Atlantic Rail: Enchanting Day Trips To Simon's Town By Steam Train

Welcome to the greatest train ride in town

Around the world, train travel is experiencing a resurgence as more people discover the tranquil, contemplative nature of this mode of transportation. It is even more nostalgic and mysterious when the train you're riding on is an antique masterpiece pulled by a steam engine.

The Atlantic Rail train is returning to its Explorer's Series route, which will take it from the city core of Cape Town to Simon's Town, the farthest point on the route, in the deep South Peninsula, after a six-year break.

An enduring adventure

You may count off the Southern Suburbs stops and the shifting scenery while you unwind in your vintage commuter train car after boarding the train in the Foreshore before 9am. Coffee is poured by baristas on board, and the dining car or lounge car has a fully licenced bar and nibbles (you can look forward to a celebratory cocktail on your way home).

As the train heads south towards the highlight of the ride, which is along the picturesque False Bay coastline, views of the mountains may be seen along the way. You can feel the spray because the rails are so near the water. In the train that was designed for them, you will pass the historic stops of Muizenberg, St. James, and Kalk Bay.

After travelling for 2.5 hours and passing the Fish Hoek mountain, you will reach Simon's Town around 11.30 am. The town centre, with its charming port and a plethora of unique stores, cafés, museums, and eateries, is just a short 600-meter stroll away. Savour a relaxed lunch, take a swim at Seaforth Beach, or, for a more strenuous stroll, head 2 km outside of town to the well-known Boulders penguin beach.

After that, you'll board the train for its 3 p.m. departure, and along the way, you'll get to see the scenery from a new perspective while letting out a few whistlebloops and puffs of steam.

Good to know that the times listed are planned but not guaranteed; there is a chance that the queue will experience delays. The observation car at the back of the train features a huge rear window and its own bar service, while the lounge car contains cosy couches and armchairs.

This article is inspired by Inside Guide