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Francistown Railway Station

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Landmark
—°3
Francistown Railway Station (Botswana)

Weather…

The Francistown Railway Station is a significant historical landmark in Botswana's second-largest city, serving as a critical hub in the regional transport network since the late 19th century. Established in 1897, the station was a key component of the ambitious Cape to Cairo Railway project envisioned by Cecil Rhodes, which aimed to connect the British colonies from south to north. During the gold rush in the Tati region, the railway played a vital role in transporting miners and heavy machinery, facilitating the economic development of Francistown. Today, it remains a focal point for Botswana Railways, handling both passenger services and essential freight transport between Gaborone and Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. The station's architecture reflects the colonial era, with functional designs that have withstood over a century of continuous operation. As an entry point for many international travelers and goods, the station continues to influence the city's urban landscape and its status as a commercial crossroads in the northeast.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252524221916151923262626
Rain mm100896123441082568102

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Francistown Railway Station is a working station, whose historic building can be viewed from outside. The platforms are accessible to passengers.
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Typical hours
The ticket hall is typically open during train service hours. Exact opening hours follow the schedule of Botswana Railways.
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Photography
The colonial-style facade is a popular photo subject. Be careful not to photograph security-sensitive areas.
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Time needed
A brief visit to the station takes about 15 to 30 minutes. If you watch the train traffic, you can stay longer.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with Obed Itani Chilume Stadium or the old gold mines. Francistown city center is also within walking distance.
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Getting there
The station is centrally located in Francistown and well accessible on foot or by taxi. Parking is available in the forecourt.
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Insider tip
Visit the station in the morning when the first trains arrive. That's when you'll experience the atmosphere of the historic transport hub up close.

Geography

Coordinates
-21.17120, 27.51150

Facts

  • The railway station was officially opened in 1897.
  • It was part of the Cape to Cairo Railway project initiated by Cecil Rhodes.
  • The station provides a direct rail link to Bulawayo in neighboring Zimbabwe.
  • Francistown was the site of Southern Africa's first gold rush before the railway arrived.
  • The station building is one of the oldest surviving structures in the city.
  • Botswana Railways utilizes this station as a primary hub for northern freight logistics.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Francistown Old Gold MinesFrancistown Old Gold Mines<1 km · SWExplore →
Tati Nickel MineTati Nickel Mine7 km · NEExplore →
Tati RiverTati River10 km · NExplore →
Shashe RiverShashe River31 km · NWExplore →
Matsitama Minerals ComplexMatsitama Minerals Complex62 km · SExplore →
Domboshaba RuinsDomboshaba Ruins69 km · EExplore →
Mangwe Pass MemorialMangwe Pass Memorial75 km · NEExplore →
PlumtreePlumtree75 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Francistown Railway Station (3)

Francistown Records Centre🏛 museum

An archival museum near the railway station preserving the historical documents of the Francistown region.

Tebo House🏰 castle

A castle-like architectural landmark near the railway station, standing out in Francistown's skyline.

Kenneth Nkhwa Interchange📍 landmark

A modern road infrastructure attraction, locally known as the "Spaghetti junction," near the station.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Are there still passenger trains from Francistown?
Passenger services are irregular; please check the current Botswana Railways schedules.
Is there a connection to Gaborone?
Historically, this was the main route, but service depends on current operational status.
Where is the railway station located?
Centrally located in Francistown, near the commercial district.
Can you buy tickets directly at the station?
Yes, when trains are running, there is typically a ticket office on-site.
Are there facilities for travelers?
There are basic waiting areas and small kiosks in the immediate vicinity.
Francistown Railway Station: where is it located?
Francistown Railway Station is located in Botswana.
Francistown Railway Station: what is there to see?
Highlights include Francistown Records Centre, Tebo House, Kenneth Nkhwa Interchange.
Francistown Railway Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.
Francistown Railway Station: why is it worth visiting?
The Francistown Railway Station is a significant historical landmark in Botswana's second-largest city, serving as a critical hub in the regional transport network since the late 19th century.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Plumtree — Francistown Railway Station (Botswana)
Plumtree
Plumtree is Zimbabwe's primary western gateway, located on the border with Botswana.

History & landmarks

Obed Itani Chilume Stadium — Francistown Railway Station (Botswana)
Obed Itani Chilume Stadium
This multi-purpose stadium in Francistown is the largest in the northern region, hosting major sports and national events.
Supa Ngwao Museum — Francistown Railway Station (Botswana)
Supa Ngwao Museum
Supa Ngwao is a key cultural landmark in Francistown, preserving the history and traditions of northern Botswana's diverse peoples.

More places

🗺️
Tati Nickel Mine
The Tati Nickel Mine, located near Francistown, was a significant producer of nickel concentrate in Botswana.
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Tati River
The Tati River flows through the city of Francistown, serving as a key drainage system in the northeastern region.
Shashe River — Francistown Railway Station (Botswana)
Shashe River
The Shashe River is a major ephemeral river that forms part of the international border between Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Domboshaba Ruins — Francistown Railway Station (Botswana)
Domboshaba Ruins
Domboshaba is an iron-age stone walled settlement that served as a regional capital for the Great Zimbabwe-style culture.
Francistown Old Gold Mines — Francistown Railway Station (Botswana)
Francistown Old Gold Mines
The ruins of early gold mines around Francistown reflect the 19th-century gold rush that predates the Witwatersrand discovery.
Matsitama Minerals Complex — Francistown Railway Station (Botswana)
Matsitama Minerals Complex
The Matsitama region has been explored for its significant copper and mineral potential.
Mangwe Pass Memorial — Francistown Railway Station (Botswana)
Mangwe Pass Memorial
A memorial for the first European settlers who entered the country through this pass.