Ceres Rail Fly + Vintage Train + Accommodation Packages
Step back in time with the romance of vintage train travel and the charm of Cape Town. This package blends three great experiences:
- Return flights from Johannesburg (or other major airports in South Africa)
- A full-day vintage train adventure from Cape Town to Elgin with the Ceres Rail Company. The best form of slow travel.
- Three nights in a stylish Suite or Hotel near a working harbour.
- Cape Town Airport and hotel / train station transfers included.
- Optional: If it's your vibe, ask for a hiking experience to be included.
Availability last updated on 18 Sep 2025 for Rovos Rail; on 12 Sep 2025 for The Blue Train
Best Train Deals
Prices are shown based on your selection in the 'Travellers' filter. The default is per person sharing (PPS). A 50% single supplement applies for solo travellers. WhatsApp Rob (any time of night or day) for more info. Email rob@southafrica.to to firm up a booking.
No surcharge for Credit Card payments
What’s included
- Return flights: Johannesburg ↔ Cape Town
- 3 nights at Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites (or equivalent, if no availability)
- An approximately 10–12 hour Ceres Rail Company steam train day trip from the hotel to Elgin and back
What’s Not Included:
- Airport transfers (except for Cape Town), meals, and drinks
- Travel insurance (required but not included)
- Anything else not mentioned above
Good to know:
- This is a full-day excursion, with plenty of time to enjoy Elgin before returning to Cape Town by steam.
- Seats on the train are limited and fares can change, so the earlier you book, the better.
- Prices and availability are only guaranteed once full payment has been received and booking is confirmed.
The longer you take to book the greater the chance of train fares changing. Availability subject to change until the full amount has been paid and bookings made.
Questions or ready to book?
- Select a date above
- WhatsApp Railroad Rob for assistance
- Or Email railroad Rob.for a quote and availability
What is the Ceres Rail Company?
The Ceres Rail Company is a heritage rail operator that restores and runs vintage steam (and sometimes diesel) trains on nostalgic scenic day trips. This unique tourism experience is designed to authentically recreate the "Golden Age" of train travel.
Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites
Review of Ceres Rail trip to Elgin
WhatsApp Group for Train Trip
On the Friday before our Ceres Rail Train to Elgin Railway Market, we received a WhatsApp and email :
"Hi SA Travel Online!\
We are so excited to have you onboard for our Ceres Rail experience to Elgin Railway Market on 18 May 2025!
STEP 1: Join our Trip Update WhatsApp Group (It is only for use on the day of your trip, and you will be removed from it after the trip - so no spam) . Please also share this link with any travelers who are part of your group:"
Spa service on Ceres rail
About a week before our trip I received a WhatsApp:
"Good morning
It’s Liesel from the spa service on Ceres rail
We have has slots available for 15 and 30 min seated massage services (masssge chair) a first of its kind in the country.
We would like to prioritise your group if they wish to experience the best massage service.
We see two guests at a time in our private spa compartment, Payment is made in cash or card .
Elevate your experience by booking with me on 0734071557 Liesel"
Drinks
If you’re coming from far, or just want to make sure that you get to the station early, rest assured that Ceres Rail's coffee shop in the departure area will be open from 6 am There will also be great coffee for sale on the train!
Food
This menu was provided by Ceres Rail for a trip we reviewed, and may change. Should you require any of the items you place your order with the waitress or waiter in your coach.
Ceres Rail sends a WhatsApp just after your train departs; setting out who the waitresses for the day are.
Online Checking in and signing Indemnity
STEP 2 of the WhatsApp we received: "Check-in online with your unique link below to complete your indemnities (unless you have already done so):"
We also received an email asking same: "Dear SA Travel Online, You are invited to check-in to your Steam Train to Elgin - Family Compartment (6 persons) activity in advance. This will assist the operator to provide a quick and hassle-free service on arrival. The required indemnity form is included and can be signed online from your mobile phone to ensure that you have sufficient time to read and understand the conditions. You can check-in now by clicking here or scan the code below and fill out the required forms. Remember to check-in all guests individually.
Should you complete your check-in/indemnity signing, kindly ensure that your arrival gets recorded on the day of your Tour/Activity. Looking forward to welcoming you,
Ceres Rail Company team"
After clicking on the unique link provided to us by Ceres Rail, we had to fill in:
- Full Name
- Cellphone
- Passport or ID number
- Emergency contact person and contact number
Indemnity
"Read and Sign the Agreement Below
I understand that visitors travelling with Atlantic Rail and Ceres Rail Company do so at their own risk. Atlantic Rail, Ceres Rail Company, Transnet Freight Rail and/or PRASA will not be held liable for any injury, damage or loss suffered. This includes any injury, damage or loss that can be attributed directly or indirectly to any negligence on the part of Atlantic Rail, Ceres Rail Company, Transnet Freight Rail and/or PRASA or any of its employees or volunteers.
