Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The main reasons that a trip could be cancelled are

1. Railway infrastructure concerns/damage that has been reported.
2. Unscheduled maintenance of railway lines.
3. Breakdown of locomotives.
4. Unsafe weather conditions (major storms that could blow trees over the tracks, and so forth.

If you paid via PayGenius (using your debit card, credit card, or InstantEFT), once we trigger the refund, you will receive an email noting that a refund has been triggered. The funds clear in your bank account within 3 – 8 working days. If you have paid via a standard EFT into our bank account, the payment is triggered on the first Friday after your refund request has been approved (provided you have sent us accurate banking details) and may take up to 3 working days to clear.

Our Cancellations Policy can be found at: https://www.ceresrail.co.za/cancellation-policy.

Our Cancellations Policy can be found at: https://www.ceresrail.co.za/cancellation-policy.

8 working days is the maximum length that we have been notified that a refund should take. The reason for this is due to the complex interactions between the payment gateways and banks to prevent money laundering and fraud. Numerous checks and reporting actions on each transaction have to be undertaken to ensure that it is not logged as a fraudulent transaction.

We handle each scenario on a case-by-case basis. We do understand that life happens, and where possible, we make a plan to ensure that you are either refunded, or issued with a voucher to travel with us when you are well again.

The coaches come in at a variety of different weights, with the lightest being our Day Sitters (L-44 coaches) at about 25 tonnes, and the heaviest being our Observation Car coming in at 60 tonnes.

We have a variety of different coaches that come from various eras of the South African Railways. Some of the coaches are still in their original configuration, whilst others are specifically modified to serve a new purpose. We have a few different categories of coaches: First Class Sleepers, Second Class Sleepers, Second Class Sitters, Dining Cars, Modified Lounge Cars, Bar Cars, Catering Cars, and various others.

Our coaches are a variety of ages, with the oldest built in 1906, and the newest built in the late 1970’s.

Most of the coaches were built by either Union Carriage & Wagon in Nigel, Gauteng, or by a few coach builders in the United Kingdom.

We do allow passengers to board at stations along the way if this is pre-arranged. It should be noted that we cannot guarantee our arrival time at the en-route stations due to potential delays. In general, we do not stop at most stations given the security constraints at these stations. On our Elgin Railway Market trips we always stop at Van Der Stel Station in Somerset West. Please feel free to contact us at bookings@ceresrail.co.za for more information.

Yes! On our Elgin Railway Market trips we always stop at Van Der Stel Station in Somerset West. It should be noted that we cannot guarantee our arrival time at the station due to potential delays, but we expect to arrive between 09h40 and 10h20. Please feel free to contact us at bookings@ceresrail.co.za for more information.

Navigate to https://www.ceresrail.co.za/directions-parking/, or for a location pin, follow this link: https://goo.gl/maps/BHdq45MvCKASyeoC8

Van Der Stel Station is in Van Der Stel Station Road in Somerset West. Searching for “Van Der Stel Station” or “Van Der Stel Metrorail Station” will lead you to the right place.

The parking at Van Der Stel station is safe. Whilst there are no formal car guards on duty, the station security, as well as the position of the car park, ensure cars are safe.

The train departs from the train platform at the AC Hotel by Marriot, close to the V&A Waterfront. This can be found by searching for “Ceres Rail Company” on google and clicking on the “Directions” link. Alternatively, navigate to https://www.ceresrail.co.za/directions-parking/, or for a location pin, follow this link: https://goo.gl/maps/BHdq45MvCKASyeoC8

Currently, the railway line to Ceres is in not in a useable condition. This line was badly damaged in the floods in June 2023 and is currently still being assessed for repair. Once the line is repaired, we will return there.

Yes! We offer pensioners discounts on all our trips in our Day Seating area. This discount varies between 10% and 20% depending on the trip chosen.

Unfortunately we do not have a student discount. Scholars 17 and under are classified as children and benefit from the children’s rate.

Yes, we do offer group discounts on a case-by-case basis. Please contact bookings@ceresrail.co.za for more information on this.

Our drinks menu can be found at: https://www.ceresrail.co.za/on-the-train/#onboard_services_offerings. Please note, at some stages we are not able to source all of the items and they may be out of stock.

Our drinks menu can be found at: https://www.ceresrail.co.za/on-the-train/#onboard_services_offerings. Please note, at some stages we are not able to source all of the items and they may be out of stock.

