Simon's Town Railway Station
The terminus of the scenic Southern Line train, offering breathtaking coastal views and access to the charming naval town of Simon's Town.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more comfortable ride
Simon's Town Railway Station
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more comfortable ride
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The terminus of the scenic Southern Line train, offering breathtaking coastal views and access to the charming naval town of Simon's Town.
"The train ride offers one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world, hugging the ocean with stunning views."
💰 Affordable Coastal Journey
The train is a budget-friendly option, with fares around R10-R20 return from Cape Town.
🌊 Scenic Ocean Views
Sit on the left side for the best ocean views as the train hugs the coastline.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ocean Views from the Train
Southern Line Coastal Route
Experience one of the world's most scenic train rides, hugging the coastline with stunning ocean vistas.
Simon's Town Station
Simon's Town
The terminus of the Southern Line, offering a gateway to the charming town and its attractions.
Coastal Scenery
Between Cape Town and Simon's Town
Enjoy views of surfers, tidal pools, colorful beach huts, and dramatic mountain backdrops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Scenic Coastal Train Ride
Safety and Station Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Affordable Coastal Journey
The train is a budget-friendly option, with fares around R10-R20 return from Cape Town.
🌊 Scenic Ocean Views
Sit on the left side for the best ocean views as the train hugs the coastline.
⚠️ Station Cleanliness
Be aware that station facilities, especially bathrooms, may not be well-maintained.
🐒 Baboon Encounters
Keep an eye out for baboons, especially in the mornings, but they are usually not aggressive.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Affordable Coastal Journey
The train is a budget-friendly option, with fares around R10-R20 return from Cape Town.
🌊 Scenic Ocean Views
Sit on the left side for the best ocean views as the train hugs the coastline.
⚠️ Station Cleanliness
Be aware that station facilities, especially bathrooms, may not be well-maintained.
🐒 Baboon Encounters
Keep an eye out for baboons, especially in the mornings, but they are usually not aggressive.
🚊 Check Train Schedule
Trains can be infrequent, so check the schedule in advance to plan your trip.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the incredibly scenic and affordable train journey to Simon's Town, highlighting the breathtaking ocean views. While the train itself is a highlight, some reviewers note that station facilities, particularly restrooms, could be cleaner. The charm of Simon's Town and its proximity to attractions like Boulders Beach are also frequently mentioned positives.
"Friendly staff, clean train and platforms, the bathrooms might need a bit more cleaning. Loved taking the shuttle train to Fishhoek and definitely worth the R20 return"
Chantal Kleynhans
"This is the first and last stop of the metro rail. Its not a very expensive trip if you are visiting Cape Town. While waiting for the train, its not a very clean station or very well looked after, the toilets i would recommend to stay well away from, it is really gross and dirty but once you get into the train (if its not packed) its well worth a ride from Simons town down to Cape to Cuba. That is a nice street to walk around in, go a a nice cocktail and enjoy the day. Take the train back to simons town to grab your car again. Its a beautiful scenic view while riding the train literally right next to the ocean. If you havent done it before, well worth the ride ;)"
Michelle Goosen
"Train for cape town once an hour , 10 rand appr."
Nicolas Gadiot
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular and scenic way is by the Metrorail Southern Line train from Cape Town Station. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours and offers stunning coastal views. 
Many families use the train. While generally safe, it's always wise to be vigilant, especially with young children. Ensure your toddler is supervised at all times.
Trains typically run hourly, but it's essential to check the latest schedule as times can vary.
Yes, the Southern Line connects various stations, including Observatory, Muizenberg, and Kalk Bay, before reaching Simon's Town.
Fares are very affordable, often around R10-R20 return from Cape Town to Simon's Town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can usually be purchased at the station before boarding. It's advisable to have cash on hand, though some stations may offer card facilities.
No, the station itself is a public transport hub and does not have an entrance fee. You only pay for your train ticket.
The station operates according to the train schedule. Trains typically run from early morning until evening.
Information on travel passes for the Metrorail system can be obtained from local transport authorities or at major train stations.
Yes, trains to Simon's Town depart from designated platforms at Cape Town Station and other stations along the Southern Line. Look for signage indicating the 'Southern Line' or 'Simon's Town' destination.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The station is a short walk from the town center, Boulders Beach (famous for penguins), and various shops and restaurants.
Restrooms are available, but reviews suggest they may not always be clean or well-maintained.
The train journey itself offers the best panoramic views of the coastline. Consider taking a round trip to fully appreciate the scenery.
Yes, you can bring luggage, but it's best to keep it manageable as trains can get crowded, especially during peak times.
While the station itself might have limited options, the town of Simon's Town, a short walk away, offers numerous cafes and restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The train journey itself provides incredible photo opportunities of the ocean and coastline.
Yes, it is generally safe to take photos on the train, but be mindful of other passengers and keep your belongings secure.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for coastal photography.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with local authorities before flying a drone in the area.
The train tracks running alongside the ocean, the colorful houses, and the harbor are popular subjects for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once at Simon's Town station, consider a visit to Boulders Beach to see the adorable penguins – a guaranteed hit with kids. 💰 Budget Travelers
🚶 Day-Trippers
Upon arrival, you can easily explore the town's historical sites, enjoy the harbor views, and perhaps take a short trip to Boulders Beach. The train schedule means you can plan a comfortable round trip, returning to Cape Town in the late afternoon or early evening. Remember to check train times to ensure you don't miss the last service.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Scenic Southern Line Train Journey
+1 This experience is a highlight for many visitors, providing a unique and affordable perspective of the region's natural beauty. The journey is particularly captivating during daylight hours, allowing for maximum appreciation of the stunning scenery. Travelers often recommend sitting on the left side of the train when traveling from Cape Town to Simon's Town for the most unobstructed ocean views.
Navigating Simon's Town Station and Town
From the station, it's a pleasant walk to explore the town's attractions. A major draw is Boulders Beach, famous for its colony of African penguins, which is a short distance away.
Wildlife Encounters
It's important for visitors to maintain a safe distance and avoid feeding the baboons, as this can lead to habituation and potentially problematic behavior.
Social
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