Tickets can be bought from Nairobi's and Mombasa's railway stations or booked through local travel agencies. Railways in the rest of the country are restricted to freight. If you're on a budget, buses are the best and cheapest way to travel. Large buses and matatus crisscross the country and link the major towns.

The most affordable way to travel in Kenya in 2026 remains the Matatu. These are privately owned minibuses (and sometimes larger buses) that operate on set routes but without a rigid timetable. Fares for short trips within a city like Nairobi can be as low as 20 to 50 KES (less than $0.40). For longer distances between towns, larger "coaches" or "shuttles" offer the best value for money. Within urban areas, Boda-Bodas (motorcycle taxis) are the next cheapest option and are excellent for beating heavy traffic, though they come with higher safety risks. For long-distance travel between Nairobi and the coast (Mombasa), the Madaraka Express (SGR) train offers an Economy Class ticket for approximately 1,500 KES, which is much cheaper and faster than a private car or flight. While matatus are the cheapest, travelers should be aware that they can be crowded and often play loud music; for a more comfortable but still budget-friendly experience, "pre-booked" intercity buses from companies like Easy Coach are often the preferred choice for visitors.