Atlantic Rail: Nostalgic Steam Train Day Trips To Simon’s Town

All aboard the best rail journey in town.

Train travel is having a renaissance all over the world, with travellers drawn to this relaxing, mindful style of journeying. When the train you’re on is an old-style gem, drawn by a puffing steam locomotive, it adds another layer of evocative nostalgia and mystique.

After an absence of six years, the Atlantic Rail train is heading off again on its Explorer’s Series from Cape Town city centre to the last stop on the line, Simon’s Town in the deep South Peninsula. The train trips are scheduled for the following dates: 27 April, 1 May and 19 May 2024.

Important note Booking opens on 8 April 2024.

A timeless journey

Shane Schwartz

After boarding the train in the Foreshore before 9am, you can sit back and relax in your retro commuter train car as you count off the Southern Suburbs stations and changing scenery. There are baristas on board to pour the coffee, and a fully licensed bar and snacks in the dining car or lounge car (look forward to a celebratory cocktail on your journey home).

The journey offers views of the mountains as the train turns south, heading for the best part of the trip – along the charming False Bay coastline. The tracks are so close to the sea you can feel the spray. You’ll pass the historic stations of Muizenberg, St James and Kalk Bay in the type of train they were built to service; and the tidal pools and beaches that draw the crowds.

Around the Fish Hoek mountain, and you’re in the home stretch of the 2.5-hour journey, arriving in Simon’s Town at 11.30am. It’s a short 600-metre walk to the centre of the village, packed with interesting shops, cafés, museums and restaurants around its picturesque harbour. Enjoy a leisurely lunch, go for a swim at Seaforth Beach or, if you’re up for a longer walk, the famous penguin beach of Boulders is 2km out of town.

Then you’ll board the train for its departure at 3pm, and with a few toots of the whistle and a puffs of steam, you’ll get to enjoy the scenery all over again from a different angle.

Good to know There is a possibility of delays on the line; times given are planned but not guaranteed. The lounge car offers comfortable couches and armchairs, while the observation car at the back of the train has a large rear window and its own bar service.

Dates 27 April 2024
1 May 2024
19 May 2024
Please note Booking opens on 8 April 2024
Time 9am – 5.30pm
Cost R575 (adult), R500 (pensioner), R450 (child under 18 years)
Lounge seating: R799
Observation car: R899
Where to find it AC Marriott Hotel platform, Dockrail Road, Foreshore, Cape Town
Book Day Seating
Book Observation Car
Book Lounge Car
Book Bar Lounge Seating

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