The SGR – Standard Gauge Railway is a flagship project by the Government of Kenya as a transport component aimed at delivering Vision 2030 making Kenya a middle-income country by 2030. It is an infrastructure project that has changed Kenya’s transport sector and made travel more convenient, faster, and thrilling. The railway is managed by Kenya Railways ensuring that travelers have a seamless journey on board.
SGR Construction and Features
The SGR was built by China Communications Construction Company’s subsidiary China Road and Bridge Corporation. The project began in December 2014 facilitated by a Ksh 324,000,000,000 from Exim Bank in China. SGR’s passenger train has a speed capacity of 158km/h but is operated at 120 km/h and accommodates a maximum of one thousand two hundred and sixty travelers. Journeys are comfortable with the support of highly skilled and professional attendants clad in their exquisite uniforms.
SGR Train Stations
To facilitate intercounty travel via the railway, the SGR has established nine stations namely:
Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau
Mombasa Terminus in Miritini
Mtito Andei
Voi
Athi River
Emali
Mariakani
Miasenyi
Kibwezi
SGR Train Services
There are two types of trains operating on the SGR. These are the Intercounty train and Express train.
The Intercounty Train
This train leaves the Mombasa terminus at 0800 hrs taking 5hrs 42minutes to arrive in Nairobi. Stopovers made along the journey are in the Emali, Athi River, Mtito Andei, Kibwezi, Voi, Mariakani, and Miasenyi stations. Making two round trips per day, the intercounty train leaves the Nairobi terminus at 0820 hrs and takes 5hrs 58minutes to arrive in Mombasa.
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The Express Train
The Express Train does not make any stops along its journey making it suitable for travelers in search of a quick trip. It makes two round trips every day leaving Mombasa at 1515 hrs and takes 5hrs to arrive in Nairobi. From Mombasa, the express train leaves Nairobi at 1435 hrs and spends 4hr 43minutes to arrive in Mombasa.
SGR Ticket Booking
If you are looking to travel via the SGR, you can make an advance booking 60 days prior to the departure date and 62 days if you intend to travel as a group. Early bookings are advisable to prevent any inconveniences on the travel date. The holidays are an exciting time to enjoy group activities for family and friends. In case you are planning to take a group trip using the SGR, it is a requirement that one sends an email to either [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].
Passengers have three available options to make their bookings in preparation for travel. These are as follows:
1. Online Booking
An easy and convenient means to book for your seat is via the online platform metickets.krc.co.ke in the simple process outline below.
Visit metickets.krc.co.ke
Select either the Intercounty or Express train
Indicate your departure station
Indicate your arrival station
Key in the date of travel
Select either Second Class or First Class and key in the number of passengers set to travel
Input traveler details required which are full name, ID or passport number, and country.
Select payment method. (Payments are made via Mpesa)
2. USSD Payment
You can use this option to book up to five tickets in a single transaction. Simply key in *639# via a Safaricom sim card and follow the following process:
Select either the morning Intercounty train or the afternoon express train.
Indicate your departure station
Indicate your arrival station
Key in the date of travel
Select either Second Class or First Class and key in the number of passengers set to travel
Input traveler details required which are full name, ID or passport number, and country.
Select payment method. (Payments are made via Mpesa)
Once confirmed, travelers will receive an account number along with their mobile number to print travel tickets at the station.
3. Over the Counter
You can alternatively get your tickets at your departure station on the day of travel or in advance and make payment via local currency if via cash.
SGR Travel Costs and Refunds
For traveling in the First Class coach, passengers pay Ksh 3000 while Second Class Travellers pay Ksh 1000. In case one makes a booking and misses it, there are provisions for a refund. However, if one contacts the train staff after the train they were to travel in has already departed, they will not receive a refund. On the other hand, if one contacts the staff before departure, they will receive an 80% refund.
SGR Travel Contacts
You can visit www.krc.co.ke, email the team at [email protected] or make an inquiry call via 0728603582/ 0728603581/ 0708572574/0708571587.
