The rail platform running alongside Dockrail Road is the meeting point.
Description
Trains have a certain inextricable mystique about them – no wonder they’re often the setting for romantic rendezvous, murder mysteries and elaborate heists. Perhaps it’s the unstoppable forward momentum; the intimacy of the enclosed space or the sense of adventure and anticipation they evoke.
Situated in a an already beautiful country, the overpowering allure of the country draws one in when sitting in this steam-hauled train as you overlook the ever-changing scenery.
Our guests spend their time on the train doing what they enjoy best, whether mingling in the bar, reading a book, taking in the sights, catching up with family, or closing their eyes to enjoy the soothing sounds of the rail.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, and Sun
Start times
8:00 AM
Season
Starts Dec 5
Next available
Sat, Dec 5
Adult (ages 18+)
$61
Infant (ages 0–3)
Free
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 20.
Tour Options
Vintage Train to Elgin Railway Market
Itinerary
Table Mountain
Pass by
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
Pass by
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
120 min
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
Included
All Fees and Taxes
Rail Ticket (return trip)
Restroom on board
Not included
Food, Drinks, and Coffee (available onboard at extra cost)
Transfers to/from Departure Point
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.7
656 reviews
5
544
4
75
3
20
2
7
1
10
How it compares in Cape Town
No. 15 by number of reviews among 3,059 tours in Cape Town
Starting price $61 is 69% below the typical $196 for tours of similar length in Cape Town
Price over the last 18 days: $60–$61
Excurgo comparison of 3,059 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vintage Train to Elgin Railway Market take?
Vintage Train to Elgin Railway Market lasts about 10 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does Vintage Train to Elgin Railway Market cost?
Prices start at $61 per person for this Cape Town experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Vintage Train to Elgin Railway Market run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting at 8:00 AM.
Can I cancel Vintage Train to Elgin Railway Market for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is The rail platform running alongside Dockrail Road is the meeting point. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Vintage Train to Elgin Railway Market offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 340 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Vintage Train to Elgin Railway Market worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 656 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Cape Rail Company.
Reviews(656)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Z
ZStarr27
October 14, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Exceptional Train Ride
The whole experience from before we even departed until we returned was fantastic, it was so well organised! From pre-departurr comms, to a WhatsApp group on the day for info and updates! Onboard the staff were friendly and couldn't do enough for you including a dedicated carriage waiter! We had the best day and will be returning in thr future!
O
O7930FTchristelleb
October 13, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
GREAT 👍🏼
Was a wonderful experience. Beautiful route. The market was fantastic.
L
LynetteSusan
October 5, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Steam Train trip from Hermanus to Elgin
Excellent trip from Hermanus to Elgin with wonderful views from train and very friendly & helpfull staff🚆you are allowed to take own drinks paying a corkage fee or buy at bar on train 🥂👍
Operator response
We are so glad you joined us on one of our trips from Bot River to Elgin Railway Market. Happy to hear that it was a good time 🤩
S
stoffelm2021
October 4, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Memorable train to Elgin
Lovely experience. Very well organised. Highly recommended!
Operator response
We appreciate the review and glad you enjoyed your time with us!
C
Climber00072573655
October 4, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
What an great experience!
Absolutely amazing. Everyone loved it. And the crew on the train was superb!
Operator response
We really have the best crew! Thank you for joining us :)
M
Meander29774056998
October 4, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Awesome family experience
It exceeded our expectations . Staff were very friendly and informative . Train ride was beautiful. Elgin railway market was awesome and we had a really fun afternoon . Can highly reccomended!
Operator response
We are really happy to hear you had a great time. Hope you join us again soon!
L
lynettevisagie
October 4, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Awsome
Absolute wonderful experience. Market is wow!
Operator response
Thank you for the review Lynette. Glad you joined us!
C
craigknop95
October 4, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Enjoyable day out
Well priced great day out guides were amazing well organised
Operator response
Glad you had a positive experience on board. Hope we see you again in the future :)
R
Relax30851501911
October 3, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Excellent trip
Excellent trip, will do it again.
Operator response
Thank you for the review and for joining us on one of our Overberg Explorer trips :)
N
NorthStar597147
October 3, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Fun Train experience to Elgin Market
A wonderful experience - definitely worth a trip to the Elgin Market
Operator response
Thank you for joining us on our Overberg Explorer trip 🤩
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