Yes, there are Halaal offerings. The Strictly Halaal stalls are: Petra Palace, The Curry Hut, and Sweet Revenge. The Halaal Friendly stalls are: Greek Olives, Salt & Sea, S&J Veg Dim Sum, and J&J Asian Cuisine.

A map of the market can be found at: https://bit.ly/elgin-railway-market-map

Elgin Railway Market market is housed within an old apple warehouse transformed into a bustling Steampunk, Art Deco ambiance featuring local food, craft vendors and live music. It is kept warm by roaring fires in winter, and cooled by gigantic fans in summer.

Visitors to the Market can choose from food stalls offering everything from fragrant curries, Mediterranean cuisine, healthy Vegan salads, spicy chicken, Neapolitan pizzas, ribs and burgers, exotic Dim Sum, Mexican Nachos, delicious fresh juices, tasty biltong, fall off the bone lamb, and fresh Thai. Sweets treats are also plentiful. They include home-made fudge, ice-cream, handmade chocolate, and to finish off, a great selection of cakes. The bar serves local wines, beer and cider. L-Gin, from Elgin artisanal gin bar serves up local craft gins.

Yes! We have provided our locomotives and coaches for a number of recent movie shoots and commercials. Please reach out to us at film@ceresrail.co.za to discuss your requirements; we have a great team that will assist you.

We have access to most of the railway network in the Western Cape, excluding the Sishen-Saldanha Iron Ore corridor. Please reach out to us at film@ceresrail.co.za to discuss your requirements; we have a great team that will assist you.

At present some of our food options are Halaal friendly, but we do not have a Halaal certificate.

Own food is not permitted unless for a specific dietary requirement, or in the case of baby food. We offer a variety of foods for sale onboard. Please reach out to us beforehand at bookings@ceresrail.co.za for any more info, or to clarify any requirements.

We have different food offerings that cover many bases. Please see our menu at: https://www.ceresrail.co.za/on-the-train/#onboard_services_offerings but if you are unsure about anything, please contact us at bookings@ceresrail.co.za, and we can assist you.

Pre-orders are paid for prior to the trip (you will be contacted).

Food can be pre-ordered for from 7 days before a trip, with orders closing 2 days before a trip. Pre-orders can be done at www.ceresrail.co.za/pre-orders/

Our food and drinks menu can be found at: https://www.ceresrail.co.za/on-the-train/#onboard_services_offerings

Our food and drinks menu can be found at: https://www.ceresrail.co.za/on-the-train/#onboard_services_offerings

Food can be pre-ordered for from 7 days before a trip, with orders closing 2 days before a trip. Pre-orders can be done at www.ceresrail.co.za/pre-orders/

Yes, the containerised cargo is transport by rail first to Belville Container Depot (Belcon), and thereafter by a shuttle rail service into Cape Town Harbour.

Yes, Ceres Rail Company works in conjunction with Transnet Freight Rail to operate freight trains that transport rail-friendly cargo from various locations to Cape Town Harbour. The main area from which the cargo comes is from Ceres, Wolseley, Tulbagh and Worcester.

Ceres Rail Company mainly runs agricultural produce, ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables transport in Refrigerated Containers (Reefers), or frozen fruit concentrate transported in 6m General Purpose (GP) containers.

Yes, Ceres Rail Company is privately owned.

Ceres Rail Company was formed in 2013 by Ceres Golf Estate as an initiative to restore the derelict railway line from Wolseley to Ceres and Prince Alfred Hamlet and to use it to reduce the freight congestion on Michell’s Pass. This initiative resulted in a tourism spin-off and the purchase of locomotives and coaches to use to operate this. The first passenger train rain in 2015, and the first freight train in 2016.

Ceres Rail Company is a run a management team comprising of Rick Botha, Simon Beckett and Daleen Endley.

Yes! Please subscribe to the newsletter at https://bit.ly/crcnewsletter for the most up to date information!

Ceres Rail Company can be contacted at bookings@ceresrail.co.za, or +27 (79) 401 9353 (Call or WhatsApp)

The best way to stay up to date is to follow Ceres Rail Company on social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ceresrail

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ceresrailcompany

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/crcnewsletter

You can find us at various places, but we are most active at the following:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ceresrail

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ceresrailcompany

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/crcnewsletter

When there is a failure/problem on a trip, the Train Manager, as well as the Operations Manager are in constant contact with the relevant entity. This guides decisions made on the way forward for a specific trip. If the matter can be handled after a trip, it is put into the daily Train Manager’s report and sent to the relevant departments for action.

