Kenya Railways Adds SGR Train As Nairobians Rush To Coast For Weekend Getaway
The corporation said the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) service will operate on Friday, November 14, and Saturday, November 15.
Marvin Chege 
Kenya Railways Corporation has announced the addition of an extra Madaraka Express train this weekend to cater to the rising number of travellers heading to the Coast.
In a notice released on Thursday, the corporation said the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) service will operate on Friday, November 14, and Saturday, November 15.
“We wish to inform our esteemed customers that an additional Madaraka Express Passenger Service train will operate on Friday, 14th November 2025, and Saturday, 15th November 2025, to accommodate the increase in passenger demand during this period,” the statement read in part.
Aerial image of the SGR Mombasa Terminus. /PCS
According to Kenya Railways, the special train will travel from Mombasa to Nairobi on Friday, departing at 9:45 a.m., arriving in Voi at 11:21 a.m., leaving again at 11:26 a.m., and reaching Nairobi at 3:48 p.m.
The return trip from Nairobi to Mombasa will take place on Saturday, departing at 9:45 a.m., stopping in Voi at 1:35 p.m., leaving at 1:40 p.m., and arriving in Mombasa at 3:36 p.m.
Travellers have been urged to secure their tickets early to avoid missing out. “We encourage passengers to book their tickets early via www.metickets.krc.co.ke, use the USSD code *639#, or visit any SGR station countrywide to secure their seats,” the corporation advised.
The move comes as Kenya heads into the festive season, when thousands travel to the coast for the holidays—hinting at possible additional trains in December to handle the surge.
Meanwhile, Kenyans planning coastal trips later in the year might face limited options after SGR management revealed that all premium class seats are already fully booked until February 2026.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, October 13, SGR Managing Director Philip Mainga said the overwhelming demand has prompted plans to procure more coaches and possibly introduce special trains during the festive period.
“The demand for this premium class is high, so we are now going to order more coaches and equipment to ensure that everyone is accommodated. And for your information, we are booked until February,” Mainga said.
He added, “We are fully booked for Christmas; we do not have any seats, but we are willing to run special trains and ensure that Kenyans go to Mombasa, enjoy themselves, and come back.”
This wouldn’t be the first time SGR has added extra trains during the holidays. In December 2024, Kenya Railways operated a special one-way service between Nairobi and Mombasa throughout the festive season, completing the six-hour trip between the two cities.
