Just in time for the Christmas rush, Kenya Railways has brought back the Kisumu Safari Train, offering relief to travellers heading to western Kenya for the holidays.

The service, which had been off the tracks for nearly a year, resumes on Friday, December 19, and will run until January 12, 2026. The corporation says the move is meant to ease pressure on roads and bus stations during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Kenya Railways said the train would help meet rising demand as families travel upcountry to mark Christmas and the New Year.

For many passengers, the return of the train comes as welcome news. Holiday travel by road is often marked by long queues, packed buses and sharply higher fares, especially at major terminals such as Machakos Country Bus Station.

Schedule and fares

The Kisumu Safari Train will depart Nairobi Central Station at 5.30pm and arrive in Kisumu at 6.30am the following morning. Along the way, it will stop at Nairobi Terminus, Mai Mahiu and several stations across the Rift Valley.

A first-class ticket will cost KSh2,400, while economy class seats are priced at KSh900. The full journey takes about 13 hours.

For the return leg, the train will leave Kisumu at 6.30pm and arrive in Nairobi at 8.00am, giving travellers a full night’s journey and a fresh start on arrival.

Kenya Railways says the overnight service offers a steady and affordable option at a time when road travel can be unpredictable.

Relief for festive travellers

Public transport operators are often criticised for hiking fares during the holidays, a practice that puts strain on low-income travellers. Rail officials hope the Safari Train will provide a safer and more predictable alternative, while also easing congestion on busy highways.

The Kisumu service follows a similar festive-season adjustment on the Nairobi–Mombasa route.

Earlier this month, Kenya Railways announced an extra passenger train to cater for coastal travel. The additional service will run from December 8 to January 5.

According to the published schedule, the train will leave Nairobi at 9.40am, reach Voi at 1.35pm and arrive in Mombasa at 3.55pm. On the return journey, it will depart Mombasa at 4.30pm, stop in Voi at 6.15pm and arrive back in Nairobi at 10.55pm.

As the festive season gathers pace, travellers are being urged to plan early and book in advance to avoid last-minute disappointment.