Ceres Rail Company does its best to ensure that there are no failures and problems, but these do arise from time to time and then need to be dealt with as they arise.

Ceres Rail Company has a great working relationship with Transnet, PRASA and Metrorail. Daily interactions, as well as quarterly interface meetings ensure that all parties are aligned in their goals are on the way forward.

Yes, there are toilets in each coach on the train.

Whilst there are no specific activities geared at children onboard, the whole experience is tailored so as to encourage conversation with children about the railways, the history of our country, the benefits of slowing down and engaging with the people around. Many families bring along card games, board games (for those seated in our family compartments or coupes), and books.

There is no specific entertainment available onboard, but our coach controllers always have a good story to tell, a lot of history about the train, and insights about the landscapes and areas through which the train is passing.

Locomotives were traditionally named by the regular driver of the locomotive. This tradition continues today, with a bit more input from the company to ensure that names are aligned to the company values and image.

We have a fleet of 5 locomotives that are either operating, or at various stages of getting back into use. These locomotives are:

1. South African Railways Class 19B #1412, “Bailey” (Coal burning)
2. South African Railways Class 19D #3321 (Oil burning)
3. South African Railways Class 19D #3322, “Clare” (Oil burning)
4. South African Railways Class 24 #3655, “Jenny” (Coal burning)
5. South African Railways Class 26 #3450, “The Red Devil” (Coal burning)

The amount of fuel for a trip varies based on gradient, load, and various other factors. Our oil burning locomotives rarely used less than 4000 litres of oil per trip, with the amount of coal being used commonly being more than 3 tonnes.

Different locomotives have different weights, our locomotives are as follows:

1. South African Railways Class 19B #1412, “Bailey” (Coal burning) – 147 000 kg
2. South African Railways Class 19D #3321 (Oil burning) – 149 700 kg
3. South African Railways Class 19D #3322, “Clare” (Oil burning) – 155 400 kg
4. South African Railways Class 24 #3655, “Jenny” (Coal burning) – 131 500 kg
5. South African Railways Class 26 #3450, “The Red Devil” (Coal burning) – 235 700 kg

The majority of the trips are run by locomotives burning recycled oil, but some locomotives also operate on coal.

South African Railways Class 26 #3450, “The Red Devil” was restored to working condition by Ceres Rail Company is 2018. She was last used in 2019, after which Covid-19 struck and she was put into storage. At present, the locomotive is only being attended to cosmetically to prevent further deterioration. A detailed maintenance plan is in place for the moment a new lease is approved for the locomotive by Transnet Freight Rail.

The range of the locomotives is usually determined by the amount of water in the tender, and not the amount of fuel. Typically, a locomotive has a range of 150 – 200 km on a single water tank, once again depending on the gradient, load and track conditions.

Clare is the name of the matriarch of the Beckett family that owns Ceres Rail Company.

Oil burning locomotives, especially those that are well maintained, do less damage to the surrounding environment by lowering the amount of sparks emitted from the chimney, thus causing less veld fires. It is key to ensure that the clay floor of the firebox is check often and replaced every few years. Oil burning locomotives are able to be used comfortable all year round, whilst with coal locomotives, special care needs to be taken to prevent fires.

The personnel who control the firing of the locomotives, aptly named “Firemen,” are trained to ensure the lowest possible amount of unburnt fuel (black smoke) is released from the locomotive. During the light-up of the locomotive, when the boiler is still cold, the amount of black smoke may be more. We also mix in a variety of synthetic fuels to increase the combustibility and complete burning of our recycled oil fuel.

Recycled oil comes from accredited suppliers, and coal comes from the coal fields in the norther western parts of South Africa.

Water used in the locomotives is taken from approved sources, the amount used being paid for at the agreed tariff.

Out of an abundance of caution, we prefer to use oil burning locomotives wherever we can to ensure that the impact on the surrounding environment is lower, and the risk of fires is lower.

On certain trips, we use a diesel locomotive along with our steam locomotive. Due to the high overhead costs of running our trips, and the costs related to the use of the railway network, we have included the use of a diesel locomotive to ensure we can take a longer train with more passengers, and thus are able to keep the ticket prices within reasonable limits. On trips where we do not need to climb major gradients, we are able to operate with our steam locomotives on their own.

