SGR Online Booking – Easy step-by-step guide to book the SGR online in 10 minutes or less.

The Kenyan coast is a favorite holiday destination for many travelers around the world. It has great weather, beautiful beaches and world-class hotels and resorts.

The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is the most affordable and effective way to travel to the Kenyan coast from Nairobi to Mombasa. From Mombasa you can then travel to other parts of the coast.

Here is a complete step by step guide on how to undertake the SGR online booking.  We also share our best tips to ensure a hustle free booking experience and enjoyable ride onboard the SGR .

There are three ways to conduct the SGR online booking

• SGR booking in-person at any of the Madaraka Express Passenger Service stations,

• SGR online booking via the online booking platform and,

• SGR online booking via phone.

SGR booking in-person

To book the SGR in person, you will have to visit any of the Madaraka Express service stations.

You will need your original identification documents/ passports to book the trip.  It is also here that you can specify if you would want a window seat.

Once the agent completes the reservation, they will initiate a payment prompt on your phone if paying via M-Pesa.

Your payment will complete the SGR booking transaction. The agent will then print a physical SGR ticket and hand it to you. Keep this safe as you will need it on the travel date.

SGR online booking via the website

The SGR online booking platform is quick and easy to use. You can make your payment via M-Pesa and you can book up to ten (10) persons per transaction. Here are the steps to follow;

1. Visit the SGR online booking website https://metickets.krc.co.ke/
2. Choose the train type.
3. Select  departure station, i.e. Nairobi Terminus (if coming from Nairobi )
4. Select your destination station , i.e. Mombasa Terminus (if going to the coast)
5. Select your departure date
6. Select your departure time. The Inter-County train departs at 8.00am and arrives at 2.00pm. The Madaraka Express afternoon train departs at 3.00pm and arrives at 8:08pm.  The Madaraka Express Passenger night train departs at 10.00pm and  arrives at 3.35am.
7. Click the ‘Book a Train’ button.
8. On the ‘Search Results’ page you will see the cost of seats and the total available seats. You will also see the train charges here. On the right hand side, key in the number of passengers.  Once done, click the ‘Book a train’ button
9. On the ‘Booking Information’ page, enter the passenger details. Scroll down to the ‘Payment details’ section. Enter your phone number and email.
10. Once done, click the ‘Proceed to Payment’ button
11. At the ‘Reservation Page’ check your booking information then click on the ‘Pay now’ button.  This will start a payment prompt on your phone.
12. On your phone, follow the on-screen instructions to pay via M-Pesa.

After paying, you’ll receive an SMS confirmation code. Carry this with you to the station on your traveling day so that you can print your ticket.

SGR Online Booking via Phone/M-Pesa

The third way to perform the SGR online booking is to use your phone. On your phone , dial the SGR online booking code *639# and follow the prompts. Here is the step by step guide to book the SGR via phone

1. Dial *639# on your phone
2. Choose the train type
3. Select departure time
4. Select your preferred travel date (It could be today, tomorrow or a range)
5. Select  the specific travel date
6. Choose a coach, First class or Economy
7. Enter the total number of passengers including children
8. Enter how many children are between the ages of 3-11 years,  if none enter ‘0’
9. Enter the passenger details (exactly as they are on your National ID or Passport)
10. On the summary page, confirm the number of passengers and total cost. Select ‘Pay Now’ , wait for the M-Pesa payment prompt. Note: ‘Pay Later’ doesn’t always work as expected.
11. Wait for M-Pesa payment prompt
12. Confirm the amount and enter your M-Pesa PIN number to complete the transaction. On completion, you’ll receive an SMS confirmation code. Carry this with you to the station on your traveling day to print your ticket. If you experience any issues, call the SGR customer care using the SGR contacts listed below.

SGR Contacts

If you have an issue with booking your ticket, call the SGR booking number on 0709 388888 between 8:00 am and 8:30 pm. For any other enquiries, you may also reach out to the SGR customer care on 0709 388887. Sometimes the lines are quite busy so be patient.

