Kenya Railways has announced additional Madaraka Express passenger services between Nairobi and Mombasa during the festive season to accommodate increased demand from holiday travellers.
In a notice issued on Friday, November 13, the railway operator said the additional train would operate from December 1, 2026, to January 4, 2027, offering passengers more travel options during the holiday period.
“To accommodate increased passenger demand during the festive season, Kenya Railways will operate an additional Madaraka Express Passenger Service train from 1st December 2026 to 4th January 2027,” the announcement said.
The additional service will run daily in both directions, with the Nairobi-Mombasa train departing at 9:40 am and the Mombasa-Nairobi service leaving at 4:30 pm.
Kenya Railways Adds Daily Nairobi-Mombasa Train for Kenyans
Kenya Railways added that passengers travelling from Nairobi will arrive at Voi at 1:35 pm, depart five minutes later at 1:40pm for Mombasa, and are expected to arrive at 3:35pm.
For passengers travelling from Mombasa, the train will arrive at Voi at 6:15 pm and depart at 6:20 pm before reaching Nairobi at 10:55 pm.
Kenya Railways encouraged passengers planning to travel during the festive season to book their seats early to avoid missing out due to increased demand.
Travellers seeking additional information can contact the operator through 0709 907 000 or 0709 907 555, or email [email protected].
The additional services are part of Kenya Railways’ arrangements to manage the expected increase in passenger numbers during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Also Read: Kenya Railways Unveils Major Nairobi Commuter Rail Upgrade Project with 10 Targets
Schedules, Fares and Stops
The Madaraka Express operates three daily passenger services from Mombasa Terminus in Miritini to Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau. The journey takes approximately five to six hours, depending on the service selected.
Departing at 8:00am, the Inter-County train arrives in Nairobi at 2:10 pm, stopping at Mariakani, Miasenyi, Voi, Mtito Andei, Kibwezi, Emali, and Athi River.
The Afternoon Express leaves Mombasa at 3:00 pm and reaches Nairobi at 8:10 pm, making one brief stop at Voi.
For late-night travellers, the Night Express departs at 10:00 pm and arrives in Nairobi at approximately 3:35 am, with a single stop at Voi.
It offers two seating options: Economy Class, which provides affordable seating for budget-conscious travelers, and First Class, which offers more spacious and comfortable seats along with a few added amenities.
Also Read: How to Book SGR Train Tickets Online with Madaraka Express
Kenya Railways charges adult passengers Ksh1,500 for an Economy Class ticket, Ksh4,500 for First Class and Ksh12,000 for Premium Class.
Premium Class offers recliner-style seating, complimentary refreshments and priority boarding.
Children under three travel free of charge without a separate seat, while those aged three to 11 pay half the applicable adult fare. Passengers aged 11 and above are charged the full adult fare.
Passengers can book tickets up to 60 days in advance through the official Kenya Railways booking portal.
After completing the booking and paying through M-Pesa, passengers receive their electronic tickets via SMS and email.
Alternatively, travellers using Safaricom lines can dial *639# and follow the prompts to select their preferred journey and complete payment through M-Pesa.
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