Blue Train

With over 65 years of service, the Blue Train has a long-established reputation as a world leader in luxury train travel. Easily identified by its deep blue carriages, the Blue Train regularly runs between Cape Town and Pretoria, giving its guests a stately view of South Africa’s diverse landscapes whilst providing white-glove service, plush accommodation and fine cuisine.

There are two Blue trains, both recently redesigned and renovated. Their carriages are decorated in rich gold and blue tones and feature warm birch wood panelling. Both trains have a lounge car, bar and dining carriage as well as surprisingly spacious private suites which cleverly convert from a sitting area – furnished with lounge chairs and a writing desk – to a comfortable bedroom.

Along with luxurious accommodation, the Blue Train prides itself on personalised service. Each coach is served by a butler who looks after a maximum of four suites and is on call 24 hours a day to attend to guests’ individual needs. This attentive service is exemplified by dinner: gourmet meals featuring Karoo lamb, ostrich fillet and other local dishes are carefully chosen to reflect the landscapes through which the train is travelling.

The Blue Train runs several times a week between Cape Town and Pretoria, a journey that lasts 27 hours; by way of comparison, Rovos Rail, South Africa’s other luxury train, takes 48 hours to travel the same route and makes an overnight stop. Special Blue Train packages are also available – why not combine time on this world-famous hotel-on-wheels with a round of golf on a championship course or Big 5 game viewing at one of South Africa’s top reserves? Contact us and we’ll make it all happen.