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Blue Train Luxury Train South Africa | Routes, Suites, Prices & Expert Guidance

The Blue Train is South Africa’s most iconic luxury rail journey, offering an all-inclusive experience between Pretoria and Cape Town. Often described as a five-star hotel on rails, it combines elegant private suites, refined dining and attentive butler service with one of the country’s most scenic rail routes.

The Luxury Train Travel Company specialises exclusively in high-end rail journeys worldwide. We provide confirmed departure dates, expert suite guidance and carefully planned extensions, ensuring the Blue Train fits seamlessly into a wider Southern Africa itinerary rather than standing alone as a single experience. Explore more luxury rail journeys across the continent on our African rail tours page.

● Blue Train Tours Routes Prices & Dates
● Suites & Cabins
● Practical FAQs
● Contact Us

The Blue Train Route: Pretoria to Cape Town

The classic Blue Train journey operates between Pretoria and Cape Town, covering approximately 1,600 kilometres in two nights. Departures run in both directions throughout the year, with the experience remaining consistent whichever way you travel.

Leaving Pretoria’s Capital Park Station, the train travels south through the Highveld before entering the vast open landscapes of the Great Karoo. This semi-desert region is one of the most evocative stretches of the journey, defined by wide skies, sparse settlements and a powerful sense of scale.

A highlight is the off-train visit to Matjiesfontein, a beautifully preserved Victorian village steeped in railway and Anglo-Boer War history. The final approach into Cape Town passes through fertile valleys and the Cape Winelands, offering a striking contrast to the arid interior crossed earlier in the journey.

Unlike multi-night expedition trains, the Blue Train is a refined point-to-point experience, designed to deliver polished luxury rather than extended touring.

The Blue Train operates two classic two-night journeys between Pretoria and Cape Town, each including fine dining, beverages, suite accommodation and a guided excursion in Kimberley. Below are the rail tours we offer that use the Blue Train. Click below to download the detailed itinerary and inclusions.

Note: The published prices for these tours are in South African Rand (ZAR). However, we can quote and accept payment in GB Pounds, USD, Singaporean Dollars, Australian Dollars, Canadian Dollars and more. Contact us for a quote in your currency.

● Booking well in advance is strongly recommended, particularly for peak-season departures. ●

Blue Train South Africa Pretoria to Cape Town tour
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The Blue Train – Cape Town to Pretoria

BTCP | 2 Nights | Cape Town ● Kimberley ● Pretoria.

Departs Cape Town on the following dates in 2026
January 15th, 22nd, 29th ● February 12th, 19th, 26th ● March 12th, 19th, 26th ● April 9th ,16th, 23rd ● May 7th, 14th ● July 16th, 23rd, 30th ● August 6th, 23rd, 30th ● September 10th, 17th, 24th ● October 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th ● November 19th, 26th ● December 3rd, 10th, 17th.

Register with us to be the first to know 2027 dates.

2026 Prices in South African Rand (ZAR). Contact us for a confirmed quote in your preferred currency.
★ Luxury Suite | Twin / Double bed | ZAR 63,420 per person (Sept Oct Nov)
★ Luxury Suite | Twin / Double bed | ZAR 51,905 per person (Other Months)
★ Luxury Suite | Single Occupancy | ZAR 95,130 (Sept Oct Nov)
★ Luxury Suite | Single Occupancy | ZAR 77,858 (Other Months)

★ De Luxe Suite | Twin / Double bed | ZAR 50,220 per person (Sept Oct Nov)
★ De Luxe Suite | Twin / Double bed | ZAR 40,865 per person (Other Months)
★ De Luxe Suite | Single Occupancy | ZAR 75,330 (Sept Oct Nov)
★ De Luxe Suite | Single Occupancy | ZAR 61,028 (Other Months)

Learn about the Blue Train suite types and cabin details.

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Blue Train South Africa Pretoria to Cape Town
DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

The Blue Train – Pretoria to Cape Town

BTPC | 2 Nights | Pretoria ● Kimberley ● Cape Town.

