Nairobi Railway Museum in Nairobi Cbd, Nairobi: Tickets, Hours and Family Guide
Museums and history in Nairobi Cbd, Nairobi
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Nairobi Railway Museum is a railway museum on Station Road with vintage steam locomotives, royal carriages and a miniature train. Citizen adults pay KES 200 and citizen children pay KES 100. Non-resident adults pay KES 600 and non-resident children pay KES 100. The museum is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, and most families need 1.5 to 2 hours. Payment is by eCitizen and a service fee applies.
What is Nairobi Railway Museum?
The Nairobi Railway Museum is a railway museum located on Station Road, beside Nairobi Railway Station and near the Technical University of Kenya. It was opened in 1971 by the East African Railways and Harbours Corporation. The museum preserves Kenya's railway heritage with exhibits from the defunct East African Railways.
The collection includes vintage steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, royal carriages, historical maps, photographs, artefacts, models and furniture. The outdoor yard has steam engines and coaches that visitors can climb into. There is a miniature train that runs on special tracks for children. The museum has both indoor galleries and outdoor displays. Guided tours are available. The museum is safe for families and walkable. Most families spend 1.5 to 2 hours here. Some reviewers note that the museum is a bit run down but children enjoy climbing on the trains.
The museum preserves Kenya's railway heritage from the East African Railways era. It displays locomotives and artefacts that shaped the nation's transport history.
Nairobi Railway Museum ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child (5 to under 18 years) | Under 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya / East African resident | KES 200 | KES 100 | Free |
| Non-resident | KES 600 | KES 100 | Free |
Citizen rates are KES 200 for adults and KES 100 for children. Resident rates are KES 500 for adults and KES 200 for children. Non-resident rates are KES 600 for adults, KES 300 for students and KES 100 for children. Payment is by eCitizen and a service fee of KES 50 applies.
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💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Go early Arrive by 8:30 am to beat the heat
- Ask about the miniature train Operating times vary. Confirm at the ticket desk
- Bring cash or card Payment is by eCitizen and a service fee applies
- Supervise children on the trains Some steps and platforms are steep
- Combine with the National Museum Both are in the city centre and can fit in one day
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | Can be carried in a carrier. The museum is small and walkable. | |
| 3–5 years | Enjoy climbing on the trains and the miniature train ride. | |
| 6–9 years | Ideal age. Can climb into carriages and enjoy the miniature train. | |
| 10–12 years | Can appreciate the historical significance and engineering details. | |
| 13+ years | Can engage with the full collection and railway history. |
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Key details
- Address
- Station Road, Nairobi, Nairobi
- GPS coordinates
- -1.2921, 36.8273
- Opening hours
- Daily 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Open including weekends and public holidays. Some sources list 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Confirm by phone. Open now
- How long to plan
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Suitable ages
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Booking
- Walk-in
- Payment accepted
- M-Pesa
- Card
- Phone
- +254 709 907411
What to expect when you visit
Plan for a 1.5 to 2 hour visit. Enter at the museum entrance on Station Road. Pay by eCitizen. A service fee of KES 50 applies.
Walk through the indoor gallery first. The gallery has historic maps, photographs, artefacts, models and furniture. The collection tells the story of the Kenya-Uganda Railway.
Explore the outdoor yard. Vintage steam locomotives and coaches are on display. Children can climb into some of the carriages. Supervise closely as some steps and platforms are steep.
Ask about the miniature train. A small train runs on special tracks for children. Confirm operating times at the ticket desk.
Most families finish in about 1.5 hours. The museum is a bit run down but children enjoy the trains. There is no cafe on site.
What if...?
The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.
Can I pay with cash?
Payment is by eCitizen. A service fee of KES 50 applies. Confirm by phone.
Is it suitable for toddlers?
Yes, but keep the visit short and bring a carrier.
Do I need to book in advance?
Not for individual visits. Guided tours can be arranged.
Is it open on public holidays?
Yes, the museum is open daily including public holidays.
Can children climb on the trains?
Yes, children can climb into some carriages. Supervise closely as some steps are steep.
Family essentials
- Suitable age bands
- 0–2 years
- 3–5 years
- 6–9 years
- 10–12 years
- 13+ years
- Toddler suitability
- Some toddler activities
- Minimum age
- No minimum age
- Facilities
- Toilets
- First aid
- Access and parking
- Stroller friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transport nearby
- Safety notes
Supervise children on the trains. Some steps and platforms are steep. Do not climb on unsafe structures. Follow museum rules.
Tickets and costs
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Miniature train rides are available. Guided tours are available.
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit
- Arrive by 8:30 am to beat the heat. Weekday mornings are the quietest.
- Busiest times
- Weekends and public holidays are busier. School groups visit on weekdays.
- How to get there
The museum is on Station Road off Haile Selassie Avenue beside Nairobi Railway Station. From the CBD a taxi or rideshare is simplest. Ask for the museum entrance rather than the station platforms.
- By car
- About 1.5 to 2 km from Nairobi CBD. Drive time is 5–10 minutes off-peak. Allow extra time during peak hours.
- Uber / Bolt estimate
- Uber and Bolt are available. A ride from Kenyatta Avenue costs roughly KES 300–600.
- What to bring
Drinking water, snacks, sun hat, sunscreen, camera, and cash or card for extras.
Accessibility deep dive
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The museum is designed to be accessible with ramps and facilities available. Confirm by phone.👶
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What visitors say
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Nairobi Railway Museum?
- Kenya and East African resident adults pay KES 200 and resident children (ages 5 to under 18 years) pay KES 100. Non-resident adults pay KES 600 and non-resident children pay KES 100. Children under 3 enter free. Citizen rates are KES 200 for adults and KES 100 for children. Resident rates are KES 500 for adults and KES 200 for children. Non-resident rates are KES 600 for adults, KES 300 for students and KES 100 for children. Payment is by eCitizen and a service fee of KES 50 applies. Prices checked 27 Sep 2026.
- What are the Nairobi Railway Museum opening hours?
- Daily 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Open including weekends and public holidays. Some sources list 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Confirm by phone. Busiest: Weekends and public holidays are busier. School groups visit on weekdays.
- Is Nairobi Railway Museum suitable for toddlers and young children?
- Partly. Nairobi Railway Museum has some toddler activities but suits older children better. Minimum age: No minimum age. Supervise children on the trains. Some steps and platforms are steep. Do not climb on unsafe structures. Follow museum rules.
- How long do you need at Nairobi Railway Museum?
- Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- What payment methods does Nairobi Railway Museum accept?
- Nairobi Railway Museum accepts M-Pesa, Card. It does not accept cash.
- Is Nairobi Railway Museum accessible, and is there parking?
- Access and parking: Stroller friendly, Wheelchair accessible, Public transport nearby.
- What is the best time to visit Nairobi Railway Museum?
- Arrive by 8:30 am to beat the heat. Weekday mornings are the quietest. It is busiest Weekends and public holidays are busier. School groups visit on weekdays.
- How do you get to Nairobi Railway Museum?
- About 1.5 to 2 km from Nairobi CBD. Drive time is 5–10 minutes off-peak. Allow extra time during peak hours. Ride-hailing: Uber and Bolt are available. A ride from Kenyatta Avenue costs roughly KES 300–600. The museum is on Station Road off Haile Selassie Avenue beside Nairobi Railway Station. From the CBD a taxi or rideshare is simplest. Ask for the museum entrance rather than the station platforms.
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