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Steam Train to Elgin: Scenic Railway Adventure in a Beautiful Country
4.7
601 Ratings
Cape Town
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.
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…
- 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 easy climb by train. Arriving at the peak, guests are treated to incredible scenery and panoramic views of False Bay, Cape Town and Table Mountain in the distance.
- Elgin Railway Market - The Steampunk, Art-Deco “Elgin Railway Market” boasts a variety of local food, beverage and craft offerings immersed in a truly one-of-a-kind setting. Kept warm by roaring fires in winter, and cooled by gigantic fans in summer.
What's Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- Rail Ticket (return trip)
- On-board restrooms
- All Fees and Taxes
- Rail Ticket (return trip)
- On-board restrooms
What's Not Included
- Food, Drinks, and Coffee (available onboard at extra cost)
- Transfers to/from Departure Point
- 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…
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 countryside pulls one closer while seated in this steam-powered train, gazing at the ever-evolving landscape.
Our passengers relish their time on the train doing their favorite activities, whether it’s socializing at the bar, reading a novel, enjoying the views, spending quality time with family, or simply closing their eyes to savor the calming noises of the railway.
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(601 Ratings)
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Jolenet128
Feb 25, 2026
A Perfect Day on the Rails to Elgin, from Train Tracks to Tasty Treats - What an unforgettable day out on the train to Elgin Railway Market. It was the perfect outing. Highly recommend adding this to your bucket list. We’ll definitely be back! 🚂
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trek54198415582
Feb 24, 2026
Electric trip to Elgin! - For a South African living in a province where there's no trains running, this experience was by far the best! It felt like being transported back in time with the coaches and seeing normal paths we've taken this vaction at a different position was really something else. We enjoyed every single part of the trip from departure to Elgin and back! Great scenery and amazing staff. Would definitely recommend this experience to anyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Denzild2026
Feb 23, 2026
Awesome - Was and awesome experience. Views were breathtaking. It is a pity the steam train was not available that day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rudolphschar
Feb 22, 2026
BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCE! - We had an extremely memorable experience and can definitely recommend it to anyone. Staff were friendly and helpful and the train was on time. The stunning views topped the experience off.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sherpa10969474873
Feb 21, 2026
Amazing experience aboard the ceresrailway train - We all had wonderful time on the train especially my toddler. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. The views to Elgin was beautiful.
I would just mention that the market is not very big and it's mostly food stalls with a variety of delicious food and there is a play area for the kids
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wendypb
Feb 16, 2026
A lovely thing to do if you have a spare day and want a relaxing and different view of the countryside - I went with a group of friends - we were in the lounge area which is extremely comfy. It was lovely to see a different perspective of Cape Town and then going into the magnificent countryside with exceptional False Bay views. We arrived at the market which isn’t large but interesting and a great food options and then on the return I had a great massage for just half an hour mid journey on the return
it’s a long day but lovely to just sit and chat with friends taking the view and take time to enjoy.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
898pietg
Feb 16, 2026
Trip from Cape Town to Elgin - The train ride and the visit to Elgin exceeded our expectations.
John, our coach controller, went out of his way to ensure that our every need was catered for. He is an asset to your company.
The whatsapp group was very informative and it added value to the experience.
This trip should be on everyone's bucket list!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maryannejordan
Feb 16, 2026
Unique Experience - What a truly lovely experience! We thoroughly enjoyed the Ceres Rail trip — it’s such a unique way to see parts of the Cape that you simply don’t experience on a regular road trip. Sitting back, relaxing, and taking in the beautiful scenery was an absolute treat, and exploring the Elgin Railway Market added a charming touch to the day.
I was accompanied by my 23-year-old son, and it turned out to be such a special bonding experience. As the daughter of a man who worked for the railways his whole life, this trip allowed me to share with him the wonderful memories of train journeys from my childhood, evoking a sense of nostalgia and family connection.
Highly recommend this trip for anyone looking for a relaxing, scenic adventure with a touch of history and heart.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Road63752621075
Feb 14, 2026
Well worth it! - Great experience! Travelled in the exact train as a kid - nostalgic, beautiful memories came flooding back. Kids loved it.
Kgotso our carriage assistant was just superb & our waitress super friendly / helpful.
Some tips:
Pre-Order the breakfast box, the pre-made sandwiches and wraps (think garage shop pre-packed) sold out quick and left us all disappointed and hungry.
We walked the Elgin market first on arrival , and then ate - the food can take long and some people missed out on the browsing and shopping due to this.
Take some card games! 4 hours there and 4 hours back.
Also we had no delays despite some reviews mentioning it. Right on time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
699kirkg
Feb 17, 2026
Tortoise trip - the concept is cool , but what people need to be made aware of is the whole trip is 8,5 hrs- of which 4 hours just to get there - leaving only 2 hrs!. to visit the market and get lunch no time to browse or eat without rushing, the trip back is 3,5 hrs. - the filth alongside the train tracks is an embarrassing for our tourism. The train travels too slow - better to drive there it only takes just over an hour by car. The staff on the train are fun - the train needs soft music and some sort of entertainment as the journey is so long - add a cooked breakfast cart or two would also help pass time ??
Review provided by Tripadvisor