Departs Pretoria on the following dates in 2026
January 12th, 19th, 26th ● February 9th, 16th, 23rd ● March 9th, 16th, 23rd ● April 6th, 13th, 20th ● May 4th, 11th ● July 13th, 20th, 27th ● August 3rd, 10th, 17th ● September 7th, 14th, 21st ● October 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th ● November 16th, 23rd, 30th ● December 7th, 14th.

Register with us to be the first to know 2027 dates.

2026 Prices in South African Rand (ZAR). Contact us for a confirmed quote in your preferred currency.
★ Luxury Suite | Twin / Double bed | ZAR 63,420 per person (Sept Oct Nov)
★ Luxury Suite | Twin / Double bed | ZAR 51,905 per person (Other Months)
★ Luxury Suite | Single Occupancy | ZAR 95,130 (Sept Oct Nov)
★ Luxury Suite | Single Occupancy | ZAR 77,858 (Other Months)

★ De Luxe Suite | Twin / Double bed | ZAR 50,220 per person (Sept Oct Nov)
★ De Luxe Suite | Twin / Double bed | ZAR 40,865 per person (Other Months)
★ De Luxe Suite | Single Occupancy | ZAR 75,330 (Sept Oct Nov)
★ De Luxe Suite | Single Occupancy | ZAR 61,028 (Other Months)

Learn about the Blue Train suite types and cabin details.

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Suites & Cabins on the Blue Train

Accommodation on the Blue Train is offered in elegant en-suite suites, each attended by a dedicated butler. Interiors combine classic design with modern comforts, creating a refined private space for the journey.

Cabin Comparison

Suite TypeSizeBedBathroomNotes
De Luxe Suiteapprox. 10 m² / 108 sq ftDouble or twinEnsuite with showerComfortable standard suite
Luxury Suiteapprox. 13 m² / 140 sq ftDouble or twinEnsuite with bath & showerLarger suite with full-size bathtub

Which Suite Should You Choose?

● Choose a De Luxe Suite if you value comfort, privacy and a classic layout at a more accessible price point.
● Choose a Luxury Suite if you prefer additional space, a bathtub, or simply want the most expansive accommodation available on board.

We advise clients carefully on this choice — the upgrade is meaningful, but not essential for every traveller.

Luxury Suites

Luxury Suites provide a more spacious layout with a full-size bathtub, offering additional comfort and privacy. These suites are ideal for guests seeking the most generous accommodation on board.

Luxury Suite specifications:

● Approx. 13 m² / 140 sq ft
● Double or twin bed configuration
● En-suite bathroom with full-size bathtub and shower
● Air-conditioning
● Personal safe and wardrobe
● Writing desk and seating area
● In-suite entertainment
● Complimentary tea, coffee and refreshments
● Butler service

Blue Train Luxury Suite Diagram LTTC
Blue Train Luxury Suite Diagram

Photos and illustrations are for guidance only and may differ to your actual cabin.

De Luxe Suites

De Luxe Suites offer a comfortable and elegant environment, with seating by day and a private bedroom layout by night. Each suite includes en-suite facilities and attentive butler service.

De Luxe Suites Specifications:

● Approx. 10 m² / 108 sq ft
● Double or twin bed configuration
● En-suite bathroom with shower
● Air-conditioning
● Personal safe and wardrobe
● Writing desk and seating area
● In-suite entertainment
● Complimentary tea, coffee and refreshments
● Butler service

Blue Train De Luxe Suite Diagram LTTC
Blue Train De Luxe Suite Diagram

Photos and illustrations are for guidance only and may differ to your actual cabin.

Life On Board the Blue Train

Life on board the Blue Train is calm, elegant and unhurried. Interiors feature polished wood, marble bathrooms, deep carpeting and soft lighting, creating an atmosphere closer to a grand hotel than a traditional train.