The SGR timetable 

The Madaraka Express Passenger Service has two types of train services. Each of these make two round-trips on a daily basis.

• The Inter-county train. – This runs in the morning and makes stopovers in the following stations;
  • Athi River,
  • Emali,
  • Kibwezi,
  • Mtito Andei,
  • Voi,
  • Miasenyi and,
  • Mariakani
• The Madaraka Express Passenger Service train. This train runs in the afternoon and at night and does not make any stops along the way.

Below is the sgr train timetable;

Nairobi – Mombasa SGR timetable

TRAIN TYPE	DEPARTURE	ARRIVAL
Inter-county Train	8.00am	2.00pm
Madaraka Express Afternoon Train	3.00pm	8.08pm
Madaraka Express Night Train	10.00pm	3.35am

Mombasa – Nairobi SGR timetable

TRAIN TYPE	DEPARTURE	ARRIVAL
Inter-county Train	8.00am	2.00pm
Madaraka Express Afternoon Train	3.00pm	8.08pm
Madaraka Express Night Train	10.00pm	3.35am

Nairobi – Mombasa SGR Prices

The SGR fares are the same from Nairobi to Mombasa and Mombasa to Nairobi. This is for both the inter-county train and the express train. The prices are as follows.

Coach Type	Adult Single Ticket	Children (3-11 yrs)	Children (below 3 yrs)
First Class	3000	1500	Free
Economy	1000	500	Free

Best tips to ensure a hustle free booking experience and enjoyable ride onboard the SGR

• When booking your SGR ticket , check the prices beforehand and load your M-Pesa to make it easy to pay.
• You can only book a one way ticket for the SGR. If you need to book a return ticket, you’ll need to book your return trip as a separate transaction.
• Get to the station at least an hour before departure time for an easy check in experience.  The final boarding call will is about 11 minutes before departure time .The gates to the platform close 10 minutes to the departure time. If you forget everything else, remember this!
• If you booked your SGR ticket online, get to the SGR station early enough so that you can print your SGR ticket using the self-service machines.
• The Inter-county train and the 3.00pm express train have great views of the Tsavo National Park. they also provide opportunities to spot wild animals. Look out for giraffes, elephants and gazelles.
• The train gets a bit chilly during the ride. This is from the AC since the train windows will remain closed throughout your trip. If you think the cold may affect you, carry a scarf or shawl to cover yourself so that you may enjoy the ride.

How to Print your SGR Tickets

Once you complete your SGR online booking, you will receive a confirmation code as an SMS message. The message will also show your train departure date , time , coach and seat number.

On the day of travel, you can print your physical train ticket at station. You can do this at the self-service machines found at the station ticketing offices.

You may also print your SGR ticket over the counter.

What to expect on your SGR trip

Whether you travel First Class or Economy, you can expect that you will enjoy the trip.

You will have great views of the Kenyan landscape. You will also view the Tsavo National Park.

Kenyans on board the train will make for great company. They are usually very friendly and warm.

You can also bring a book to read on the trip or earphones to enjoy some music.

If you bring some snacks on-board, you are free to enjoy them at any time. In case you want more, the Madaraka Express has onboard catering services provided. Snacks, beverages and meals are thus sold on board.

Every coach has a washroom at either end of the coach and a wash basin to clean your hands.

Look out for a small display screen. It shows the current speed of the train and the temperature outside

Location of SGR Nairobi Terminus

The Madaraka Express Passenger Service station Nairobi Terminus is in Syokimau area. This is about 20 Kilometers away from Nairobi City.

There are several ways to get to and from the Nairobi Terminus. You can use public transport, private taxis or the Commuter link train. .

How to get to the Nairobi Terminus via the Commuter link Train

For the  Inter-county train from Nairobi to Mombasa which departs at 8.00am, use the Commuter Link Train from the Nairobi Railway station which departs at 6.35am.

