Metrorail extends rail services for Cape Town festive season

Cape Town’s rail commuters will have more travel options this summer as Metrorail reintroduces services on Sundays and public holidays, running from 15 December 2025 to 11 January 2026.

Raymond Maseko, Regional Manager of Metrorail, says the decision was made following numerous requests from residents who found it difficult to access popular coastal destinations during the busy beach season due to severe traffic congestion.

"Last year, we received a lot of requests from Capetonians indicating to us that when they are trying to get to the beach, especially the southern corridor, Muizenberg, towards Simon's Town, the roads are completely gridlocked. Unfortunately, we hadn't prepared a service for the Capetonians, but we are a listening company, and I believe in continual improvement.

"Throughout the year, we've been profiling the different areas that you could visit using a train, and this is what we want to show the Capetonians - this is a gem city.

"We are going to support all of the people who wish to go to the different areas of leisure in the Western Cape.”

Trains will run at off-peak fares, starting from as little as R5, with single trips ranging between R10 and R12.50.

Surfboards and bicycles will be allowed during off-peak leisure hours, with Maseko urging commuters to be considerate during morning work-travel periods.

The summer service forms part of Metrorail’s broader push to restore confidence in passenger rail, as ridership and train availability continue to improve across the province.

To listen to Maseko in conversation with CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit, click below: