Taking the Train in Cape Town:
Chaos, Views, and a Surprise Worth It
We have visited Cape Town for many years. We have explored most of the city and coastline. But there was one thing we had never done. We had never taken the train.
There were reasons for that. Many people told us the trains were not reliable. Others warned us about safety. Most locals seemed to drive instead. So we followed the crowd.
That changed when some friends told us about their trip. They had taken the train to Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town. They said it was worth it. That was enough for us. We decided to try it for ourselves.
This is what really happened.
First Impressions at Cape Town Station
We arrived at Cape Town station with no real plan. We had not done much research. We thought it would be simple.
It was not.
The station felt busy and confusing. Signs were hard to follow. Staff did not offer much help. We spent time just trying to work out where to go.
One thing was clear. The price was low. We paid less than 40 rand for five people. That is about £2. It felt like a bargain.
But the process was not smooth.
We found a train. We thought it was ours. We were not fully sure. There was little guidance. We had to rely on guesswork.
Then we hit another issue.
The platform changed. No clear announcement. No clear direction. We rushed. We climbed stairs. We tried to follow others. At one point, we even had to cross the tracks to make it in time.
It felt chaotic.
There were also rules we did not expect. One of our group bought food. A security guard told him to get off and finish it before boarding again. No eating or drinking on the train.
At that point, we started to understand why people avoid it.
What It Feels Like On Board
Once we were on the train, things started to settle.
The advice we had heard was simple. Sit near other people. Sit near the front. Do not sit alone in an empty carriage. That is basic common sense.
We followed it.
There were security guards on board. That helped. It gave some reassurance.
The first part of the journey felt like a city commute. It was not scenic. It was practical. Stop after stop. Suburb after suburb. People getting on and off.
It was busy. It was useful. It was not special.
If the whole journey had been like that, we would not be writing this.
Then everything changed.
The Moment It All Changes
At some point, the city dropped away.
The sea appeared.
That is when the journey became something else.
The track runs close to the coastline. The ocean sits right beside you. In places, it feels like the train is almost touching the water.
This is the moment that makes the trip.
We stopped thinking about the chaos at the station. We stopped thinking about the warnings. We started asking a different question.
Why have we never done this before?
The stretch near St James stands out. You have mountains behind you. You have the sea in front of you. The colours are sharp. The air feels different.
It is one of the best views you can get from a train.
The full journey took about an hour. It did not feel long. It felt like a shift. You move from city stress to coastal calm.
That contrast is what makes it work.
Extending the Journey to Simon’s Town
We could have stopped at Kalk Bay. Many people do.
We kept going.
That turned out to be the right choice.
The section from Kalk Bay to Simon’s Town might be the best part. The train hugs the coastline for longer. The views open up even more.
It feels simple. It feels raw. It does not feel polished. That is part of the appeal.
The cost stayed low. A return trip for five people was about 100 rand. That is roughly £5. You will struggle to find better value for a journey like this.
The Honest Verdict
So was it worth it?
Yes.
But there are things you need to know.
The station experience is not smooth. It is confusing. It can feel disorganised. If it is your first time, you may feel unsure.
That is a real downside.
You need to use common sense. Sit near others. Stay aware. Do not expect clear guidance at every step.
At the same time, the train itself felt safer than expected. There were security guards. On the return trip, the train was full. People were friendly. Conversations started easily.
It felt more social than a typical European train.
That was a surprise.
The biggest takeaway is simple.
This is not a polished travel experience. It is not about comfort or efficiency. It is about the contrast.
You start with confusion. You end with one of the best coastal views in Cape Town.
Would We Do It Again?
Yes.
We would take the train again.
We would just be better prepared. We would allow extra time at the station. We would expect some confusion. We would focus on the journey itself.
If you want something easy and predictable, this may not be for you.
If you want something cheap, scenic, and a bit different, it is worth doing.
Sometimes the best experiences come from stepping outside your comfort zone.
This was one of them.
