A relaxing weekend ride through the countryside.
Few things are more evocative than a steam-train ride through the countryside… It conjures movie scenes of star-crossed lovers saying their final farewells as the train chugs away from the platform amid of puff of smoke…
And now you can experience the splendour firsthand aboard one of Ceres Rail’s family-friendly locomotives! The three-and-a-half-hour train ride to Elgin departs from the Harbour Bridge Hotel in the Foreshore district, and travels up and over Sir Lowry’s Pass (one of the steepest rail lines in South Africa). Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of mountains, rolling fynbos-covered hills, farmlands and apple and pear orchards along the way.
The destination: a cool market
Once the train pulls into the Elgin station, you will be able to disembark and enjoy two-and-a-half hours at the steampunk-themed Elgin Railway Market. With live music and a dazzling selection of clothing, accessories, toys, ceramics and art stalls, you’ll be able to enjoy all that’s on offer while savouring various street-food options and refreshments.
Kids can let off a little steam of their own on the climbing walls or in the play area, while the grown-ups sit back and enjoy the vibe with a glass of local wine, cider, beer or an L-gin cocktail.
Sitting pretty: seating options on the train
| Ticket Type | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Day Sitter Seating | Diner-type booth seating with great views. | R675 per person Book Now |
| Bar Lounge Seating | Seating in comfortable lounge chairs in the bar. Great views. No under 18s. | R899 per person Book Now |
| Lounge Seating | In a more private section of the train, with little foot traffic, adjacent to the Observation car. Recline on comfortable sofas or wingback chairs and enjoy the services of a wine sommelier. | R899 per person Book Now |
| Family Coupe | Offers privacy and a large window. Suited for a maximum of three adults, or two adults and two children. | R1 775 per unit Book Now |
| Family Compartment | Offers privacy, a large window and a table. Suited for a maximum of six adults, or four adults and two children. | R3 350 per unit Book Now |
| Observation Car | Truly the best seats in the house. Usually offered for the exclusive use of large groups of up to 34 people (with special catering), it can often be booked by individuals. It comes with air conditioning, a private bar and wine-tasting, and guaranteed all-round panoramic views. | R975 per person Book Now |
Itinerary
- 8am: depart from Harbour Bridge Hotel, Dockrail Road, Foreshore, Cape Town
- 11.30am: arrive at the Elgin Railway Market
- 2.15pm: depart from Elgin
- 5.45pm – 6.15pm: arrive back in Cape Town
Good to know
- Snacks and drinks are sold onboard. No food and drinks can be brought onto the train (in the case of special dietary requirements, exceptions can be made by prior arrangement).
- The trips are hauled by two locomotives; one steam and one diesel. On the rare occasion that a steam locomotive is not available, two diesel engines will be used, but customers will be informed in such instances.
- Pensioners can sign up to the waiting list for discounted rates.
- Ceres Rail also runs occasional trips to Ceres.
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147 Responses to “Steam Train to Elgin: A Train Ride from Cape Town to the Steampunk Market”
Jolene Dirmeik
we are a group of 4 adults and 4 children – does one sit in a family type cabin?
Ceres Rail Company
Hi Jolene!
4 adults and 4 children may be a bit much for a Family Compartment (6 people maximum), but you could take a Family Compartment and Family Coupe right next to each other; or possibly explore our lounge or day seating.
Please feel free to reach out if you have an further questions!
Jolene Dirmeik
can one use the ticket to return the following day?
Ceres Rail Company
Hi Jolene.
The ticket is typically only available for use on a single day, but we are able to make arrangements use the return ticket on the following day. Such trips are usually placed in a different seating type as we cannot afford to run most of our seating types empty in one direction.
Please reach out to us for further assistance!
Charl Ferreira
HI
Is there a pricelist of the bar perhaps
Ceres Rail Company
Hi Charl,
Thanks for the message.
Please send us an email at bookings@ceresrail.co.za and we will send it on to you,
Thank you!
Shaney Smith
Good day
We are a group of 8 adults and 3 kinds above 13 a 12-year-old and a 4-year-old. Would you be able to assist us with a Quote for our group in December?
Looking forward to be hearing from you
Blessings Shaney
Inside Guide
Hi Shaney
I have passed your request onto the organisers.
Marie Kotze
Does the train stop at Van der Stel station, Strand or Firgrove or Somerset West Stations? We stay in Somerset West and woukd like to go from there and end the trip again there. And, are there any pensioners discount? Thank you so much, looking forward
Ceres Rail Company
Hi Marie!
