STEAM TRAIN EXPERIENCE TO ELGIN MARKET – CAPE TOWN

Explore the Cape on this unique 160km round-trip rail journey from Cape Town to the Elgin Railway Market on a steam train. Departing on Saturdays and Sundays from Cape Town.

The train departs from Cape Town City and meanders through to Sir Lowrys Pass. Arriving at the foot of the pass, the train embarks on an epic climb up one of the steepest railway lines in South Africa. Cresting the peak, the train makes its way into the lush Elgin Valley before arriving at the Elgin Railway Market. Enjoy live music, wander through the many stalls on offer at this Art Deco & Art Nouveau inspired Market. There is a wonderful play area outside for the children to enjoy too.
Guests can enjoy the wonderful scenery from various seating options on the train. All while sipping on drinks from the fully licensed cash bar, or enjoying a snack in the dining car.

Different Seating options available: 

• Bar Lounge Seating (No under 18’s)  –
• Lounge Seating –
• Day Sitter seating –
• Family Coupe (Maximum 2 adults and 2 children) – 
• Family Compartment (Maximum 4 adults and 2 children) – 

Highlights include:

• Steam Train journey from Cape Town to Elgin
• Visit the Elgin Railway Market
• Beautiful scenery from various seating options

Duration: Full Day (approx. 10 hours – subject to railway delays)
Inclusions: The rail journey from Cape Town to Elgin Railway Market (Elgin) and back.
Exclusions: Food, Drinks, and all personal purchases are for your own account. There is a card machine on board.

JOURNEY TIMELINE

07h00 – 07h30: Passengers Arrive
07h15: Train arrives at the platform
07h15 – 07h55: Passenger boarding
08h00: Departure
11h45: Arrival at Elgin Railway Market
This time may change due to delays on the rail network with regards to crossing other trains, infrastructure maintenance, and other safety checks. Delays in excess of 30 – 60 minutes are not uncommon.
13h30: Train opens for reboarding (passengers to board at their leisure)
14h15: Departure from Elgin Railway Market
Depending on the time of arrival at the market, a decision may be made to delay departure to ensure passengers have enough time at the market. There will be communication to passengers by the staff onboard.
18h00 – 19h00: Arrival back in Cape Town.
Passengers are advised not to arrange evening events after the train at a time too close to the arrival of the train back in Cape Town due to possible delays in arrival.

NOTES:

• The ticket is a return ticket and includes the cost of your journey.
• No personal food and drink items may be brought onboard. There is a full service bar, dining car (for snacks), and coffee onboard. Payment by cash or card.
• Not wheelchair accessible unless the person is able to board without the wheelchair.
• No smoking is permitted on board.
• Closed shoes are to be worn at all times.
• A light jersey or jacket is advisable in the case of sudden weather changes.

GENERAL RULES AND OTHER INFO

• If you are in need of assistance, go to the Coach Controller or Train Manager.
• Obey the instructions given by our Train Manager (orange visi-vest) and our Coach Controllers (yellow visi-vest).
• No standing or kneeling on the furniture and tables, and keep dirty feet off too.
• Please do not hang out of the windows; it is dangerous due to vegetation along the track as well as soot from the steam locomotive.
• Do not throw litter out of the windows – cleaning staff and bins are available on board.
• No bare feet – the plates between the coaches shift and passengers are at risk of injuties if their feet are bare.
• We cannot control the actions of communities alongside the rail line. There have been incidents of stone-throwing in the past; we undertake to do our best to monitor the known hotspots to ensure passengers are aware.
• Passengers must be well on the day of travel. If any passenger is not feeling well, running a temperature or if any passenger has been in contact with a Covid active person, they must rather postpone their journey with us.

*********************************************************
HOW TO BOOK: the BOOK NOW button for this activity will direct you to our live bookings page. 
– Click the BOOK NOW button
– choose your date and time slot
– add the number of adults and kids for the activity
– BOOK – enter your details and proceed with payment
– only once payment has been received, will your booking be confirmed and your Activity Ticket/Voucher be sent to you by e-mail
************************************************************

Explore more of the Cape’s activities here.