Brief Encounter. Of romance & railways – Kenya’s SGR train ride
Feb 14, 18
15,486 views

exterior SGR train station Mombasa

Brief Encounter – the muzungu’s complete guide to Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) ‘Madaraka Express’ train between Nairobi and Mombasa

Diary of a Muzungu Mombasa SGR station
Diary of a Muzungu hits Mombasa SGR (Standard Gauge Railway) station

Ah, the romance of train journeys!

My love affair with trains started as a child when my Mum and I would take an occasional train journey to London. As the train pulled into the stately St Pancras station, passengers would pull down windows to open the heavy doors and jump from the still-moving train onto the platform. I can still feel the reverberations of those doors slamming shut behind them. I can smell the diesel. I can hear the whistle as the train gets ready to depart.

coffee on the Lunatic Express Kenya train
Coffee poured from an old silver coffee pot as we rolled through the night – now THAT’S what I call a train journey! RIP the Lunatic Express. I loved you once

European culture resonates with train imagery: grand architecture, long cross-country journeys, meetings with strangers. The 1945 film Brief Encounter is centred around a railway station and is regarded – in Britain at least – as one of the best romantic films of all time. It’s a personal favourite, for its unspoken desires, and the dramatic tension between the two lead actors. The station’s night time setting heightens the drama of this clandestine affair.

Brief Encounter film poster
The 1945 film Brief Encounter is set in a railway station

My love for the railways was rekindled in East Africa when my friend Amy and I took the Rift Valley Railways commuter train across Kampala.

Rift Valley Railways Kampala train
Early morning mist over the swamp outside Kampala

However, the romance was to be short-lived: the first stop was the abattoir. Sadly, this Rift Valley Railways train is already out of service. (How? Why? Grrrr!)

Nonetheless, the short 20 minute journey fired my imagination and had me researching the Uganda Railway and its history. This led to a far bigger adventure: traveling from Nairobi to Mombasa on the infamous Lunatic Express – a journey many had warned me against taking. It took us an incredible 23 hours… in a heatwave no less.

Lunatic Express train Nairobi to Mombasa
We were some of the last passengers to take the historic Lunatic Express from Nairobi

Just last week, we finally got our act together to board the new Standard Gauge Railway train, but a few questions remained:

Would the train leave on time?

Would it be as exciting as our first rail journey between Kenya’s two biggest cities?

Would it have the same sense of history?

Would I be able to buy a cold Tusker on the train?

Would there be romance… ?

This is the muzungu’s guide to taking Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway train between Nairobi and Mombasa, based on my personal experience of the original Lunatic Express, the bus and the SGR train. Branded ‘the Madaraka Express’, this term still draws a blank with every Kenyan I have spoken to! I compare the new SGR train ride and the bus, describe Mombasa and Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway stations and tell you what it is like on the train. I share tips for using the SGR train, the booking process and how to pay by M-Pesa. I also suggest a few ways the service could be developed for an even better traveling experience.

SGR train Kenya. Mombasa station.Diary of a Muzungu
Passengers gettings off the SGR – Madaraka Express – train at Mombasa station

The SGR train is deemed to be a great success and has carried over 100,000 passengers since its inaugural trip on May 31st 2017. At 3,000 Kenya shillings (KES), even first class tickets represent good value for money (and are certainly cheaper than flying). We opt for second class tickets, which are cheaper than bus tickets, at just 1000 KES each. (Prices correct November 2018). We take the bus from Nairobi to Mombasa and the SGR train for the return leg of the trip.

*May 2019* Kenya Railways has announced changes that will be effective June 1st 2019. Scroll down this page to read the update from them.

Here’s our story of the bus and the SGR train, and the pros and cons of each mode of transport. In summary, the train wins but the advantages are not clear cut. Here’s why:

As befits railway infrastructure grands projets, Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway station is an impressive structure. The building has been designed well to accommodate the flow of passengers. It is light and spacious.