Yes, we do stop at Van Der Stel station to collect passengers.
We do have a pensioners discount in our Day Seating area.
Thank you!
Annemarie Kuhn
I see the train stops in van der Stel for a long time.Can you board here as station is just round the corner Also what will pensioners tariff be ?
Jen
What dates are the train running in July/ September 2023?
Winston Harris
Hey, could you use a more engaging picture than someone yawning in the background…? lol. kinda sends the wrong message – ‘hey, wanna come on this boring journey with us?”
Marietjie
Ek wil asb boek vir 3 pensionarisse op spesiale tarief vir Saterdag 29 April.
Baie dankie.
The Inside Guide
Hi Marietjie
Dankie vir die boodskap. Bespreek asseblief hier.
Annie Strydom
Hi There what do you mean under the word Day Trips?
Tx
The Inside Guide
Hi Annie
Trips that take up the larger part of the day (ie not morning or afternoon only).
ANNELIZE MULDER
Hi Hi
We received a voucher from friends.
However, the date booked does not suit us – how do I changed it ?
The Inside Guide
Hi Annelize
You’ll need to check with the Ceres rail directly.
Good luck.
Belinda
Good day
Is there weekday trips also to Elgin? Or only weekends?
The Inside Guide
Hi Belinda,
Thank you for your message. The train ride to Elgin with this specific company only happens on the weekends.
Hope that helps!
Charmaine Wolhuter
Would like receive info on exciting things happening in Caoe Town
The Inside Guide
Hi Charmaine, we’ve subscribed you to our newsletter. Stay tuned for updates!
Karien
I would like to book for 3 Adults (Family Coupe) for 6th August 2022. When will the option to book be open that I can make a booking, as I also need to make arrangements for Hotel accommodation for the 5th and 6th August.
Regards
K
The Inside Guide
Hi Karien,
We’ve passed your enquiry on to Ceres Rail. You should receive a response via email.
Mirandie Visser
Good day,
Will the train be running in August? Me and my husband are planning a trip to Capetown from 2 -8 August 2022. This train ride will be one of our highlights.
How far in advance do we need to book?
How is the weather usually around that time?
Kind Regards
M
The Inside Guide
Hi Mirandie,
We have passed your enquiry on to Ceres Rail. You can expect a reply from them via email.
Bernie
Hi. Would just like to know if this journey is wheel chair friendly plz .
Thanks.
The Inside Guide
Hi Bernie,
We have passed your enquiry on to Ceres Rail. You can expect a reply via email.
nazier sheik
Hi. We are a family of 14 adults and 9 children but would like to know if halaal foods would be available and if not then will we be allowed to bring along picnic baskets?
The Inside Guide
Hi Nazier,
There are halaal foods available at the Elgin Railway Market. You can click here to make a booking for your trip: Book Now
Raquel Tetley
Good evening. Would it be an option to stop at van der stel station? There are so many people that would board there and it would be viable for the steam train. You can still charge the same rate…
The Inside Guide
Hi Raquel,
We have passed your enquiry on to Ceres Rail. You should receive a reply from them via email.
Kirsty Visser
Hi there, I want to ask how wheelchair friendly this experience would be?
The Inside Guide
Hi Kirsty,
The steam train to Elgin experience is wheelchair friendly.
Esmeralde Thirion
I am trying to book for tomorrow 10 apr. But only showing for next week. Is there availability for 3 adults tomorrow?
The Inside Guide
Hi Esmeralde,
If the date you were trying to find availability for did not pop up when you typed it in then it means that there was no availability. You were then directed to the next available date.
nico bostander
Can i book the family coupe for 4 adults only,and will the price still be R1500?
The Inside Guide
Hi Nico,
I have passed your enquiry on to Ceres Rail. You should receive a response via email soon!
VENECIA PICKARD
please call me on 021 036 0333, i need to book for Saturday 02.04.2022, but find it difficult.
for 2 adults Cost
R625 (day seating; bar lounge seating)
The Inside Guide
Hi Venecia,
You can call Ceres Rail to book your tickets telephonically: 079 401 9353
Charity Schutte
I would like to have time table and all the special offers.
The Inside Guide
Hi Charity,
Click ‘Book Now‘ to check trip availability. If any special offers do occur, we will display them on our post.
