Taking the train from Nairobi to Mombasa

Well, the overnight train ride is an adventure and i have tried it several times but the last time It was long and tiring. we left Nairobi at 1900 hours and arrived in Mombasa the following day at 1200 noon! I even regretted why I haven't traveled by flight or even bus, it could have been much more faster than the train. So if you can afford the flight, please go a head and book. From time to time they do cancel trips but if you have given out your telephone number they call in advance to let you know.

enjoy

This train journey is an adventure, so definitely choose the experience against the non-experience of flying, every time.

If it helps, there's info at www.seat61.com/Kenya.htm</a>, including pics to show you what it's like and manage expectations.

Slow? Who cares, that's extra scenery watching time, and even with a 7pm departure and 12pm next day arrival, that probably doesn't take any more time out of your holiday that (say) 7pm check into hotel, 8am check out of hotel, go to airport, 1 hour check in, 1 hour flight, 1 hour into city centre, arrive 12pm.

The train has shot up in price since a South African company took over and the service has got worse. It is very poor value value. I always used to travel by train from Nairobi to Mombasa but do not do so any more. The bus is far cheaper and the cost of a return flight is comparable. Only go by train for sight seeing purposes and if you have plenty of time. Although it is an over night train, it has become so slow that much of the journey is in the day. On my last trip the train did not make it to Nairobi and we had to wait ages for and pay for a bus to compete the journey. Never again.

for me part of the adventure of africa is taking public transport so i'd say do it once and then you can then have an opinion.
Nurtonc has obviously done it befor so has formed an opinion but dont let this stop you enjoying Africa with all its foibles.
Also you will see wildlife on the way.
Cheers.

The railroad is central to the history of Kenya and Uganda. The book on this one is "Lunatic Express" which describes the philosophy and constructrion, as well as the area. There is also a gem of a railroad museum in Nairobi.

With Fly590 your ticket is 69 USD, not 150 USD

Would advise you to take the train from Nairobi to Mombasa, and come back flying. When you go to Mombasa, ask the attendant to wake you up around 6am, and go for breakfast as you are going through Tsavo park. Have however to say friends who did it were disappointed as there were very few animals. Be aware that indeed, the train is extremely, extremely slow but it's an experience. As for the bus, avoid travelling with it at night as roads are not always safe after dark.

For plane prices, check all companies : Kenya airways but also Air Kenya and Fly590.

Train jorney is the best for budget traveller,it is adventurous,time taking,scenic and tiresome,so enjoy the ride.danmwa008@yahoo.com

I took the train to MSA last year during Christmas. For the adventure, it was fabulous. If i was a non-Kenyan searching for adventure, I'd definitely not fly.. and definitely not take the bus.