I will adhere to all instructions issued by the train staff in respect to safety regulations throughout the journey.
Atlantic Rail, Ceres Rail Company, Transnet Freight Rail and/or PRASA reserve the right to remove any passengers from the train who are behaving in a manner deemed disruptive and/or dangerous to themselves or other persons as well as any passenger who will not adhere to the safety regulations set down by the Railway Safety Regulator of South Africa.
ONBOARD SAFETY RULES (VERY IMPORTANT TO READ)
• Safety is our biggest priority onboard, please be sure to read through the points below and communicate them to your children too. Failure to adhere to rules and instructions may lead to you being asked to leave the train.
• First of all, our friendly coach controllers are responsible for your safety onboard and will be introducing themselves to you once onboard. Please ask them any questions you may have, and obey any instructions they give you.
• NB 1: This is a smoke and vape free train. Where possible, stops will be made en-route for those who wish to smoke.
• NB 2: Please only embark/disembark when told to do so by a Coach Controller. This is for all stops, stations or other unforeseen circumstances.
• NB 3: Do not open any doors whilst the train is moving or when stopping at a station.
• NB 4: Never throw anything out of the train. This includes sweets, chips and other items for people who may be along the tracks. (This is a fineable offence)
• NB 5: When looking out of windows, please do not lean out, as there is vegetation along the tracks that may cause injury.
• NB 6: Walking barefoot on the train is strictly prohibited. The step-over plates between the coaches shift with the movement of the train and may cause pinching and injury. Closed shoes are recommended where possible.
• NB 7: Please stick to your pre-allocated seats, unless the coach controller has transferred you to a different seat.
• NB 8: When approaching a tunnel, the coach controller will inform you to close your windows. This prevents unnecessary smoke from entering the train.
• NB 9: If there is a power failure onboard, please do not use the normal flush toilets. Also, do not use the toilets when the train is standing still.
• NB 10: Glassware and beverages may not be taken off the train onto a station platform due to limitations of our liquor license.
• NB 11: The train is a family environment; drunken and rowdy behaviour places others at risk. We reserve the right to limit further sale of alcohol at our discretion.
• NB 12: Parents are responsible for their children. Children under 10 are not permitted to explore the train on their own. Running onboard is also not allowed.
• NB 13: 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.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
• Should passengers require medical assistance, there will always be a First Aid officer on the train with a First Aid kit. Report the incident to a Coach Controller or the Train Manager immediately, and they will assist you.
• In the most unlikely event of a fire, there are serviced and working fire extinguishers in each coach. Report it to the Coach Controller or Train Manager who will attend to the matter.
• Should an evacuation be necessary, please only do so once instructed to, and also only exit at a position where it is safe to do so.
Please note, our movements on the tracks are subject to Transnet Freight Rail and Metrorail authorisations. We are under their control and thus are not able to control all delays and other issues. We have experienced delays of up to 2.5 hours in the recent past on certain trips; any delays will result in a later arrival at the market, but departure from the market will also be delayed. The train may arrive back at the departure station at a worst case at 20h00 should a lengthy delay be experienced.
We do advise passengers to not make any important arrangements due to start directly after our trip due to the risk of delays.
I understand that it is not permissible to throw any objects out of the train, whether it be sweets, chips, money, or anything similar. I will communicate this to the passengers in my group and acknowledge that it is a fineable offence.*
I understand that delays may be experienced as part of the trip, and that these have been known to be up to 2.5 hours long at times.*
I acknowledge that I am aware that there have been incidents of stones being thrown at the train in the past and that patrollers are present at known hotspots to protect the train.*
I agree that I have read and understood the indemnity form above*
Please enter the name and age of any minor that you have guardianship over for the duration of the service and sign below to indicate that you agree to and understood the indemnity agreement"
Directions to Cape Town embarkation station
"STEP 3: Boarding from 07h30 (08h05 departure) at the AC Hotel by Marriot, Dockrail Road with directions below:
https://www.ceresrail.co.za/directions-parking/
The train DOES NOT depart from Cape Town Station (it's a few kilometres away from the Cape Town station where the likes of Rovos Rail and The Blue Train trips from Pretoria to Cape Town disembark).
PARKING: Safe & Underground. R80 per vehicle on the day (pay at check-in counter)
When arriving tomorrow, please park in the noted underground parking area (the farthest from the entrance booms) and head up the elevator or stairs there to the Check-in desk and coffee shop.
“Remember to take your
parking ticket with you at
the start of the day to
have it validated before
you get onboard! If you
have pre-paid your
parking you will be validated when you present your ticket. If you
still need to pay, your
ticket will be validated and then you will be asked to pay,when booking in,cost R80.00 per ticket."
