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You've stepped off the Madaraka Express at Miritini SGR Terminus. Maybe you're heading to Diani for a week on the beach. Maybe it's a tented camp near Shimba Hills or a guesthouse in Watamu. The train journey from Nairobi was about four hours and it was good. Now you're outside the terminus, the sun is doing what it does on the coast, and you need to figure out the last leg.
That last leg is what we do. Every day. This guide covers every option available at Miritini, what each one costs, how to book, and the tips that separate a smooth arrival from a stressful one.
Whether you're coming to the coast for the first time or you've done the SGR before and want a more reliable transfer, this is the guide.
1. Understanding Mombasa SGR Terminus (Miritini)
The first thing most people get wrong about Mombasa SGR Terminus is where it is. It's not in the city centre. Miritini Station sits about 15 kilometres west of the Mombasa CBD, out past Changamwe near where the A109 Nairobi highway meets the coast.
The reason for this location is practical: Miritini is where the SGR track reaches the coastline. The railway wasn't designed to thread through the existing city. It terminates at the edge of the urban area and leaves the last leg to ground transfer.
For most coast-bound travellers this is actually good news. Diani, Kilifi, Watamu and Malindi are all reached more efficiently from Miritini than they would be from the Mombasa CBD. You're already on the right side of town. No navigating through city traffic.
From Miritini Terminus to... | Distance | Transfer Time |
Diani Beach (South Coast) | ~50 km | 60 to 75 min (via Dongo Kundu Bypass, no ferry) |
Watamu | ~115 km | About 2 hours |
Malindi | ~140 km | About 2.5 hours |
Kilifi | ~65 km | About 75 min |
Shimba Hills Gate | ~55 km | About 70 min |
Nyali / Bamburi (North Coast) | ~20 km | 25 to 35 min |
Mombasa CBD | ~15 km | 20 to 30 min |
Timings above are for private transfers in normal traffic. Our Diani route uses the Dongo Kundu Bypass, so no Likoni Ferry crossing is needed.
2. Your Transfer Options from Miritini
When you walk out of the terminus building, you'll find several transport options. Here's an honest look at each one.
Option 1: Shared Shuttle
A minivan or people carrier that collects passengers going in the same direction and drops them off along the route. You pay per seat, not for the whole vehicle. It's the most affordable option.
Departs at scheduled times aligned with Madaraka Express arrivals
You may wait 20 to 40 minutes for the vehicle to fill
Makes 2 to 3 stops at hotels or drop-off points along the route
Best for: solo travellers, backpackers, budget tourists travelling light
Less suited to: families with children, groups with lots of luggage, late arrivals needing to reach a specific hotel quickly
Option 2: Private Transfer
The vehicle goes directly from the terminus to your hotel. No other passengers, no intermediate stops. Your driver will be holding a sign with your name when you walk out.
Departs as soon as you're ready, no waiting for others
Goes directly to your accommodation, door to door
Vehicles range from sedans (1 to 3 pax) to minibuses (9 to 14 pax)
Fixed price agreed at booking, no surge or negotiation
Best for: families, groups, anyone with a lot of luggage, late night arrivals, time-sensitive bookings
Option 3: Group Charter
For groups of 10 or more travelling together. A dedicated bus or fleet of vehicles moves everyone as one party. The go-to option for conferences, corporate retreats, wedding groups and tour operators.
Option 4: Taxi (metered or negotiated)
Taxi drivers position themselves at the terminus exit. Works well for the short hop to Mombasa CBD or Nyali. For longer routes like Diani or Watamu, negotiated prices tend to run higher than a pre-booked private transfer, and you don't have the reassurance of a confirmed price before you arrive.
Option 5: Uber or Bolt
Both apps operate in the Mombasa area but coverage at Miritini is inconsistent. When 1,200 passengers step off the inter-county train and a large number of them open the app at the same moment, demand spikes and surge pricing hits immediately. Most drivers also decline long routes like Diani or Watamu from Miritini. For Nyali and Bamburi it's more workable. For anything further, a pre-booked shuttle is more reliable and often cheaper at surge prices. See our full Uber vs Shuttle comparison for the breakdown.
Option 6: Matatu
Kenya's shared minibuses serve routes from the Mombasa bus terminus areas. They don't serve Miritini directly. Getting to the matatu stage first requires either a short taxi or a walk. For experienced local travellers on a tight budget, matatus are cheap. For most visitors arriving with luggage on an unfamiliar route, they're not the right first call.
Side-by-side comparison
Option | Cost Range | Door to Door | Wait Time | Best For |
Shared Shuttle | KSh 500 to 1,500 per seat | No (shared stops) | 20 to 40 min | Solo, budget |
Private Transfer | KSh 3,500 to 9,000 | Yes (direct) | 0 min | Families, groups |
Group Charter | Quote-based | Yes | Pre-arranged | 10+ passengers |
Taxi (negotiated) | Varies | Yes | 5 to 15 min | Short trips, CBD |
Uber/Bolt | Varies plus surge | Yes | Unpredictable | Short trips only |
Matatu | KSh 100 to 300 | No | Unpredictable | Local budget savvy |
3. Pricing Guide
The most common question we get is how much a transfer from Mombasa SGR costs. It depends on where you're going and which vehicle type you choose.
