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Do the locomotion to the Magaliesburg
Magaliesburg Express, Gauteng
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Magaliesburg Express
© Mike Dyke
Did you know?
3046 Janine, a class 15F steam locomotive, transported King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on their visit to South Africa in 1947.
The Magaliesburg Express is one of 5 historic steam locomotives operated by Reef Steamers, a voluntary group of rail enthusiasts.
A nostalgic reminder of the days when trains were the major means of long-distance travel for the majority of South Africans, if you’re not a trainspotter already, this old-fashioned steam train ride will rekindle the romance of rail travel.
Your steam train trip to Magaliesburg begins with the preparation of the locomotive. Children (and grown-ups) are barely able to contain their excitement and swarm around the obliging crew to see the age-old rituals of coal trimming, firing, ash-pan cleaning and lubrication, or watching the wheel tapper at work.
After a short passenger briefing from the controller, you board the train. Clouds of steam whooshing from the train’s pistons, and smoke billowing from its chimney, followed by a shrill whistle, signal your Magaliesburg Express adventure has begun.
Onboard, the rhythmic clickety-clack lullaby of the train sends some passengers to sleep. Others join the kids at the window to laugh and chatter, breathe in the coal scent, and feel the patter of cinders on their cheeks and hands as the wind whips their hair and the countryside steams by. Rail buffs tend to congregate at the bar coach, where comfy sofas and hard tack fuels long train tales.
En-route, the train stops at the original Krugersdorp station building, built in 1896, and little over 1-hour later you arrive, relaxed, at your choice of destination at either the Magaliesburg Country Hotel, or the Swallows Inn, in the town of Magaliesburg.
You’ll have just under 4 hours to explore the quaint village’s craft shops, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or swim, braai, or picnic. Then it’s all aboard once more for a slightly more sedate trip, as sated passengers snooze, or take it easy and enjoy the scenery, en-route back to Johannesburg.
Whether you’re an adult who has fantasised about being a locomotive driver, or a little 'un besotted with Thomas the Tank Engine, or are simply looking for a fun, and unusual way to spend a Sunday, you’ll be stoked you took a steam train ride on the Magaliesburg Express.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Bookings for the Magaliesburg Express are through the South African National Rail & Steam Museum:
Contact: Aletta Lekalala
Tel: +27 (0)11 888 1154
Bookings: alettalekalala@telkomsa.net
Other Magaliesburg train trips
can be arranged through
Reef Steamers
Bookings and train hire:
Contact: Theunis van Wyk
bookings@reefsteamers.com
Swallows Inn
Tel: +27 (0)14 577 0054/5940
E-mail: office@swallowsinn.co.za
Magaliesburg Country Hotel
Tel: +27 (0)14 577 1109
E-mail: info@magaliescountryhotel.co.za
How to get here
From central Johannesburg, take the N1 South in the direction of Roodepoort. Take the Maraisburg Road offramp, and turn right on Maraisburg Road. Turn right into 8th Avenue. The station entrance is at the end of the road, with secure parking.
Around the area
Once the train stops in Magaliesburg, passengers are on foot, so it’s not feasible to detour too far from the town.
Get around
You’ll need to hire a car, tour operator, or a metered taxi, to travel to and from the Maraisburg Station.
What will it cost
The cost is R195 per adult, R135 per child, 3-12 years, and under 3s travel free provided they do not occupy a seat. The cost to picnic or braai (barbeque) at the Swallows Inn is R20 p/person. The Magaliesburg Country Hotel offers a buffet for R95 p/person, ½ price for children under 12, and free for the under 3s.
Length of stay
Currently, the Magaliesburg Express is a day trip, and operates on a round-trip basis, so overnight stays are not possible.
What to pack
Magaliesburg Express trains sell refreshments (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), snacks and sweets on a cash-only basis. Bring your own picnic, book a buffet lunch at the Magaliesburg Country Hotel, or bring-and-braai (barbeque) at the Swallows Inn. There are also fast food franchises in the town of Magaliesburg.