Each suite is attended by a dedicated butler, and service throughout the train is attentive without being intrusive. Breakfast may be enjoyed in the dining car or served privately in your suite, while afternoons are marked by tea in the lounge car as the Karoo landscape drifts past.

Evenings are centred on formal dining, where guests dress smartly and enjoy multi-course menus paired with carefully selected South African wines. With a maximum of around 80 guests on board, the train never feels crowded, and public spaces retain a sense of quiet refinement.

Dining & Wine On Board

Dining aboard the Blue Train is a central part of the experience. Menus showcase seasonal South African ingredients, often drawing on regional specialities and high-quality local produce. Wines are carefully selected from leading estates in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and other renowned wine regions.

Evening dinners are formal occasions, and guests are encouraged to dress smartly. Breakfast and lunch are more relaxed, and special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

All meals and selected beverages are included as part of the journey.

Blue Train vs Rovos Rail: What’s the Difference?

Many travellers compare the Blue Train with Rovos Rail, as both represent the pinnacle of luxury rail travel in Southern Africa. The right choice depends on the experience you want.

The Blue Train
● One-night, point-to-point journey
● Polished, hotel-style atmosphere
● Structured timetable and refined pacing
● Contemporary luxury with marble bathrooms
● Ideal for pairing with Cape Town or safari extensions

Rovos Rail
● Slower, multi-night journeys
● Vintage Edwardian styling
● Wider route network, including Victoria Falls and Namibia
● More expedition-style rail experience
● Suited to travellers wanting extended time on board

In simple terms, the Blue Train delivers an elegant intercity luxury experience, while Rovos Rail offers a slower, more immersive rail expedition.

Who Is the Blue Train Best Suited To?

The Blue Train is particularly well suited to:
● First-time visitors to South Africa
● Couples celebrating anniversaries or milestones
● Travellers combining Cape Town with a safari
● Guests seeking a short but highly polished luxury rail experience

It is less suited to those looking for multi-day off-train touring or a slower, expedition-style journey, where Rovos Rail may be a better fit.

Extending Your Blue Train Journey

Most guests combine the Blue Train with other highlights of Southern Africa. Popular extensions include Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula, the Cape Winelands, private game reserves in the Kruger region, and Victoria Falls.

The Blue Train works particularly well as a centrepiece within a broader itinerary rather than a standalone experience, and we design extensions so that flights, transfers and accommodations flow seamlessly around the rail journey.

Our Expert View

The Blue Train remains one of the world’s great classic luxury rail journeys. Its strength lies in consistency, polish and service rather than theatrical nostalgia. For travellers seeking an elegant, time-efficient way to travel between Pretoria and Cape Town, it is outstanding.

However, for those who prioritise longer time on board, slower travel or more extensive routes, Rovos Rail is often the better choice. Selecting the right train for the right journey is key — and specialist guidance makes a genuine difference.

Practical FAQs

The standard Blue Train journey between Pretoria and Cape Town lasts approximately 27 hours, operating over two days and one night. Departures run in both directions throughout the year. The experience is designed as a refined point-to-point luxury journey rather than a multi-night expedition.

The fare is fully inclusive and covers private suite accommodation, all meals on board, selected South African wines and beverages, 24-hour butler service, the scheduled off-train excursion (typically at Matjiesfontein), and luggage handling. Dining includes breakfast, lunch and a formal dinner, with menus showcasing regional produce. Premium spirits and certain special items may incur additional charges. Flights, transfers and pre- or post-train hotels are not included unless arranged as part of a wider itinerary.

Most departures operate between Pretoria (Capital Park Station or the Irene Country Club) and Cape Town in either direction. The route is fixed and does not vary seasonally.

There are two suite categories: De Luxe Suites and Luxury Suites. Both include private en-suite bathrooms, butler service and climate control. Luxury Suites are larger and include a bathtub in addition to a shower.

