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
  • 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
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
(415 Ratings)
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K_d
Sep 22, 2025
Highly recommend. A... - Highly recommend. A beautiful scenic train journey to a lovely market. One of the highlights of my stay in Capetown. The train staff made me feel very welcome and as a solo traveller regularly checked on me and made me feel at ease. A great day out.
Review provided by Viator
Cruiser16327993627
Sep 13, 2025
The best of the Western Cape! - Best day ever! Better than most international experiences I’ve had had!!!! The staff, the journey, the landscape, WOW!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Northstar21209127090
Sep 8, 2025
Botriver to Elggen Diesel train trip - Wat a wonderful experience! It was everything you would expect from an old train. For me it was about the nostalgia of another era. The staff were all friendly and helpful. I would definitely do it again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lynnes670
Sep 7, 2025
Take in stunning scenery from the comfort of a train! train - Delightful, magnificently scenic trip from Botriver to Elgin Railway Market. The steep incline from Botriver to Houw Hoek is a stunning vista of mountains, valley floor, and river crossings. From Houw Hoek to Elgin there is dense forestation with far reaching glimpses of the Hottentots Holland mountain range. Sit back, relax and enjoy twice on the return journey.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Happiness39615211658
Sep 7, 2025
Memorylain - Much enjoyed, thank you. Trevor is well informed and we were never wandering, even with the technical problems. Thanks.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
439stanleym
Aug 31, 2025
Trip down memory lane - The Cape's TransKaroo Lite version - What an amazing experience this was. The online booking process was so easy. The regular WhatsApp group notifications were timeous and informative. The train is neat and well maintained . John, carriage host , was very attentive and friendly. Include the option of payment of the parking ticket when booking.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Happiness22579380329
Aug 31, 2025
Cara-lee was exceptional. She was very accommodating and friendly. I highly recommend trying it out. - Cara-lee was exceptional. She was very accommodating and friendly. I highly recommend trying it out. The market also has great food.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sizaang
Sep 8, 2025
Memorable day with friends at affordable price - It was a memorable day at a very affordable price. Even though the beloved Claire (steam train) is being repaired and the diesel locomotive was used, we still had a wonderful time. One should keep an eye on the scenery, as it constantly changes and it is a beautiful area. While travelling, we spent good quality time with our friends. We were kept updated all the time, the communication from the team is top notch. We would love to go again once Claire is back.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Venture18975320647
Aug 31, 2025
Memorable trip to Elgin - The scenery and views were stunning. Staff was very friendly and delivered good service. However I missed the steam loco.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trek53329365185
Sep 18, 2025
Elgin market train - Train was late not steam but desiel which was problem for lateness, later told it was a track fault.Train broke down and we had to wait for a new engine,a delay of over a hour we had a wonderful veiw of rusty rolling stock while we waited. Staff said it was a common problem and senior management know of the problems but take little or notice of customer satisfaction. I would not recommend this tour on our experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $52
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).