Western Cape

Family Coupes are typical of your 2-berth sleeper coaches as used on First Class trains up to the late 1980’s. Our Family Coupes seat a maximum of 3 adults (or 2 adults with 2 small children) and most have a fold-down table, one bunk, and a window as well as a door for privacy.

Activity Description

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.
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.

07h45 Depart from platform at Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites (33.9135° S, 18.4260° E), Dockrail Rd, Foreshore, Cape Town
11h15 Arrive in Elgin (subject to delays en-route)
14h15 Departure from Elgin (adjusted if delays occur en-route)
18:15 Arrive back in Cape Town (subject to delays)

We are so excited to have you on board!

Arrangements

Duration10 hours 15 minutes

WhenThe service is available all year round, generally operating on Saturdays and Sundays.

WhereThe train platform at Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites, Dockrail Rd, Foreshore, Cape Town

WeatherThis service runs in all weather conditions.

What to WearComfortable clothing. Closed footwear is advised.

Things to BringCash or Cards for goods sold on the train and at the market. A jersey or light-jacket should the weather change.

Guests or Spectators

Requirements

Minimum Age0 years

Minimum Height0.0 m

Maximum Height0.0 m

Fitness LevelNo Fitness Requirement

QualificationsNot Applicable

Maximum Weight0.0 kg

CertificationNone Required

Experience LevelNo Experience Requirement

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

The rail journey from Cape Town to Elgin Railway Market (Elgin) and back.
Unforgettable memories

ExclusionsFood, Drinks, all personal purchases are for your own account. We do have a card machine on board.

Notes

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.