Comparison of Nairobi-Mombasa Travel Costs: SGR, Flights, Buses and Driving

Mombasa is one of the most common destinations for Kenyans going on holiday or attending conferences and entertainment events. And when it comes to travelling, many people try to find the right balance between cost, comfort and convenience. 

In this article, we shall compare the cost of the most popular choices for someone travelling from Nairobi. We compare options such as SGR, buses, flights, shared shuttles and private transfers.

1. SGR

The Madaraka Express remains one of the most affordable ways to travel between Nairobi and Mombasa. 

The current one-way fare in economy class for adults is Ksh1,500 and Ksh750 for kids. Those who prefer first class pay Ksh4,500 for adults and Ksh2,250 for kids.

Premium class costs Ksh12,000 for adults and Ksh6,000 for kids. The train takes roughly five to six hours. Notably, kids below 3 years are not charged.

However, the SGR journey does not end when the train reaches Miritini. Travellers heading to Mombasa CBD can use the Mombasa commuter train for Ksh50, which provides a significantly cheaper last-mile option. 

Also Read: My First SGR Train Experience Came After 9 Years, But I Was Very Disappointed

Alternatively, a matatu costs about Ksh300–Ksh400, while a taxi can cost approximately Ksh800–Ksh1,000.

For those leaving Nairobi, they also have to factor in the transport costs from their estates to the Syokimau SGR station. The prices may vary depending on the estate you are leaving. For instance, if you leave the CBD using matatus, you may spend up to Ksh200 to get to the station.

One can also opt to use the Nairobi Commuter train to get to the station, and it costs Ksh50. Those who use taxi hailing companies can pay up to Ksh1,500, and this depends on the time of travel.

2. Bus

Current fares vary by operator, and prices vary from Ksh1,300 to Ksh2,000. The prices vary given the services offered by the bus companies. For instance, some of the buses charge higher as they have Wi-Fi.

The main advantage is that some buses offer direct city-to-city connections, eliminating the additional Miritini-to-Mombasa transfer required when using the SGR. It takes approximately 8 to 9 hours to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa.

Also Read: I Rode a Motorbike from Nairobi to Turkana for 10 Days; Here's What Surprised Me 

3. Flight

Flying is the fastest option, with a direct Nairobi-Mombasa flight taking roughly one hour.

Different airlines have a range of rates. A one-way flight typically ranges from Ksh8,200 to Ksh9,000 for those who book in advance.

If you book a day to a trip, you may pay as high as Ksh26,000 for a one-way ticket. Therefore, booking a month or weeks in advance is advisable for those who want to save costs.

From the Moi International Airport, one can spend an extra Ksh1,000 to Ksh2,500 to get to Mombasa Town, depending on the mode of transport they choose to use, with taxis being the most common. 

4. Shared Shuttles

Shared shuttles offer a middle ground between buses and private transfers. They generally use smaller vehicles, allowing passengers to travel with fewer people while still sharing the cost.

Current listings put some Nairobi-Mombasa shuttle fares around Ksh1,400–Ksh2,000, depending on the operator and service. For shuttles, many operators use dedicated booking offices along Moi Avenue and bus parks around the Hilton area. Online booking is also available with several operators. 

It takes 7-9 hours to travel when you choose shuttles as the mode of transportation.

Also Read: The Psychology Behind How Some People Travel More While Spending Less

5. Private Chauffeurs

Hiring a private chauffeur for a long-distance trip from Nairobi to Mombasa usually costs between Ksh8,000 and Ksh18,000 or more per day, depending on the type of vehicle, such as a saloon car, Noah/Voxy, or Safari Cruiser. 

Fuel is typically charged separately. The road journey covers about 489 kilometres and takes approximately 8 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way.

6. Private Car

The journey from Mombasa to Nairobi by car is approximately 480 kilometres via the A8 highway. It takes about 7 to 8 hours of driving time, but you should allow 9 to 10 hours in total to accommodate fuel, food, and rest stops. 

For most travellers who have driven using a standard sedan, the estimated fuel cost for the trip is about Ksh6,500.