William Cloete
Is it possible to stay over in Elgin on Saturday night and return with the train on Sunday?
The Inside Guide
Hi William,
Unfortunately not. The ticket for the train ride is only valid for the day you booked.
Norman redding
When in April is there a trip?
The Inside Guide
Hi Norman,
you can view availability and book a trip here: Book Now
Mbali
I made a booking for 12 March 2022 and the online confirmation indicated that I was going to receive an email confirmation, but never did. Please confirm via email.
Janine van der Westhuizen
Hi there, what does “selected” mean when I try to book?
Thanks
Theresa Goliath
Where do you purchase the rickets
The Inside Guide
Hi Theresa,
you can book tickets for the steam train here: Book Now
Demmerez de Charmoy Didier
I wanted to book 2 places on the train for the 26 or 27th of March 2022.. Is it possible.
Thanks
Didier
The Inside Guide
Hi Demmerez,
You can book for the train here: Book Now
Caroline Fourie
Would 2 x children also pay R625 per person if they book as day passengers. Both children are under 12 years old
The Inside Guide
Hi Caroline,
The day seating fee also applies to children. We recommend you book a family coupe (R1500 per coupe; maximum 2 adults and 2 children) or a family compartment (R2900 per compartment; maximum 4 adults and 2 children).
Louise Giese
I have a booking on the train tomorrow for 4 adults and need to add another adult.
Please confirm
Wynn
Hi there,
I hope someone can help.
I might need to amend a booking that I’ve made online. What would the best way to do this? Is there a contact number I can phone in order to speak to a customer service representative?
Many thanks.
The Inside Guide
Hi Wynn,
You can contact Ceres Rail if you need to amend your booking:
bookings@ceresrail.co.za
079 401 9353
Louise Giese
I have a booking on the train tomorrow for 4 adults and need to add another adult.
Please confirm
The Inside Guide
Hi Louise,
you can contact Ceres Rail to make the change to your booking:
bookings@ceresrail.co.za
079 401 9353
Paul
Please advise if the Elgin train stops at Van Der Stel train station Somerset West to take on passengers and the cost for a return journey
Best regards Paul Garside
The Inside Guide
Hi Paul,
The train does not make any stops during the trip from Cape Town to the Elgin Railway Market (return trip). The prices for the trip are as follows:
R625 (day seating; bar lounge seating)
R850 per person (Groups of 15 – 28)
R1 500 (per unit, family coupe)
R2 900 (per unit, family compartment)
Sonja Els
Hi I would like to book for 5 Adults 1 8 year 9ld and one baby for 19 March. What is the best option.
Thank you
The Inside Guide
Hi Sonja,
The best option for your group would be to book either a family compartment or day seating.
All the best!
Johlyn Metcalf
We are a family of 6 adults, a 9 year old and baby 4 months old. What is the best to book?
The Inside Guide
Hi Johlyn!
We recommend you book a family compartment or family coupé for your trip to guarantee that your group will be seated together. Alternatively, you can book day seating tickets and look for space to sit together on the day if your trip.
Carolyn
I would def book the lounge if I were you. Observation car is no better than the lounge seating and the windows don’t open but its also an option.
Johlyn Metcalf
We are a family of 6 adults, a 9 year old and baby 4 months old. What is the nest to book?
Johan Venter
We are 4 pensioners that have booked for Saturday 19 February 2022. Is there priority boarding for pensioners that cannot stand in ques for long periods.
The Inside Guide
Hi Johan,
At present, there is a boarding window that is at least 50 minutes long, so there is ample time to get all on board. The longest wait time to get people on board is about 10 minutes at the worst case. It is advised, to be boarded first, to arrive at the platform by 7am.
Prior arrangements could possibly be made if you contact Ceres Rail:
bookings@ceresrail.co.za
079 401 9353
Juanita Yazbek
What Sunday is aval
The Inside Guide
Hi Juanita,
You can click Book Now to view which Sundays are available.
Nadia
Does the train depart from Elgin Railway Market to Cape Town return?
We are only 2 (a couple) would we pay R650 per person?
Thank you.
The Inside Guide
Hi Nadia,
Yes, you are correct. The train departs from Cape Town to Elgin Railway Markets and returns to Cape Town.
It is R625 per person (adult rate).
