Frequently asked Questions

Book a Train

Frequently asked Questions

Book your ticket through any of these channels:

  • Online via the website metickets.krc.co.ke.
  • USSD payment solution *639#.
  • Over the counter at the nearest Madaraka Express Passenger Station.

Do not keep in contact with any individual seeking to sell you tickets using other ways or means.

Economy & First Class ticket
  • Tickets should be rescheduled forty-eight (48) hours or more before the departure time indicated on the ticket irrespective of the date/time the ticket was purchased.
  • Rescheduling of tickets is done using the details provided during the initial booking instance (same class, same service, same person).
  • Tickets are rescheduled over the counter at the nearest Madaraka Express Passenger Service station.
  • Rescheduling a ticket will attract a 10% fee of the fare.
  • A ticket can only be rescheduled once.
  • Rescheduling is subject to availability of seats.
Premium Class ticket
  • Premium class tickets should be rescheduled forty-eight (48) hours or more before the departure time indicated on the ticket and attracts a 10% penalty.
  • Rescheduling is subject to availability of seats.
  • Ticket rescheduling is processed using the details provided during the initial booking (same class, same route and same person).
  • Premium class tickets are rescheduled online at metickets.krc.co.ke; one does not need to visit the nearest Madaraka Express Passenger Service station.

Cancellation
  • Cancelling of tickets should be done forty-eight (48) hours or more before the departure time indicated on the ticket irrespective of the date/time the ticket was purchased.
  • Provide the original identification documents and a photocopy of the same; the copy is retained as a record.
  • Refunds are subject to paying a 30% fee of the fare.
  • Cancellations/refunds are done over the counter at the nearest Madaraka Express Passenger Service station.
  • Refund requests are rejected if the tickets are damaged or tampered with.
  • Once a ticket has been rescheduled, it cannot be cancelled.
Premium Class ticket
  • Premium class tickets must be cancelled forty-eight (48) hours prior to departure time indicated on the ticket and attract a 30% penalty.
  • Premium class tickets are cancelled online at metickets.krc.co.ke; one does not need to visit the nearest Madaraka Express Passenger Service station.
  • Once a ticket has been rescheduled, it cannot be cancelled.

  • An Economy Class ticket costs Ksh. 1,500.
  • A First Class ticket costs Ksh. 4,500.
  • A Premium Class ticket costs Ksh. 12,000 for a one way ticket and Ksh. 20,000 for a return trip for an adult.
  • Children between 3–11 years travelling with adults pay half fare; children over 11 years pay the full fare; children below 3 years do not pay the fare.

The categories of tickets are:

  • Adult ticket – 12 years and above: full price.
  • Minor ticket – 3 years to 11 years: half price (must show the birth certificate).
  • Infants – below 3 years: no charge.

Children below 3 years are not required to purchase a ticket provided the child does not require a seat. If a seat is needed or there is more than one child, minor fare applies.

You may use the following modes of payment when purchasing the ticket:

  • M-Pesa through a SIM toolkit only.
  • Point of Sale (POS) over the counter.

The advance ticket booking window is 60 days.

We do not facilitate group bookings. All bookings can be done via:

  • Online via the website metickets.krc.co.ke.
  • USSD payment solution *639#.
  • Over the counter at the nearest Madaraka Express Passenger Station.

The service offers three trips between Mombasa and Nairobi and one roundtrip between Nairobi Terminus and Suswa station over the weekends:

  • Inter-county Train – Departs Mombasa and Nairobi Termini simultaneously at 8:00 am with stopovers at Mariakani, Miasenyi, Voi, Mtito Andei, Kibwezi, Emali and Athi River.
  • Afternoon Express Train – Departs Mombasa and Nairobi Termini simultaneously at 3:00 pm. From Nairobi, the train stops at Voi at 6:48 pm; from Mombasa it stops at Voi at 4:38 pm.
  • Night Express Train – Departs Mombasa and Nairobi Termini simultaneously at 10:00 pm. This train stops at Voi. From Nairobi it reaches Voi at 2:05 am; from Mombasa at 11:45 pm.
  • The Suswa Leisure Train – Operates between Nairobi Terminus and Suswa station every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Departs Nairobi Terminus at 08:50 am to arrive in Suswa at 11:10 am; return trip departs at 4:05 pm to arrive in Nairobi at 6:10 am.

  • Upon successful booking, one receives a confirmation message from Madaraka Express Passenger Service.
  • If the system fails to send the confirmation message, use the account number on your Mpesa transaction message and the phone number used to pay to print your ticket at the nearest Madaraka Express Passenger Station.

Our Termini (Mombasa and Nairobi) are accessible by:

Link train depending on departure time
  • In Nairobi, catch the link train from the Nairobi Central Station at 6:40 am, 12:50 pm and 8:10 pm.
  • Arrivals from Mombasa: link train available at 4:00 am, 2:30 pm and 8:30 pm.
  • In Mombasa, catch the commuter train from Mombasa Railway Station at 6:25 am, 12:35 pm and 7:20 pm.
  • Arrivals from Nairobi: train available at 4:10 am, 2:25 pm and 9:00 pm.
Public transport
  • Public Service Vehicles such as matatus, bodabodas or taxis.

The Premium Class Service offers a luxurious and comfortable journey between Nairobi and Mombasa with:

  • Spacious fully reclining and rotating seats.
  • Delicious meals and a wide selection of entertainment.
  • Baby changing areas and Wi-Fi.

The Nairobi Terminus is located in Syokimau area.

Mombasa Terminus is located in Miritini area.

You may use the following modes of payment when purchasing the ticket:

  • M-Pesa through a SIM toolkit only.
  • Point of Sale (POS) over the counter.

Lost tickets are replaced at the nearest Madaraka Express Passenger Station. The passenger is issued with a substitute ticket and will attract a 30% fee upon verification of details provided during the initial booking.

Passengers must carry their original identification document and original ticket to allow boarding. Accepted travel documents include:

  • Kenya Identification Card
  • Valid Passport
  • Military Identification Card
  • Valid Diplomatic ID
  • Valid Alien Card (Kenyan)
  • Valid Driving License
  • Kenya Police Abstract valid for 6 months
  • Birth Certificate – For minors below twelve (12) years

Madaraka Express Passenger Service tickets are not transferrable. The identification details of the person travelling must match the passenger details on the ticket. Do not purchase a ticket issued in another person’s name.

Yes, we have safe and secure parking.

Visit the nearest Madaraka Express Passenger Service station not later than 48 hours before the departure time indicated on the ticket. Carry the original identification documents and a copy of the identification documents of the ticket holder. This attracts a charge of 30% of the fare.

Pets are not allowed on the trains or at the stations.

Yes. NAS Serve Air Ltd is the onboard catering service provider.

You can print your train ticket at any Madaraka Express Passenger Station at the self-service machines found at the ticketing offices at all stations prior to boarding the train. You can do this on the day of your travel or anytime prior. In case of any challenges, seek assistance of the railway officials at the ticketing office. Tickets can also be printed over the counter.

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