There is high security at Mombasa SGR station. It starts with the (very inconvenient) stop before the bridge above the station. Julia persuades the police to let our tuk tuk full of baggage drive across the bridge and down the ramp, but not all train passengers are as fortunate. Many have to walk.

In a temporary-looking structure in front of the station, we dutifully place our bags in front of the sniffer dogs. I know I’m going to be asked to delete the photo, but I still risk taking one!

Mombasa SGR terminus. SGR train Kenya
Our first security check at Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway terminus

Next our bags are scanned and our bodies frisked. We go through this process a second time as we enter the main building. Julia is quizzed about her penknife and a glass bottle. At the entry to the main building are two security information boards but, by the time you’ve reached the SGR station, it’s too late to act on much of the information displayed. (An advisory email or SMS would be useful).

We eye up the futuristic-looking glass elevator.

“Are you first-class people?” Asks the security operative. “Yes! Of course we are.” (It’s a shame we only have second-class tickets though!) The elevator goes to the first class VIP waiting area only, on the floor above ours. We take the escalator, giggling.

Security is tight. Staff don’t like us taking photos and I am told off, more than once!

In the ticketing area, a large board shows the availability of trains for the coming eight days. It appears that first-class tickets are sold out quickly: all first-class tickets have been sold out for three days, and very nearly sold out for another three days. Afternoon trains are the most popular.

Mombasa SGR terminus information board. SGR train Kenya
The information board at Mombasa SGR terminus gives live updates on the numbers of seats available

“Please go to the counter for real-time updates” says the sign but why not use the public address system to make life easier? It doesn’t make sense to ask several hundred people to queue at the counter for updates.

There are several toilets in the building, although not enough. Our floor has a disabled toilet, and three other stalls. We find them to be clean. Ladies, there is even toilet paper!

I am gobsmacked that there is nowhere to buy anything to eat or drink at Mombasa SGR station, not even water. Neither do we see any drinking water fountain. What happens if you are taken ill? It would take you between 15 and 30 minutes to exit the station, walk up the long ramp, cross the bridge, buy water, come back the same way – and then pass back through three lots of security. If you’re ill, disabled or with children, you’re going to struggle. Plan ahead.

The station has hundreds of seats, but more are needed. Why isn’t there any Wi-Fi? (There’s none on the train either). You can’t smoke in the station.

There is a prerecorded announcement to advise when it is time to board the train. The lady has a Chinese accent. We leave exactly on time: 3.15 in the afternoon. Three Chinese managers stand on the platform to watch the train pull away from the platform.

SGR train Kenya. Mombasa station. Diary of a Muzungu
The clocks on the platform at Mombasa Terminus bring to mind the iconic image from Brief Encounter
Brief Encounter. station clock
Laura, actress Celia Johnson, walks under the station clock in the classic film Brief Encounter (1945) Credit: ITV/REX Shutterstock

What’s it like on the SGR train?

The train feels fresh and cool as we enter. It’s very clean. First impressions are good.

overhead bag storage SGR train Kenya
There is plenty of luggage room overhead. There is also space for bags underneath the seats. The distance between the aisle seats is fairly wide
SGR trainseating
SGR staff member David attends to everyone’s storage needs, carefully aligning bags to ensure maximum fit. Look at his protective mat!

There is a small table between each set of seats. I feel like we’re travelling in a caravan.

Curtains allow you to block out the afternoon sun. Next to the window seat is a small hook for a coat or handbag.

Although we have three seats – 98, 99 and 100 – only two of the seats are next to each other. The seat numbering system is confusing.

A man and a woman push a small snacks trolley down the aisle. I fancy something to eat. Tea is 100 Kenya shillings, Tusker is 250 bob and a beef or chicken sandwich is 350. Sandwiches are fresh and tasty (although I’m not a big fan of sweet white bread).

