PREMIUM
SGR Madaraka Express Train
AC 2+2 seating economy / 2+1 first class
2x daily · 08:00 + 14:35
Price
KES 1,000 economy / KES 3,000 first class
5h direct AC Meals available Modern train
Africa bus route
🇰🇪 Nairobi Mombasa 🇰🇪
Nairobi to Mombasa is Kenya's coast route. The SGR (Standard Gauge Railway) Madaraka Express train (opened 2017) is dramatically better than bus — 5h direct, modern AC train, KES 1,000-3,000 economy/first class. Bus alternatives (Modern Coast, Simba Coach, Dreamline) take 10-12h and are less comfortable. SGR train is booked online at krc.co.ke — book 3-7 days ahead. If SGR fully booked: Dreamline VIP overnight bus is the best road alternative.
Distance
480 km
Duration
5-6h (SGR train) OR 10-12h bus
Operators
3
Region
Africa
Scam-note + booking tips
Book SGR train ONLY at krc.co.ke (official Kenya Railways) — Nairobi touts sell fake SGR tickets. Book Modern Coast + Dreamline on 12go or at their downtown Nairobi offices. Also: Mombasa Old Town has active pickpocket issues — carry copies of passport, not the real one.
Operators comparison
RELIABLE
Dreamline VIP (overnight bus)
VIP 32-seat + Business 24-seat
2-3x daily overnight
Price
KES 1,800-2,800 (~$12-18)
AC WiFi Reclining Meals
RELIABLE
Modern Coast + Simba Coach
AC 40-seat + reclining
5-8x daily
Price
KES 1,500-2,500
AC Reclining
Book Nairobi → Mombasa
Live schedules + prices. Cancel free 24h before departure.
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Frequently asked
SGR train or bus Nairobi to Mombasa?
SGR (Madaraka Express) is dramatically better — 5h direct, AC train, modern facilities. Book at krc.co.ke 3-7 days ahead. Bus is 10-12h overnight in a seat. SGR economy KES 1,000 = same price as bus but 2x faster.
How to book SGR train Kenya?
Official website krc.co.ke — accepts foreign credit cards. Book 3-7 days ahead. Weekends + Kenyan holidays sell out. Present ID + printed ticket at boarding. AVOID all third-party ticket sellers — Nairobi has active fake-ticket scams.
Where do trains arrive in Mombasa?
Mombasa Terminus (new SGR station) — 5km northwest of Mombasa Island. Taxi or bus into central Mombasa/Nyali beach hotels KES 500-1,500 depending on distance. Diani Beach 45-60 min south by taxi.
Nairobi to Mombasa overnight?
SGR runs day only (08:00 + 14:35 departures). For overnight: Dreamline VIP bus (18:00-22:00 dep) is the reliable choice — arrives 06:00-08:00 Mombasa. Save a hotel night.