Cape Town has a suburban rail network to the outlying suburbs and the track to
Simons Town is spectacular being so close to the sea and the train has a restaurant carriage. Metro trains have first and economy class carriages. Cape Town railway station is at Adderley Street (021 449 2991).
Be careful on some train routes as pickpockets and muggings do occur. However policing is improving on most lines by the Railway Police.
Train services commence and terminate at Cape Town Station. There are 4 main commuter routes servicing Cape Town, the southern line running to Simons Town, the Cape Flats line, the central line heading to Langa and the northern line heading to Belville and Strand.
Trains serve a large proportion of the commuter population of Cape Town. However the routes are limited, with many places having no train service. Local taxis provide transport to and from these areas. The frequency of trains vary depending on whether you are traveling on a weekday or weekend and whether you are traveling in peak or at off peak times.
Tourists are advised to buy a first class or ‘’MetroPlus’’ ticket, as this entitles them to better security and more comfortable seating. Tickets can be bought at station ticket offices or from mobile ticket vendors with yellow ticketing machines.
The section of the southern line between Muizenberg and Simons Town is spectacular as the train hugs the rocky shoreline giving amazing views over the sea to the mountains at the far end of the bay. You can board at Muizenberg if you wish to dispense with the earlier part of the journey.
Cape Town also serves as the start point of the northbound journey from Cape Town to Pretoria of the famous Blue Train. This 27 hour journey is undertaken in the utmost luxury through diverse and spectacular scenery.
Tel: +27 (0)21 449 2672
Also departing from Cape Town Station is a passenger rail service between Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg, called the Shosholoza Meyl. This is a sleeper train with 2 person coupes or 4 person apartments with bunk beds. There is a dining car and a trolley service available.
Tel: +27 (0)87 802 6674
