How to Get from Nairobi to Mombasa: Train vs Flight (Complete Travel Guide)
Admittedly, when I planned my trip to Kenya, I didn’t even know there was a train from Nairobi to Mombasa.
Luckily, when I booked my flight, I was unsure of my return date, so I booked a one-way Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Mombasa and then learned there was a train option, so I booked that for the return journey.
I am glad that I had both the train and plane experience traveling between Nairobi and Mombasa and am here to share my experience on both so you can determine which is the best option for you. Here I will give an overview of my personal experience and opinions, as well as costs, travel times, booking and luggage information for both flying and train options between Kenya’s Capital City and Mombasa.
✈️Flying from Nairobi to Mombasa
I flew Kenya Airlines from Nairobi to Mombasa in late February 2026. My economy ticket, which I booked about a month in advance, included 23kg of luggage and a seat selection for approximately $80.
While I was unfortunate in that my flight was delayed numerous times, and updates were incorrect and inconsistent, my actual flight experience on Kenya Airways was pleasant. I found the seats comfortable, the crew was lovely, there was in-flight entertainment, and even on the 50-minute flight, a snack and beverage were served.
Had my flight been on time, it would have been an overall positive flight experience.
Flying From Nairobi to Mombasa Pros and Cons
➕Pros of Flying to Mombasa from Nairobi
Time - the flight is less than hour
Cost - flight prices can vary depending on airline, time of year, when booked, etc but are overall quite reasonable
Schedule - with several airlines flying this route, there is an available flight to fit almost any schedule
Flying Mombasa to Nairobi - the Mombasa airport is tiny and very easy to navigate, making it quick and easy
➖Cons to Flying between Mombasa and Nairobi
Time - even though the flight time is much shorter, the distance from the city center to NBO is further and traffic can be a big issue.
Cost - while flights are generally quite affordable, they are still more than the train
Luggage restrictions and costs
Delays - Delays are not especially uncommon with airlines flying from NBO to Mombasa. I learned this the hard way when my flight was delayed numerous times and left nearly 3.5 hours after it was originally scheduled. Of course, this is the exception and not the rule, but is always a possibility.
Nairobi Airport - Domestic Departures
Flights from Nairobi to Mombasa fly out of terminal 2 at NBO.
The terminal is quite small and very easy to navigate. There are two small cafes for coffee, drinks and food, as well as a good amount of seating throughout the terminal (though limited at the individual gates).
I have heard mixed things about the security line at Terminal 2, but my process was very quick and easy, taking all of 5 minutes. Others have report long lines down the sidewalk to pass security and enter the terminal, so I would recommend arriving at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight at NBO, just to be cautious.
⭐A note about security at Nairobi Airport
When driving in to the airport, there is a security stop prior to the road leading to the terminals. Passengers must exit the car with their luggage, and pass through a metal detector while cars go through a separate screening.
If you take an Uber or Bolt to NBO, you will exit the car with your luggage, pass through the security check and meet your driver on the other side (it is a quick and easy process, but can take some travelers by surprise the first time).
🚂Taking the Train from Nairobi to Mombasa
I am so glad I found out there is a train between Mombasa and Nairobi before I booked a return flight so that I would have to experience of both flying and taking the train.
After doing a bit of research, I found out there are 3 class options for the train ranging from luxe to economy. I opted for the mid-range option that fell between the SGR Premium Class and Madaraka Express Economy Ticket. I found the first class Madaraka experience very comfortable and a great price point.
Taking the Train Between Nairobi & Mombasa Pros and Cons
➕Pros of Madaraka Express Train
🪙Lower cost options
🌳Incredible views
🧳No luggage limits/fees
🍛Affordable food/drink options
➖Cons of Madaraka Express Train
🕜The journey takes longer than flying
❌Trains can sell out
💺You cannot choose seats, only fare class. If you are traveling with a companion, be sure to book tickets together if you wish to sit together.
🎫Tickets can only be purchased via M-PESA (Local mobile payment)
This can be prohibitive in booking tickets in advance, before arrival in Kenya and setting up an M-PESA account.
Use my Complete Guide to M-PESAand learn how to set up your account on arrival
How to purchase train tickets in Kenya without M-PESA?
Purchase on-site via credit or debit card
To book in advance: use a third party booking platform such as Bookaway or East Africa Shuttles. ⭐Both booking platforms have associated fees, but allow credit card or Paypal payment and assure advance bookings.
Mombasa-Nairobi Train Classes
There are 3 fare class offered on the train from Mombasa to Nairobi, making it an ideal option for any traveler. Whether you are traveling on Kenya on a budget, or looking for a luxury train experience, there is a train for you.
