Train, Nairobi - Mombassa

Hello all. Is this train still running and advisable for tourists? Do you have to book far in advance, or can you just arrive, purchase a ticket, and travel the same day?

It is still leaving every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7 pm but it has become notorious for being late. It can arrive in Mombasa up to 12 hours behind schedule. The most common reason for delays seems to be blockages on the track due to derailed freight cars. The passenger train itself has not derailed in recent years, however.

There is only one train, so if it is late coming up from Mombasa, you will be stuck in Nairobi station for hours waiting to get on. Luckily there is a bar and restaurant inside the station.

It used to be easy to book a compartment even a few hours before departure, but with night buses banned there has been a surge in demand for train seats. So it is better to book a few days in advance if possible.

Yes, Nairobi - Mombasa train is still available and runs 3 times a week from both sides. It leaves Nairobi on Mondays, Wednesday and friday. It again leaves Mombasa on Sundays, Tuesdays, and thursdays.
The tickets are available on arrival bur during Easter holidays and christmas holidays you need to book in advance.
You can use the train if you are not in a hurry and you are also patient as the journey can take as long as 24 hrs.

It's apparently an amazing experience.

Do it now, absolutely. Because they are building a new modern fast standard-gauge line which will do the run in just over 4 hours, and the white gloves of the stewards serving dinner in the elegant yet decrepit restaurant car of this remarkable historic sleeper train will be consigned to history.

It is also the only way to travel by night, now that night buses are banned.

Re post #3, I have to say that regretfully there are no white gloves, and nothing you could remotely call "white glove service". It is not in the same league as the Blue Train or the Orient Express.