Here is everything you need to know about the Nairobi to Nanyuki Safari Train. In 2020, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered the reconstruction of the Nairobi to Nanyuki railway line, which was carried out by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). This brought to life a 178-kilometre railway line that had been dormant for over two decades to ease traffic congestion along city roads.
From Nairobi Central Railway Station, the branch line traverses six counties, namely: Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri and Laikipia Counties. Stations along the Nairobi to Nanyuki corridor are at Nairobi, Makadara, Dandora, Kahawa, Ruiru, Kalimoni, and Thika. Mitubiri, Makuyu, Maragua, Murang’a, Sagana, Karatina, Kiganjo, Naromoru and Nanyuki.
History Of Nairobi-Nanyuki Railway
The Nairobi-Nanyuki train has a rich history that dates back to the colonial era in Kenya, when the British constructed a railway network in the country. The railway line connecting Nairobi and Nanyuki was part of the larger Kenya-Uganda Railway, which aimed to facilitate the transportation of goods and people. Construction of the railway started in the late 19th century, and the line reached Nanyuki in the early 20th century. The Nairobi-Nanyuki railway played a crucial role in the development of the central region, supporting agriculture, trade, and transportation.
After more than 20 years of not being in operation, the train from Nairobi to Nanyuki was revived and launched on December 11th, 2020. Its first public trip was made on Friday, December 18th, 2020. The train line, commonly known as “Mwisho Wa Reli” because it terminates at the end of the eastern sideline, was a welcome move for many residents and ushered in new markets for central Kenya and the eastern region.
Until the late 1990s, most towns in the Mt. Kenya region along the Nairobi-Nanyuki railway line were major economic centres. However, the towns lost their economic vibrancy when railway services stopped, and most never recovered. Some towns along the 178-kilometer line are Nanyuki, Marua, Karatina, Chaka, Naro Moru, Sagana, Maragua, Makuyu, Thika, and Ruiru. Many of these towns have suffered low economic activity since the collapse of the railway, but the recent refurbishment of the line is expected to help them regain their lost glory, revitalise trade, and boost the region’s economy.
The Nairobi-Nanyuki railway line was constructed in three phases, namely: Nairobi to Thika, completed in 1913; Thika to Naro Moru, completed in 1927; and Naro Moru to Nanyuki, completed in 1931.
Nairobi-Nanyuki Train: All You Need To Know
Two trains are currently available for travel between Nairobi and Nanyuki and they are managed by the Kenya Railways Corporation. The train departs from the Nairobi Central Railway Station and arrives at Nanyuki Station. The journey takes approximately seven hours. You can choose between first-class and second-class seating options. The first-class compartments offer more comfort and space, while the second-class seats are more economical.
1st class vs. 3rd class? Which one should you use?
Travelling in the 3rd class for this journey may not be very comfortable. The seating arrangement is similar to that of normal commuter trains, which can make the ride very uncomfortable after a few hours. At times, you may also have to stand throughout the journey as more passengers board the train at various stops. On the other hand, the seating in the first class is in sharp contrast to that of the third class and is very comfortable.
Usually, there are a lot of people in the 3rd class, which can make it hard to do good sightseeing. Other people may block your view, and there may be restricted movement. However, you can catch a glimpse of the awesome terrain of Central Kenya once in a while as the train meanders through the hills of Sagana to Karatina. The first class is the ideal way to travel by Nanyuki Safari train for sightseeing and enjoying the journey as a whole. You will have plenty of space to move around and admire the views from both sides of the train.
The train takes around 7 hours from Nairobi to Nanyuki, which is a long time compared to using a matatu, which only takes 3 to 4 hours. The train makes several stops, some of which can last as long as 20 minutes, resulting in a longer journey. Expect the train to leave Nairobi Railway Station at 9 a.m. and arrive at Nanyuki Railway Station at 5 p.m. The journey to Nanyuki involves climbing several hills, which also makes the journey slower compared to the journey back, where you will be doing more descending.
