| 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.
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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TransNamib Starline Passenger
Service Timetable
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TransNamib Holdings
Ltd. |
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Business Hours - WindhoekMonday -
Friday 07h00 to 19h00
Saturday
07h00 to 09h30
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Central Reservations: Tel: +264
(0)61 298 2032 /2175
Fax: +264 (0)61 298 2405 |
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StarLine Information:Private Bag
13204
Windhoek
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www.transnamib.com.na
paxservices@transnamib.com.na |
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Conditions: |
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48 hours
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No cancellation fee |
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Less than 48 hours
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50% back |
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After departure
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No repayment |
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- 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.
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