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How do you do SGR online booking via mpesa?
Since mid-2017, Kenya Railway has been operating the Madaraka Express, commonly referred to as the SGR. This railway system consists of two kinds of trains: the intercity train and the inter-county train. The Intercity Train provides a rapid service between Nairobi Terminus and Mombasa Terminus.
Meanwhile, the inter-county train stops at several stations along the route, including Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Maisenyi, and Voi.
In this article, we will take you through how to pay for SGR online booking via MPESA.
Table of contents
- Introduction
- Booking SGR Train Ticket
- How to Book SGR online via Mpesa
- To book SGR tickets online via Mpesa, follow these steps:
- Step 3: Choose the destination
- How to Pay for an SGR Ticket Online via Mpesa
- SGR Ticket Booking via Phone
- SGR Pricing and other Costs in Kenya
- SGR Booking Contacts for Correspondence
- SGR Mpesa Booking and Helpful Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- Recommended Post
Introduction
Many people now prefer traveling on the Madaraka Express, making it advisable to book your SGR ticket ahead of time. Tickets for the Madaraka Express can be booked up to 60 days in advance.
There are two ticket classes available for the train service: First Class and Economy Class.
In First Class, there are two seats on each side of the row, totaling four seats across the width of the car. Additionally, first-class passengers have access to a restaurant coach where they can find a selection of basic snacks and drinks.
Economy Class, on the other hand, has three seats on one side and two on the other, making a total of five seats across the width of the car. Passengers in Economy Class can buy snacks and drinks from a catering cart that moves between the coaches during the journey.
Currently, there are two express trains and one inter-county service running daily between Nairobi and Mombasa.
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Booking SGR Train Ticket
You can book Madaraka SGR train tickets through three methods:
- Visiting the train station directly.
- Using USSD by dialing *639# from a Safaricom phone number.
- Making an online booking on the Kenya Railways website, with MPESA payment only, at Madaraka Express.
The Madaraka Express offers two ticket categories: first class and economy. Here are the fare prices for the express service:
FIRST CLASS
- Adults: Kshs 4,500
- Children (Aged 3-11 years): Kshs 2,250
- Children below 3 years: FREE
ECONOMY CLASS
- Adults: Kshs 1,500
- Children (Aged 3–11 years): Kshs 750
- Children below 3 years: FREE
How to Book SGR online via Mpesa
When booking your Madaraka train ticket on the Kenya Railways website, please be aware that only MPESA mobile money payments are accepted at checkout.
Are you interested in becoming a Uber driver? You can see the requirements for Uber drivers in Kenya.
If you don’t have access to the MPESA mobile money service, you can contact us to book and pay for your tickets using PayPal or a credit or debit card.
See also: Latest Update on How to file KRA returns online
To book SGR tickets online via Mpesa, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Madaraka Express Website
Go to the SGR website at metickets.krc.co.ke to book online.
Step 2: Choose the train of your choice
- Inter-county: This train stops at multiple stations along the route.
- Express: The Nairobi-to-Coast Express train, which doesn’t make as many stops along the way.
Under Train Type, select your preferred train. You have the option to choose between:
Both trains offer two classes: first and economy. Departures are available from Nairobi Terminus or Syokimau Main Station, and also from Mombasa Terminus or Miritini Main Station.
Step 3: Choose the destination
Enter the station where you’ll board the train under “FROM,” then input your destination. You can select from the following SGR stations:
- Nairobi Terminus
- Mombasa Terminus
- Voi
- Mtito Andei
- Mariakani
- Miasenyi
- Emali
- Athi River
Step 4: Select a departure date
Click on the calendar icon and choose the date of your travel from the available options.
Step 5: Click on “Book a Train.”
This step brings you close to completing the process.
Step 6: Enter the number of travelers
Once you’ve selected your tickets, a section will appear showing prices for adults and children. Here, you’ll indicate the number of travelers, specifying whether they are adults or children. The total fare will then be calculated.
Step 7: Payment
Provide the full government names of all travelers, along with their gender and nationality. Adults must include their I.D. number. In the Payment details section, input your mobile number, which you’ll use for the mandatory payment. Providing an email address is optional.
