Mombasa and the beaches of the Kenyan coast are around 480 kilometres from Nairobi. Most people take the train or fly; buses are cheapest, and driving gives freedom on the coast.
At a glance
| Time | Cost one way | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SGR train | About 5 hours | From KES 1,500 | Most people |
| Flight | About 1 hour in the air | Varies widely | Short trips, Diani, Malindi |
| Bus | 8 to 10 hours | Cheapest | Tight budgets |
| Driving | 8 to 10 hours | Fuel and tolls | Families, exploring the coast |
The SGR train (Madaraka Express)
The Madaraka Express runs several times a day between the Nairobi Terminus near Syokimau and the Mombasa Terminus at Miritini, on the mainland west of Mombasa island.
- Fares: economy KES 1,500, first class KES 4,500, one way. Children pay less.
- Time: around five hours; express trains are quicker than the inter-county trains that stop at every station.
- Booking: online through Kenya Railways’ booking site, or by USSD from a Safaricom line, paying by M-Pesa. Book early for weekends and holidays - trains sell out.
- You need the ID or passport you booked with, and must arrive early for security screening.
- Views: the line passes through Tsavo, and you may see elephants and giraffes from the window.
Getting to the Nairobi Terminus takes time in traffic, so allow for it. See Getting around Nairobi.
Flying
Kenya Airways, Jambojet and other airlines fly from JKIA to Mombasa, and light-aircraft operators fly from Wilson Airport to Mombasa, Ukunda (for Diani), Malindi and Lamu. Fares vary a lot with the date - book early. Flying to Ukunda avoids the Likoni ferry, the slowest part of reaching Diani by road.
Buses
Long-distance coach companies run day and night services from the city centre. They are cheapest but slowest. Choose an established company, and travel by day where you can. The Mombasa road carries heavy lorry traffic.
Driving
The Nairobi-Mombasa road (A109) is busy with lorries and has speed limits and police checks. Allow a full day, avoid driving at night, and break the journey. A car is useful for exploring the coast. See Driving in Nairobi and Car hire in Nairobi.
At the coast
- Diani is south of Mombasa, across the Likoni ferry or the longer Dongo Kundu bypass.
- Watamu, Kilifi and Malindi are north, along the coast road.
- Malaria is present at the coast; ask a travel clinic about prevention.