Pj storm
We would like to book for the steam train for 4 of u at his Saturday. Please let us know if it it available and how we do it. Thanks
The Inside Guide
Hi PJ,
To book a train ride, click ‘Book Now‘ and type in the date you would like to make the trip to view the availability.
Paul Garside
Can the train stop at Somerset West Van der Stel station to pick up passengers?
The Inside Guide
Hi Paul,
The train does not make any stops between the trip. It does a straight return trip from Cape Town to the Elgin Market.
Dina pretorius
Please advice if any discounts for pensioners.
The Inside Guide
Hi Dina!
There are no discounts for pensioners. Pensioners are charged according to the adult rate.
V.D.E. EDWARDS
A baby of 4 months and brother of 6 yrs
Ouma 79, Ouma 60 and mum 31!!
Which option ?
Said what ?
The Inside Guide
Hi there,
These are the options you can choose from for your group:
R2 900 (per unit, family compartment – 4 adults, 2 children)
R625 per person (day seating; bar lounge seating)
V.D.E. EDWARDS
A baby of 4 months and brother of 6 yrs
Ouma 79, Ouma 60 and mum 31!!
Which option ?
DANIEL JOHANNES VREY
WHERE DO I FIND DATE SHEDULE FOR TRAIN
The Inside Guide
Hi Daniel,
Click Book Now to see which dates are available.
Ann de Villiers
Is the train ride pet friendly. I have a small Schnauzer and we are coming ftom Gauteng. I want to book for 13th February. Regards Ann
The Inside Guide
Hi Ann,
Unfortunately no pets are allowed on board.
Richard Smuts
Hello, Can I buy a train voucher – needed as a birthday present?
Thank you
The Inside Guide
Hi Richard,
you can buy a train voucher by clicking the following: Gift Vouchers
Petro Smith
I want to book a ticket for 13 February to join friends, only 1 person, day seating
The Inside Guide
Hi Petro,
Click Book Now to place your booking for the trip.
Michan
Hi
Is there AC on the train?
The Inside Guide
Hi Michan,
The Observation and Elite Coaches are the only coaches on the train that have AC. The rest of the coaches are authentic.
Richard Smuts
Hello, I want to book a family coupe for my brother’s birthday, but do not yet have a date that suits. Can I please buy a voucher that I can redeem when I know the suitable dates. His birthday is on the 30th so want to include the voucher in his present.
Please revert.
The Inside Guide
Hi Richard,
Click here to purchase a Gift Voucher for the steam train trip.
Renata Ohlhof
Hi, do you have dates for February yet, want to book for the 13th February
The Inside Guide
Hi Renata,
You can enquire about available dates in February by simply clicking Book Now, select the date you wish to book for and it will display if there is availability on the day you requested.
Janine van der Westhuizen
Good morning,
Does the train run right through February and March?
Thank you
The Inside Guide
Hi Janine,
The train rides will continue throughout the year.
Hans-Peter
Would it be possible to go on the steamtrain in Somerset West?
The Inside Guide
Hi Hans,
The train is a return trip and only departs from Harbour Bridge Hotel, Dockrail Road, Foreshore, Cape Town and runs straight through to Elgin Railway Market.
Kevin Prins
Hi,Are there dates available for February 2022
The Inside Guide
Hi Kevin,
Click Book Now and select the date you wish to book to see if there is availability for the trip.
Renee
Hi There!
Does the train only run untill the end of January?
The Inside Guide
Hi Renee,
The train is set to travel throughout the year.
Wilma Manzoni
When will your bookings open for May 20ww
The Inside Guide
Hi Wilma,
The train rides will be going throughout the year so the bookings for May are open.
Francelle du Plessis
Hello, I am planning to travel by train with my 87 year old grandmother. She can walk, but very slowly and with difficulty. Is there any way a priority boarding can be arranged for her?
Kind regards
Francelle
The Inside Guide
Hi Francelle,
This could be arranged – please contact Ceres Rail to confirm this: 079 401 9353
Yvette
Hi, what days will the train be riding for the month of February?
The Inside Guide
Hi Yvette,
The train rides will take place throughout the year. To see which dates are available in February, click ‘Book Now‘ and type in the potential dates you would like to book for your trip.
Veronica Green
Hi. Do you have any trips to Elgin in March 2022?
The Inside Guide
Hi Veronica,
The trips will be taking place all year long so there will be trips in March.
Monique Wessels
Hi there,
Is there an option to go on the train and stay in Elgin and then return with the train on a different day?
Thanks,