SGR shuttle from Mombasa terminus to Diani, Malindi and Watamu: 2026 prices, travel times and how to book

SGR shuttle prices from Mombasa terminus

These are private, one way transfers from the Mombasa SGR Terminus. Every price is in Kenyan shillings for the whole vehicle.

The price includes the vehicle and fuel, a professional driver, road tolls and parking, meet and greet assistance at the terminus, and help with your luggage. It does not include travel insurance, extra stops outside the agreed route, or tips.

Every price on this page is a starting price, because the final figure depends on two things: where your hotel is and how many people travel in the vehicle. A couple going to Diani pays KES 5,000, while a group of six pays KES 8,000 for a larger vehicle. The 6 and 8 passenger prices are the same on every route, so a full vehicle is the cheapest way to travel per person.

A family of four going to Diani pays KES 6,000 in total, which is about KES 1,500 each. Two friends on the same route pay KES 2,500 each. If you travel as two couples, booking one vehicle for four is cheaper than booking two.

What each traveller pays per person

Because the price covers the whole vehicle, group size changes the cost per person more than anything else. The figures below divide the table above by the number of passengers and round to the nearest shilling.

Is this a shuttle or a private transfer?

Searches for an SGR shuttle cover several different services, so it helps to know which one you are booking.

Kenya Railways runs connecting buses between the Mombasa Terminus and the old railway station in town. Matatus and taxis wait outside the terminus, and ride-hailing apps work in the area.

The Dosta Tours service is none of these. It is a private vehicle that carries only your party, so nobody else rides with you and nobody waits for the vehicle to fill. You leave when you are ready, and the driver goes straight to your hotel in Mombasa, Malindi, Diani or Watamu.

How the SGR transfer works, step by step

1. First, you send your train details on WhatsApp: the arrival time, the number of passengers, and the name of your hotel. Dosta confirms the price and the vehicle for your group size.

2. Second, the driver follows your train schedule, and if it runs late, the pickup time moves with it, so you don't pay extra for a delay on the SGR Terminus side.

3. Third, the driver meets you at Mombasa Terminus, takes your bags, and walks you to the vehicle.

4. Fourth, you drive to your hotel and the driver drops you at the door.

Payment details are shared at booking. Dosta accepts M-Pesa, bank transfer, and cash in Kenyan shillings or US dollars. To startthe booking process, fill this inquiry form.

Travel times from Mombasa terminus

The terminus is in Miritini on the mainland west of Mombasa island. Your journey time depends on your destination and on traffic.

The Dongo Kundu bypass is the reason the Diani journey is short. It opened in 2024, runs from Miritini to the south coast and is toll free.

Nation Media reported at its opening that the trip from the terminus to Diani takes about 45 minutes, against more than two and a half hours when travellers had to queue for the Likoni ferry. A feasibility study for tolling the bypass was approved in 2026, so charges may appear in future. Dosta's price already includes road tolls.

The road to Malindi and Watamu runs north along the coast through Mtwapa and Kilifi. Traffic at the Mtwapa and Kilifi bridges and in towns along the way decides whether you land at the faster or slower end of those ranges.

Which trains arrive when

Kenya Railways runs three Nairobi to Mombasa services each day: an Inter County train in the morning, an Express in the afternoon and a night train.

The morning train reaches Mombasa Terminus at around 2 pm, the afternoon Express arrives in the evening at 10 pm, and the night train arrives in the early hours of the morning at 3am. Kenya Railways revises its timetable from time to time, so use the time printed on your ticket.

You do not need to work out the pickup time yourself. Send the date and the train, and Dosta matches the pickup to the real arrival.

Choosing a vehicle

Dosta assigns the vehicle by group size and luggage. The fleet includes:

• sedans,

• Noah and Voxy vans,

• Alphards,

• Toyota Hiace vans and other vans.

A couple with two bags is comfortable in a sedan, a family with children and suitcases needs a Noah or Voxy, and a group of eight travels in a Hiace or van.

Mention large bags, golf clubs or a pushchair when you book so the right vehicle arrives.

Private transfer or other ways to leave the SGR Mombasa terminus

Public options exist and they suit some travellers. If you travel light and have time, you can take the Kenya Railways connecting bus to the old station in town, then continue by matatu or ferry.

A taxi car from the terminus to Diani is also possible, though the fare is agreed on the spot after a long journey.

For Malindi and Watamu the public route means getting to a stage in Mombasa first, then boarding a matatu or coach north.

A pre booked private transfer makes more sense when:

• You arrive in the evening or at night

• Travel with children or heavy luggage,

• Need a fixed price before you leave home,

• Want to reach a hotel in Malindi or Watamu without changing vehicles.

The price is known in advance, and the driver already knows where your train arrives so stress when you arrive at the terminus especially if thid is your first time in the Mombasa SGR Terminus.

Booking, payment and cancellation

Book on WhatsApp at +254 721 309 712 using the red glowing button at the top of the screen or through our SGR Mombasa Terminus transfers page.

Book early for weekends, school holidays and the peak seasons of July to October and January to March, because vehicles fill quickly.

Cancellations made more than 48 hours before your transfer receive a full refund. Cancellations inside 48 hours may be rescheduled. The refund policy has the full terms.

Other Dosta transfers / Shuttle taxi services on the coast

If you fly rather than take the train, Dosta also runs

Diani airport transfers from Ukunda airstrip to Diani hotels,

Mombasa airport transfers, from Mombasa Moi International Airport (MBA) to hotels in Mombasa & Dianu

Malindi airport transfers from Malindi International Airport to hotels in Malindi

Lamu airport transfers. from Manda Airport in Lamu to hotels in Lamu

To plan what to do once you arrive, see the Diani excursions guide.

Need to learn more about activities in Diani before visiting Diani?

Here's a list of guides and travelling blogs to help you know more about destinations like Wasini, Shimba hills and what activities are in different destinations.