Vintage Train Rides to Elgin + Beyond

Few things are more evocative than a vintage-train ride through the countryside. It conjures movie scenes of star-crossed lovers saying their final farewells on a railway platform, families heading off on holiday adventures, and epic journeys across continents…

You, too, can experience the splendour firsthand aboard one of Ceres Rail’s family-friendly coaches, either on their regular day trips to Elgin Railway Market, or on one of their multiday explorer journeys, such as the six-day rail adventure to Mossel Bay with breathtaking scenery of mountains, rolling fynbos-covered hills, farmlands and dramatic coastline along the way. Also look out for occasional runs to Ceres, Darling and Simon’s Town, and overnight trips into the Overberg.

Destination Mossel Bay

Unhurried, scenic, where the journey is as important as the destination… The golden age of railway travel is re-created on the six-day adventure to Mossel Bay. By day you’ll relax in comfortable seating in vintage lounge coaches and observation cars as the scenery scrolls past, and at night you’ll stay in selected guesthouses and hotels. There’s a night in Swellendam on your outgoing journey and a night in Montagu on your return for an injection of small-town magic, and in-between, three nights in Mossel Bay, with one free day and one day exploring the coast further by steam train to Great Brak River. The five-night trip includes breakfast daily, selected lunches and dinners, tea and coffee on board, and a wine-tasting onboard on day six. The main stretches are hauled by diesel locomotives, but some segments may feature a steam engine for added vintage atmosphere.
Cost R24 750 (includes off-train accommodation and selected meals)
When 7 – 12 May 2026
Good to know This multi-day trip is not recommended for children under 8. No pets allowed.
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Elgin Railway Market

The three-and-a-half-hour train ride to Elgin departs from the AC Hotel by Marriott in Cape Town’s Foreshore district, and travels up and over Sir Lowry’s Pass (one of the steepest rail lines in South Africa) to the Elgin Railway 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.

When Most Saturdays + some Sundays

The itinerary

• 8am: depart from AC Hotel by Marriott, 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

Seating options and costs

Day Sitter Seating
Diner-type booth seating with great views.
Cost R750 per adult, R550 per child
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Bar Lounge Seating
Seating in comfortable lounge chairs in the bar. Great views. No under-18s.
Cost R975 per person
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Lounge Seating
Recline on comfortable sofas in a more private section of the train, with little foot traffic, adjacent to the Observation car.
Cost R975 per seat
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Family Coupe­
Offers privacy and a large window. Suited for a maximum of three adults, or two adults and two children.
Cost R2 200 per unit
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Family Compartment­
Offers privacy, a large window and a table. Suits a maximum of four adults and two children.
Cost R3 950 per unit
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Observation Car
Truly the best seats in the house. Usually offered for the exclusive use of large groups of up to 25 people, it can be booked by individuals for guaranteed all-round panoramic views.
Cost R1 150 per person
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Onboard services

There’s a coffee bar with baristas to whip you up that cappuccino (or your choice of hot drink) as you chug out of the station, and two bars – perfect for afternoon cocktails. Food and snacks are also available to purchase.

Good to know 

• Trips are hauled by two diesel locomotives, with heritage steam segments as a special bonus on some trips.
• One of the lounges is wheelchair-friendly, with limited numbers.
• No food or drinks can be brought onto the train (in the case of special dietary requirements, exceptions can be made by prior arrangement).

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