Memorable Train Trips near Cape Town

Photo credit: Ceres Rail Company via Facebook

You may know from first-hand experience that Cape Town and her surroundings are wonderful to explore by car but did you know that we are also fortunate enough to have several memorable train trips that operate in and around our beautiful Mother City?

In this post, we look at some great train trips to book near Cape Town and her surrounding towns:

Ceres Rail Company

The Ceres Rail Company has reignited the nostalgic beauty of steam train travel for the Mother City.

While their most famous, popular trip is their one from Cape Town to Elgin Railway Market, a thrilling, steam-punk themed market in the verdant Elgin Valley, they now also offer several other unique journeys from Cape Town or in and around the Overberg itself.

At the time of writing, you can book an overnight stay in the Overberg through their trip from Cape Town to the beautiful Houw Hoek Hotel or, alternatively, opt for the Overberg Explorer. This allows you to discover the beauty of the Cape Overberg Region by train when you travel from Bot River to the bustling Elgin Railway Market.

Lastly, there’s the previously mentioned iconic, return day trip from Cape Town to Elgin Railway Market, which is loved by young and old alike. While at the market, browse the stalls or feast on an array of eats, drinks and other treats.

If train travel is your idea of good fun, be sure to enquire after or book a journey with Ceres Rail Company.
Bookings and additional info: https://www.ceresrail.co.za/#rail-experiences-anchor

Photo credit: Ceres Rail Company via Facebook

Winelands Light Railway

Photo credit: Winelands Light Railway

This is another fun one for the family to experience together, especially as the Winelands Light Railway is primarily geared towards little ones.

Take them on a scenic, seven-minute journey (760 metres) around the beautiful train park, which is designed to create lasting memories for children and their parents on weekends, public holidays, school holidays and long weekends.

This is also a locally designed and built miniature railway, which offers two electric engines, Dozer and Fritz.

While visiting the Winelands Light Railway, guests are also welcome to bring a picnic basket and enjoy a peaceful day out or to buy some refreshments and snacks from the on-site kiosk. (You can also host great events, including birthdays, gender reveal parties and school outings, here.)

Photo credit: Winelands Light Railway

Entry fees and additional info: https://www.winelandsrail.co.za/#!/entry-fees

New Cape Central Railway

Photo credit: New Cape Central Railway

If you want to travel a bit further out for a unique small town experience, then the New Cape Central Railway offers the perfect, historic train trip for travellers to enjoy.

Departing from Robertson Station, every Saturday at 10:00 am, this special, 3.5-hour-long trip takes you on a scenic journey through beautiful vineyards and the open fields of the Breede River and Langeberg Valleys, which, together, form the Cape Central Valley.

More recently, they have also been promoting an exciting trip from Robertson to Matjiesfontein for 21 June 2025, although this journey is not child-friendly and does not include accommodation.

Bookings and additional info: https://secure.activitybridge.com/book?activityid=16732

Photo credit: New Cape Central Railway

Book a Beautiful Hout Bay Stay

If you are tired after all that nostalgic train travel, then why not book a relaxing city escape with DK Villas?

Our beautiful trio of luxuriously decked out, self-catering apartments are sure to hit the spot!

Each of our gorgeous apartments come fully equipped with all the necessary amenities and creature comforts to make your stay comfortable and memorable.

Our apartments also enjoy 24-hour security, so you have the ultimate peace of mind and sense of safety during your special stay with us.

Choose from our spacious, three-bedroom Harbour View apartment, the open plan, twobedroom Boardwalk apartment or our cosy, one-bedroom Riverview apartment.

Whichever apartment you opt for, we will ensure that you have a beautiful experience in an ideally situated, central part of Hout Bay.

For more information or to book one of our delightful Hout Bay apartments, please see here on our website.