Things To Do - Steam Train to Elgin

Activity Description

Ceres Rail Company offers a magnificent return trip to the Elgin Railway Market aboard our historic passenger train. Our train is usually hauled by a heritage steam locomotive and a diesel, but at times, due to the fire risk and other events beyond our control, the trip may be hauled by two diesel locomotives.

The journey begins at 08h05 (passengers to arrive between 07h00 and 07h30) from the platform at Harbour Bridge Hotel and Suites, Dockrail Road, Foreshore, Cape Town. Once aboard you will enjoy a 3-hour rail experience to Elgin, traveling through the beautiful Cape, up the majestic Sir Lowrys Pass, and then down into the Elgin Valley. We have a fully licensed cash bar on board as well as a dining car providing coffee and other snacks. Various books and memorabilia are also available for purchase onboard. We also have a card machine to make life easier.

Our destination is the fabulous Art Deco & Art Nouveau inspired Elgin Railway Market (www.elginrailwaymarket.co.za) where you will spend a few hours at your leisure. At the market, whilst enjoying the live music, you can wander through the many stalls offering delicious food, a wide selection of local wines, ciders and gin. Various bespoke craft stalls selling a wide range of goods including jewellery, leather goods, wire art, etc are also on site. There is a wonderful play area outside for the children to enjoy too.

For guests who prefer to board in Somerset West, please select Van Der Stel Station as your departure point during checkout. Please note that if you choose to board at Somerset West, you will need to be at Van Der Stel Station by 09h40; the train usually arrives between 09h40 and 10h30 but is subject to en-route delays.

We depart from Elgin at 14h15 , arriving back Cape Town at approximately 18h00. PLEASE NOTE: Delays do occur on the railways that are out of our control. Delays of up to 2.5 hours have been known to occur at times. The time at the market will be adjusted, and will thus influence the time that the train arrives back at the departure point.

08h05 Depart from platform alongside the AC Hotel by Marriot (Waterfront) (33.9135° S, 18.4260° E), Dockrail Rd, Foreshore, Cape Town
09h40 Arrive Van Der Stel Station, Somerset West (Usually between 09h40 and 10h30, but is subject to en-route delays)
11h15 – 12h15 Arrive in Elgin
14h15 Departure from Elgin
16h00 Arrive Van Der Stel Station, Somerset West
18h15 Arrive back in Cape Town

We are so excited to have you on board!

Arrangements

Duration10 hours 15 minutes

WhenThe service is available all year round, generally operating on Saturdays and Sundays.

WhereThe train platform at Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites, Dockrail Rd, Foreshore, Cape Town

WeatherThis service runs in all weather conditions.

What to WearComfortable clothing. Closed footwear is advised.

Things to BringCash or Cards for goods sold on the train. NB! Elgin Railway Market is CASHLESS, so bring a card! A jersey or light-jacket should the weather change.

Guests or Spectators

Requirements

Minimum Age0 years

Minimum Height0.0 m

Maximum Height0.0 m

Fitness LevelNo Fitness Requirement

Maximum Weight0.0 kg

CertificationNot Applicable

Experience LevelNo Experience Requirement

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

The rail journey from Cape Town to Elgin Railway Market (Elgin) and back.
Unforgettable memories

ExclusionsFood, Drinks, all personal purchases are for your own account. We do have a card machine on board.

Notes

For information regarding wheelchair access, please email bookings@ceresrail.co.za
We do not permit own food or drinks on board, but we do allow baby foods and items related to health conditions
No smoking is permitted.
SEATING IS PRE-ALLOCATED