, dial *639# and press call.
- Choose Travel Details: Pick departure, destination, date, and class.
- Provide Passenger Details: Enter your name and ID. Include details for others if traveling in a group.
- Complete Payment: Receive an Mpesa payment prompt. Enter your PIN to confirm.
- Get Confirmation: An SMS with your booking reference arrives. Print your ticket at the station.
USSD booking ensures accessibility. Rural travelers or those without smartphones benefit. The process mirrors online booking but skips the internet requirement.
In-Person Booking with Mpesa
Prefer face-to-face service? Book at an SGR terminus.
- Visit a Station: Head to Nairobi, Mombasa, or intermediate stations like Voi or Athi River.
- Share Travel Details: Tell the agent your departure, destination, date, and class preference.
- Pay via Mpesa: Use Mpesa or cash. Enter your PIN for Mpesa payments.
- Receive Ticket: Get a printed ticket immediately.
- Board the Train: Arrive one hour before departure for security checks.
In-person booking suits travelers uncomfortable with digital methods. Stations offer full support.
Train Schedules and Routes
The Madaraka Express operates six daily departures. Schedules vary by route and train type.
- Express Train: Departs Nairobi at 3 PM and 10 PM, arriving in Mombasa at 8 PM and 3:30 AM. Stops only at Voi.
- Inter-County Train: Leaves Nairobi at 8 AM, reaching Mombasa at 2 PM. Stops include Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi, and Mariakani.
- Nairobi-Suswa Service: Runs Friday to Sunday. Departs Nairobi at 8:50 AM, arrives in Suswa at 11:10 AM. Returns from Suswa at 3:50 PM, arriving in Nairobi at 6:00 PM. Stops at Rongai, Ngong, and Maai-Mahiu.
- Nairobi-Ngong Commuter: Operates Monday to Friday. Departs Nairobi at 5 AM and 6:40 PM, and Ngong at 6:20 AM and 7:40 PM.
Travelers pick routes based on needs. Express trains suit long-distance, time-conscious passengers. Inter-County trains serve those visiting smaller towns.
Pricing and Class Options
SGR offers three classes. Prices depend on route and class.
- Premium Class: Ksh 480–12,000. Offers spacious seats and enhanced comfort.
- First Class: Ksh 180–4,500. Balances comfort and affordability.
- Economy Class: Ksh 90–1,500. Budget-friendly for short or long trips.
Children over 11 pay full fare. Discounts apply for younger children. Confirm pricing during booking.
Travel Policies
Tickets lock to specific dates, times, and trains. Transfers don’t exist.
- Refunds: Request 48 hours before departure. A 30% cancellation fee applies.
- Rescheduling: Available 48 hours prior with a 10% fee.
- Pets: Not allowed onboard.
- Arrival Time: Reach the station one hour early for security and boarding.
These rules ensure smooth operations. Plan changes early to avoid penalties.
Why Choose Mpesa for SGR Booking?
Mpesa dominates Kenya’s payment landscape. Its integration with SGR booking simplifies transactions. Online and USSD methods deliver instant confirmations. In-person payments offer flexibility. Security features, like PIN verification, protect users.
Travelers save time. No need for bank cards or cash in most cases. Mpesa’s widespread use makes it accessible to millions. Rural or urban, young or old—everyone books with ease.
Tips for a Smooth SGR Booking Experience
- Book Early: Popular routes like Nairobi-Mombasa sell out fast, especially during holidays.
- Verify Details: Double-check station, date, and class before paying.
- Keep Your Reference Number: Store the SMS confirmation safely for ticket printing.
- Arrive Early: Stations get busy. Early arrival prevents stress.
- Contact Support: Use 0709 388888 for booking issues or 0709 388887 for general queries.
These steps minimize errors. A smooth booking process leads to a pleasant journey.
Common Questions About SGR Booking via Mpesa
How do I book an SGR ticket using Mpesa?
Dial *639# for USSD, visit metickets.krc.co.ke for online booking, or pay via Mpesa at a station. Enter travel details, confirm with your PIN, and receive a booking reference.
What are the ticket prices?
Premium Class costs Ksh 480–12,000, First Class Ksh 180–4,500, and Economy Ksh 90–1,500, depending on the route.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, 48 hours before departure. Refunds incur a 30% fee, rescheduling a 10% fee.
Do I need internet for Mpesa booking?
No. USSD (*639#) works without internet. Online booking requires a connection.
What if I lose my booking reference?
Contact 0709 388888 with your ID and travel details to retrieve it.
Final Thoughts
SGR booking via Mpesa streamlines travel across Kenya. Whether online, via USSD, or at a station, the process fits every traveler’s needs. Affordable fares, multiple routes, and secure payments make the Madaraka Express a top choice. Book today and explore Kenya with ease.
