South Africa - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services

Introduction

This list is based on services at dates noted in entries, but understood to still be current.

Rovos Rail cruise trains cover various sections of line not traversed by the countries' national passenger rail operators - consult the website. Some less obvious examples are shown herein under the respective countries. Shongololo has now been merged into the Rovos product range. Due to line closures during Covid (which have not reopened since) and thefts Rovos' trains are now taking different routes to pre-Covid, in particular around the Gauteng area. Report updated: February 2025

Obscure services

Cape Town docks branch ZA1

Ceres Rail start their trips at Harbour Bridge Hotel platform, Dockrail Road, Cape Town and use 8.6 km of the docks branch on their normal operations from Cape Town to Elgin; they also operate occasional day trips to Ceres (Prince Alfred Hamlet branch) and extended excursions to other destinations. Report updated: February 2024

Sparse Services

None known.

Deletions since last edition

None.