If you are being dropped off or picked up at the departure point, please request a drop-off/pick-up in the basement parking lot. There is a 10 minute free timeperiod. Do not stop on the roadway as it hampers other traffic.
I'm not 100% sure, but I think the outdoor area east of the Harbour Bridge Hotel is free parking.
Somerset west embarkation station
‼Guests joining the train at Van Der Stel Station in Somerset West should be ready at the station by 09h40, with the train arriving between 09h40 and 10h20. Parking is at the station, not underground, but there is security present. There is no cost to the parking at Van Der Stel station.
Staff onboard
Hostess to welcome you onboard
The train manager is responsible for the safe operaton of the tran and co-ordinate with the train driver to ensure a smooth operation.
Safety Onboard
"Safety is our biggest priority onboard, please be sure to read through the points below and communicate them to your children too. Falure to adhere to rules and instructions may lead to you being asked to leave the train.
Our coach controllers are responsible for your safety onboard and will be introducing themselves to you shortly. Please ask them any questions you may have, and obey any instructions they give you.
- This is a smoke and vape free train. IWhere possible stops will be made en-route for those who wish to smoke.
- Please only embark/disembark when told to do soby a Coach Controller. This is for all stops, stations or other unfamiliar circumstances.
- Do not open any doors whilst the train is moving or when stopping at a station.
- Never throw anything out of the train. This includes sweets, chips and other items for people who may be along the tracks.
- When looking out of windows, please do not lean out, as there is vegetation along the tracks that may cause injury.
- Walking barefoot on the train is strictly prohibited. The step-over plates between the coaches shift with the movement of the train and may cause pinching and injury".
No smoking or vaping
Train Layout
Elgin Railway Market
Elgin Railway Market is cashless; you'll need a credit card to shop.
Sir Lowrys Pass Community
"We have a special message for all our passengers from the Sir Lowrys Pass community through which we will be passing shortly after passing through Somerset West.
“Good Morning Ceres Rail passengers,
Today will be a trip you will always remember. Your journey takes you through a varying landscape across the Cape flats and just before you travel up Sir Lowry’s Pass on your way to Elgin, you will see the community of Sir Lowry’s Pass Village......and you will fleetingly meet us.
Ceres Rail have organized us- members of SLP Farm & Village Watch, alongside SAPS CIB( community in blue) volunteers to safeguard the train from recusant youth and children stone throwers. However, these actions are sometimes the result of some travelers throwing money or sweets out of the train for the children. This action, although well meaning creates an expectation. We urge you to please refrain from this gesture. As Watch members we regard our presence at the track as an opportunity to remind the community how dangerous it can be to be in close proximity to the tracks, when the train passes through. We stand to protect them and you.
Enjoy your trip.
Sue Buckland
Sir Lowry’s Pass representative
Community Police Forum (CPF)”
"Dear Passengers. We will be arriving at Elgin in approximately 25 minutes. We’ll have the train back in the platform around 13:30. Please be back on the train and seated by 14:00 for departure. Enjoy the market😊 "
Harbour Bridge Hotel
Positioned right next to the boarding station for Ceres Rail in Cape Town; the Harbour Bridge Hotel and the AC Marriot are perfect accommodation options for ease of getting to the station
Other
Golf Train Tour to Arabella (over)
Join Ceres Rail Company for an unforgettable four-day luxury escape, blending vintage train travel with modern indulgence at the Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa. Whether you’re a golfer, a relaxation seeker, or traveling with family, this trip has something for everyone. Itinerary Highlights:
- Friday, 4 July: Depart Cape Town by train, with a delightful supper stop at Elgin Railway Market (own account).
Three Nights at Arabella: Relax in deluxe rooms with daily breakfast included. - Golfers’ Experience: Saturday: 18 holes at the prestigious Arabella Golf Course.
- Sunday: 18 holes at Hermanus Golf Club. Includes green fees, shared golf carts, and transfers
Alternatively; try a Rovos Rail Golf Tour
- Non-Golfers & Families: Choose from wine tastings, yoga, spa treatments, kids’ activities, or simply unwind by the pool.
- Dining Delights: Saturday: Indulgent buffet dinner.
- Sunday: Traditional South African braai.
- Monday: Return by train, feeling refreshed and recharged.
Houw Hoek Women's Day Getaway
Join Ceres Rail Company for a memorable steam train trip to the Houw Hoek Hotel from Friday, August the 8th to Sunday, August the 10th, 2025, to celebrate the Women's Day weekend. This package includes a two-night stay at the hotel and five meals, featuring the renowned Saturday Dinner Dance. Spa treatments are offered at the hotel and on the train as an optional extra.
Email "railroad Rob"rob@southafrica.to; or WhatsApp anytime for anything.
Discuss Blue Train & Rovos Rail luxury trips
This is a public forum. Please do not share any personal details.