- Kenya Railways will add one more Madaraka Express train to handle the surge in festive season travel demand, with daily runs from December 8, 2025, to January 5, 2026
- The Madaraka Express Passenger Service covers multiple routes, including Nairobi to Mombasa, and commuter links from Nairobi Terminus to Ngong and Suswa
- Madaraka Express ticket prices differ by class and distance, and children aged three to eleven pay half fare, while those below three years travel free
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Elijah Ntongai, an editor at TUKO.co.ke, has over four years of financial, business, and technology research and reporting experience, providing insights into Kenyan, African, and global trends.
Kenya Railways has announced the addition of more Madaraka Express trains to accommodate the expected increase in demand during the festive season.
Source: Twitter
The extra services will operate daily from December 8, 2025 to January 5, 2026 to offer flexibility and convenience for passengers travelling between Nairobi and Mombasa.
“Travelling to Mombasa or Nairobi this festive season? We’ve got you covered. An additional Madaraka Express Passenger Service (train) will operate daily from December 8, 2025, to January 5, 2026, giving you more flexibility and convenience for your holiday travel. Avoid the rush and enjoy a smooth, reliable journey. Book your seat early via (the website), dial *639#, or visit any SGR station countrywide,” Kenya Railways announced on its social media platforms.
Madaraka Express routes
The Madaraka Express Passenger Service runs multiple routes, including Nairobi to Mombasa and Mombasa to Nairobi.
Commuter services are available from Nairobi Terminus to Ngong and Suswa towns, with weekday operations for short-distance commuters and weekend long-distance services to Suswa.
The schedule includes early morning, afternoon, and night trains, ensuring travellers have multiple options to suit their plans.
Key stops on the Nairobi–Mombasa route include Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi, Mariakani, and Mombasa.
What are the Madaraka Express ticket prices?
According to the official pricing schedule provided by the KRC, ticket prices vary depending on the class and distance.
Premium class fares from Nairobi to Mombasa range from KSh 480 for short distances to KSh 12,000 for the full route, while the returning tickets cost up to KSh 20,000.
First-class fares start at KSh 180 and go up to KSh 4,500, while economy class fares range from KSh 90 to KSh 1,500 for the one-way tickets.
Below is an illustration of all the Madaraka Express routes between the Nairobi and the Mombasa termini and the ticket prices for the premium class.
Below is an illustration of all the Madaraka Express routes and ticket prices for the premium (one way and return), first and economy classes.
Source: UGC
Notably, children between 3 and 11 years old pay half fare when travelling with adults, and those over 11 years must pay the full fare, while children under three years are not charged any fares.
Who is running SGR operations in Kenya?
Earlier in 2025, TUKO.co.ke reported that Kenya Railways Corporation was set to fully take over the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) operations from Africa Star Railway Operation Company by the end of 2025.
Managing Director Philip Mainga confirmed that 98% of the work was already being handled locally as part of efforts to create more Kenyan opportunities.
Mainga noted that the railway contributes about 3% to Kenya’s GDP through efficient passenger and cargo transport, moving over 30,000 passengers daily and ferrying cargo from Mombasa to Nairobi in eight hours, while also operating vessels on Lake Victoria to support regional trade.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