On the side of the page, you’ll find details about your coach, departure date and time, number of adults and children, and the total amount due. Pay the total amount using MPESA.
To pay for an SGR ticket via MPESA, follow the steps above.
See also: Easy Guide on How to Become an MPesa Agent
How to Pay for an SGR Ticket Online via Mpesa
- Go to your MPESA Menu on your phone.
- Choose “Lipa Na Mpesa.”
- Select “Paybill.”
- Input the SGR Paybill Number: 809888.
- Enter the Account No., which should be your ticket number displayed on the screen.
- Input the appropriate amount and click “confirm.”
- Wait for the confirmation SMS from Safaricom MPESA.
- Click the box to confirm you’re not a robot.
- Accept the terms and conditions by clicking the following box. You can review the requirements if needed.
- Finally, choose to pay now or pay later based on your preference for making the payment.
SGR Ticket Booking via Phone
Indeed, you can easily book your SGR train ticket directly from your phone, which is the simplest booking method available.
SGR Pricing and other Costs in Kenya
The fares for SGR tickets vary depending on the class. Currently, first-class travelers pay shs.3000/-, while an economy-class seat costs Khs.1000.
First-class tickets come with additional perks compared to economy/second-class tickets, hence the price difference.
Is Refund Possible?
SGR offers a 70% refund for tickets that haven’t been damaged if you encounter any issues before the travel date. This means you’ll receive Khs—300 (for Economy class) and Shs—900 (for first class) upon cancellation of your ticket.
However, to claim the refund, individuals must do so 48 hours before their scheduled departure, while groups must do it 72 hours before.
Additionally, a 10% deduction applies for rescheduling a trip. You must inform the SGR staff as soon as you realize you won’t be able to travel as originally scheduled.
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SGR Booking Contacts for Correspondence
For assistance with your SGR MPESA booking or any other inquiries, you can reach out to the SGR customer care team using the following contact information:
- Postal Address: P.O. Box 3012-Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
- Telephone Numbers: 0709 388 888, 0708 571 587, 0728 603 581, 0728 603 582, 0708 572 574
- Facebook Page: Kenya Railways Facebook Page (You can send them a message via Facebook Messenger)
- Website: www.krc.co.ke
- Email Address: contact@krc.co.ke
- Twitter: @SGR_KE
SGR Mpesa Booking and Helpful Tips
Here are some helpful tips for SGR MPESA booking:
- You cannot transfer your SGR ticket to third parties.
- Utilize the SGR linking train to travel from Nairobi central station to the main SGR Syokimau Terminus.
- Each traveler is allowed to carry cargo not exceeding 30 kilograms.
- Choose your preferred train (morning/afternoon) when booking your SGR ticket to Mombasa or Nairobi as two trains travel daily.
- Online booking for SGR tickets is available up to 30 days before the travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book SGR on my phone?
Dial the SGR booking code *639# to book a train ticket. Follow the prompts to purchase Madaraka Express tickets and make payment via MPESA. Note that first-class fares are Khs 3000, while an economy class seat costs shs.1000.
What time does SGR leave Nairobi for Mombasa?
The Inter-county (morning) train departs Nairobi Terminus at 0800 hrs and arrives in Mombasa at 1400 hrs. The Afternoon Express train departs Nairobi Terminus at 1500 hrs and arrives in Mombasa at 2008 hrs.
Is SGR still operating at night?
Yes, the night train usually departs from Mombasa and Nairobi at 10 p.m., arriving at either destination around 4 a.m. By 8 p.m., passengers start to arrive at the station, where they undergo COVID-19 screening before boarding the train.
Conclusion
The SGR, or Madaraka Express, has revolutionized travel in Kenya, offering convenience, comfort, and efficiency to passengers. With easy booking options, including MPESA payment, and a variety of travel classes to choose from, the SGR caters to the diverse needs of travelers.
Additionally, the availability of cargo services and linking trains further enhances its accessibility and utility. As the SGR continues to operate day and night, it remains a vital transportation artery in Kenya, facilitating economic growth and connectivity across the country.
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