SGR train. Kenya. Tusker lager. Diary of a Muzungu
Yes! Cheers! Time for a Tusker lager on the SGR train from Mombasa to Nairobi, Kenya

For the first hour of our journey, the train is quiet. After a while everyone starts chatting. That’s the upside of there being no WiFi.

To kill time, Julia and I tuck into some baobab fruit. Our tongues turn bright red with the food colouring. The baobab fruits looks as inviting as a fresh raspberry but are moss-covered stones that require several minutes hard sucking to release the sweetness.

Ten minutes after Voi station, Dianah calls out “Charlotte, you have missed elephants!” I’m sitting on the wrong side of the train to watch Tsavo’s wildlife. Our seats look onto the ‘transport corridor’ – the old railway line and the road, and that’s fine for now: I’m focused on comparing road and rail (the elephants can wait!)

empty carriage SGR train Kenya
Few trains are this clean at the end of a journey! Rubbish collected and floor mopped

There are regular messages to throw litter in the bin. The toilets are clean throughout the journey. Three quarters of an hour before Nairobi, a member of staff picks up the remaining rubbish. They even mop the floor!

We arrive at Nairobi SGR station five hours later, at exactly the time expected.

Nairobi SGR station is a state-of-the-art piece of infrastructure. It’s easy to navigate and well lit. We cross over the railway line to take the 50 bob shuttle train to Nairobi’s original railway station. SGR staff tell us it will take 20 minutes. It takes us 50 minutes. From the station, we take an Uber. It’s been a long day for us: we left Watamu in a tuk tuk at 7.30 am. Next we boarded a matatu from Malindi to Mombasa before taking another tuk tuk from the centre of Mombasa to the SGR station.

Photos of the SGR stations and route: the muzungu’s guide to the SGR ‘Madaraka Express’ train between Nairobi and Mombasa

Advantages of taking the Standard Gauge Railway train

The SGR train journey time is five hours.

The train is safe – no dodgy overtaking of container lorries.

The journey is smooth – no potholes. (No sports bra needed! Unlike traveling in a bumpy tuk tuk!)

The train is more spacious. Tall friends may prefer first-class for its legroom but second-class is fine as you can easily stand up and stretch your legs by walking between the carriages.

Travelling by train is more secure than the bus. There are numerous security checks before you get on the train – cameras in the station? The train doesn’t have seat belts (neither does it have to overtake into oncoming traffic).

The train has toilets.

The train has air-conditioning. It is dust-free travel – even in the dry season.

You can drink alcohol on the train. You can also buy other drinks and snacks.

It’s easier to watch birds and wildlife from the train!

Each train carriage has a dedicated member of staff. Our lady was very friendly.

The train is cheaper than the bus, if you buy a second class ticket. Ticket prices: 1000 Kenya shillings ($10) standard class. First class tickets are 3,000 KES ($30) each. (Discounts available for children). However, the train journey price works out substantially higher than the ticket cost alone since you have to factor in travel to and from the SGR stations (in remote locations outside the city centres).

Advantages of taking the bus

Some of us enjoy slow travel. The bus journey time is eight hours.

If you take the bus, you can get from the centre of Nairobi to the centre of Mombasa without having to change vehicle. If you have lots of bags, are travelling with children, or have mobility issues, you might prefer to simply take the bus.

You only have to buy one ticket for the whole journey, meaning less hassle. If you take the SGR, you have to allow extra time and additional cash for the connections.

Some buses have air-conditioning – but does it always work? Ditto the WiFi.

We enjoy our brief lunch stops and the chance to try the local food en route.

The bus has a few brief comfort break stops – a chance for smokers to step out.

You can choose your seats when you make your booking.

Ticket prices: Mash have seats ranging from 1,000 – 2,500 Kenya shillings ($10 to $25) according to the seat type.

Journey price = same as the ticket price. No extra costs.

Travel tips: how to book the SGR train AKA the Madaraka Express

The enquiry and booking process – online or in person

If you’re going straight to the last stop, choose the express train. The express journey time is 4 hours and 43 minutes. This runs in the afternoon, in both directions. The morning inter-county trains stop at Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Minsenyi, Mariakani. The inter-county journey time is 5 hours and 58 minutes.

