Having seen a steam train near Simons Town in recent weeks I scouted about online to find out who was running it as Raph had wanted to go on a steam train as a little boy. Even though he's almost 13 we never got around to arranging a trip and I thought he might still enjoy it.

I found out that the steam train day trips are being run by Atlantic Rail. I also found out that Family Holiday & Leisure Magazine was running a competition for a ride on one of these trains. I entered - and won 4 tickets for the Easter Monday short trip from Cape Town CBD to the Northern Suburbs.

The train leaves from the platform accessible at Train Lodge in Cape Town and on Monday took a round trip via Belville. Having travelled on the Trans-Karoo as a child between Joburg and Cape Town several times with my mother, it was wonderful to be back in carriages with wooden and leather seats and wooden framed windows. Although steam trains were no longer in use when I was little, my mom really enjoyed the memories from her childhood.

Before leaving the station we had about 30 minutes to explore the station which was like a graveyard of old engines - fascinating stuff for boys - even almost-teen boys - and photographer moms! We also got to watch the steam engine being attached to the front of our train before taking our seats. Then with plenty of Toot Tooting and puffs of steam we were off!

There's nothing quite like the rhythm of a train to lull you into pleasant state of daydreamy-ness as the landscape slips by past the window - but the boys were hanging out the windows, giving us a running commentary of the scenery which, sadly, was not too pleasant - miles of graveyard and so much litter it made me want to cry. I had no idea our litter problem was this bad in the Mother City. I am sure Atlantic Rail's more popular trips to Simons Town along the False Bay coast are much more scenic but I'd be lying if I said this Northern Suburbs trip did not show Cape Town at its best.

None the less the trip was lots of fun and despite not being tiny tots any more the boys loved every minute and even deigned to accept a goodie bag from the 'Easter Bunny' who was doing the rounds.

Along the way we headed to the bar / dining / smoking carriage to buy some juices and passed the sleeping booths and coupes with fold down tables and metal basins.

Kids of all ages who love trains will enjoy a day out with Atlantic Rail.

Atlantic Rail Steam Train Timetable and Info

Upcoming Trips

Atlantic Rail will be running a trip from Cape Town to Simon's Town (return) departing Cape Town at 10h30 and later departing Simon's Town at 15h00 for the journey back.

If any guests would like to be dropped off or collected at Kalk Bay station, then they must stipulate this when booking. This cannot be arranged on the day of departure as it has to be planned into the running time table, so let us know early.

Prices are R220 for Adults and R110 for Children 3 to 12.
BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL info@atlanticrail.co.za and 021 556 1012 (office hours) to book!