Scenic train trips are one of the most relaxing ways to see the Western Cape. Nobody has to drive, the views change every minute, and the journey is half the fun. From Villa Helderberg you can easily reach three very different rides: a vintage train to the Elgin Railway Market, the coastal train to Kalk Bay and Simon's Town, and the Franschhoek Wine Tram. Here's how to plan each one.
A Southern Line train races along the False Bay coast at dusk. Photo shared on X.
Scenic train trips to the Elgin Railway Market
The Cape Rail Company (formerly Ceres Rail) runs a vintage train from Cape Town to the Elgin Railway Market on weekends. It leaves the Foreshore at 08:05 and covers a 160 km round trip. The highlight is the slow climb over Sir Lowry's Pass, right above Somerset West, with views back over False Bay.
You travel in restored wooden carriages, with a bar and a dining car on board. In Elgin, you have a few hours at the market before the train heads back. The whole day takes about ten hours. At the time of writing, tickets cost R799 for adults, R649 for pensioners, R599 for children aged 4 to 17, and under-4s ride free. Secure parking at the Cape Town departure point is R80 per car. Book with the Cape Rail Company.
A restored carriage on the Elgin train. Photo: Cape Rail Company.
The market itself is in a converted apple warehouse in Elgin. It's full of food stalls, local wine, craft gin, coffee, crafts and live music, and the full market runs on Saturdays and Sundays from 09:00 to 16:00. From the villa it's only about 35 minutes by car over the pass, so you can also visit without the train. See Elgin Railway Market for details.
Inside the Elgin Railway Market. Photo: Cape Rail Company.
The Overberg Explorer from Bot River
Prefer a shorter trip? The Overberg Explorer is a vintage diesel train from Bot River station to the Elgin Railway Market and back. It takes about five hours, and you get around 1.5 to 2 hours at the market. The coaches have windows that open, so you can enjoy the fresh country air. Fares started at R320 at the time of writing. Bot River is about 50 minutes' drive from the villa, past Grabouw and through the apple orchards. In canola season, the same company also runs a Canola Train through the yellow fields.
The vintage train in the Overberg. Photo: Cape Rail Company.
The coastal train to Kalk Bay and Simon's Town
Metrorail's Southern Line is one of the most beautiful ordinary train rides in the world. After Muizenberg, the tracks run right along the edge of False Bay, sometimes only metres from the waves. You pass St James with its colourful bathing huts, then Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek and finally Simon's Town.
Our tip is to drive to Muizenberg, about 45 to 55 minutes from the villa, and ride the coastal stretch from there. Get off in Kalk Bay for fish and chips at the harbour, antique shops and cafés. Or carry on to Simon's Town and walk to the penguins at Boulders Beach. Note that many trains terminate at Fish Hoek, and the last part to Simon's Town is single track, so check the timetable first.
Fishing boats in Kalk Bay harbour. Photo: Nkansahrexford, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Tips for the Metrorail train
Bring cash, as tickets are usually sold at the station. Off-peak trains run roughly every 20 to 30 minutes, but services can be limited on Sundays and public holidays. Travel in daylight, keep your phone and bag close, and check the latest schedule through PRASA Western Cape before you go.
The Franschhoek Wine Tram
For a trip that combines scenery and wine, take the Franschhoek Wine Tram. You ride an open-air tram and tram-bus between wine estates and hop off wherever you like. There are five colour-coded lines, from the village itself to estates such as Boschendal and Babylonstoren. At the time of writing, a hop-on hop-off ticket cost R350 per adult, with tastings paid separately, and prices rise from 1 November 2026. Guided "Flavours of the Vine" tours with tastings included start from R1,900.
The Groot Drakenstein terminal is about 37 minutes from the villa, over the Helshoogte Pass. Book with the Franschhoek Wine Tram, and see our Franschhoek day trip guide for lunch tips.
The Franschhoek Wine Tram. Photo: Franschhoek Wine Tram.
More scenic train trips
The Cape Rail Company also runs a picnic train to Darling Cellars on the West Coast, from R799, and multi-day journeys to the Victorian village of Matjiesfontein and to Mossel Bay. These are perfect if you want to make the train the main event of your holiday. Afterwards, come home to the quiet of the villa, or plan another outing with our day trips from Somerset West.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best scenic train trips near Somerset West?
The vintage train to the Elgin Railway Market over Sir Lowry's Pass, the coastal Southern Line to Kalk Bay and Simon's Town, and the Franschhoek Wine Tram.
Does the Elgin train stop in Somerset West?
The Cape Rail Company lists Cape Town and Bot River as its departure points. Check with them directly about other stops.
Is the train to Kalk Bay safe for tourists?
Many visitors ride it without problems. Travel in daylight, avoid peak hours, keep valuables out of sight and check the timetable first.
Can children ride the vintage trains?
Yes. On the Elgin train, children aged 4 to 17 pay a reduced fare and under-4s travel free.