Guide
Catch a vintage train from the end of the street
One of the quiet pleasures of staying at Harbour Bridge is that the Cape Rail Company's heritage trains depart from Dockrail Road in the Foreshore — the same street as the apartment. There's no airport run, no early-morning drive and no parking to hunt down: you walk out of the building and onto a restored vintage carriage.
Where the trains leave from
The Cape Town departure point is on Dockrail Road, Foreshore, Cape Town 8001 — a few minutes on foot from the apartment. Check-in happens at a counter beside the platform, and because most trips leave early in the morning, being able to have breakfast at home and stroll down is a real advantage over guests coming in from the suburbs or the Winelands.
The journeys on offer
Vintage train to the Elgin Railway Market
The best-known run: over the mountains through the Elgin Valley to the old railway market, with time to eat, browse and wander before the train heads home.
Picnic train to Darling Cellars
A leisurely day up the West Coast to Darling for wine tasting. It runs roughly 08h00 to 17h30, with check-in from about 07h00 — a ten-minute walk from your front door.
The train to Matjiesfontein
A long Karoo run to the perfectly preserved Victorian village of Matjiesfontein, one of the classic South African rail journeys.
The Overberg and Mossel Bay explorers
Longer trips east through the Overberg countryside and down to the coast, including overnight options.
The Canola train
A seasonal favourite, timed for the weeks when the Swartland canola fields turn bright yellow.
Practical notes
- Trips run on set dates rather than daily, and popular departures sell out well ahead — book your train before you book your flights if a particular journey is the reason for the trip.
- Secure underground parking at the departure point costs R80 per vehicle for the day, paid when booking or at check-in. Staying here, you can simply leave your car in the apartment's own bay and skip it.
- Days are long — the Darling picnic train is out from roughly 08h00 to 17h30 — so pack sunscreen, a hat and a jacket for the return leg after sunset.
Dates, fares and departure details are set by the operator, so confirm them on the Cape Rail Company's Cape Town departures page.
Stay a short walk from the platform
A private one-bedroom apartment at Harbour Bridge on Dockrail Road, with a rooftop pool, on-site restaurant, secure parking and the canal water taxi at the door.
Also worth reading: what's walkable from Harbour Bridge.