Madaraka Express Kenya Railways: SGR Train Ticket Online Booking
The Kenyan Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has made booking a train ticket easier. You can now book your train via Mpesa and receive details to print the ticket at the respective station of departure. The SGR has made traveling from Nairobi to Mombasa, and vice versa, more comfortable, convenient, and affordable.
Understanding SGR booking is crucial to enjoying a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. You need to know the ticketing information, train schedule, and additional services and amenities available on the train.
The Madaraka Express experience is unique, and you can enjoy the scenic views of the countryside, the comfort of the train, and the safety measures put in place to ensure a smooth journey.
In this article, we will guide you on how to book your SGR ticket and provide you with all the necessary information to make your travel experience enjoyable.
Kenya Railways SGR Train Online Booking
Booking a ticket for the SGR train online can be a convenient and hassle-free way to travel. To start, you’ll need to visit the SGR online booking website. From there, you can choose the following:
- train type
- SGR departing station
- destination train station
- departure date; and
- departure time
You can also select your preferred seat (s) and class (options are first class and economy).
Once you’ve entered all the necessary information, the next step is to pay. Payment options include:
- Credit or debit card
- MPESA, or
- Airtel Money.
It’s important to note that small children have to be accompanied by their parents when traveling on the SGR train. Additionally, tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, even at the train station on the day of travel. Double-check all the information you’ve entered before confirming your train booking.
If you need to check your booking details, you can go ahead and visit the KRC e-ticket portal and enter your booking reference number. This will show you your travel details, including departure and arrival times, seat numbers, etc.
Overall, the booking process for the SGR train is quick and easy.
Book SGR Train Tickets Online via MPESA
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to book an SGR ticket through Mpesa:
- Ensure you have enough money in your Mpesa account to buy tickets. You can top up your account at any Mpesa agent or through your bank’s mobile banking app.
- Dial the USSD code *639# on your phone and choose your desired train.
- Enter the number of tickets you want to buy and select your preferred travel dates and times. You can buy a return ticket if you need one.
- Enter the official names of all passengers as they appear on their identification documents.
- Enter your Mpesa mobile number as your account number and confirm the transaction.
- Your confirmed Madaraka Express train tickets and reference number will be sent as a text message from MPESA. Keep this message safe; you need it to collect your ticket(s) at the station.
- Visit the nearest SGR terminus to collect your ticket(s) at least 30 minutes before departure.
It’s important to note that you can only buy a maximum of 5 tickets per transaction through Mpesa. Also, check the details as per ticket are correct to avoid issues during ticket collection.
Booking your SGR ticket through Mpesa is quick and can be done from the comfort of your home.
Madaraka Express Tickets: SGR Online Booking
When booking your SGR train ticket, several essential factors must be considered. This section will provide you with all the necessary information you need to know before booking your ticket.
Train Tickets
You can buy your train ticket through the KRC e-ticket portal or at any SGR station. The portal allows you to search for the Express train or the Inter-County train and fill in your travel details. You can pay for your ticket via M-Pesa.
Fares
SGR train fares vary depending on the class of travel, destination, and travel time. The Express train fares are higher than the Inter-County train. You can check the fares on the KRC website or at any SGR station.
Group Bookings
If you are traveling in a group, you can book your tickets together to ensure you sit together. You can make group bookings through the KRC website or at any SGR station.
Refund Policy
If you need to cancel your SGR train ticket, you can do so through the KRC website or at any SGR station. However, cancellation fees apply, and the refund amount will depend on the time of cancellation.
Customer Care
If you have any questions or concerns about your SGR train ticket, you can contact the KRC customer care team. You can find their contact information on the KRC website.
Postal Address
If you prefer to book your SGR train ticket via postal mail, you can send your request to the following address:
Kenya Railways Corporation P.O. Box 30121 – 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Metickets
Metickets is a convenient way to book and pay for your SGR train ticket. You can access metickets through the KRC website. Metickets allows you to book your ticket and pay for it using M-Pesa.
SGR Kenya Train Schedule
The SGR train operates two services daily, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. The inter-county train runs in the morning and makes stopovers after leaving the Nairobi Terminus at 8:00 a.m. It arrives at the port city of Mombasa at 1:42 p.m.
The afternoon train departs from Mombasa Terminus at 3:15 p.m. and arrives at Nairobi Central Station at 8:58 p.m.
