The Blue Train
Speeding through the South African countryside, The Blue Train is an icon of the rails. Resplendent in its gleaming livery of blue and gilded motifs, it cuts a dramatic shape as it slices through the scenery of the Cape and the Karoo, travelling between the magnificent city of Cape Town to the jacaranda city of Pretoria. The 27-hour service has, in the past, been frequented by kings and presidents, and remains one of the most luxurious experiences on the rails with attentive butler service for each guest. Every moment is crafted to ‘wow’, from high tea served in the Lounge Car to running a bath in your private en suite.
While on board, relax in the upscale surroundings of polished wood, leather seating, crisp table linen and gently clinking crystal. There’s no better way to explore South Africa’s wild scenery than on board this impressive train.
Life on Board The Blue Train
From exquisite fine dining to luxurious cabins and sophisticated lounges, spend your days on board doing as much or as little as you like.
Fine Dining
Dining on board The Blue Train feels more like settling down for a gourmet meal in a Michelin-starred restaurant, than eating on a moving train. It is amazing to think that each perfectly plated dish has been prepared onboard in a tiny kitchen, by a fleet of experienced chefs. In the restaurant car, tables are laid with crisp white linen tablecloths topped with weighty Sheffield cutlery and crystal glassware. Savour delectable local dishes like Karoo lamb and Knysna oysters, accompanied by a range of award-winning Cape wines.
Elegant Lounges
In the Club Car, you can take your pick from the onboard selection of Cuban cigars, watch a driver’s eye view of the track on the TV screen, or take part in a game of cards, backgammon, or chess, perhaps selecting a volume from the library to read before bed. During the afternoon, a high tea is served in the lounge car.
- Club Car
- Observation Car
- Conferences Car
Off-Train Experiences
Throughout the journey, off-train excursions illuminate the sights along the way, from visits to the historic mining town of Kimberley to bespoke arrangements if travelling on a specially chartered service.
Pretoria – Cape Town / Cape Town – Pretoria
- Open Mine Museum
Pretoria – Kruger National Park
- Numbi Gate sunrise and sunset game drives
- Boma dinner at Nkambeni Safari Camp
Cabins & Suites
Each suite is arranged as a spacious sitting area by day, at night transforming into a restful sanctuary where you will drift off with goose-down duvets and pillows.
De Luxe Suites
This fabulous suite will forever alter your perception of what style and class entails. Savour the ever-changing vistas of the South African countryside during your cosy sitting area in the day and prepare for a delicious dinner with a bath, complete with scented bath salts in your private, marble and gold-fitted bathroom.
- Double or twin bed
- ¾ size bathtub with handheld shower
- Goose-down and 100% percale-cotton bedding
- Air conditioning
- Under-floor heating
- Marble and gold-fitted bathroom
- Electronic entertainment
- Scented bath salts
- Plush monogrammed towels
Luxury Suites
Your Luxury Suite will enchant you from the moment your personal butler welcomes you on board. Enjoy an extra element of added opulence with more space, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a private interactive entertainment system.
- Double or twin bed
- Long and luxurious bathtubs
- Goose-down and 100% percale-cotton bedding
- Air conditioning
- Under-floor heating
- Marble and gold-fitted bathroom
- Private digital interactive entertainment system with music CDs and big screen movies on Blu-Ray DVD
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Scented bath salts
- Plush monogrammed towels
The Blue Train Image Gallery
Browse The Blue Train’s fabulous image gallery below and discover more about life on board.
The Blue Train FAQs
Where does the Blue Train route begin and end?
The Blue Train offers three itineraries with different embark and disembark points:
Pretoria to Cape Town
Pretoria – Kimberley – Cape Town
Cape Town to Pretoria
Cape Town – Kimberley – Pretoria
Pretoria to Kruger National Park
Pretoria – Numbi Gate – Pretoria
How long is the trip on board The Blue Train?
The Blue Train offers three itineraries with same duration:
Pretoria to Cape Town – Two nights
Cape Town to Pretoria – Two nights
Pretoria to Kruger National Park – Two nights
What is the dress code on board The Blue Train?
As one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world, it holds on to its elegant tradition and rich heritage with a compulsory custom to dress formally for dinner. Evening wear is required to be elegant with gentlemen requested to wear a jacket and tie or traditional attire. During the day, dress is smart casual.
Is the Blue Train trip all-inclusive?
With the exception of Caviar, French Champagne and external telephone calls, everything else on-board The Blue Train is included in the all-inclusive rate.
Do you sleep on The Blue Train trip?
Yes, all three itineraries have two-night durations, so you will enjoy a comfortable and cosy night’s stay on board the train.
What is the distance The Blue Train travels between Pretoria & Cape Town?
1660 km (904 miles)
How long is The Blue Train?
Long train – 399 metres; short train – 294 metres
How long has the train been in existence?
The Blue Train was launched and has been in existence since 1946
How many carriages (coaches) does the train have?
Long train – 19 carriages; short train – 14 carriages
Does The Blue Train fare include gratuity?
The fare does not include gratuities. Our guests are not obliged to give the staff gratuities. However, should guests at their own discretion wish to do so, guests are encouraged not give gratuities to individuals, but to rather use the gratuity box located at the entrance of the club (smoking) car.
Gratuities are then shared equally amongst all the staff (including the kitchen staff) at the end of each trip
How many crew members on board at every trip?
28 crew + 2 technicians
What currency is used in the boutique shop?
South African Rands (R)