As of 2025, you do not need to Book a Bus or even a Shuttle to travel from Nairobi to Kisumu and vice-versa because the SGR Safari Train has bridged the longer distance travel Journey to less than 12 Hours. And what its even more important this that using SGR to travel between the two counties also brings the advantage of paying a much less fare than using either a bus or a Shuttle. So, what is the Nairobi to Kisumu Booking process? In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything that you need to know and understand, including the fares and timetables.
The Nairobi to Kisumu Train is managed by the Kenya Railways Corporation of Kenya. The Safari Train was introduced in 2021 to replace the old meter-gauge railway (MGR) as a Standard Gauge Railway. The Nairobi to Kisumu Safari Train operates once a week, and whether you are a local or international Tourist, below is everything that you need to know.
How to Book the Nairobi-Kisumu Safari Train in 2025?
The Nairobi Kisumu Safari Train has a 212-passenger capacity and requires you to make your bookings on time before it is filled, prompting you to either make your bookings some other time or search for another means of transport. Unlike the Madaraka Expereyy Train ( Inter County, Express, and Susswa), which has an Online booking portal, the Sfarai Train does not support this.
To book for the Nairobi to Kisumu Train and vice versa demands that you purchase your tickets physically at Major SGR stations along the route which are the SGR Nairobi Station, Nakuru Station and Kisumu station for those looking to travel Back during the operational hours from 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Another alternative you can use is to make your booking via Phone reservations using the Nairobi office contact, which is 0115169759, and the Kisumu office contact, which is 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, with the first being 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 |
Questions And Answers
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
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
And there you have it. This is all you can learn about the Nairobi to Kisumu Safari Train in 2025. Well this article is very accurate as of the writing however when it comes to Fare structure we advise you to consult with booking offices as the structure may change without the best knowledge.