It is not common practice to change the names of locomotives often, but there are cases in which this is done. In the near future, our Class 19D #3321 will be getting a new name, as she is currently nameless.

Permanent jobs are available from time to time. Interested parties should submit their CV, a copy of their ID and a cover letter to bookings@ceresrail.co.za

Yes! We do take applications for onboard crew that assist our passengers during the trips. Please send us an email at bookings@ceresrail.co.za and let us know a little bit about yourself. We will then put you in touch with the relevant team to guide you through the process.

Yes! We do take applications for footplate crew that operate our steam locomotives. Please send us an email at bookings@ceresrail.co.za and let us know a little bit about yourself. We will then put you in touch with the relevant team to guide you through the process.

The parking area is underneath the departure point, with a short walk to the check-in counter and train. There are both elevators and stairs to accommodate all passengers.

Yes, parking at the departure point (AC Hotel by Marriot) is underground and protected by security. There is a R50 per day cost to the parking which can be purchased with your ticket, or on the day

Underground parking costs R50 per day and can be purchased with your train ticket, or on the day.

Yes, we accept American Express cards

Yes, we accept credit cards and debit cards onboard.

Yes, we do accept cash payments onboard.

Unfortunately, we do not accept Diners Club cards.

Payments onboard are with a card, or by cash.

If emotional support animals are registered service animals, then we are happy to accommodate them onboard. Please make sure to let us know beforehand at bookings@ceresrail.co.za

Unfortunately pets are not allowed onboard.

Yes! Registered service animals are allowed onboard. Please make sure to let us know beforehand at bookings@ceresrail.co.za

Given the wide variety of pets, as well as the various training styles, we made a decision to not allow pets onboard to ensure comfort for all our guests. In addition, we also prepare food onboard and as such we do not allow animals.

Yes! During select weekends of the year Ceres Rail Company offers overnight experiences to various locations including Tulbagh, Klawer, Ashton, Mosselbay and so forth.

No, there are no routes to Johannesburg or Pretoria.

In general Ceres Rail Company runs two main routes: Cape Town to Elgin Railway Market, and Cape Town to Simon’s Town. The list of routes is constantly growing, and will be updated as routes become more popular.

Please check the dates listed on www.ceresrail.co.za for information, and please subscribe to our newsletter at https://bit.ly/crcnewsletter for the most up to date information!

Our locomotives and coaches follow a rigid and scheduled maintenance plan. Our locomotives are subject to various boiler inspections, brake tests, and other maintenance actions, whilst our coaches are subjected to brake tests, wheel measurements, axle inspections, and so forth.

Each coach and locomotive is given a full pre-departure inspection and roadworthy before it is used on a trip.

Infrastructure maintenance and inspection falls under Transnet Freight Rail and Metrorail. They conduct a variety of regular inspections and also rely on reports from the regular trains on the routes. If any unsafe condition arises, either the line is closed, or a temporary speed restriction for a certain area is implemented.

The trains is checked by a team of personnel to ensure its safety. The locomotive is checked by a Locomotive Fitter, and the coaches by a Carriage & Wagon Inspector.

Travel by rail is safe in terms of both the condition of the railway network, as well as the actual experience onboard. The infrastructure is regularly checked by inspection trollies, and is also frequently used by other trains. Our personnel onboard are trained to inform passengers of rules and regulations onboard to also ensure their safety.

For any safety concerns during a trip, please talk to your Coach Controller, the Host/Hostess, or the Train Manager. If this is a safety concern being reported afterwards, or before a trip, please let us know at bookings@ceresrail.co.za, or 079 401 9353.

For any safety concerns during a trip, please talk to your Coach Controller, the Host/Hostess, or the Train Manager. If this is a safety concern being reported afterwards, or before a trip, please let us know at bookings@ceresrail.co.za, or 079 401 9353.

The squealing of the brakes is quite normal and is especially heard on downhill sections. This squealing is the result of a practice called “Minimum Brake Application.” This means that the driver applies a very light braking force to the entire train to allow fine control over the speed of the train, as well as allowing the train to be stopped rapidly and smoothly should their be a need to do so.

