Steam Train to Elgin: Scenic Railway Adventure in a Beautiful Country

Embark on a scenic railway adventure on the steam train to Elgin. Enjoy the beautiful country scenery while indulging in activities like mingling in the bar, reading a book, and soaking in the soothing sounds of the rail.

Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Table Mountain - Travelers will glide by Table Mountain as they depart Cape Town by steam train, able to see the massive mountain in all its glory in the morning, and evening light. Train ride will take 7 hours going to Elgin railwamarket and going back.
  • Sir Lowry’s Pass - The majestic Sir Lowry’s Pass stretches to 417 m above sea level; no…
What's Included
  • Round-trip rail ticket
  • All applicable fees and taxes included
  • On-board restroom facilities
What's Not Included
  • Food, Drinks, and Coffee (available onboard at extra cost)
  • Transfers to/from Departure Point
Additional Information

Trains hold a certain inexplicable charm – it’s no surprise they serve as the backdrop for romantic encounters, whodunit tales and intricate burglaries. Perhaps it’s their ceaseless forward drive; the closeness of the limited space, or the thrill and expectancy they incite.
Nestled in an already picturesque nation, the overwhelming magnetism of the…

Location
Ceres Rail Company
Dockrail Road
The rail platform running alongside Dockrail Road is the meeting point.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(283 Ratings)
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Dream06359308681
Nov 30, 2024
Best Experience Ever - Will be back! - The experience was absolutely incredible. A definite must-see! The train crew were just absolutely lovely - including our cabin controller John! What an absolutely amazing person. So sweet and so attentive! Thank you Ceres Rail for making this an absolute joy of an experience! Will definitely be back!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hellyg0rd0n
Nov 30, 2024
Ceres rail funday - My partner and I have just spent his birthday on an incredible steam train ride with Ceres Rail from Cape Town to Elgin return to Cape Town. A must do day trip filled with fun, great staff, excellent views, memories of bygone days on SA rail trips and a fun steam punk inspired stopover at the Elgin Market. Thanks for making my partner's 74th the best day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shamielac2024
Nov 30, 2024
Pleasant and Peaceful - The trip was pleasant, peaceful and scenic. From the moment we arrived to the end of the trip the staff was pleasant, kind and organized.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fatima
Nov 4, 2024
Magical Memories - We are three cousins who are all pensioners, we all lost our husbands in the last four years and we decided to become "Girls on the Go Buddies". We have done an international trip already, a few local getaways, a few day tours/adventures and our latest one "The steam train day trip Cape Town to Elgin" What an absolutely amazing experience 👏 From the moment we boarded the train for our +/- 4hr trip to Elgin (usually a 3 hr trip but we had delays along the way), through to the 2 hrs spent at the Elgin Market and the return trip (3,5 hrs) on the train back to Cape Town there was just excitement throughout. The beautiful sceneries along the route, the fabulous crew on board (with special mention of Dottie our coach overseer - she was the absolute best !!!) and definitely Sharron - a true Ambassador for Cere Rail Company. The entire crew were sooo knowledgeable and we ended our amazing journey with so much knowledge about steam trains, Blue Train and Rovos Rail. This will definitely be an ongoing journey for us three going forward visiting other train destinations with Ceres Rail Company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annac176
Nov 3, 2024
All very impressive! - We had booked the steam train trip to Simon's Town, but a few days beforehand, the company let us know that they were extremely disappointed to have to let know that the trip had to be cancelled, due to infrastructure works on the railway line, which were out of their hands. Disappointed we also were, but we decided to try and change the booking to the trip, which was going to Elgin. How pleasantly surprised were we that Rick Botha, the general manager of the company, managed within an hour to change our booking and refund us for the person not travelling anymore: it was all done so fast, efficiently and professionally that we were already very impressed, even before starting the trip. As all the other reviews mention, it is an amazing trip: firstly, it is super well organized (via lots of Whatsapp messages before and during the trip you get informed about every step along the way), secondly, there is extremely friendly staff who look after the passengers during the whole trip very well and uninterruptedly (until you feel almost embarrassed that you are taken care of so attentively) and most importantly, one enjoys the most beautiful scenery in a nostalgic, old steam train, while feeling joy and happiness when you, and people and kids on a road, smile and wave to each other. Just before reaching the Cape Town end station again, there was an unhappy incident when the train was lead to stationary wagons as the tracks were incorrectly set and had to be brought to a very sudden stop. Some passengers were injured by this sudden halt, but the staff was immediately very responsive and emergency medical services were present instantly: we were so amazed by how well everything was handled by Ceres Rail Company. Really impressive company and a day never to forget!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patrys1972
Oct 5, 2024
Relaxing Train Ride - Elgin - Second time we have taken the trip to Elgin. As always it was thoroughly enjoyed. The staff were friendly and very helpful. Will look at your other train rides and try them too soon. Thank you for your hospitality.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Safari10936894401
Sep 29, 2024
Ceres Rail really treated us today. Going from V&A to Elgin and back has been a memorable experience for the family. - The children enjoyed it so much. It was surprise kept for weeks and they now rave about how great it was. The ride was nostalgic and super organized, from the parking, the checking-in, the boarding and general housekeeping etc. What an awesome day, surely something to be done by everyone. In Elgin, the market was extraordinaire, the food, ambiance, and venue is gorgeous. All while us passengers were relaxing, the Crew was turning the train around. What a great Sunday! Thank you, John, Rina and Team, you guys are tops! Regards J&Fam from 7C
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Freedom15522977443
Sep 29, 2024
15/10 - An absolutely amazing experience, highly recommended as a must for anyone visiting Cape Town! A solid 15 out of 10 rating! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Seaside63565453256
Sep 15, 2024
What a wonderful experience! - Wonderful experience . Lovely old train. Very well organized. Friendly staff. Loved Trevor's updates and banter. Breakfast buns and coffee was a winner.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Culture51453064778
Sep 15, 2024
Great staff - What really stood out for me on this trip was the friendliness and the efficiency of the staff. Trevor is a true gem.A knowledgeable man too and he kept us informed on all aspects of the journey.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $49
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).