1. It was affordable
2. Though flying is the quickest way, it was too expensive
3. We never took a train in an African country so we wanted to try
4. We didn't want to take the bus for 8 hours (Nairobi-Mombasa)
Kenya's transportation system is booming when it comes to moving around. You got optioooons!
Indeed, to visit the East Coast, you can either take the bus, the train, drive or fly to Mombasa. We chose the train for the following reasons.
Our journey started at the Nairobi train station called SGR. You have to be careful when trying to get there and confirm with your cab/piki/tuk-tuk that they know where you are going. In fact, it's important that you specifically mention SGR because not only it is far but there are also other train stations in Nairobi. Locals also call it Nairobi terminus so better go with this name to avoid being late and miss the train (I doubt this are any refunds policy...)
Once you get to the station there is a heavy security check you have to go through so it's important that you come early in case there are too many people.
Tickets can be bought at the station or online on this website. The prices change depending on destinations and the chosen class (economy/ first class). The train company offers two options: the Regular ride which lasts 6 hours and generally leaves at 8:20 AM ( SHARP ! Not African time ... I'm for real) & the Express which lasts 5 hours and generally leaves at 2 PM. The only difference is that the Express doesn't make stop whereas the regular ride makes stops of 3-5 mins in every station on the way to Mombasa.
We bought our Economy Class tickets online (one way costs 1000 Kshs = 10USD), but I would recommend taking the First Class tickets (one way costs 3000 Kshs) if you want more space, comfort, and less noise.
The process of getting on the train is also really quick; though, it is better to get in first since seats' assignments are barely respected.
Although a 5-6H journey is better than an 8H drive, the journey can be long. Therefore, buy what you need before traveling or prepare cash or your mobile for MPESA if you want to buy snacks on-board.
#(I didn't like the food on-board so you will be better off buying what you like). On this journey, a friend's shoulder to sleep on is always welcomed (Thaaank yooou Angela).
Finally, even though the Economy class is generally crowded and not quite comfortable especially when people don't respect their seats' assignments and have too many pieces of luggage, you get to meet some incredible people and also get to know locals who turn out to be really helpful (shout out to the group of nannies who fed us during the whole trip). Ain't traveling all about the human and cultural interaction as well?
On the way back to Nairobi if you loved your train adventure and want more of it, instead of taking a cab or a piki, Kenya Railways offers train service to downtown Nairobi for 50Kshs only!! Although the train is quite old and slow, it's a cheaper and nice alternative that drops you directly at the heart of the city.
Overall,
Buy First Class tickets for more comfort, or book both to experience different aspects of the ride
1.
Leave your house 1 or 2 Hours before departure: Nairobi's traffic is hectic.Take a piki-piki over a taxi (if you don't have too many bags): cheaper and quicker
2.
Tell your driver, you are going to SGR or Nairobi Terminus
3.
Eat or buy food before boarding, the food on board isn't worth it
4.
Board as soon as possible to get your assigned seats
5.
Travel with your power bank, enjoy the ride :)
6.