You must arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure you get your train. You can also check the train schedule on the Kenya Railways website or download the Madaraka Express App for easy access to the train schedule.
The SGR train schedule is designed to cater to the needs of different travelers. If you prefer to travel in the morning, the 8:00 a.m. train is perfect. On the other hand, if you would like to travel in the afternoon, the 3:15 p.m. train is a great option.
The SGR train schedule is subject to change; confirming it before traveling is essential. You can check the Kenya Railways website or contact their customer service team.
The Madaraka Express SGR Train Experience
If you’re looking for a comfortable and stylish way to travel between Mombasa and Nairobi, look no further than the Madaraka Express. This train service offers three classes of travel: Economy, First Class, and Second Class, so there’s an option for every budget.
No matter which class you choose, you’ll enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride on the SGR Madaraka Express train. The train has modern amenities like air conditioning and free WiFi to stay connected and comfortable throughout your journey.
But the Madaraka Express experience is more than just a comfortable ride. When you book your ticket, you’ll enjoy excellent customer service that goes above and beyond. You can book your ticket online; payment is easy with options like MPESA.
The staff is ready to help you with anything you need. Whether you need help finding your seat or want to buy a snack from the onboard cafe, the team is always happy to help.
If you opt for First Class, you’ll enjoy even more amenities like wider seats (2 by 2 across the car width), a dedicated lounge area, and complimentary meals and drinks. But no matter which class you choose, you’ll be treated to a safe and comfortable journey that will get you to your destination on time and in style.
Safety and Comfort on the Train
When traveling on the SGR, safety, and comfort are top priorities. The train has modern amenities to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. Here are some of the safety and comfort features you can expect on the train:
Safe
- CCTV cameras are installed throughout the train to monitor passenger activity and ensure safety.
- Each coach has an emergency alarm system that can be used.
- The train is equipped with fire extinguishers and first aid kits in case of any accidents.
- The train has a speed control system that ensures safe and efficient travel.
Comfortable
- The train has air conditioning, which helps regulate the temperature and keep passengers comfortable.
- The spacious seats have ample legroom to ensure a comfortable ride.
- Each coach has a washroom cleaned regularly to maintain hygiene.
- The train has a dining car, where passengers can enjoy various meals and snacks.
In addition to these features, the train has a baggage storage area, power sockets, and free Wi-Fi to enhance passenger comfort. With these safety and comfort features, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your journey on the SGR.
Additional Services and Amenities
When you book your SGR train ticket, you are not just getting a seat on a train. The SGR offers additional services and amenities to make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
Restaurants
Enjoy the food at the restaurants before or after your journey at the Mombasa and Nairobi termini. If you have any dietary restrictions, make sure to inform the staff.
Bus Stops
If you need to get to a location not directly accessible by train, the SGR offers bus services to various destinations. These buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and convenient ways to reach your final destination.
Stops
The SGR has stops at various locations along the route, making getting on and off the train easy. Some stops include Mariakani, Voi, Mtito Andei, and Athi River. Please let the train staff know beforehand if you need to get off at a specific stop.
Other Amenities
In addition to restaurants and bus stops, the SGR offers several other amenities to make your journey more comfortable. These include:
- Charging Ports: Keep your devices charged with charging ports at every seat.
- Comfortable Seats: The seats on the SGR trains are designed for comfort, with ample legroom and adjustable headrests (especially for first class).
- Luggage Storage: Each carriage has luggage storage areas to stow your bags during the journey safely.
Overall, the SGR offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel between Nairobi and Mombasa.
Traveling from Nairobi to Mombasa
If you are planning to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) offers a comfortable and efficient mode of transportation. The SGR is a modern railway system that connects the Nairobi terminus and Mombasa terminus with a travel time of approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. Here are a few things you need to know before booking your SGR ticket:
Booking your SGR ticket
You can book your SGR ticket online through the SGR website or at the SGR station. Booking your ticket online is convenient and easy, and you can pay using various modes of payment, including M-PESA and credit cards. Please feel free to book your ticket days in advance to avoid last-minute rush and disappointment.
SGR train schedule
The SGR train schedule is designed to cater to different travel needs. The train departs from Nairobi at 8:00 a.m. and arrives in Mombasa at 12:30 p.m. A train departs from Nairobi at 2:30 p.m. and arrives in Mombasa at 7:00 p.m. If you prefer traveling at night, a night train departs from Nairobi at 10:00 p.m. and arrives in Mombasa at 6:00 a.m.
