Cape Town Metrorail / Southern Line
Observatory to Cape Town train times
42 direct trains run from Observatory to Cape Town on weekdays, from 05:34 until 20:04, and 16 on weekends. The trip takes about 14 min. Use Commute Check for offline schedules and live delay reports from commuters.
OBS to CPT
Southern Line
Tuesday, 13 October
Observatory to Cape Town timetable
Every scheduled direct train on the Metrorail Southern Line timetable effective 2 February 2026. Trains can run late or be cancelled, so check commuter reports in the app before you leave.
Observatory to Cape Town ticket prices
About 5 km by rail, which PRASA prices as Zone 1.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Single | R10 |
| Return | R20 |
| Weekly (Mon–Fri) | R60 |
| Weekly (Mon–Sat) | R75 |
| Monthly | R180 |
- Off-peak (09:00–14:00): 40% off single and return tickets.
- Pensioners and military veterans: 50% off single and return tickets off-peak.
- Scholars in full uniform: 50% off single and return tickets at any time.
Estimated from PRASA fares valid from 1 August 2025 and the distance by rail. Confirm at the ticket office. All Metrorail ticket prices
Observatory to Cape Town train questions
- How long is the train from Observatory to Cape Town?
- Direct trains from Observatory to Cape Town take about 14 min on the weekday timetable.
- What time is the first train from Observatory to Cape Town?
- On weekdays the first direct train leaves Observatory at 05:34 and reaches Cape Town at 05:48. On weekends it leaves at 05:33 and arrives at 05:48.
- What time is the last train from Observatory to Cape Town?
- On weekdays the last direct train leaves Observatory at 20:04 and reaches Cape Town at 20:18. On weekends it leaves at 18:28 and arrives at 18:43.
- How much is a train ticket from Observatory to Cape Town?
- A Metrorail single ticket from Observatory to Cape Town costs about R10 and a return about R20. The trip is roughly 5 km by rail (Zone 1) under PRASA fares valid from 1 August 2025. Off-peak single and return tickets (09:00–14:00) are 40% cheaper.
- Do trains run from Observatory to Cape Town on weekends?
- Yes. The weekend timetable has 16 direct trains from Observatory to Cape Town, from 05:33 until 18:28.
More trains to Cape Town
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