Kenya Railways Adds Extra Madaraka Express Train as Coastal Travel Demand Surges
The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has confirmed it will operate an additional Madaraka Express passenger train this weekend to accommodate a surge in travellers heading to the Coast.
In a notice issued on Thursday, the state agency said the extra Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train will run on Friday, November 14, and Saturday, November 15, 2025, to meet the growing passenger demand witnessed during this period.
“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 corporation announced in a statement.
According to the schedule, the additional train will make a round trip between Mombasa and Nairobi, departing Mombasa on Friday at 9:45 a.m., arriving in Voi at 11:21 a.m., before departing five minutes later at 11:26 a.m. and reaching Nairobi at 3:48 p.m.
The return journey will take place the following day, with the train leaving Nairobi for Mombasa at 9:45 a.m., arriving in Voi at 1:35 p.m., and departing again at 1:40 p.m. to reach Mombasa by 3:36 p.m.
Kenya Railways has urged passengers planning to use the service to book their tickets early to avoid last-minute disappointment.
“We encourage passengers to book their tickets early via www.metickets.krc.co.ke, use USSD by dialling *639#, or visit any SGR station countrywide to secure their seats,” the corporation said.
The announcement comes as the country approaches the festive season, a time traditionally marked by heavy travel to coastal destinations, raising expectations of more additional services in December.
The move follows remarks by Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga, who earlier revealed that premium class seats on the Madaraka Express are fully booked until February 2026.
Speaking during a press briefing on October 13, Mainga said the surge in demand had prompted the management to consider expanding its fleet to ensure sufficient capacity, particularly for high-end travellers.
“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.
Kenya Railways’ decision to deploy an extra train highlights the growing popularity of the SGR service as an affordable and efficient travel option between Nairobi and Mombasa. It also underscores the logistical challenges the corporation faces in keeping up with the country’s expanding domestic tourism sector.
With the festive season fast approaching, travellers are being urged to plan ahead, as more capacity adjustments are likely to be announced in the coming weeks.
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Kenya Railways Adds Extra Madaraka Express Train as Coastal Travel Demand Surges