Ceres Rail Company offers a magnificent return trip to the Elgin Railway Market aboard our historic passenger train. Our train is usually hauled by a heritage steam locomotive and a diesel, but at times, due to the fire risk and other events beyond our control, the trip may be hauled by two diesel locomotives.
The journey begins at 07h45 from the platform at Harbour Bridge Hotel and Suites, Dockrail Road, Foreshore, Cape Town. Once aboard you will enjoy a 3-hour rail experience to Elgin, traveling through the beautiful Cape, up the majestic Sir Lowrys Pass, and then down into the Elgin Valley. We have a fully licensed cash bar on board as well as a dining car providing coffee and other snacks. Various books and memorabilia are also available for purchase onboard. We also have a card machine to make life easier.
Our destination is the fabulous Art Deco & Art Nouveau inspired Elgin Railway Market (www.elginrailwaymarket.co.za) where you will spend a few hours at your leisure. At the market, whilst enjoying the live music, you can wander through the many stalls offering delicious food, a wide selection of local wines, ciders and gin. Various bespoke craft stalls selling a wide range of goods including jewellery, leather goods, wire art, etc are also on site. There is a wonderful play area outside for the children to enjoy too.
For guests who prefer to board in Somerset West, please select Van Der Stel Station as your departure point during checkout. Please note that if you choose to board at Somerset West, you will need to be at Van Der Stel Station by 09h40; the train usually arrives between 09h40 and 10h30 but is subject to en-route delays.
We depart from Elgin at 14h15 , arriving back Cape Town at approximately 18h00. PLEASE NOTE: Delays do occur on the railways that are out of our control. Delays of up to 2.5 hours have been known to occur at times. The time at the market will be adjusted, and will thus influence the time that the train arrives back at the departure point.
08h05 Depart from platform alongside the AC Hotel by Marriot (Waterfront) (33.9135° S, 18.4260° E), Dockrail Rd, Foreshore, Cape Town
09h40 Arrive Van Der Stel Station, Somerset West (Usually between 09h40 and 10h30, but is subject to en-route delays)
11h15 – 12h15 Arrive in Elgin
14h15 Departure from Elgin
16h00 Arrive Van Der Stel Station, Somerset West
18h15 Arrive back in Cape Town
We are so excited to have you on board!
The rail journey from Cape Town to Elgin Railway Market (Elgin) and back.
Unforgettable memories
1. For information regarding wheelchair access, please email bookings@ceresrail.co.za
2. We do not permit own food or drinks on board, but we do allow baby foods and items related to health conditions
3. No smoking is permitted.
4. We cannot control the actions of communities alongside the rail line, although we do out best to. We do have sporadic incidents of stones that are thrown at the train through certain areas; we undertake to do our best to monitor the known hotspots to ensure passengers are protected, and communities are engaged. We have patrollers on duty at various points along the railway line.
The overall experience of the trip was absolutely magnificent, and we would highly recommend it. The scenery along the trip from up the Sir Lowry pass is beautiful and with the friendly staff and excellent service on the train we enjoyed every moment. The Lounge Car Seating is very comfortable and will definitely book it again for our next trip. We wish you all the best to keep this going. Well done! - Leoni
It was a fantastic experience. From check-in, the venue was great and speedy and professional check-in procedure. The trip was wonderful, the best parts of the journey starting from Somerset West. All the staff and host onboard, was really fabulous. The Elgin market is out of this world and the food there great too. I think a first class lounge with great decor is something that would be popular. We used the lounge as the rest was full. It was very comfortable, but something a tad more upmarket will be great. I can highly recommend this trip. - Rozell
Written by Michele Mwewa (Daughter) This was an absolutely awesome trip with my mum (Maya Pillay) who turned 71 on April 12th. From the team with making the booking, to check in and the team assisting onboard - the warmth, guidance and presence was just unbelievable. The journey was one that we will definitely repeat only request would be a little more time at the market so we can move around a little longer. This is an absolute GEM in the Western Cape and one that I will absolutely share with everyone I know. My mum had an awesome day, a memorable experience and a fabulous day - One that will stay in the book of memories for a long time to come. Thank you to the awesome team we spent the day with and the friends we made on the journey. - Maya
Good morning. The experience was extra ordinary. The staff is knowledgeable of both the trip and the locomotive technical operations. The friendliness and the hospitality. Exited that you are working on new routes, especially the Matjiesfontein (overnight). The glass of sparkling wine was a bonus as we received it from your friendly staff (in celebration of our 33 years married) This way of celebration has prompted other couples at Church to look into a trip later 2024. Overall, the experience was superb. - Nkosinati
Exciting trip, lots of views from train with great experience. Friendly staff. Will recommend this trip to anyone. - Marcelino
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