TRAIN TO ELGIN RAILWAY WINE FESTIVAL at ELGIN RAILWAY MARKET
Join Ceres Rail Company on a 160 km round-trip departing on Saturday 27 May, and Sunday 28 May at 08h05 from Cape Town. Our destination is the Art Deco “Elgin Railway Market,” where they will be hosting the “Elgin Railway Wine Festival.”
The journey departs from Harbour Bridge Platform (close to the Cape Town International Convention Centre), and meanders through Cape Town and its surrounds until reaching the majestic Sir Lowrys Pass. Arriving at the foot of the pass, the train embarks on an epic climb up one of the steepest railway lines in South Africa. Cresting the peak, the train snakes it way into the lush Elgin Valley before arriving at the Elgin Railway Market.
Onboard our train, guests can enjoy the wonderful scenery from various seating options whilst sipping on drinks from our fully licensed cash bar, or snacking in our dining car. At the Wine Festival, guests will receive 12 wine tastings and a glass to keep.
The service is suited to all ages, although the Wine Tasting is limited to over 18’s, and promises to be an experience to never forget. Kids under 2 travel free.
Journey Timeline
- 07h00 – 07h30: Passengers Arrive
- 07h15: Train arrives at the platform
- 07h15 – 07h55: Passenger boarding
- 08h00: Departure
- 11h45: Arrival at Elgin Railway Market & Wine Festival
- This time may change due to delays on the rail network with regards to crossing other trains, infrastructure maintenance, and other safety checks. Delays in excess of 30 – 60 minutes are no uncommon and should be planned for.
- 13h30: Train opens for reboarding (passengers to board at their leisure)
- 15h15: Departure from Elgin Railway Market
- Depending on the time of arrival at the market, a decision may be made to delay departure to ensure passengers have enough time at the destination. This will be communicated to passengers by the staff onboard.
- 18h00 – 19h00: Arrival back in Cape Town.
- Passengers are advised not to arrange evening events after the train at a time too close to the arrival of the train back in Cape Town due to possible delays in arrival.
Notes
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- The ticket is a return ticket and includes the cost of your journey with us.
- No personal food and drink items are permitted onboard. We have a fully stocked bar, dining car (for snacks), and coffee onboard. Payment by cash or card is accepted.
- We are currently not wheelchair accessible unless the person is able to board without the wheelchair.
- No smoking is permitted onboard.
- Closed shoes are to be worn at all times.
- A light jersey or jacket is advisable in the case of sudden weather changes.
General Rules and Other Info
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- If you are in need of assistance, go to the Coach Controller or Train Manager.
- Obey the instructions given by our Train Manager (orange visi-vest) and our Coach Controllers (yellow visi-vest).
- Please do not stand or kneel on the furniture and tables, and keep dirty feet off too.
- Everyone loves to peek out of the window, but please do not hang out of the windows; it is dangerous due to vegetation along the track as well as soot from the steam locomotive.
- Please do not throw litter out of the windows – cleaning staff and bins are available on board.
- No bare feet – the plates between the coaches shift and passengers are at risk of getting injured if their feet are bare.
- We cannot control the actions of communities alongside the rail line. There have been incidents of stone throwing in the past; we undertake to do our best to monitor the known hotspots to ensure passengers are aware, and communities are engaged.