SGR Premium Class
If you are looking to travel between Nairobi and Mombasa but train in luxury, this is the option for you.
The SGR Premium Class on Kenya's Madaraka Express offers luxurious rail travel featuring spacious 28-seater carriages, inclusive meals, and dedicated concierge service.
💰A One-way ticket will cost passengers 1,200KSH (approximately $93USD).
The fare is inclusive of meals and full-service staff. This luxury train option between Mombasa and Nairobi offers first-class plane style seating, giving passengers ultimate comfort and privacy in train cars seating only 28 passengers.
This is the perfect option foy anyone looking for an elevated train experience traveling across Kenya and is willing to spend a bit more for the experience.
🕜The Madaraka Premium Express Train runs twice daily at 3:00p and 10:00p
🎫Purchase Premium tickets only through the official Madaraka Express site
Madaraka Express
The Madaraka Express is the national (and only) train provider in Kenya. In addition the luxe Premium class, economy and first-class tickets are available for travelers looking for a more budget-friendly train option between Nairobi and Mombasa.
Madaraka Express First-Class Tickets
When I was researching booking the train from Mombasa to Nairobi, it was highly recommended by many content creators, bloggers, and trusted travelers to book first class seats if they were within budget.
My main deciding factor in choosing first-class was the seat configuration. On the Madaraka Express, the economy seats face each other, and the first-class seats are wider and airline style (all forward facing). I am quite tall and am generally uncomfortable in train seats facing each other, so the extra $20 for the upgrade was well worth it for me.
I found the first-class cabin on the Madaraka Express very comfortable, with plenty of space.
💰4500KSH (approx $35USD)
🕜Twice Daily at 3pm and 5pm
Madaraka Express Economy Tickets
Economy train tickets from Mombasa to Kenya are a great budget-friendly option at only $12 each way. While they are not the most comfortable option, from reviews and feedback from travelers I met, it is more than tolerable
💰1500KSH (approx $12USD)
🕜Twice Daily at 3pm and 5pm
Madaraka Express Boarding Process
While the train between Mombasa and Nairobi is quite straightforward and simple, the security and boarding process can be a bit overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect, so here is a complete overview of the process so you know what to expect:
Kenya Train Security Process
The key to success here is really to pay attention.
While the process can be a bit chaotic with many people going through security at the same time, there is good signage and staff pointing passengers where to go and what to do.
The security points you will go through:
Cars are checked entering the parking lot/drop off zone
Join security line
Bags are place in front of passengers for dogs to sniff
Continue through luggage scanner/metal detector
Collect physical tickets
Join the line to enter the terminal
The line splits into male/female after initial security screenings, so be sure to get into the correct line.
The lines seem quite daunting and the whole process can be a bit chaotic, but it does move quite quickly and there is an order to the madness if you follow the flow of passengers.
Collecting Tickets for Nairobi/Mombasa Train
A physical ticket is required to enter the terminal and board the train between Mombasa and Nairobi. At both stations, there is a ticketing office after security.
⭐Pro tip: Everyone congregates at the automated machines, forming long lines. The ticketing agents can also print tickets are rarely have a line, so it is typically more efficient to see a live agent.
Madaraka Express Onboard Experience
I found the onboard experience on the Madaraka really pleasant. The staff was lovely and accommodating, there is a full service meal and beverage cart, as well as snacks available for purchase.
The bathrooms onboard aren’t luxury but were spacious and clean.
There is a cafe car with a bar for beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. The cafe car was a perfect place for my friend and I to sit since our seats were not together and we met and chatted with some other travelers while there.
Views
The Madaraka Express passes right through Tsavo National Park, where you can catch glimpses of wildlife including elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras and more. Be sure to keep an eye out while passing through the national park.
The views from the train were the highlight of the journey and made the longer trip well worth it.
Train or Plane to Mombasa/Nairob?
Whether you decide to take the train, fly, or a combination of both, you won’t regret adding a trip to Mombasa (or Diani Beach) to your trip to Nairobi, or vice versa.
With transit available at every price point, there is a transit option to Mombasa from Nairobi for every traveler! Hopefully, this overview and the comparison below, will give you all the information you need to choose which method of transit it best for you and your trip to Kenya.
Heading to Diani Beach? Be sure to check out my list of
A two-month house sit in Kenya turned into a six-month journey across Africa, from Kenya and Tanzania to South Africa and Morocco.
Exploring each country like both a local & a curious traveler—sharing insights on popular spots, gems, & where to eat, &e explore
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