Kenya Railways Announces Additional December Season Trains [Schedules]

Kenya Railways has announced additional Madaraka Express trains to accommodate the increased passenger demand during the December festive season.

In a notice on Tuesday, December 2, Kenya Railways said the additional trains will run from Monday, December 8, 2025, to January 5, 2026.

The train from Nairobi to Mombasa will depart Nairobi at 09:40 AM, arrive at Voi at 1:35 PM, depart Voi at 1:40 PM, and reach Mombasa at 3:35 PM.

The train travelling from Mombasa to Nairobi will leave Mombasa at 4:30 PM, arrive at Voi at 6:15 PM, depart Voi at 6:20 PM, and arrive in Nairobi at 10:55 PM.

“Good news, travellers! To support increased demand this festive season, an additional Madaraka Express Passenger train will run from 8th Dec 2025 to 5th Jan 2026,” said Kenya Railways. 

How to Book Madaraka Express Tickets

Passengers are encouraged to book their seats early. Travellers can secure Madaraka Express tickets through three primary methods. Bookings can be made online via https://metickets.krc.co.ke, or by dialing the *USSD code 639# on a Safaricom line for quick mobile reservations.

Tickets are also available for purchase at any Madaraka Express station. Kenya Railways allows bookings up to 60 days before the travel date, and both the online and USSD platforms limit the number of passengers per transaction to 10.

Also Read: How to Cancel and Get a Refund for an SGR Ticket

Earlier in the year, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reported that the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) saw passenger traffic rise in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

According to the KNBS Quarterly GDP Report for Q2 2025, the number of passengers increased by 10.3 percent, reaching 658,600. Freight volumes on the SGR also increased, with cargo moved rising 8.7 percent to 1,894,400 metric tonnes.

SGR passengers increase

This marks the first rebound in passenger numbers since Kenya Railways introduced a 50 percent fare hike at the start of 2024. Before this recovery, passenger figures had dropped from 531,700 in Q1 2024 to 529,600 in Q1 2025, a decline of 0.9 percent.

KNBS further noted that overall SGR ridership in 2024 fell by 282,000 passengers compared to 2023, with 2,447,000 travellers recorded in 2024, down from 2,729,000 the year before.

The Madaraka Express passenger service offers fast travel between Mombasa and Suswa, stopping at several major stations along the way.

Also Read: Kenya Railways Releases Fare and Trip Schedules for New Mombasa Commuter Rail Service

The train passes through Mombasa Terminus, Mariakani, Miasenyi, Voi, Mtito Andei, Kibwezi, Emali, Athi River, Nairobi Terminus, Ongata Rongai, Ngong, Maai Mahiu, before completing its journey at Suswa.

Rules for Madaraka Express travellers

Passengers travelling the train are advised to be at the station at least one hour before departure. Boarding closes 11 minutes prior to departure, and the platform gates shut 10 minutes before the train leaves.

Travelers must present valid original identification when buying tickets and during boarding. Children under 3 years travel for free; those aged 3 to 11 pay half fare; and passengers over 11 pay the full fare. When traveling with more than one child, only one is eligible for the half-price rate, and the rest are charged the full fare.

If plans change, cancellations need to be made at least 48 hours before departure, and a 30% cancellation fee applies.

Rescheduling is allowed once, provided it is done 48 hours in advance, depending on seat availability, and incurs a 10% rescheduling fee. Should a passenger lose their ticket, it can be replaced after confirming the original booking, at a cost of 30% of the ticket price.

Passengers are reminded that alcoholic beverages and pets are not allowed on trains or on station premises, in line with a policy aimed at keeping the travel environment safe and comfortable for all.

For further assistance, customers can reach Kenya Railways at 0709 907 000 or 0709 907 555, email [email protected], or engage with the corporation through its social media pages.

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