A Safari Train ready to depart Kisumu station/ KENYA RAILWAYSThe Kisumu Safari Train has resumed operations for the festive season,
offering travelers a rail option between Nairobi and Kisumu from December 19,
2025, to January 12, 2026, according to schedules released by Kenya Railways.
Posters shared by the corporation on Wednesday show the train departing
Nairobi Central Railway Station at 5:30pm on select dates, arriving in Kisumu
at approximately 6:30am the following day.
Return trips from Kisumu to Nairobi depart at 6:30pm and arrive the next
morning at 8am.
Kenya Railways said tickets are available at Nairobi Central Railway
Station.
“Enjoy easy travel and that classic rail magic as you journey from Nairobi
to Kisumu. Seats are now available— book early and ride
the journey again,” KR said.
The schedule lists 10 trips from Nairobi and 10 return journeys over the
festive period, with travel dates aligned to holiday demand.
Travel days from Nairobi include December 19, 22, 24, 26, 29, and 31, 2025,
and January 2, 5, 7, and 9, 2026.
Departures from Kisumu are scheduled for December 21, 23, 25, 28, and 30,
2025, and January 1, 4, 6, 8, and 11, 2026.
Fare for first class is indicated at Sh2,400, while economy class tickets
cost Sh900.
The posters outline the route, which passes through Nairobi Central, Nairobi
Terminus, Maai Mahiu and Kisumu stations.
The seasonal service, popular with holiday travelers visiting western Kenya,
provides an alternative to road travel at a time when major highways experience
increased congestion.
The night journey also allows passengers to wake up at their destination
after an overnight ride.
The reintroduction of the train service comes amid an expected upswing in
festive movement.
Transport agencies have been urging motorists and passengers to exercise
caution during what is typically a high-risk travel period.
Kenya Railways has provided multiple lines for enquiries, including numbers
ending 02558, 69759, 05523, 907000, and others displayed on the posters.
Travellers are encouraged to book early due to expected demand over
Christmas and New Year.
The Kisumu Safari Train, which has been revived seasonally over recent
years, continues to draw nostalgic appeal for travelers seeking scenic views
and slower-paced journeys across the Rift Valley and into the lakeside region
of Kisumu.
This comes shortly after the cooperation introduced an additional passenger
train on the Nairobi–Mombasa route to accommodate the surge in travelers during
the festive season.
On December 2, Kenya Railways announced that the train will operate from December
8, 2025, to January 5, 2026.
“Travelling to Mombasa or Nairobi this festive season? We’ve got you
covered. An additional Madaraka Express Passenger Service will operate daily
from December 8, 2025 to January 5, 2026, giving you more flexibility and convenience
for your holiday travel,” KR said.
“Avoid the rush and enjoy a smooth, reliable journey. Book your seat early
via http://metickets.co.ke, dial *639#, or visit any SGR station countrywide.”
The additional train departs Nairobi at 9:40am, arrives in Voi at 1:35pm and
proceeds to Mombasa where it arrives at 3:55pm.
The departure journey from Mombasa is at 4:30pm, stop in Voi at 6:15pm and arrives in Nairobi at 10:55 pm.
