A Traveler’s Guide to Booking the Nairobi-Nanyuki Train

The Nairobi-Nanyuki train journey is a delightful way to experience Kenya’s stunning landscapes. Stretching across 240 kilometers, this historic railway, completed in 1931, winds through six counties—Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, and Laikipia—offering passengers breathtaking views of rolling hills, vibrant wildlife, and the iconic Mt. Kenya. Whether you’re a local explorer or a visitor seeking a unique adventure, this train ride promises a memorable experience. This guide provides all the essential details to plan your trip, including schedules, ticket prices, and booking instructions.

Train Schedule and Route

The Nairobi-Nanyuki train departs once a week from Nairobi Central Railway Station on Fridays at 9:00 AM. The journey, which spans approximately seven hours, includes stops at Makadara, Dandora, Mwiki, Githurai, Kahawa West, Ruiru, Thika, Mitubiri, Makuyu, Maragua, Murang’a, Sagana, Karatina, Kiganjo, and Naromoru. For the return trip, the train leaves Nanyuki Station every Sunday at 9:00 AM, following the same route back to Nairobi.

How to Book Your Train Ticket

To ensure a smooth experience, Kenya Railways recommends arriving at least one hour before departure to purchase tickets and settle in. Tickets can be bought in person at Nairobi Central Railway Station, but arriving early is wise, especially during peak travel seasons. Alternatively, you can book in advance by calling +254 115 109 558 or +254 115 169 759.

For added convenience, tickets are available through Kenya’s eCitizen platform using the government paybill number 222222. Here’s how to book via M-Pesa:

Open the M-Pesa menu and select “Lipa na M-Pesa.”
Choose the “Paybill” option.
Enter the paybill number 222222.
Input the account number in the format NRPK-“BTS Number.”
Enter the ticket amount.
Confirm with your M-Pesa PIN and send.

Ticket Prices

The Nairobi-Nanyuki train offers two travel classes: First Class and Economy Class. Fares depend on the boarding and destination stations, with First Class tickets generally costing Ksh 1,000 and Economy Class ranging from Ksh 100 to Ksh 400. Below is a detailed breakdown of ticket prices for key stops along the route:

Nairobi to Nanyuki Route

Nairobi to Thika: First Class Ksh 500, Economy Class Ksh 150
Nairobi to Sagana: First Class Ksh 500, Economy Class Ksh 250
Nairobi to Karatina: First Class Ksh 1,000, Economy Class Ksh 300
Nairobi to Chaka: First Class Ksh 1,000, Economy Class Ksh 340
Nairobi to Nanyuki: First Class Ksh 1,000, Economy Class Ksh 400

Thika to Nanyuki Route

Thika to Sagana: First Class Ksh 500, Economy Class Ksh 120
Thika to Karatina: First Class Ksh 1,000, Economy Class Ksh 160
Thika to Chaka: First Class Ksh 1,000, Economy Class Ksh 200
Thika to Nanyuki: First Class Ksh 1,000, Economy Class Ksh 260

Sagana to Nanyuki Route

Sagana to Karatina: First Class Ksh 500, Economy Class Ksh 100
Sagana to Chaka: First Class Ksh 1,000, Economy Class Ksh 120
Sagana to Nanyuki: First Class Ksh 1,000, Economy Class Ksh 150

Karatina to Nanyuki Route

Karatina to Chaka: First Class Ksh 500, Economy Class Ksh 100
Karatina to Nanyuki: First Class Ksh 1,000, Economy Class Ksh 120

Chaka to Nanyuki

Chaka to Nanyuki: First Class Ksh 500, Economy Class Ksh 100

Nanyuki to Nairobi Return Route

Nanyuki to Chaka: First Class Ksh 500, Economy Class Ksh 100
Nanyuki to Karatina: First Class Ksh 1,000, Economy Class Ksh 120
Nanyuki to Sagana: First Class Ksh 1,000, Economy Class Ksh 150
Nanyuki to Thika: First Class Ksh 1,000, Economy Class Ksh 250
Nanyuki to Nairobi: First Class Ksh 1,000, Economy Class Ksh 400

Chaka to Nairobi Route

Chaka to Karatina: First Class Ksh 500, Economy Class Ksh 100
Chaka to Sagana: First Class Ksh 1,000, Economy Class Ksh 120
Chaka to Thika: First Class Ksh 1,000, Economy Class Ksh 200
Chaka to Nairobi: First Class Ksh 1,000, Economy Class Ksh 340

Karatina to Nairobi Route

Karatina to Sagana: First Class Ksh 500, Economy Class Ksh 100
Karatina to Thika: First Class Ksh 1,000, Economy Class Ksh 160
Karatina to Nairobi: First Class Ksh 1,000, Economy Class Ksh 300

Sagana to Nairobi Route

Sagana to Thika: First Class Ksh 500, Economy Class Ksh 120
Sagana to Nairobi: First Class Ksh 500, Economy Class Ksh 250

Thika to Nairobi

Thika to Nairobi: First Class Ksh 500, Economy Class Ksh 150

Food and Refreshments

A catering service, Morans, provides food and drinks for purchase on board. However, passengers are welcome to bring their own snacks and meals to enjoy during the journey.

Contact Information

For additional inquiries or assistance, reach out to Kenya Railways:

Location: Along Workshops Road, Off Haile Selassie Avenue, Nairobi
Phone: +254 709 907 000, +254 115 169 759, +254 115 102 559
Email: [email protected]

Final Thoughts

Booking a ticket for the Nairobi-Nanyuki train is simple and opens the door to an unforgettable journey through Kenya’s heartland. With its rich scenery, comfortable travel options, and affordable fares, this train ride is an excellent way to explore the country’s natural beauty. Plan ahead, secure your ticket, and prepare for a scenic adventure.