Shared Shuttle Fares (per seat)
Destination | Shared Fare (per seat) | Journey Time |
Nyali / Bamburi (North Coast) | KSh 500 to 700 | 25 to 35 min |
Diani Beach (South Coast) | KSh 900 to 1,200 | 60 to 75 min |
Kilifi | KSh 1,000 to 1,300 | About 75 min |
Watamu | KSh 1,200 to 1,500 | About 2 hours |
Malindi | KSh 1,300 to 1,600 | About 2.5 hours |
Shimba Hills area | KSh 900 to 1,200 | About 70 min |
Private Transfer Fares (per vehicle)
Destination | Sedan (1 to 3 pax) | SUV (1 to 4 pax) | Minivan (5 to 8 pax) |
Nyali / Bamburi | KSh 2,500 to 3,500 | KSh 3,000 to 4,000 | KSh 4,500 to 5,500 |
Diani Beach | KSh 4,500 to 5,500 | KSh 5,500 to 7,000 | KSh 7,000 to 9,000 |
Kilifi | KSh 3,500 to 4,500 | KSh 4,500 to 5,500 | KSh 6,000 to 7,500 |
Watamu | KSh 6,000 to 7,500 | KSh 7,000 to 9,000 | KSh 9,000 to 12,000 |
Malindi | KSh 7,000 to 8,500 | KSh 8,500 to 10,500 | KSh 11,000 to 14,000 |
Shimba Hills | KSh 4,500 to 5,500 | KSh 5,500 to 7,000 | KSh 7,500 to 9,500 |
All prices are fixed and confirmed at booking. No extra charges for luggage or waiting when a train is delayed. Payment via M-Pesa or card.
4. How to Book Your Transfer
Booking takes less than two minutes. Three options.
Option A: Book Online
Go to sgrshuttlemombasa.com and click Book Now
Select your destination, travel date, arrival time and number of passengers
Choose shared shuttle or private transfer
Enter your name and contact number
Pay via M-Pesa STK push or card. You'll get a confirmation immediately.
Option B: Book via WhatsApp
Send a message to the number on our Contact page
Include: your name, travel date, SGR arrival time (from your train ticket), destination and number of passengers
We'll confirm availability and send a payment link within 30 minutes
Pay and receive your booking confirmation
Option C: Book on Arrival
If you haven't pre-booked, our staff are at the terminus exit and can arrange a transfer on the spot. During peak periods (public holidays, weekends, December to January) shared shuttles and preferred vehicle types can sell out. Pre-booking is always better.
Best time to book: the night before or at Nairobi Station
Book your transfer the evening before your journey, or while you're waiting to board the Madaraka Express at Syokimau. By the time you arrive at Miritini, you'll walk straight to your waiting driver with no queuing, no negotiating.
5. What to Expect When You Arrive at Miritini
Inside the terminal
Miritini has a proper terminus building with air conditioning, a waiting lounge, food vendors, an ATM, free WiFi, and ticket machines where you print your physical boarding pass from your e-ticket. Most passengers are through the building within 10 to 15 minutes of the train stopping.
Finding your driver
If you've pre-booked, your driver will be at the designated transfer meeting point just outside the arrivals exit, holding a sign with your name. This area is clearly marked. Don't accept rides from touts who approach you before you reach this point. Walk to the meeting point first.
Shared shuttle meeting point
Shared shuttle passengers go to a boarding area where vehicles are grouped by destination. Staff at the exit can point you in the right direction. If you've pre-booked a shared seat, your name will be on the boarding list.
Luggage
Our vehicles have solid boot space. A private sedan handles 2 to 3 large suitcases plus cabin bags comfortably. Minivans and SUVs handle more. If you're travelling with surfboards, bicycles or unusually large items, tell us at booking so we send the right vehicle.
If your train is running late
Don't worry about this. We monitor Madaraka Express arrivals in real time and adjust our drivers accordingly. If your train is delayed by 30 minutes or 3 hours, your driver will be there when you arrive. There's no extra charge for delays outside your control.
6. Route Highlights: What to Expect on the Journey
To Diani Beach (South Coast)
We take the Dongo Kundu Bypass from near Miritini, heading south to the Likoni-Ukunda road. No ferry crossing needed. The bypass opened and changed the Diani transfer significantly: no queue, no waiting, a predictable 60 to 75 minutes. You'll pass through Kombani and Ukunda before reaching Diani Beach Road. We cover the full stretch down to Neptune Hotel and Congo River.
To Kilifi
Heading north on the B8 coastal road, the Kilifi route takes you over the Kilifi Creek Bridge, one of the more beautiful road crossings you'll make in East Africa. Turquoise water below, mangroves stretching to the horizon. About 75 minutes from Miritini and it goes quickly.
To Watamu
The Watamu route continues north past Kilifi through Mtwapa and on to Gede junction. About two hours on a good road. Most passengers sleep for part of this one after the train journey, which is a very sensible approach.
To Shimba Hills
Southwest from Miritini into a landscape that changes fast from urban to green highland. The road into Kwale County feels different from the coastal routes: cooler, lusher, quieter. A private transfer is recommended for Shimba Hills because you need a vehicle for the game drive inside the reserve once you're there.
7. Ten Tips for a Smooth Transfer
Book in advance, especially during peak season. December, January, Easter and long weekends see very high demand. Pre-booking guarantees your vehicle and locks in the price.
Save our WhatsApp number before you travel. Having it already in your phone means you can reach us quickly if anything changes: train delays, group size adjustments, platform changes.
Carry your booking confirmation. A screenshot of your confirmation message or email is all you need to identify yourself to your driver.
Dress for the heat. Particularly from December through February, the road transfer without air conditioning running can get warm. Light, loose clothing makes a real difference.
Carry some Kenyan shillings for tips and incidentals. Your transfer is paid but having shillings for a cold drink at a petrol stop or a small tip for a helpful driver is always useful.
Mention any luggage quirks at booking. Surfboards, baby prams, golf bags and wheelchair equipment all need planning. A quick note at booking means the right vehicle shows up.
Check your accommodation address, not just its name. Some hotels have confusing access roads or multiple entry points. A quick look at your hotel's location on Google Maps before you travel helps your driver reach you faster.
For very early or very late arrivals, confirm your booking the day before. We operate 24/7 but a WhatsApp confirmation the day before an unusual arrival time gives everyone peace of mind.
For solo female travellers, request a named driver at booking. We'll send you the driver's full name and vehicle registration before your travel date.
If you're arriving on the night train (around 3:35 AM), pre-book rather than hoping to sort it on arrival. The terminus has limited transport options at that hour and our pre-booked driver will be there waiting.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to book in advance or can I just show up?
A: You can arrange a transfer on arrival at the terminus and our team is there. But we strongly recommend booking in advance to guarantee your preferred vehicle type, lock in the price and avoid waiting. During peak season (December, January, Easter and long weekends), vehicles fill up quickly. Booking ahead takes 5 minutes and removes all uncertainty.
Q: What happens if my Madaraka Express train is delayed?
A: Nothing bad on your end. We monitor all SGR arrivals in real time and adjust our drivers' schedules when trains run late. Whether your train is 20 minutes late or 2 hours late, your driver will be waiting when you arrive. There's no extra charge for delays outside your control.
Q: Where exactly do I meet my driver at Miritini Terminus?
A: For pre-booked transfers, your driver will be at the designated transfer meeting point just outside the arrivals exit, holding a sign with your name. Look for the clearly marked pre-booked transfers zone. If you can't find your driver, call or WhatsApp the number in your booking confirmation immediately.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We accept M-Pesa (most popular, you'll receive an STK push to your phone), debit and credit card, and bank transfer for corporate accounts. Cash payments can be arranged in advance. We don't accept foreign currency at the terminus.
Q: Can you pick me up from a hotel in Mombasa and take me to the SGR terminus for my departure?
A: Yes. We run transfers in both directions. We also do hotel-to-terminus transfers for passengers departing on the Madaraka Express. Book via the website or WhatsApp with your hotel address and your train departure time and we'll calculate the right pick-up time.
Q: Do you offer child seats?
A: Yes. Request a child seat at the time of booking and specify the child's age and approximate weight so we fit the right seat. Child seats are available at no extra charge but must be requested in advance.
Q: Can I book a transfer for a group of 15 people?
A: Yes. Groups of 10 or more are handled through our Group Charter service. Contact us via WhatsApp or the website with your group size, travel date, arrival time and destination. We'll send a quote within a few hours and can handle groups up to 50+ passengers with coordinated vehicles.
Q: Is the Likoni Ferry included in a transfer to Diani?
A: We don't use the Likoni Ferry for Diani transfers. We use the Dongo Kundu Bypass, which connects the A109 highway near Miritini directly to the Likoni-Ukunda road south of the ferry. Faster, more predictable, no queue. Your transfer to Diani is completely handled from the moment you meet your driver at Miritini.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Cancellations made more than 24 hours before your transfer get a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours get a 50% refund. No-shows are non-refundable. If Kenya Railways cancels your train, you're entitled to a full refund or free rescheduling. Contact us as soon as you know
Q: Do you operate on public holidays and at night?
A: Yes. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including all public holidays. Public holidays and long weekends are actually our busiest periods, so booking further ahead is wise during those times.
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