As of early 2025, the SGR Safari Train provided an alternative to bus or shuttle transport between Nairobi and Kisumu, reducing the journey to approximately 12 hours. The service offered the advantage of lower fares compared to other transport options. However, due to the current suspension, travelers must seek alternative transportation methods.
The Nairobi to Kisumu Train is managed by the Kenya Railways Corporation of Kenya. The Safari Train was reintroduced in December 2021 to replace the old meter-gauge railway (MGR) as part of the rehabilitated standard railway system. When operational, the Nairobi to Kisumu Safari Train operated once weekly, serving both local and international tourists.
How to Book the Nairobi-Kisumu Safari Train
The Nairobi Kisumu Safari Train has a 212-passenger capacity and requires advance bookings before reaching capacity. Unlike the Madaraka Express Train (Inter County, Express, and Susswa), which has an online booking portal, the Safari Train does not support online reservations.
When operational, booking for the Nairobi to Kisumu Train requires purchasing tickets physically at major SGR stations along the route, including:
- SGR Nairobi Central Station
- Nakuru Station
- Kisumu Station
The Booking Hours are from 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, or alternatively, you can also make your reservations directly via a phone call with the following contacts being available: Nairobi office at 0115169759 or Kisumu office at 0115102558
Nairobi-Kisumu Safari Train Fares
Before you decide to make your Booking or even during the process, you will be required to pay for your journey, a process that demands you also understand the type of classes the Kisumu Safari Train offers. The train offers two types of classes. The first is the economy class, which is much cheaper at Ksh 600 for a one-trip journey; it offers basic seating, no Wi-Fi, and standard restrooms.
The other type of class available is the First class, which is a bit more expensive and available at Ksh 2,000, allowing you to benefit from all the amenities, including spacious seats, WIFI, and commentary refreshments on the journey.
Here is a clear breakdown of the two classes:
| Class | Fare (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| Economy | 600 |
| First Class | 2,000 |
Between the two destinations, depending on where you are travelling from, there is the Nakuru destination; if you are coming from Nairobi to Nakuru, you will have to pay Ksh 300 (Economy) and Ksh 800 (First Class), and from Nakuru to Kisumu, you will pay Ksh 400 (Economy) and Ksh 1,300 ( First Class).
Nairobi-Kisumu Train Timetable
As mentioned previously, the Nairobi-Kisumu Safari Train takes about 12 hours, but you should know as a passenger that it only operates once a week. The train departs from Nairobi every Friday at 5:30 P.m. and returns on Sunday from Kisumu to Nairobi at 6:00 P.m.
Below, I have summarized the information in a table to make it easier for you to understand:
| Direction | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Operating Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi → Kisumu | 5:30 PM | 5:30 AM | Every Friday |
| Kisumu → Nairobi | 6:00 PM | 6:00 AM | Every Sunday |
Frequently Asked Questions
How to book the Kisumu Safari train?
One can make their bookings by personally visiting the Nairobi Central Station, Nakuru Railway Station, and the New Kisumu Railway Station
On which days does the train run from Nairobi to Kisumu?
The train operates every Friday to Kisumu and returns to Nairobi every Sunday
What type of goods will be carried by freight trains to Kisumu?
- Containerized goods
- Petroleum Products
- Live Animals E.g. Cattle
- Farm and animal produce
Which other stations lie along the Nairobi Kisumu route?
- Nairobi Central Railway Station
- Kibera Railway Station
- Dagoretti Railway Station
- Kikuyu Railway Station
- Limuru Railway Station
- Upland Railway Station
- Longonot Railway Station
- Naivasha Railway Station
- Gilgil Railway Station
- Nakuru Railway Station
- Njoro Railway Station
- Elburgon Railway Station
- Molo Railway Station
- Londiani Railway Station
- Kipkelion Railway Station
- Koru Railway Station
- Muhoroni Railway Station
