The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is the best option for most travellers, and it is not a close call.

The journey takes around four and a half to five hours, runs on a fixed timetable with proper seat allocation, and the route itself passes through Tsavo, so there is a genuine chance of spotting wildlife from the window, elephants especially, which makes it feel like part of the trip rather than just transport. Economy class tickets are inexpensive and first class adds more space and a quieter carriage for a modest premium. Booking ahead online or through an agent is worth doing in high season as trains do sell out.

Buses cover the same route more cheaply again and run more frequently throughout the day, with several operators offering coach services. They take longer, generally six to eight hours depending on traffic through Nairobi and around Mtito Andei, and comfort varies a lot by operator, so it is worth choosing a known company rather than the cheapest ticket available.

Matatus and shared vans are the cheapest option by far but the least comfortable and least predictable for a journey this long. They suit short hops well but are a harder sell for a full day’s travel to the coast, particularly if you have significant luggage.

For most visitors heading to Mombasa or onward to the coast, the SGR train hits the best balance of comfort, price and reliability, and doubles as a scenic experience through Tsavo that a bus simply cannot offer.