Public transit within Kenya is generally reliable but subject to change with minimal or no notice. The information here may be out of date. We are not responsible for missed trips and lost reservations, deposits or ticket fares. Use this information at your own risk.
Standard Gauge Railway (SGR)
The SGR (Standard Gauge Railway) is the newer of the train options in Kenya, and replaces the ageing MGR (Metre Gauge Railway) on some routes.
Reservations can be made both online and in-person.
Online reservations require an M-Pesa account, which can only be done if you have a Kenyan Phone Number.
For peak travel it is advised to book ahead.
Too book the train from outside Kenya, you can use 12 Go Asia.
There are currently two routes operating on the SGR Network.
All trains have reserved seating and are usually air conditioned.
The SGR Station in Nairobi and Mombasa can be out of the way.
In Mombasa you can use a local bus or taxi to take you to the city centre.
An MGR train connecting the SGR station to downtown was announced. Some reports indicate this service is now operational.
It was not operational when I visited in March 2025.
In Nairobi there is an MGR train that shuttles passengers between downtown and the SGR station. Expect a commuter style train.
For more information:
Schedule and Fares
https://metickets.krc.co.ke/index.php
Nairobi – Mombasa
Several daily trains service this route, usually three.
Travel times can be as short as 5.5 hours for the night train (no stops), and as long as six hours for the day time train (makes all stops).
Economy, Business Class and First Class tickets are available.
Nairobi – Suswa
Suswa is a fairly common day trip for Nairobi residents on the weekends and for holidays.
I was one of two foreigners on the train when I took it.
Expect the locals to chat with you and offer you their food or drinks.
I got invited to a hotel for lunch and drinks by some local university students!
Trains operate Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
There is no business class.
Usually one train per day in each direction, so plan accordingly.
Metre Gauge Railway (MGR)
MGR (Metre Gauge Railway) trains are fairly old and antiquated. Delays are common when travelling outside Nairobi.
Most MGR trains are commuter routes in Nairobi.
Reservations are not required.
For more information:
Schedule & Fares
krc.co.ke/
Safari Train (Nanyuki)
A “Safari Train” to Nanyuki operates from Nairobi.
The train leaves Nairobi Friday morning and arrives back in Nairobi on Sunday in the afternoon.
Reports suggest the train is generally in good condition.
Bus & Ferry
Various bus routes exist in Kenya, and connect cities in Kenya to each other and to nearby countries.
Reservations are rarely, if ever, needed.
Some operators let you book online, but require an M-Pesa account.
In general, when travelling between capital cities, you shouldn’t need to wait more than a day or two to secure a bus.
To travel to Tanzania from Mombasa or Nairobi try Tahmeed Express.
I took the bus with them and it arrived on time.
Keep in mind most travellers need an eVisa to visit Tanzania.
The country seems to have stopped issuing visas on arrival.
The route from Mombasa to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania requires a ferry crossing, which is included in your bus fare.
To travel to Uganda, Rwanda or Burundi you may take a bus from Nairobi. Connections may be required, so plan plenty of spare time ahead.
I have been told of a ferry across Lake Victoria taking passengers from Kisumu in Kenya to Entebbe near Kampala in Uganda.
I was not able to verify if this does, in fact, exist.
I am not sure if there is any public transport connecting Kenya to Ethiopia, Somalia or South Sudan.
Transit NL 
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