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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 07h45 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!
The rail journey from Cape Town to Elgin Railway Market (Elgin) and back.
Unforgettable memories
1. For information regarding wheelchair access, please email bookings@ceresrail.co.za
2. We do not permit own food or drinks on board, but we do allow baby foods and items related to health conditions
3. No smoking is permitted.
4. We cannot control the actions of communities alongside the rail line, although we do out best to. We do have sporadic incidents of stones that are thrown at the train through certain areas; we undertake to do our best to monitor the known hotspots to ensure passengers are protected, and communities are engaged. We have patrollers on duty at various points along the railway line.
The best experience ever. Michael and Rita were amazing and we were given updates on progress continuously. Jan, the driver, when asked by Michael, ensured that I could get an audio of the train whistle for my son. Personal care is given to every passenger. 10 stars! - Tanya
We did the train trip from Cape Town harbor to Elgin on 5th Jan2025. Lovely weather and a most enjoyable old steam train trip. Lovely vistas as we chugged up Sir Lowreys Pass, over past Steenbras dam, through the hills to Elgin. The Toot of the train reminding us of days gone past. The staff were excellent, attentive and friendly. The services good. Endless food choices and a good meal at the market in Elgin. My wife stimulated the economy a bit and we were back on our journey to Cape town. Lovely day. Highly recommended. - Francis
Nous avons particulierement apprecie ce voyage dans le temps. Le voyage en train a vapeur est une experience a vivre et que nous ne regrettons aucunement. Le personnel a bord est adorable et les cabine correspondent parfaitement aux images qu'on se fait d'un tel voyage comme au temps d'avant. - Cyriane
We had an incredible journey to Elgin in th family compartment. The kids thoroughly enjoyed the bunk beds and being able to visit other family members in different parts of the train. I must say that in the terms and conditions it stated that there would not be food onboard, but there were various snacks to buy onboard. A lovely adventure for the day that I would wholeheartedly recommend. - Melanie
What a wonderful experience! The communication before the actual trip was so helpful and effective - well done! The trip itself exceeded each of my family members expectations! We all felt like little kids again, in awe and excitement of being on a steam train. The journey, helpful staff, snacks and drinks all deserve nothing short than a 10/10! A highly recommended day out! - Lauren
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