Book early to avoid disappointment. Learn from our mistake! (We spent 25 hours on buses from Kampala to Mombasa – with just a half hour break between journeys – because we tried to book two days before departure when the train was already sold out).

Book in person at the SGR station but it’s a long way out of town. Pay by cash (only) in Kenya shillings.

Book SGR tickets online here.

Use your phone. Pay by MPesa (you’ll need a Safaricom Kenya SIM card to do this).  Just dial *639#.

If you want to book the SGR from outside Kenya, ask your tour operator to book your tickets or contact me.

“It ought to be plain how little you gain
by getting excited and vexed.
You’ll always be late for the previous train,
and always on time for the next.”
Piet Hein

Click here to see the rates for the SGR train – or Madaraka Express – on the Kenya Railways web site. Note that the fares are ‘promotional fares’ meaning they are likely to increase. Currently (February 2018) fares are 700 KES standard class and 3,000 KES first class. The web site also details fares between intermediate stations along the route.

If you want to choose your seats (sit next to a friend or be by the window facing in the right direction) book in person at the station.

To make a booking or enquiry call + 254 (0)709 388888 / 0709907000 / 0728603581/2

Print your tickets at the station.

You can book up to 30 days in advance.

The Standard Gauge Railway station in Mombasa is in Miritini

SGR train Kenya. Mombasa terminus
I like this big bold building!

To avoid Mombasa traffic, get on at the Mariakani stop. To do this you will need to get the slow (morning) train.

tuk tuk ride to Mombasa SGR
If you have the money, take a car or matatu to the SGR station. Being in the back of a tuk tuk in Mombasa traffic and pollution isn’t that enjoyable! Save the tuk tuk experience for Watamu 🙂

Three of us paid 700 KES for a tuk tuk from Fort Jesus to the SGR station. We had been quoted 1,500 KES for a car.

Leave enough time to walk for 15 minutes before entering the station.

Trains depart from Mombasa twice daily. The morning inter-county train departs at 8.20 AM (arrives Nairobi 2.18 PM) and the afternoon express train leaves at 3.15 PM (and arrives Nairobi 8.14 PM). Tickets are on sale between 5:40 AM and 4 PM. Tickets can be purchased up to ten minutes before departure.

At Mombasa SGR there is a wide range of taxis, buses and matatus. No need to book.

The Standard Gauge Railway station in Nairobi is in Syokimau, past the airport

Trains depart from Nairobi twice daily. The morning inter-county train departs at 8.20 AM (arrives Mombasa 2.18 PM) and the afternoon express train leaves at 2.35 PM (and arrives Nairobi 7.18 PM).

To get from central Nairobi to the SGR station, board the commuter train at Nairobi railway station. The fare is 50 bob (KES) between the two stations.

Would I recommend taking the SGR train?

Diary of a Muzungu gives SGR Kenya thumbs up
SGR gets the thumbs-up from me. Overall, I would recommend taking the train for the comfort it offers

I commend SGR for operating a reliable and affordable service. The infrastructure is excellent and the booking process easy but there needs to be more attention to the overall experience. Efficiency and cleanliness are important but the stations need water fountains, catering outlets and shops. (Not only is this useful for the passenger but it represents additional revenue streams for SGR – surely a no-brainer). SGR need to make Wi-Fi available at stations and on the train.

Uber map Nairobi railway station
An Uber met us at Nairobi railway station

I had to hotspot from my Ugandan phone to order our cab.

Statue. Chinese diplomat Zheng He. Mombasa SGR
Statue of fourteenth century Chinese diplomat Zheng He at the Mombasa Terminus. Kenya gets a mention here but the station is generally devoid of personality

“If I ran the railway”… I’d display information about the SGR project and its construction. Where is the history of the Uganda Railway? Where is the tourist information? Why not play some background music? Part of the travel experience is buying and reading a newspaper, finding something tasty to eat, learning something about the route and the destination, sharing photos and updates with friends online. People don’t only judge things by cost.