Yes, specific seats can be requested on a first-come first-served basis via bookings@ceresrail.co.za

All seats on the train are window seats, with the exception of the Bar Lounge, which is operated on a first-come, first served basis.

Seating is pre-allocated but is only communicated to guests at the check-in area prior to departure.

All people that are part of the same booking will be seated together by default. In the case of a booking having multiple Family Compartments or Coupes on the same booking, the team will ensure that the units are as close together as is possible.

If you booked the same type of seating, we are more than happy to seat you in close proximity. Please be sure to let us know before a trip, as we may not be able to switch seats on the day of the trip. Please contact us at bookings@ceresrail.co.za or 079 401 9353.

We have a variety of different seating types on the train as follows:

1. Day Seating – This is seating in groups of either 4 or 2 persons, or a combination for larger groups. Each group has at least two windows. There are two toilets in each coach.
2. Compartments – These are sleeper compartments that comfortable fit 6 adults in a seated configuration. Each compartment has a table and two windows, plus a door for privacy.
3. Coupe – These are sleeper coupes that comfortably fit 3 adults, plus a child, in the seated configuration. Each coupe has a table and a window, plus a door for privacy.
4. Bar Lounge – This seating is single seating on comfortable upholstered dinner type chairs, seated in an open-plan coach with a bar facility and many windows. The bar facility is open to other passengers in the train too, but the seats are reserved for Bar Lounge passengers only.
5. Lounge – This seating is configured as either double couches or single seated couches in a comfortable open-plan coach with many windows. Access is also available to the bar in the Observation Car.
6. Observation Car – The Observation Car is the last coach in the train with a large rear window. A bar in the coach, with dedicated barman ensures that this seat is one of the best in the house.

Please see a few descriptions and images at this link: https://www.ceresrail.co.za/on-the-train/#seating_types

All of our seats are comfortable, but the most comfortable seats can be found in the Lounge and Observation Car areas.

The walk from Simon’s Town station to the town itself is between 800 m and 1 km. There are various TukTuks and shuttle services available at the station to assist our guests in getting into town if this should be needed.

There are two different departure points for the trip to Simon’s Town. From the starting point at the AC Hotel by Marriot in Dockrail Road, Foreshore, the trip takes roughly 3 hours. From the secondary departure point at Plumstead Station in Kenneth Road, Plumstead, the journey is about 1.5 hours. Guests wishing to take a shorter journey and avoid most of the urban part of the journey may leave from Plumstead.

There are a variety of activities to do in Simon’s Town such as eating at great restaurants, exploring the wonderful museums, or just walking through the town and soaking up the rich history. Guests are encouraged to visit www.simonstown.com for more information on the village and what can be done there.

At present, the route to Simon’s Town is indirect due to infrastructure damage inflicted during Covid-19. The route leaves Cape Town Harbour and snakes inland to Bellville, where it turns 180 degrees and heads back towards the Cape Town city centre, turning down the Southern Line close to Observatory. The line then continues to Muizenberg (where the coastal part of the journey begins), and then reaches Simon’s Town.

Due to the damage done to major infrastructure during Covid-19, the most direct route from Cape Town Harbour to Simon’s Town remains closed and we are forced to travel via Bellville. In order for us to be able to run an excursion to Simon’s Town, we have opted to run this indirect route.

Due to the damage done to major infrastructure during Covid-19, the most direct route from Cape Town Harbour to Simon’s Town remains closed. In order for us to be able to run an excursion to Simon’s Town, we have opted to run this indirect route.

Yes! We can offer group bookings the selection of a specific carriages dedicated to their group, or we can arrange the charter of the whole train for a group or event. Please reach out to us at bookings@ceresrail.co.za

Ceres Rail Company has access to most of the railway network in the Western Cape. In general our destinations include Simon’s Town, Elgin Railway Market, Ceres, Paarl, Worcester and so forth. For specific requests, please do not hesitate to contact us at bookings@ceresrail.co.za

We can take anywhere from 1 – 400 passengers on a charter. The overhead costs are high, and thus charters with lower numbers of people will not necessarily be charged a proportionally lower rate.

The configuration of the train is generally decided based on the types of seating that are to be kept together, as well as the access of each coach to certain facilities around it; the bar, dining car, etc. For certain occasions we do change the train layout to test new ideas and concepts.

Depending on the route that we are running, and the maximum load that the locomotive on that route can pull, our trains are generally between 100 m and 300 m.