About

The Santos Express Train Lodge is a genuine train situated on the Santos Beach in Mossel Bay with all cabins facing the sea. With the ocean so close, you can't really beat its unbelievable position and exquisite views. An invigorating sea breeze keeps everything cool even on really hot days.

We offer you a unique stay in a double compartment or single coupe similar to the Trans Karoo. We are 5-10 min walk from the Dias Museum Complex, Harbour and Town Centre.

We have 5 coaches, of which 4 are identical, with 5 compartments (2-4 sleeper), 2 coupe's (1-2 sleeper), 2 toilets and 1 shower. The 5th coach is divided into a 16 bed Dorm with lounge and the Caboose - an on-suite room with balcony.

Double and single rates include a free continental breakfast. An additional hot breakfast upgrade is available on request at a small extra cost.

All Royal suite bookings include a complimentary hot breakfast as well.

We can accommodate a max of 114 pax and have special STO rates for groups of 30 pax and more (Low season). Seasonal rates apply. Menus can be customized to suit your budget and requirements.

Our happening restaurant and bar serves all day breakfast, and other delicious meals such as steaks, seafood and our most famous traditional meals, that can be served inside or on the sundeck. The restaurant is open from 7:30 am.

Our staff is on the ball and can help with all travel and adventure arrangements such as shark cage diving, boat-based whale watching, sky diving, game drives, quad biking, deep-sea fishing, pleasure boat trips to Seal Island etc.

House Rules

Check In

14:00 - 00:00

Check Out

until

Taxes Included

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Facilities

Free Breakfast
Free Parking
Free City Maps
Free WiFi
Free Internet Access
Bicycle Parking
Luggage Storage
Fax Service

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Reviews

9.3Superb(612)

Value for Money
9.5
Security
9.5
Atmosphere
8.9
Cleanliness
9.4
Staff
9.4
Location
9.7
Facilities
8.6

Summary of traveller reviews

Experience a unique stay at Santos Express Train B&B in Mossel Bay, South Africa, right on the beach. Guests love the friendly staff, great location with sea views, and the novel train accommodation. Some mention occasional WiFi issues and small rooms, but the overall vibe is highly recommended for a memorable getaway.

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Stayed in Oct 2026

7.1

Karel

Male, 41+, South Africa

Junior staff @ Restaurant needs mentoring, the doors and windows in & to units require maintenance difficult to open. Parking in peak times difficult to get parking. Breakfast good but toaster needs attention it don’t toast at all.

Stayed in Sept 2026

7.7

Julia

Female, 25-30, Brazil

We really loved the bed, very comfortable, the breakfast is delicious, the view is great, and the shower is good. The bathroom sink is quite difficult to use, and we weren't shown by the hotel staff the correct way to use it, nor how to close the curtains or open the room doors. When we arrived, we were accompanied by a lady who didn't teach us anything, and didn't even open our room door for us — it took more than 20 minutes to open it, as it was located in a dark corridor, and she gave us a bu

Stayed in Aug 2026

Ettienne

Male, 41+, South Africa

Lovely people, Great value 👍

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Location

Private Bax X5, # 254, Mossel Bay, South Africa

0.3km from city centre

About Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay on South Africa’s Garden Route is an archaeological hub and one of the oldest beachfront holiday destinations in the world. Surfers flock to the 60km of windswept coastline here to ride the unique breaks at Inner Pool and Outer Pool. And with 320 sunny days each year, there's plenty of opportunity to get outdoors. You'll find world-class golf courses and adrenaline-fuelled activities including sandboarding, skydiving and guided encounters with great white sharks.

You can stay in a Mossel Bay hostel created from a train parked permanently on the beach and sleep in the carriage dorm or a double compartment. Or you can head out of the town centre to a beach house in a quaint seaside village. Expect free continental breakfasts, with hot meals available for a small charge. Mossel Bay hostels often have communal kitchens or barbecues, or you can dine at an on-site restaurant with sea views.

Mossel Bay is a small community, so all the main attractions are within walking distance. The Point is the heart of the town, close to Cape St Blaize and a square lighthouse that you can climb for views across the ocean. There's a promenade along the waterfront with ice cream stands and mini-golf. Following the coastline past the marina will take you to Santos Beach, a Blue Flag stretch of soft white sand with lifeguards. Head inland to Bland Street to find historic buildings, tour operators and an indoor flea market.

Join the Point of Human Origins tour to the famous cave site where archaeologists found evidence of modern human behaviour dating back 162,000 years. The St Blaize Trail is a popular 13.5km hike along the cliffs and caves from Mossel Bay to Dana Bay. Adventurous travellers can sandboard on the 170m-high Dragon Dune; you might spot the occasional whale or dolphin from the top. For a more intimate encounter with the local wildlife, you can even book a shark dive.

Mossel Bay is at the centre of the 800km Garden Route, halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. George Airport is 40km east of Mossel Bay and has connecting flights across South Africa. You can hire a car or book a shuttle service for the 30-minute journey into town. If you're arriving by bus, you'll be dropped at the Voorbaai Shell petrol station on the highway, 8km from Mossel Bay. Hostels will often pick you up if you arrange it in advance, but taxis are available too.