From Cape Town: Steam Train Ticket to Elgin Railway Market

Discover the charm of a scenic one-day round-trip journey from Cape Town to the vibrant Elgin Railway Market aboard a classic steam train. For just $52.08, you can experience breathtaking views of the city and False Bay while indulging in local culinary delights at the bustling market. With a fully licensed bar on board and the option to reserve tickets and pay later, this relaxing adventure promises a memorable day. But what makes this experience truly special? Let’s dive into the details and uncover the hidden gems that await.

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Shopping Tours In Cape Town.

Good To Know

• Steam train tickets from Cape Town to Elgin Railway Market start at $52.08 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The one-day round-trip journey covers 160 km, featuring scenic views of Cape Town and False Bay, but is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• The vibrant Elgin Railway Market offers a variety of local culinary delights, beverages, live music, and craft vendors for an immersive experience.
• The onboard experience includes a relaxing and sociable journey with a fully licensed bar, though food and drinks are not included in the ticket price.
• Passengers should bring warm clothing, closed-toe shoes, credit card, and cash, while weapons, sharp objects, open-toed shoes, and smoking are prohibited.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Ticket Details and Pricing

The steam train ticket to the Elgin Railway Market starts from $52.08 per person.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can reserve the ticket now and pay later, securing their spot without upfront payment.

The one-day round-trip journey covers a distance of 160 km, offering panoramic views of Cape Town and False Bay along the way. The train ride takes passengers through the 473m-high Sir Lowry’s Pass, providing a scenic experience.

With a rating of 4.2/5 for transportation and 4/5 for value for money, this steam train ticket offers an affordable and enjoyable day trip from Cape Town to the Elgin Railway Market.

Journey Overview

A one-day round-trip journey covers a distance of 160 km, taking passengers from Cape Town to Somerset West via the 473m-high Sir Lowry’s Pass.

Along the way, travelers will be treated to panoramic views of Cape Town and False Bay.

The steam train ride offers a relaxing and scenic experience, allowing passengers to sit back, socialize, and enjoy the picturesque landscape.

However, the journey may not be suitable for wheelchair users, as the train’s amenities and accessibility may not cater to their needs.

Elgin Railway Market Experience

Upon arriving at the Elgin Valley, passengers disembark the steam train and enjoy the bustling Elgin Railway Market. This lively destination showcases the region’s vibrant food and artisan scene. Visitors can indulge in a variety of local culinary delights, from curries and Mediterranean fare to vegan salads and decadent desserts. The market also boasts an impressive selection of beverages, including locally produced wines, craft beers, ciders, and artisanal gins. To enhance the experience, the market features live music performances and craft vendors, creating a truly immersive and entertaining atmosphere.

Cuisine Offerings	Beverage Options	Atmosphere
Curries	Wines	Live Music
Mediterranean	Craft Beers	Craft Vendors
Vegan Salads	Ciders	–
Pizzas	Craft Gins	–
Desserts	–	–

Onboard Experience

Passengers onboard the steam train can expect a relaxing and sociable journey. The fully licensed bar offers custom cocktails to sip while enjoying the scenic views.

Whether you prefer to unwind with a good book or socialize with fellow travelers, the onboard experience caters to various preferences.

However, the train isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to accessibility limitations. It’s important to note that food and drinks aren’t included in the ticket price, so passengers should plan accordingly.

With amenities like the onboard bar, the steam train journey to Elgin Railway Market promises an enjoyable and memorable experience.

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Meeting Point and Arrival Time

The steam train departs from the platform outside the Canal Cafe, arriving at the Elgin Railway Market around 7:00 AM. This gives you ample time to explore the market and its offerings before heading back to Cape Town.

Important Information
Meeting Point	Platform outside Canal Cafe
Arrival Time	Around 7:00 AM
What to Bring	Warm clothing, credit card, jacket, cash, closed-toe shoes

Prohibited items include weapons, sharp objects, smoking, and open-toed shoes. Be sure to plan accordingly for a seamless and enjoyable day trip to the Elgin Railway Market.

What to Bring and Prohibited Items

Warm clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes are essential for the steam train journey, as the weather can be unpredictable, especially during the transition between seasons.

It’s also recommended to bring a credit card for any purchases at the Elgin Railway Market, as well as some cash for tips or small transactions.

Visitors should leave weapons, sharp objects, and open-toed shoes at home, as these items are prohibited on the train.

Smoking is also not allowed onboard.

Following these simple guidelines will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all passengers.

Customer Ratings and Feedback

Passengers’ experiences aboard the steam train journey to the Elgin Railway Market have been largely positive, with the overall service garnering a solid 3.9-out-of-5-star rating from 47 reviews.

Reviewers have praised the scenic views, particularly the panoramic vistas of Cape Town and False Bay. The transportation aspect has been well-received, with a 4.2-out-of-5-star rating.

However, there was a notable incident where the train hit a car at a crossing, halting the trip, though refunds or vouchers were promised.

Notable Incident and Refund Policy

An unfortunate incident occurred when the steam train hit a car at a crossing, temporarily halting the journey to the Elgin Railway Market.

While no injuries were reported, the incident caused a delay. In response, the railway provider promised refunds or vouchers to affected passengers.

Despite this setback, the company emphasized its commitment to safety and quality of service. Customers can take comfort in the fact that the railway has a robust incident response plan in place to address such situations promptly.

The overall experience and value for money remain highly rated by previous travelers, as reflected in the 4.2/5 transportation rating and 4/5 value for money score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Steam Train Wheelchair Accessible?

The steam train to the Elgin Railway Market is not wheelchair accessible. According to the provided information, it states that the train is "Not suitable for: Wheelchair users."

Do Children Receive a Discounted Ticket Price?

The ticket pricing information does not mention any discounted rates for children. However, it’s best to check with the tour provider directly, as they may offer child tickets or family packages that could provide a reduced fare.

Are Dogs Allowed on the Steam Train?

Dogs are not allowed on the steam train. The steam train experience is intended for human passengers only. Service animals may be permitted on a case-by-case basis, but standard pet dogs are not permitted on the train.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onboard?

Passengers are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks onboard. The steam train has a fully licensed bar providing a selection of beverages, though food and drinks are not included in the ticket price.

Is There a Smoking Area on the Steam Train?

The steam train explicitly prohibits smoking onboard. There is no designated smoking area on the train. Passengers are advised to refrain from smoking throughout the journey for the safety and comfort of all travelers.

The Sum Up

This steam train journey from Cape Town to the vibrant Elgin Railway Market offers an unforgettable day of scenic views, local cuisine, and a relaxed onboard experience. With affordable pricing, flexible booking options, and positive customer feedback, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a unique and memorable day trip from the city. The free cancellation policy provides added peace of mind for travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here: