Mombasa: by SGR train from Nairobi to the coast

The SGR train from Nairobi to Mombasa

The Madaraka Express runs on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) between Nairobi Terminus, in Syokimau, off Mombasa Road near JKIA, and Mombasa Terminus at Miritini, on the mainland west of the island. The journey takes roughly five to six hours depending on the service, and the line runs past Tsavo, so keep an eye out of the window for elephants and giraffes.

• Classes: First Class and Economy. First Class is quieter and more spacious.
• Booking: book on Kenya Railways' official online booking system, with the passport or ID number of each passenger. Check the payment options when you book. Seats sell out around public holidays and in December, so book early.
• On the day: arrive well ahead of departure. Security screening at the station is thorough, with bags checked more than once before you board. Carry your ID or passport.
• Luggage: there are limits on how much you can bring. Check the current rules when you book.

We can arrange your transfer to Nairobi Terminus and a driver waiting at Mombasa Terminus. Transfers are provided by our sister company, Urban Escape Luxury Cars.

Other ways to get there

Flights from Nairobi to Moi International Airport take about an hour and run several times a day. The road, roughly 480 kilometres (300 miles), is long and busy with heavy lorries; if you want to drive, make it a chauffeur-driven journey with a break on the way, and never drive it at night. For most visitors, the train or a flight is the better choice.

When to go

The coast is warm and humid all year. December to March is hot and mostly dry; the heaviest rain usually falls from around April to June; July to October is slightly cooler. During Ramadan, the Old Town is quieter by day and comes alive in the evening; be respectful about eating and drinking in public in the Old Town during daylight hours.

What to do

• Fort Jesus: the 16th-century Portuguese fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a museum inside. Go early before the heat.
• The Old Town: carved wooden doors, balconies, small mosques and spice shops. Walk it with a registered guide for the stories behind the streets.
• The Tusks on Moi Avenue: the city's famous landmark, a quick photo stop.
• North coast beaches: Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu are a short drive from the island, with calm lagoon water inside the reef.
• Further up the coast, Kilifi and Watamu make excellent day trips or add-on stays.
• Food: Mombasa is famous for Swahili cooking. Try biryani, pilau, samaki wa kupaka (fish in coconut sauce) and street snacks such as mahamri.

Where to base yourself

• Nyali: close to the city, with beach resorts, malls and restaurants.
• Bamburi and Shanzu: further north, more of a beach-holiday feel.
• The island and Old Town: smaller heritage stays for people who want to be in the middle of the history.

Ask us for our current, personally vetted picks.

With children

Choose a beach stay on the north coast with calm water and plenty of shade, and plan sightseeing for early mornings. Fort Jesus works well for older children, and the train journey itself is often the highlight for younger ones.

Staying safe and respectful

Dress modestly in the Old Town and the city centre: shoulders and knees covered is a good rule. Ask before photographing people. Use arranged transport at night, and keep phones and bags close in crowded streets. Speak to a travel clinic about malaria advice for the coast before you travel.

Ready to plan?

Tell us your dates and we'll arrange your train or flight, your transfers and your stay. Plan your trip with us, read our guide to getting around Kenya, or carry on south to Diani Beach.