Shosholoza Meyl

The Shosholoza Meyl is finally back on the tracks. Image: Adobe Stock

Budget train travel: Shosholoza Meyl back on track at last

South Africa’s long-distance passenger train service has returned in time for the festive season.

Shosholoza Meyl

The Shosholoza Meyl is finally back on the tracks. Image: Adobe Stock

Long-distance travelling is made easier when you get to enjoy panoramic views of South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes.

Low-cost rail carrier the Shosholoza Meyl was rendered inactive after a fatal collision with a goods train near Horizon View, west of Johannesburg, on 12 February 2020, after which the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) suspended the Shosholoza Meyl’s operating licence.

But since Friday 27 November, the Shosholoza Meyl is once again transporting South Africans to cities around the country.

Shosholoza Meyl itinerary and travel routes

The train travels through the big cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and East London. Musina, Polokwane, Komatipoort and Komani (previously Queenstown) are also included in the national route, along with short stops at several smaller towns along the way.

The Johannesburg routes resumed on 29 November while Cape Town routes will be operational from 4 December.

Shosholoza Meyl Train Fares

The train’s allure is its low-cost travelling, in particular the tourist-class tickets. Tickets for the tourist class can be bought from just R190 (between Johannesburg and Komatipoort). However, the most expensive route, which transports passengers from Cape Town to Johannesburg, will cost R690 for the 26-hour journey.

Children aged three to nine pay 80% fare, while those under two years old travel for free.

The Johannesburg line has been the first to reopen, with the first train is scheduled to leave Cape Town on Friday 4 December 2020.

An economy class ticket between Johannesburg and East London costs R300, while riding in the tourist carriage costs R480.

A trip between Johannesburg and Durban costs R170 in economy and R360 in the tourist carriage. The fare between Johannesburg and Komatipoort is R190 in economy class and R270 as a tourist. Johannesburg to Musina is R190 in economy class and R310 in the tourist carriage.

Other Johannesburg lines due to come online in December include:

  • To or from Komani (formerly) Queenstown: R240 in economy class and R400 in tourist carriage;
  • To or from Port Elizabeth: R320 in economy class and R500 in tourist carriage; and
  • To or from Cape Town: R440 in economy class and R690 in tourist carriage.

Cape Town ticket prices are as follows:

  • To or from Komani (formerly) Queenstown: R350 in economy class and R600 in tourist carriage; and
  • To or from East London: R300 in economy class and R490 in tourist carriage.

The Deluxe option

Should you be interested in a more premier train ride, the Shosholoza Meyl’s Deluxe Sleeper Train would be better suited for your travel needs.

The Johannesburg-Cape Town travel schedule has not been released yet, but for this class but you can expect to pay R3,120 for the route with stops in Kimberley and Beaufort West. A train trip from Cape Town to Durban will set you back R4,990.

According to the South African Railways website, the fare includes bedding, amenities, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

“Premier Class trains offer air-conditioned sleeper coaches with single-berth coupes, two-berth coupes, family compartments, communal lavatories and showers.”

Travel Tips For train passengers

  • To travel safely during the pandemic, it is important to follow all rules as stipulated by the railway company.
    Face masks need to be worn throughout the train trip.
  • Should you feel sick before boarding the train, don’t take the risk: rather rebook your seat for a later departure.
  • Stay at least 1.5m away from other passengers on the train. Seats marked X cannot be occupied.
  • To avoid disappointment, especially during the busy festive period, book your seat in advance.
  • If you are buying a tourist class ticket, you will need to bring your own food and bedding for the train.

Shosholoza Meyl train routes and timetables can be viewed online.