Flying Dutchman Funicular, Funicular in Cape Point, South Africa

The Flying Dutchman Funicular is an electrically powered funicular at Cape Point with a single track 585 metres long and a passing loop at its midpoint. It climbs 87 metres from the lower station at the car park (127 m above sea level) to the upper station below the lighthouse (214 m), with a maximum gradient of 16%, through dense fynbos. Its two rope-hauled cars, Nolloth and Thomas T. Tucker, each carry 40 passengers.

In early 1995 the Cape Metropolitan Council sought proposals to replace the 16-seat diesel bus that had long served the route. Concor's electrically powered funicular, built entirely with South African resources, was chosen; the bus made its last run in December 1996. The cars were refurbished in June 2010.

This railway takes its name from a legendary ghost ship that sailors once feared would appear in the waters around Cape Point. The name has become part of the local character and adds a layer of storytelling to the journey for visitors.

The journey takes about three minutes with cabins that hold around 40 passengers, allowing hundreds of visitors to ride per hour. Check weather conditions before visiting, as strong winds can occasionally affect operations at this exposed coastal site.

The two cars are named Nolloth and Thomas T. Tucker, after vessels that sank in the waters off Cape Point. The line follows the alignment of the road once used by a 16-seater diesel bus, keeping its environmental footprint small, and the cars were refurbished in June 2010.