But was it exciting?

Did it live up to the hype?

Was there romance?

The boring issues of cost and logistics to one side, did the muzungu find the experience to be exciting?

Well yes, the novelty of the new experience made it worth the wait.

I can’t say the journey was romantic – unlike the Lunatic Express was. Everything about the SGR is too shiny and corporate.

For romantic interest, next time maybe I’ll just take a good book (or download a copy of Brief Encounter and daydream I’m there, underneath the clock, waiting …)

Have you been on the SGR train yet? How was it for you? Do tell.

If you enjoy train travel stories, my Lunatic Express story was an epic adventure.

For more views about the SGR / Madaraka Express, read East Africa tourism expert Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Thome’s blog ATC News.

We can’t wait for the day when we can catch the SGR train from Kampala to the coast for the week-end!

... If you love it ... share it! 😉

22 thoughts on “Brief Encounter. Of romance & railways – Kenya’s SGR train ride”

  1. Mc Swak says:

    Good piece, Mzungu. In my opinion the SGR is only good at satiating the curiosity about it in the first few months of its operation. The hustle of getting to the terminus on both ends and the low level of comfort (seats) will not attract much interest after the promotional fare period is over.
    I will stick to buses, Mash or Dreamline.

    1. the muzungu says:

      Thanks MC. I found the seats comfortable enough for the price and did feel safer than if we were travelling by road. You’re right though: the hassle of getting to each terminus is a real downside. Interesting to see how much tickets will be after promo period!
      We first travelled from Nairobi to Mombasa with Mash Cool (in fact we came all the way from Kampala with Mash Cool) and had no complaints – other than the very obvious length of time spent sat down!

      1. Jan Öhlund says:

        Have just arrived in Sweden after three month at Sun and Sand Kampala Village. I do agree on your views about the terminal in Mombasa. It is very impressive but its lack of water and things you want to buy while waiting is a drawback. Also impressed by your way of describing and putting light on all details of interest. Of course very valuable for anyone about to go by the train. I managed well and enjoyed the trip but would rather have red your blog before than after the trip.

        1. the muzungu says:

          Hi Jan, thanks for dropping by – sorry I didn’t take the SGR train sooner so I could share feedback with you! 🙂 – but actually the service (particularly the ability to be able to buy tickets online) has improved over the last months, so am happy to be able to mention that. I think the SGR is a success in many ways but it could be even BETTER.

  2. Priscilla says:

    You have definitely answered all my questions! Well done

    1. the muzungu says:

      Hi Priscilla, I hope you get to try the new SGR for yourself – it’s definitely a great experience! (And just imagine – it will be here in UG one day too!)

  3. Julia says:

    I’m biased toward the Lunatic Express but probably because I was lucky enough to share the 2016 journey with you and my lovely man…romance & adventure! Delighted to hear you will be travelling to Kenya more often.
    Love this blog – one of your best ever!

    1. the muzungu says:

      Thanks love 🙂 Always fab travelling with you!
      Looking forward to my next trip to Nairobi – could be sooner than I thought in fact…

  4. Jesus says:

    Well, you and Julia seem to like the Chinese trains running to the coast in Kenya.
    You will laugh, but it took me ages to work out what SGR means. You hear it on a daily basis in Uganda but not all of your readers do! In most other countries all railways are standard gauge so the initials do not make much sense.
    I found your photos of the trains interesting from a design perspective. The seat layout looks like it has been designed for small Asians. In Europe we have a 2 x 2 seat configuration across the carriage with armrests. Your photo shows three seats in a line without armrests. It must make it pretty uncomfortable sitting three in a row for hours. I do not think I would want to sit next to a big Ugandan Mama in those seats. It is bad enough on an aeroplane with arm rests in between, but still the neighbour seems to “expand” across borders like a very viscous fluid. So now we not only have out-of-town shopping malls but out-of-town railway stations. Seems to defeat one of the major benefits of travelling by train to me, with my experience of city centre railway stations.