SGR train fares
The SGR train fares vary depending on the class of travel. There are two classes of travel, namely economy class and first class. The economy class ticket costs Ksh 1,000, while the first-class ticket costs Ksh 3,000. Children under three travel for free, while children between the ages of three and eleven pay half the fare.
SGR travel tips
Here are a few tips to make your SGR travel smooth and hassle-free:
- Arrive at the station early to avoid the last-minute rush.
- Carry your identification documents, such as your ID card or passport.
- Pack light luggage to avoid inconveniences during boarding and alighting.
- Follow the SGR rules and regulations, such as not smoking or drinking alcohol on the train.
In conclusion, traveling from Nairobi to Mombasa by SGR is a convenient and comfortable option. You can book your ticket in advance of your date of travel and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Kenya Railways Stations
Here is a list of the Kenya Railways SGR stations and their locations:
- Nairobi SGR Station: Located at Syokimau, just south of Nairobi’s capital. The station is easily accessible by road and public transport.
- Mombasa Terminus: Located in Miritini, Mombasa. The station is the final stop for the SGR train, and it is well-connected to the city center.
- Kibwezi Station: Located in Kibwezi town, the station serves the surrounding areas, including Makueni County.
- Athi River Station: Located in Athi River town, the station serves the surrounding areas, including Machakos County.
- Emali Station: Located in Emali town, the station serves the surrounding areas, including Kajiado County.
- Miasenyi Station
- Mariakani Station: Located in Mariakani town, the station serves the surrounding areas, including Kilifi County.
- Mtito Andei Station
- Voi Station: Located in Voi town, the station serves the surrounding areas, including Taita Taveta County.
Each station has unique features and facilities to cater to the needs of passengers. For instance, Nairobi Terminus has a spacious waiting area, luggage storage facilities, and a restaurant where passengers can grab a bite before boarding the train. Mombasa Terminus has a similar setup, with a restaurant, luggage storage facilities, and a waiting area.
Other stations have basic facilities such as restrooms, ticketing offices, and waiting areas. It is important to note that most stations do not have food vendors, so passengers are advised to carry their snacks and drinks.
In conclusion, knowing the various Kenya Railways stations is crucial when booking your SGR ticket. Each station has its unique features and facilities, and it is vital to choose a station that is convenient for you.
Online Portal and Social Media
If you prefer to book your SGR train tickets online, visit the official website at metickets.krc.co.ke. This website offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to book your tickets easily and quickly. You can select your preferred train, starting station, and travel date, and pay for your tickets using Mpesa.
You can also book your train tickets through the SGR online portal. The online portal is accessible through any device with internet access, including your phone, laptop, desktop, or iPad.
The Facebook and Twitter pages have regular updates on the train schedules, ticket prices, and any service changes.
Overall, the SGR train service provides a convenient and reliable way to travel between different cities in Kenya.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SGR timetable?
The SGR timetable is a schedule that shows the departure and arrival times of the SGR trains. You can find the timetable on the SGR website or by contacting the SGR customer care number.
How do I book SGR tickets online via Mpesa, and what are the charges?
To book SGR tickets online via Mpesa, visit the SGR website and follow the provided steps. The charges for SGR tickets vary depending on the class and destination. With the convenience of mobile money, you can secure your travel plans from the comfort of your mobile phone.
What is the schedule for the SGR train from Mombasa to Nairobi?
The SGR train from Mombasa to Nairobi departs twice daily, at 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The journey takes approximately 5 hours.
What is the SGR customer care number?
The SGR customer care number is 0709 388 888. Please call this number for any questions or help with booking SGR tickets.
Can I book SGR tickets for multiple passengers at once?
Yes, you can book SGR tickets for multiple passengers up to 5, as long as it is within a 7-day window before departure. When booking online, please select the number of passengers you want to book for and provide their details.
How do I print my SGR ticket?
After booking your SGR ticket, you will receive a confirmation message (SMS) with a reference number. You can use this reference number to print your ticket at the SGR station or any designated ticket printing point.
What is the refund policy for canceled SGR tickets?
If you cancel your SGR ticket prior to the departure day, you are entitled to a refund. The refund amount varies depending on the time of cancellation and the ticket class. You can check the refund policy on the SGR website or by contacting the SGR customer care number.
