Cape Rail Company
Slow down and take in the view… Breathe… Reconnect, share a moment with your people, and make new memories.
The Cape Rail Way
Vintage Rail Adventures through the Western Cape
The world as it is today rewards speed and hustle, but we see life differently. We believe in crafting experiences onboard that promote slowing down, reconnecting with family and friends, and ones that open the doors to new memories. Whether you prefer a single day of slow on one of our trains bound for Elgin Railway Market, or a multi-day journey to destinations like Matjiesfontein or Mossel Bay – we have something for everyone.
Heritage
Preserving the stories, craftsmanship and character of South Africa’s railways.
Slow Travel
Returning to a thoughtful pace where the journey matters as much as the destination.
Scenic Routes
Discovering a new perspective on the Western Cape that only a railway line can show.
Shared Moments
Creating memorable experiences shared with family, friends and fellow travellers.
The Cape Rail Experience
Slow Travel at its Best
Discover captivating rail journeys through some of the Western Cape’s most memorable landscapes, and to its unique destinations.
Vintage Train to Elgin Railway Market
Travel through the Cape landscape aboard a vintage train to the lively Elgin Railway Market.
Picnic Train to Darling Cellars
Board a vintage train for a leisurely journey through the Western Cape to Darling Cellars.
Journey length: Approximately 9 hours 30 minutes (08h00 to 17h30). Check-in opens at 07h00.
Price from:
R799
The Train to Matjiesfontein
Step back to Victorian times as we take the train to this historic village for a 2 night experience (including stargazing).
The Mossel Bay Explorer
Take the slow route to Mossel Bay (and back), spending 4 days on the train, and making a load of new memories.
The Overberg Explorer
Travel from Bot River to Elgin Railway Market on this half-day trip through the stunning Overberg.
Overnight in the Overberg
Join us on a scenic journey into the Overberg, staying at the historical Houw Hoek Hotel for 2 nights.
The Canola Train
Departing from Bot River during Canola season, this train takes you on a journey of green and gold that will be hard to forget.
Moments Frozen in Time
More than just a Train
Every journey is about more than the destination. It’s about slowing down, sharing moments, and discovering the Cape from a different perspective.
Build Your Own Adventure
Hire the Train (or just a piece of it)
For those that want something completely unique, who are looking for something special that they have never done before – Cape Rail Company offers fully bespoke private train charters (or just exclusive coach use for your events). Whether you are planning an intimate personal celebration, a unique wedding, or a memorable corporate event, our train provides an unforgettable moving backdrop. Our charters and exclusive use services are highly personalised with our dedicated team handling every detail from your first inquiry until your guest step off the train. No two journeys are ever the same; that is exactly what we are aiming for.
OUR STORY
A Living Piece of History
Our train is more than just a means of transport, it is a living, breathing part of South African history. Cape Rail Company is made up of a team of people dedicated to preserving a historical travel experience – not only in terms of how you travel (locomotive and coaches) – but in the actual way that things are done, and how our guests experience this.
PASSENGER STORIES
Reliving the Journey in Retrospect
From families and couples to railway enthusiasts, discover what our guests have to say about their journeys with Cape Rail.