    1. the muzungu says:

      SGR = Standard Gauge Railway, yes – and there’s plenty to write about this phenomenal infrastructure project which will one day allow us to travel from the interior of East Africa onto the coast. Imagine being able to pop down to the coast to the weekend! Or go to Bujumbura in Burundi to party!
      Interesting observations regarding the lack of armrests. We felt comfortable enough because we were not too big (or wide!), I suppose. We had no children and all bags were stowed away efficiently. Compare this with the bus that we had taken on the way there…
      It’s a big downside to have to travel out of town to catch the train.

  5. Isabell says:

    Hi there!

    I just discovered your blog and I must say I’m very impressed. Not only are you incredibly informative but everything is up to date.

    I will be travelling to Uganda in September but will spend about 8 days in Kenya beforehand. This will be my first solo trip and I feel so unprepared. I was wondering if I could message you privately to get some advice?

    Thanks,
    Isabell

    1. the muzungu says:

      Hi Isabell, “thanks for the appreciation” as we say here in UG 🙂
      You’re welcome to contact me – just click here.

  6. the muzungu says:

    All fares and route times were checked November 2018 using information from the Madaraka Express web site.

  7. Hello mzungu
    I love travelling using sgr actually have been using severally tried both 1st class and 2nd class and the experience is both wow but 1st class they offer free coffee or tea the leg room is worth the money service is great now there are shops and even somewhere you can eat in nairobi terminal in mombasa they have shops too where you can buy a drink for me SGR all the way

    1. the muzungu says:

      Hi Caroline, good to hear there is now something to buy at the SGR terminals! I hope to travel on the train again soon…

  8. the muzungu says:

    An important update from Kenya Railways regarding the Madaraka Express. Effective June 1st 2019.
    Many of these changes will be very welcome!
    An important update from Kenya Railways regarding the Madaraka Express. Effective June 1st 2019

  9. Patricia Buscemi says:

    As always your chronicles are so delicious and so so much helpful!!! I will take the Madaraka Express this year after my visit to Uganda so… Aaaaaaaaah!!! So exited!!!!
    Thank you for your great input Charlotte!!!

    1. the muzungu says:

      Hey Patricia, I’m so glad you are finding my blog useful. I hope you have booked your train tickets already? The Madaraka Express sells out very quickly… weeks in advance and you are coming at a busy time of year.

  10. Rene says:

    Hi Muzungu, your blog is really informative. Thank you for this information.

    1. the muzungu says:

      Hi Rene, I’m delighted you’ve found it useful 🙂 Happy travels!

  11. the muzungu says:

    Travel blogger colleague Solomon Oleny recently took the Standard Gauge Railway between Nairobi and Mombasa. He shared his impressions of the journey with Diary of a Muzungu.

    On a positive note he found the train to be clean and punctual. “They did their best” to manage COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures.

    What he found lacking was the communications. He did not know until he tried to boarded that he would not be able to carry a bottle of Uganda Waragi (alcohol) that he wanted to gift a friend in Mombasa. He therefore had to leave the bottle at the station in Nairobi and collect it on his return ( a big detour apparently). As he said, the organisation should have been able to help him ferry the package. They did not offer him an alternative (why could they not take it as a parcel or via a courier service?)

    He also complained about the fact that we can’t take photographs in the stations or on the train. (This is disappointing in the extreme to travel professionals like us).

    Other things that are creditworthy: it was easy to get an Uber in Nairobi; there is a private booth for breastfeeding mothers at Nairobi station.

    We both lamented the lack of tour guiding on the train. It would have been wonderful to have some guidance on what to look out for. Solomon saw five elephants as he was crossing Tsavo!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.