Did you know that the Cape Town Southern Line train is up and running again? If you’d like to watch instead, click here.
We are huge fans of public transport, especially trains, and have always wished that Cape Town had a well-functioning train system that would allow us to commute easily without constantly relying on cars.
When we went to Spain, I got to use a train for the first time, and to say I was excited is an understatement haha. Of course, that was a very different experience, since it was a faster, long-distance train, but when we heard about the upgrades PRASA had made to Cape Town’s Southern Line, I knew we had to try it for ourselves!
So one Saturday, we decided to take the train from Cape Town CBD towards Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek for a day of exploring and enjoying the beach.
How Much Does the Cape Town Southern Line Train Cost?
One of the biggest reasons we’d recommend taking the train is how ridiculously affordable it is!
When we travelled, a one-way ticket from Cape Town to Fish Hoek cost just R9 per person. That’s only R18 for a return trip!
When you consider the cost of petrol, parking, traffic and the environmental impact of driving, taking the train makes so much sense.
The fare also depends on where you’re getting on and off, so shorter journeys may cost even less.
Of course, these were the prices when we visited, so we’d recommend checking the latest fares before travelling.
What Are the Cape Town Southern Line Trains Like?
Initially, we were a little worried because of everything we’d heard about safety issues on Cape Town’s trains.
But our experience was completely different!
There were security guards walking around both the platforms and inside the trains, which was reassuring. There were also loads of other passengers, many of whom were heading to the beach, so it was lovely seeing so many people making use of public transport.
The seats were comfortable, and the train itself was quite nice.
My only complaint was that the windows could have been cleaner, especially since the Cape Town Southern Line Train has some beautiful views along the way!
You’re also not allowed to eat on the train, which I imagine helps keep things cleaner.
Although we felt comfortable throughout our journey, we’d still recommend being mindful of your surroundings, as you would when using public transport anywhere.
How Long Does the Train Take?
The Southern Line stops at several stations along the route, which is both a good and a slightly inconvenient thing.
On the one hand, it means you can get on or off at whichever station is most convenient for you.
On the other hand, the frequent stops do make the journey longer.
Our commute took approximately 30 minutes longer than it would have by car.
But honestly, for the price difference, we really couldn’t complain!
Just take a book or something to keep yourself entertained, and enjoy the ride.
Aliasgher has even used the train during peak hours to get into the CBD, so it’s not just something we’d consider for leisurely weekend trips.
Checking the Cape Town Southern Line Train Schedule
One thing we’d definitely recommend is checking the train timetable before leaving home.
We used the online schedule to plan our journey, which was particularly useful for knowing when we needed to be back at the station for our return trip.
The schedule wasn’t entirely accurate when we travelled, but we found that the trains generally arrived within approximately 10 minutes of the listed times.
Since we were travelling for leisure, this wasn’t a major issue for us.
However, if you’re using the train to get somewhere at a specific time, I’d recommend allowing some extra time.
It’s also worth noting that weekend schedules can be different from weekday schedules, with fewer services available.
When we travelled, the Saturday return services from Fish Hoek finished quite early, so we had to plan our beach day around that.
And trust me, it’s very easy to lose track of time when you’re enjoying yourself!
Can You Take the Train to Simon’s Town?
If you’re planning to travel beyond Fish Hoek towards Simon’s Town, it’s worth checking whether a connecting shuttle service is operating.
We’d heard about this option when planning our trip, but services and connections can change, so I’d recommend confirming the current arrangements before setting off.
Exploring Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek by Train
One of the things I loved about this trip was that we could make an entire day out of it without needing a car.
We spent time exploring Kalk Bay and discovered soooo many cute places along its streets.
It’s such a lovely area to wander around, with plenty to see, eat and enjoy.
And, of course, there’s the beach!
If you’re planning a similar outing, check out our separate Kalk Bay guide for ideas on what to do while you’re there.
Would We Recommend the Cape Town Southern Line Train?
Absolutely!
We really enjoyed the experience, and I love that there is an affordable public transport option connecting Cape Town CBD with so many places along the Southern Line.
Yes, the journey took longer than driving, and the schedule wasn’t completely accurate when we travelled, but the affordability and convenience made it worthwhile.
We’d love to see Cape Town continue improving its public transport network because having reliable alternatives to driving would make such a difference.
If you haven’t tried the Southern Line train yet, we’d definitely recommend giving it a go!
Happy travelling!
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