Shosholoza Meyl
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"Relaxing Onboard but Poor Communication and Booking System"
Once you’re actually on the train, the experience is pleasant and relaxing. However, buying a ticket online is almost impossible — the phones just ring endlessly, and it’s pure luck if someone answers. The trains are consistently late; in my case, one was delayed by an hour and a half, and another by three hours. What’s worse, no one bothers to inform passengers about the delays. Despite all that, the onboard comfort still makes me consider using it again — though the service and communication definitely need improvement.
"No Communication and Absolutely No Customer Service"
I’ve been trying since Friday to find out if the train between Cape Town and Johannesburg is operational, and not a single listed number has been answered — today is Monday. When I finally reached someone at PRASA, she refused to even confirm whether the Shosholoza Meyl is running and gave me another number to call, which turned out not to exist. This is beyond frustrating. There’s absolutely no service — not even from their so-called “customer service.” Truly poor, extremely poor communication and management.
"Beautiful Train Experience, but Terrible Ticketing and Administration"
The train ride itself is a wonderful experience — truly magical if you’re not too fussy. Seeing South Africa from the comfort of the train is unforgettable. However, the ticketing and administrative services are an absolute nightmare. Nothing can be done digitally or over the phone, even though countless numbers are listed. When you finally reach one that rings, it disconnects after just a couple of rings. It’s incredibly frustrating and inefficient. Hopefully, these systems are improved soon, as the current chaos is wasting people’s time and money and even leading to the cancellation of certain routes across South Africa.
"A Chaotic and Mismanaged Experience on the Shosholoza Meyl"
This journey perfectly illustrates how a state-run service can collapse into chaos — a system with no accountability, no responsibility, and no real service. Anyone hoping for clean toilets, running water, or basic amenities on the Shosholoza Meyl will be lucky to find them. While the staff are friendly, that’s about the only positive. You’d expect a proper bar, but it only sells beer. The food menu looks appealing on paper but is mostly unavailable, depending on when a state contractor bothers to supply it — which isn’t often. Due to constant engine and signal breakdowns, the trip was riddled with stoppages. I had to buy food and drinks from shops near stations whenever we halted, though it felt risky. What should have been a 26-hour journey through beautiful scenery turned into a grueling 44-hour ordeal, causing missed flights and hotel stays. To make matters worse, head office management refuses to respond or take responsibility. Sadly, this experience reflects the new reality — in South Africa, state-run institutions simply don’t work.
"Heartbroken to See a Once-Great Train Service Decline"
It’s truly sad that this once wonderful and scenic way to travel has become so unreliable. The constant and unpredictable delays have taken all the joy out of the experience. We’ve been loyal train travelers for the past 10 years, but unfortunately, it’s no longer a viable option. PRASA needs to be honest about the current state of unreliability and take real action to fix it. It’s heartbreaking to see such a beautiful mode of travel fall apart like this.
"Worst Train Experience Ever – Long Delays and Poor Management"
This was by far the worst travel experience I’ve ever had. On the train to Cape Town, we were delayed for five hours with absolutely no explanation. The ice machine wasn’t working, and there were no cold drinks available. The return trip was even worse — still no ice, and the train manager who boarded halfway through the journey hid away in a compartment for the entire trip. The only positive part of the experience was James, the manager from Cape Town, who did an excellent job keeping everyone informed and in good spirits. Unfortunately, his professionalism couldn’t make up for the rest of the terrible service.
"Unacceptable Delays and No Support for Stranded Passengers"
My 7-month-old daughter and sisters are currently stuck on this train — for the second time during a single trip. It already arrived late once, and now the delays are stretching over six hours. This is completely unacceptable. The least the company could do is arrange a bus to get passengers to their destination and provide a refund. Leaving people, especially families with babies, stranded for hours shows a total lack of care and responsibility.
Shosholoza Meyl
National long-distance trains, including tourist routes.
Address
30 Wolmarans Street, Umjantshi House
Website
http://www.shosholozameyl.co.za/
Email
[email protected]
Telephone
+1(27 12 748 7353)