Kenya Railways has revived the Nyahururu Safari Train after 46 years, connecting Nairobi, Gilgil, Ol Kalou and Nyahururu. Economy fares start at Ksh 50, with the full Nairobi–Nyahururu route priced at Ksh 600. The train departs Nairobi every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 AM. Here is everything you need to know about fares, schedules, and how to book your ticket.
After nearly five decades of silence on the tracks, Kenya's Gilgil–Ol Kalou–Nyahururu rail corridor has officially been revived. The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has launched the Nyahururu Safari Train — branded under the Hustler Express service — marking the return of passenger rail travel along one of the country's most scenic routes. Whether you're a commuter, a tourist, or simply curious about what this means for the Central Rift region, here is a comprehensive breakdown.
A Historic Revival: The Nyahururu Safari Train Is Back
Kenya Railways made the announcement on Monday, June 1, with the official launch of the Nyahururu Safari Train taking effect on Tuesday, June 2. The reinstated service covers the Nairobi–Gilgil–Ol Kalou–Nyahururu route — a corridor that had been dormant for 46 years following the collapse of the East African Railways Corporation (EARC) in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Kenya Railways described the return of the service in unmistakably nostalgic terms, calling it a reconnection of communities across the scenic Aberdare region and an opportunity to blend history, adventure and convenience through rail travel.
The government has positioned the revival as part of broader efforts to improve regional connectivity, ease movement of passengers and goods along the Central Rift corridor, and stimulate tourism to key attractions including the world-famous Thomson's Falls.
Nyahururu Safari Train Ticket Prices: Full Fare Structure
KRC has introduced both short-distance and full-route fares, catering to economy and first-class travellers. Here is the complete fare breakdown:
| Route | Economy (Ksh) | First Class (Ksh) |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi – Nyahururu (Full Route) | 600 | 1,300 |
| Nairobi – Gilgil | 450 | — |
| Nairobi – Ol Kalou | 550 | — |
| Gilgil – Ol Kalou | 100 | 200 |
| Gilgil – Nyahururu | 150 | 350 |
| Ol Kalou – Nyahururu | 50 | 150 |
Tickets are available at Nairobi Central Station and through official Kenya Railways booking channels.
Nyahururu Safari Train Schedule: Departure Days and Times
The Nyahururu Safari Train will operate twice weekly in each direction. Here is the timetable to keep in mind:
Nairobi to Nyahururu: Operates on Tuesdays and Fridays. Departs Nairobi at 10:00 AM and arrives in Nyahururu at 5:50 PM via Gilgil and Ol Kalou.
Nyahururu to Nairobi (Return): Return trips from Nyahururu operate on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Why the Gilgil–Nyahururu Rail Line Matters
The revival of this rail corridor is about more than nostalgia. Kenya Railways says the reinstated service is expected to ease pressure on road transport along the Central Rift, reduce travel costs for commuters, and open up economic opportunities for communities in Gilgil, Ol Kalou, and Nyahururu.
Tourism is another key driver. The Nyahururu region is home to Thomson's Falls — one of Kenya's most visited natural landmarks — and the train route itself passes through breath-taking Aberdare scenery, making it an attractive proposition for both domestic and international tourists seeking an immersive travel experience.
The line is also already being used for cargo. On Sunday, May 31, the first shipment of subsidised fertilisers was transported along the route, signalling that the government intends to scale up freight services alongside passenger operations.
A 46-Year Wait: The History Behind the Revival
The Gilgil–Ol Kalou–Nyahururu rail line — historically known as the Thomson's Falls Rail — was once a vital artery for Central Kenya. Its decline came in the wake of the collapse of the East African Railways Corporation in the late 1970s and early 1980s, which disrupted coordinated rail operations across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. For communities along the route, it has been a long wait — 46 years — for the tracks to come alive again.
The relaunch under the Hustler Express banner is the latest in a series of moves by Kenya Railways to modernise and expand the country's rail network, which has also seen renewed activity on the Nairobi commuter rail lines in recent years.
How to Book Nyahururu Safari Train Tickets
Passengers can purchase tickets at Nairobi Central Station or through Kenya Railways' official booking channels. Given that this is a newly launched service operating only twice a week, early booking is advisable — especially for travellers planning a weekend trip to Thomson's Falls or the wider Nyahururu region.
Bottom Line
The return of the Nyahururu Safari Train is a significant milestone for Kenya's rail sector and for the communities it will serve. With affordable economy fares starting as low as Ksh 50 for short segments, twice-weekly departures from Nairobi, and a route that doubles as a scenic tourism experience, this is a service worth watching — and riding.