Nairobi To Nanyuki Safari Train Schedule
The train departs for Nanyuki at 9 a.m. every Tuesday and Friday. For the best journey experience, we recommend booking a first-class compartment for Ksh 1000.
Nanyuki-to-Nairobi Train Schedule
The Nanyuki Safari train departs for Nairobi every Wednesday and Sunday at 9 a.m. Passengers can also board the train from other stations such as Naro Moru, Chaka, Karatina, Sagana, Murang’a, and Thika.
Nanyuki Safari Train Fare Prices
The Nanyuki Safari Train is an excellent option for travellers of all budgets as it offers fair prices. The train fare for the first class is Ksh 1000, while for the economy class, it’s Ksh 400. The cost from one town to another between different stations can go as low as Ksh 100.
Nairobi to Nairobi Safari Train Booking
If you’re planning to travel by train from Nairobi Central Railway Station, it’s advisable to book your tickets in advance or arrive early at the station, especially during peak travel seasons. You can purchase your tickets either in person at the ticket office or onboard the train. However, please note that the train can fill up quickly, so it’s always best to book your tickets in advance or arrive at the station early.
Kenya Railways recommends that all passengers check in at least one hour before departure.
Nanyuki Safari Train Contacts
Phone: 0115169759 or 0115102558
Email Address: info@krc.co.ke
NOTE: The Nairobi-Nanyuki railway line is an important connection between the Central region and the Lamu Port South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (Lapsset) corridor. This railway line is used for both passenger and freight traffic and is a popular tourist destination, especially for those visiting tourist sites in North and Central Kenya. It is considered one of former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s successful projects.
Nairobi To Nanyuki Safari Train FAQs
1. When does the train to Nanyuki operate?
Ans: The train to Nanyuki usually operates on Tuesdays and Fridays and then returns from Nanyuki on Wednesdays and Sundays.
2. How long does the train to Nanyuki take from Nairobi?
Ans: With the terrain and the number of stops that the train makes at each station, the time taken is 7 hours.
3. How does one purchase tickets for the train?
Ans: Tickets are sold at the Nairobi Central Railway Station. Passengers departing from smaller stations can purchase the tickets onboard the train.
4. Do Kenya Railways offer catering services inside the train?
Ans: There is a catering company called Morans that offers food and drinks to passengers for a fee.
5. At what time does Nairobi Central Railway Station depart?
Ans: The train departs from Nairobi Central Railway Station at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays.
6. Does it make stops along the way to Nanyuki?
Ans: Yes, it makes stops in Makadara, Dandora, Mwiki, Githurai, Kahawa West, Ruiru, Thika, Mitubiri, Makuyu, Maragua, Murang’a, Sagana, Karatina, Kiganjo and Naromoru.
7. Which seating-class arrangement does the train have?
Ans: The train has two classes. First class and economy class. First-class costs Ksh 1000, while economy class costs Ksh 400. The fares vary depending on the point of boarding and destination.
8. Do you have courier services to Nanyuki via rail?
Ans: Courier services have not been officially launched but Kenya Railways normally carry extra baggage for passengers at a fee that varies depending on its weight.
9. How many trains do you operate to Nanyuki?
Ans: The train to Nanyuki usually operates twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays at 9.00 am from Nairobi Central Railway Station.
10. How early should one arrive at Nairobi Central Railway Station to board the train to Nanyuki?
Ans: Kenya Railways expects passengers to check in at least one hour before the time of departure
11. When does the train return to Nairobi?
Ans: The train from Nanyuki makes a return leg every Wednesday and Sunday.
12. At what time does the train depart from Nanyuki Train Station?
Ans: The train departs from Nanyuki Train Station at 9 a.m.
Excellent artiｃle. Keep posting such kind of information on yⲟur blog.
Im really impressed by your site.
Have travelled on that train a few times and the experience was good, though a bit tiring and overcrowded at some point.
This was so insightful and timely cause I wanna go to Nanyuki and this sounds adventurous! Thank you