The Madaraka Express at a glance
The Madaraka Express is the standard-gauge passenger train that links Nairobi and Mombasa. Trains leave from Nairobi Terminus at Syokimau and arrive at Mombasa Terminus in Miritini. The schedule below is the Kenya Railways timetable from January 2026, in local time, and the travel times are calculated from the departure and arrival times. It includes day trains, an express and a night train in each direction.
This is an independent guide. It is not run by Kenya Railways and does not sell tickets. Schedules and fares change, so confirm them when you book.
Nairobi to Mombasa train timetable, 2026
Kenya Railways schedule from January 2026. Local time.
| Train | Departs | Arrives | Scheduled time | Voi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi to Mombasa, Inter-County | 08:00 | 14:00 | 6:00 h | 12:02 |
| Nairobi to Mombasa, Express | 15:00 | 20:30 | 5:30 h | 18:48 |
| Nairobi to Mombasa, night train | 22:00 | 03:55 next day | 5:55 h | 02:05 next day |
| Mombasa to Nairobi, Inter-County | 08:00 | 14:10 | 6:10 h | 09:49 |
| Mombasa to Nairobi, Express | 15:00 | 20:18 | 5:18 h | 16:38 |
| Mombasa to Nairobi, night train | 22:00 | 03:55 next day | 5:55 h | 23:45 |
Check the current timetable before you go, because a published schedule does not show delays or cancellations on your day. The timetable lists a time at Voi for each train, which matters for a safari (see below).
Our pick: the train and a camp stay in one package
If you want the Madaraka Express and a safari in one booking, this package bundles the train ticket with the stay, meals and park entry.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Mombasa transfers and coast tours
Transfers, city tours and day trips from Mombasa and the coast, with live prices and availability.
Fares and children
Adult fares, one way, as listed in 2026.
| Route | Economy | First | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi to Mombasa | KES 1,500 | KES 4,500 | KES 12,000 |
| Voi to Mombasa | KES 440 | KES 1,320 | KES 3,520 |
| Premium return, Nairobi to Mombasa | – | – | KES 20,000 |
Not every class may be offered on every train, so check availability when you book. Fares can change.
For children, the Kenya Railways fare sheet and its FAQ differ. The FAQ says children up to 3 travel free, ages 4 to 11 pay half and ages 12 and older pay the full fare. The fare sheet lists half price from age 3 and, at the same time, free travel up to age 3. If your child is exactly 3, confirm the rule when you book.
Which train suits your plans
The timetable gives you three kinds of trip. The Inter-County train leaves in the morning at 08:00 and reaches Mombasa at 14:00, which leaves the afternoon for the transfer and check-in. The Express from Nairobi arrives at 20:30, after dark, so book the transfer in advance. The night train arrives at 03:55, so tell your hotel about the early arrival or plan a late check-in.
In the other direction, the Mombasa Inter-County train at 08:00 gets into Nairobi at 14:10, and the Express at 15:00 arrives at 20:18. If you have a flight out of Nairobi the same day, leave room for delays, since a published timetable does not guarantee arrival times.
Booking, check-in and parking
According to the railway's FAQ, you can book up to 60 days ahead. You can buy online through the Kenya Railways ticket portal, at the station counters or through a Safaricom code (*639#). Bring the original ID or passport you used for the booking. Check which payment methods work with foreign cards when you book.
The FAQ recommends being at the station at least 60 minutes before departure. The platform gates close 10 minutes before the train leaves. Overnight parking at the station costs KES 200 according to the FAQ, and you should tell the security staff.
From Mombasa Terminus to your hotel
The station is in Miritini, outside the Old Town, so plan a road transfer for Mombasa, Diani or Watamu. The train does not drop you at your hotel. Ask your hotel for a pickup, or agree a taxi fare before you get in. The getting there page explains the road options to the south coast, including the Likoni ferry and the Dongo Kundu bypass.
For a safari, the Voi stop gives you a road connection toward lodges in the Tsavo region, but the train does not go to the lodge or into the park. See the Tsavo East page and the ideas for combining a safari with a beach stay on Safari and beach.
More for your coast trip
Pages that go with the train.
Getting to the coast
Moi Airport, Diani and the ferry.
Mombasa
Old Town, beaches and the marine park.
Tsavo East
Gates, rules and fees for the park.
Safari and beach
How to combine a safari with time at the coast.
If you travel on toward the north coast, the Lamu travel page explains how to get there.
Madaraka Express: frequently asked questions
How much does the Madaraka Express cost?
For adults one way from Nairobi to Mombasa, Economy is KES 1,500, First is KES 4,500 and Premium is KES 12,000. A Premium return is KES 20,000. From Voi to Mombasa, the fares are KES 440, KES 1,320 and KES 3,520. These are the 2026 listings and they can change.
How long is the train from Nairobi to Mombasa?
The scheduled time is about 5.5 to 6 hours, depending on the train. From Nairobi, the Inter-County train takes 6 hours, the Express 5 hours 30 minutes and the night train 5 hours 55 minutes.
How do I book a ticket?
Book up to 60 days ahead, online with Kenya Railways, at a station counter or with the Safaricom code *639#. Take your original ID or passport.
When should I arrive at the station?
At least 60 minutes before departure. The platform gates close 10 minutes before the train leaves.
Does the train go to Diani or Watamu?
No. It ends at Mombasa Terminus in Miritini. From there you continue by road. See the getting there page for the route to Diani.
Can I get off in Voi for a safari?
The 2026 timetable lists a Voi time for each train. From there you continue by road to a lodge. Arrange the transfer with the lodge or a tour provider first.