Want A Train Ride? Here’s How To Book An SGR Train Ticket

The Standard Guage Railway (SGR) is Kenya’s faster and most comfortable train service option. Since its launch, the Standard Guage Railway (SGR) has significantly cut down the amount of time required for a journey from Nairobi to Mombasa. A journey which usually took 15 hours according to kenyanbackpacker.com, now takes less than 8.

Now for the important question; how do you book a ticket for the Standard Guage Railway (SGR) train ride?

Book SGR Train Tickets Via Terminal Booking Points

Well the Standard Guage Railway (SGR) tickets come in both First Class and Economy Class depending on your pocket ie budget.

For starters getting a ticket from one of the terminal booking points at either Syokimau or Miritini. One benefit of this option is that you can select the seat(s) you want as opposed to booking online where you could end up getting seats you do not like.

I know this part goes without saying, but make sure you have the money to pay for the tickets.

Book SGR Train Tickets Online

You can purchase Standard Guage Railway (SGR) train tickets via the official online portal which give customers the ability to choose the train (Express or intercounty), their departure time, as well as the type of seat they want (First or second class).

The online portal also supports payments via Mpesa. This is how to book the SGR train.

To purchase your Standard Guage Railway (SGR) train ticket(s) online, simply:

1. Visit https://metickets.krc.co.ke/
2. Once there, select the kind of train you want; either the Express of Intercounty.
3. Next select your departure (From) and Arrival points which would in the case of the Express Train be either Nairobi or Mombasa. For the intercounty train, there are many destinations and departure points including Voi and Kibwezi.
4. What comes next is selecting the departure date. You can make selections from the There’s a scaled down calendar available on the portal. Use it to fill in the blank calendar dialogue box with your preferred date.
5. Once done, click on the orange button “Book train”.
6. You will then be taken to another page which will take the details of your bookings as well as other information including the departure and arrival time, the number of seats that are available in both First Class and Economy Class, and an option to edit your booking information like the number of children or adults.
7. If you’re satisfied with the details captured above, you can go on to click ’Booking’.
8. Be sure to enter your full names, ID number or passport number as well as your nationality on the next page.
9. Next, type in your payment details, Mpesa number, email address and confirm the capture request.
10. Once done, simply agree to the terms and conditions by checking the box below,select either of the two options; ‘Pay Now’ or ‘Pay Later’.

Book SGR Train Tickets Via Phone Using USSD Code

1. First type in *639# and dial.
2. Next enter the amount and your Mpesa pin in order to complete the process. You will then get an SMS confirming payment to SGR.
3. After the SMS confirmation, SGR will send you a text with the details of your ticket.

Group bookings for up to 5 individuals can be made up to 7 days in advance. For a group booking of 20 individuals, the booking must be made 9 days in advance.

Before you travel however, it is important to get a print out of your ticket.

Book SGR Train Tickets Via Mpesa Paybill Number

To purchase Standard Guage Railway (SGR) Train Tickets via Mpesa Paybill number simply:

1. Go to your Mpesa.
2. Select Lipa na Mpesa.
3. Choose the Paybill option.
4. For the Business number select; 809888
5. For Account number, type in the word; ‘Ticket’ as your account number.
6. Next, enter the Amount depending on the ticket rates for the class(es) you want to purchase.
7. Type in your Mpesa Pin and then confirm your purchase(s)
8. Once done, you will receive an SMS confirming your Purchase.