For travellers seeking a refined and time-efficient luxury rail experience in South Africa, the Blue Train is widely regarded as one of the country’s most elegant journeys. It combines private en-suite accommodation, attentive butler service, fine dining and dramatic scenery into a seamless 27-hour experience. It is particularly worthwhile when incorporated into a broader itinerary including Cape Town or a safari. Those seeking a longer, slower rail immersion may prefer Rovos Rail, but for a polished highlight experience, the Blue Train is exceptional.

The Blue Train operates as a one-night, point-to-point luxury journey between Pretoria and Cape Town, offering a polished, contemporary hotel-style atmosphere. Rovos Rail, by contrast, operates slower, multi-night journeys with a more vintage Edwardian aesthetic and a wider network including Victoria Falls and Namibia. In essence, the Blue Train is ideal for travellers wanting a concise, refined highlight, while Rovos Rail suits those seeking extended time on board and a more expedition-style rail experience.

Yes. The Blue Train is largely all-inclusive, covering suite accommodation, meals, selected drinks, butler service and the scheduled excursion during the journey. While most beverages are included, certain premium labels may carry an additional charge. International flights, domestic transfers and extended touring are not included unless specifically arranged. This structure allows the onboard experience to feel seamless and indulgent, without the need to consider additional costs during the journey itself.

Daytime dress is smart-casual. In the evening, elegant attire is recommended for dinner. Gentlemen typically wear a jacket, and more formal presentation is encouraged during evening dining.

Guests are advised to travel with one checked suitcase and one carry-on item per person. Storage within suites is generous but compact compared to a hotel room. Additional luggage can usually be stored separately if arranged in advance.

Limited Wi-Fi is available in certain areas of the train, though connectivity may be intermittent while travelling through remote regions such as the Karoo. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the journey as an opportunity to disconnect.

Yes. The journey is smooth and does not involve strenuous activity. The off-train excursion requires light walking, but assistance is available. We are happy to advise based on individual mobility requirements.

Children over a certain age are permitted on selected departures, though the experience is generally geared toward adults. We recommend discussing specific ages and requirements prior to booking.

The Blue Train operates throughout the year. The southern hemisphere summer months (November to March) offer warmer temperatures and long daylight hours, particularly pleasant when combining the journey with Cape Town and the Winelands. Winter (June to August) brings cooler air and exceptionally clear skies across the Karoo, often producing dramatic desert light. The onboard experience remains consistent year-round, so timing is usually determined by wider travel plans rather than the train itself.

Both directions offer the same scenery in reverse order and the same level of service. Many travellers prefer travelling from Pretoria to Cape Town so that the journey concludes in the Winelands and the coastal city, making it easy to extend the trip with additional touring. However, operationally and experientially, there is no significant difference between the two directions.

Yes. We regularly arrange pre- and post-train hotels, private transfers, Cape Town touring, Winelands stays, Kruger safaris and Victoria Falls extensions, ensuring the Blue Train forms part of a seamless Southern Africa itinerary.

We recommend booking several months in advance, particularly for peak travel periods and for Luxury Suites, which are limited in number. The Blue Train operates scheduled departures rather than daily services, so availability can become restricted during popular months. Early booking ensures the widest choice of departure dates and suite categories and allows sufficient time to coordinate hotels, safaris and internal flights.

Why Book with The Luxury Train Travel Company

The Luxury Train Travel Company specialises exclusively in high-end rail journeys worldwide. Our team provides expert guidance, confirmed departure dates, suite advice and tailored extensions for the Blue Train and other luxury rail journeys across Africa.

● Specialist luxury train expertise
● Confirmed departure dates and suite availability
● Priority suite holds while you decide
● Tailor-made hotel and touring extensions in South Africa
● Personal service from enquiry to departure

View all confirmed departures on our Luxury Train Calendar.

Enquire About the Blue Train

As specialists in luxury rail journeys worldwide, we offer expert advice on suite selection, confirmed dates and seamless extensions throughout Southern Africa. Whether you are deciding between the Blue Train and Rovos Rail or planning a wider itinerary, we are pleased to guide you.

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Tel: +44 (0)20 8191 0620

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