For the Madaraka Express afternoon train from Nairobi to Mombasa which departs at 3.00pm, use the Commuter Link Train from the Nairobi Railway station which departs at 12.00pm. 

How to get to Nairobi CBD from the Nairobi Terminus via the Commuter link Train

The Commuter link train is available every day to ferry arriving passengers from the three trains. That is the Mombasa to Nairobi Inter-county train arriving at 2.30pm , the Mombasa to Nairobi Express train arriving at 8.08pm and the Mombasa to Nairobi Express train arriving at 3.35pm.

Location of SGR Mombasa Terminus

The Madaraka Express Passenger Service station Mombasa Terminus is at Miritini area of Mombasa County. This is about 11 kilometers away from Mombasa CBD.

To get to and from the Mombasa Terminus you can use Public Transport Vehicles (PSVs). These offer connecting services to Mombasa town. If you need to go to further than Mombasa CBD, you can use taxi services such as Uber or Bolt to ferry you to your destination.

Or, you can liaise with your accommodation provider for them to arrange your transport.

SGR Ticket Cancellation

The SGR ticket cancellation should be done not later than forty-eight  (48) hours prior to the departure time as indicated on your ticket . 

Cancellation is done in person at any Madaraka Express Passenger Service station. Original identification documents plus a photocopy of the same are required.

In case you need a refund, this will be subject to a 30% of the fare.

SGR Ticket Rescheduling

The SGR ticket rescheduling should be done not later than forty-eight  (48) hours prior to the departure time as indicated on your ticket . 

Rescheduling must be done in person at any Madaraka Express Passenger Service station. Original identification documents plus a photocopy of the same are required.

Rescheduling is subject to a p10% fee of the fare.

SGR Ticket Refund

In order to get SGR ticket refund, you need to apply not later than 48 hours for individuals and 72 hours for group tickets before the travel time. Refunds shall be subject to a 30% fee of the fare amount. Damaged and defaced tickets shall not be refunded.

SGR Parking

Entry to SGR terminus costs KES 100 for saloon cars and KES 150 for Mini buses and matatus. Overnight parking costs KES 2000 per night.

Can you carry food in SGR?

You can carry food and snacks to the SGR. but alcohol is prohibited. However, food, snacks and alcohol are sold by the onboard catering service provider.

How do I book a SGR ticket via M-Pesa

Simply dial *639# and follow the onscreen prompts to reserve the Madaraka Express ticket and pay via M-PESA. This is an easy and convenient way to book your SGR ticket in one go. You can buy tickets for up to 10 persons per transaction.

How can I check available seats in SGR

Dial *639# from your Safaricom line and follow the online prompts. Choose the train type , preferred departure time and travel date. You will get the total number of available seats for both First-class and Economy coaches.

Or, visit the SGR online booking website and select the details as above to get the total number of available seats

How early can you book SGR

You can buy an SGR ticket up to sixty (60) days in advance.

How much is SGR ticket from Nairobi to Mombasa

The SGR fares from Nairobi to Mombasa are the same for both the Intercounty train and the Madaraka Express train. The First Class coach costs Ksh. 3,000 for a single adult, Ksh. 1500 for a child aged 3-11 years and  is free for a child below 3 years. The Economy coach costs  Ksh. 1,000 for a single adult, Ksh. 500 for a child aged 3-11 years and  is free for a child below 3 years.

How do I book SGR manually?

To book the SGR manually, you will use the SGR booking code.  Dial *639# on your Safaricom line and follow the on-screen prompts to book your ticket.

Is it possible to reschedule SGR tickets?

Yes, you can reschedule your SGR Ticket. This is done in person at the nearest Madaraka Express Passenger Service station.

Do kids pay for SGR?

The SGR kids fare policy allows children below 3 years to travel for free. Children aged 3 -11 pay half fare ( 50% off of  the fare) and children above 11 years pay full adult fare.

Hope this article was helpful. Other infrastructure projects the Kenya Government has launched in the recent past is the Nairobi Expressway. You can read more about the Nairobi Expressway charges, entry and exit points.