The Nairobi to Kisumu Safari Train offers an alternative to bus or shuttle transport between Nairobi and Kisumu, reducing the journey to approximately 12 hours. The service offers lower fares than other transport options. The train operates seasonally, with Kenya Railways resuming service during peak travel periods, such as the festive seasons and holidays.
The Nairobi to Kisumu Train is managed by the Kenya Railways Corporation. 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 runs once a week, serving both local and international tourists.
The train resumed operations during the December 2025 festive season and continued into early 2026, operating on select dates to meet increased travel demand. Kenya Railways typically announces service schedules in advance through official channels.
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. Alternatively, you can also make your reservations directly via a phone call with the following contacts being available: Nairobi office at 0115169759, Kisumu office at 0115102558, or Kenya Railways headquarters customer care at 0709907000 and 0709907555.
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 option is economy class, priced at Ksh 900 for a one-trip journey; it offers basic seating, no Wi-Fi, and standard restrooms.
The other class available is First, which is slightly more expensive at Ksh 2,400 and includes all amenities, including spacious seats, Wi-Fi, and complimentary refreshments during the journey.
Here is a clear breakdown of the two classes:
| Class | Fare (Nairobi-Kisumu) |
|---|---|
| Economy | Ksh 900 |
| First Class | Ksh 2,400 |
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 when in regular service. The train departs from Nairobi every Friday at 6:30 PM and arrives in Kisumu at 6:30 AM the following day. The return trip departs on Sunday from Kisumu to Nairobi at 6:30 PM and arrives at 6:35 AM the next morning.
Below, I have summarized the information in a table to make it easier for you to understand:
| Route | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Travel Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi → Kisumu | 6:30 PM | 6:30 AM | Every Friday |
| Kisumu → Nairobi | 6:30 PM | 6:35 AM | Every Sunday |
During peak seasons, Kenya Railways may adjust the schedule to include additional travel dates. Passengers are advised to check with Kenya Railways for the current operational status and schedule.
Train Stops and Stations Along the Route
The Kisumu Safari Train makes multiple stops along the route to drop and pick up passengers. The train stops at the following major stations:
- Nairobi Central Railway Station
- Kibera Railway Station
- Dagoretti Railway Station
- Kikuyu Railway Station
- Limuru Railway Station
- Uplands 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
- Fort Ternan Railway Station
- Koru Railway Station
- Muhoroni Railway Station
- Miwani Railway Station
- Chemelil Railway Station
- Kibigori Railway Station
- Kibos Railway Station
- New Kisumu Railway Station
Additional minor stations along the line include Satellite, Lenana, Muguga, Matathia, Kijabe, Suswa, Mbaruk, Nakuru Junction, Turi, Kedowa, Tunnel, and Mau Summit.
FAQs
What is the nickname of Kisumu?
Kisumu Ndogo
How much is the transport from Nairobi to Kisumu?
Transport costs from Nairobi to Kisumu vary by mode: the Kisumu Safari Train costs Ksh 900 (Economy) or Ksh 2,400 (First Class). Bus services like Ena Coach, Easy Coach, and Modern Coast typically charge between Ksh 1,200 and Ksh 2,000 depending on the company and seat type. Matatus (shared vans) cost approximately Ksh 1,000 to Ksh 1,500.
What is the best month to go on a safari in Kenya?
The best months for safari in Kenya are during the dry seasons: January to March and June to October[web:search]. July to October is particularly ideal for witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara. However, for visiting Kisumu and the Lake Victoria region, the climate is relatively stable year-round, with pleasant weather from June to September.
How much is from Nairobi to Kisumu by Ena Coach?
Ena Coach operates regular bus services from Nairobi to Kisumu with fares ranging from Ksh 1,200 to Ksh 1,800 depending on seat selection and booking time. The journey takes approximately 6-8 hours depending on traffic and stops. Ena Coach buses depart from major terminals in Nairobi including the Railway Bus Station and Mfangano Street.
