Travelling In Namibia By Rail Travel In Namibia




Rail Travel In Namibia

Namibia has a good rail network internally and one of the best services in Africa. However, there is no connection to the neighbouring countries to the north, being Angola and Zambia or to Botswana in the east, so Namibia can only be accessed by rail by transiting through South Africa and the only rail border entry point being at Ariamsvlei.

Compared to European rail services the speeds at which the Namibia narrow-gauge track trains run are quite slow.

For example, the overnight journey from Windhoek to Swakopmund takes about 8 hours to complete the approx distance of 350km and on the standard Starline Service there are no sleeper-cars or dining car. You'll be in a seat the whole journey and you should be prepared to take your own food and drinks with you, but with a little preparation you can get to many of the main towns in Namibia at a reasonable price. See the above map.

For the Up-Market traveller there is the once per week famous and Luxurious Desert Express that operates between Windhoek and Swakopmund once a week, subject to availability. It is a night train that will whisk you across the Namib under a star filled sky for a journey with a difference that you will treasure the memory for the rest of your life.

The Desert Express Namibia's Unique Rail Experience

Windhoek Station: Situated on Bahnhof Str. dates back to the German times. Part of the upper level houses the small, but interesting TransNamib Rail Museum which is well worth a visit. Opening hours Mon - Fri 08h00 - 13h00 & 14h00 to 17h00. Closed Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.

Armoured Rail Transport ( a relic from the time of the struggle)

TransNamib Starline Passenger Service Timetable:

All Routes

TransNamib Holdings

Business Hours - Windhoek
Monday - Friday 07h00 to 19h00

Saturday 07h00 to 09h30

Central Reservations:

Tel: +264 (0)61 298 2032 /2175

Fax: +264 (0)61 298 2405

StarLine Information:
Private Bag 13204

Windhoek

www.transnamib.com.na

paxservices@transnamib.com.na

Conditions:

Use Of Alcohol and Drugs: Passengers are not allowed to use alcohol or drugs on trains, buses or TransNamib Holdings Ltd. premises. Passengers under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed on the premises or to board trains / buses.
Right of admission is reserved and Trans-Namib Holdings Ltd. will search persons / luggage when necessary.
Cancellation Fees: are to be maintained and calculated according to the period of notice given before the actual departure of the train.

48 hours	No cancellation fee
Less than 48 hours	50% back
After departure	No repayment

Senior Citizens: (60 years and older) will qualify for a 33% discount. The following conditions will apply:

An identity document, passport or pension card must be produced to prove age.

Reservations must be made and tickets bought Monday to Friday before 16h00 where ticket offices are available.

Children, Scholars, Students: One child under the age of 6yrs travelling on the lap of an adult in possession of a valid ticket will travel free of charge.
The second or any other child who can provide proof that he / she is under 12 years of age will pay half price (rounded to the next dollar) / minimum tariff N$20). Children of 12 years and older or any child who cannot provide proof of age will pay the normal scholar fee. An original document from the school / institution must be submitted. (Reports not accepted).

Students and scholars may travel throughout the year at off peak tariffs. Original proof of scholarship must be provided (No copies will be accepted)

Bookings are essential and must be made in advance.

Tickets must be collected Monday to Friday before 16h00 on the day of travel at open stations to qualify for the discount.
Regular Travellers: can keep their tickets and will qualify for special discount after 12 trips. Application can be made at the nearest ticket office.
A booking Fee of N$6.00 will be charged when you collect your ticket after 16h00, or on Sunday, or if you did not make a reservation where no ticket office is available.
Baggage: Only baggage of a personal nature that can be placed on the overhead rack or under the passenger seat will be accepted. Only two pieces per passenger, 30kg for Econo-Class and 40kg for Business Class will be allowed.
No frozen meat / fish or products with an odour will be allowed.

No firearms, big knives or other weapons will be allowed.

No animals (dogs, cats, birds...) will be allowed.

Baggage exceeding the limit must be booked in at the Real Freight Section well before departure. TransNamib Holdings Ltd. does not accept responsibility for lost or stolen luggage.
Tickets: Passengers must ensure that they receive a ticket when payment is made and must keep this thicket until they step off the train. If no ticket is received report to phone: (061) 298 2533. TransNamib Holdings Ltd. does not accept responsibility for lost or stolen tickets and passengers must obtain new tickets.
Reservations: Tickets must be pre-booked. Tickets can be obtained up to 3 months in advance at any open station.
Check-In: Passengers should Check-In at least 30 minutes before departure.