The Blue Train
The Blue Train
About The Blue Train:
Experience the Blue Train South Africa, one of the country’s most iconic luxury rail journeys. Treat yourself to an unforgettable luxury train travel experience aboard this world-renowned train, offering exceptional service, elegant suites and spectacular scenery across South Africa.
This 5 star, 54 hour experience offers you around-the-clock butler service, 2 lounge cars (smoking and non-smoking), an observation car, carriages with gold-tinted picture windows and fully carpeted and soundproofed suites, all with en-suite bathrooms.
Situated behind the train’s engine is the Club car, where you can enjoy a Cuban cigar served after dinner while sipping on cognac, or any drink of your choice. If a game of backgammon, chess or cards is not for you, browse our library selection, enjoy the big screen or get lost in thought gazing up at the star-lit African sky.
Afternoon High Tea and after-dinner drinks are served in the Lounge car, situated in the middle of the train.
When not in use as a Conference car, the Observation car serves as an extension of the Lounge Car.
Dine with friends or enjoy a romantic dinner for two in the elegant Dining car. You can also choose to dine in the privacy of your own suite. Our on-board chefs prepare dishes of the highest standard, regularly refreshing the menu and using only the freshest local ingredients. There is something to suite every taste, including Halaal, Kosher, gluten-free of vegan. Simply notify us at the time of reservation and our chefs will prepare a meal suited to your needs.
Dinner is elegant, with the dress code being formal. Tasteful background music compliments the evening. The Dining car can accommodate 42 guests in a sitting, with 2 sittings when needed.
Suites
During the day your suite serves as a lounge where you can relax and enjoy the passing vista, at night it transformed into an elegant bedroom. Bedding is made from goosedown and 100% percale-cotton. Modern amenities include individually controlled air-conditioning, underfloor heating and electronic entertainment. The elegance of the suite carries on in the marble and gold-fitted en-suite bathroom, with scented bathsalts and monogrammed towels.
The De Luxe coaches consist of 4 suites, each measuring 4m x 2m. One of these has a double bed and ¾ bathtub with handheld shower. The rest have twin beds and showers.
The Luxury coaches consist of 3 Luxury suites, each measuring 5,13m x 2m. You have the options of twin beds or a double bed.
Services and Facilities
- En-suite bathrooms with Italian marble, gold-plated fittings and fully remote-controlled facilities
- Fully soundproofed
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
- Under-floor heating
- Personal butler and 24 hour room service
- GPS system and TV monitor that tracks the train progress and shares the driver’s view
- Interactive entertainment system
The Blue Train rates & schedules 2026 & 2027
The Blue Train offers some of the finest luxury train travel experiences in South Africa, with iconic journeys between Pretoria, Cape Town and Kruger National Park. Renowned for its elegant suites, world-class dining and personalised service, The Blue Train showcases the very best of South African train travel.
Enjoy weekly departures on the classic Pretoria–Cape Town route, as well as the exclusive annual Kruger National Park journey. Browse the latest rates and schedules to plan your unforgettable journey aboard one of the world’s most celebrated luxury trains.
Pretoria and Cape Town
The Blue Train operates weekly between Pretoria and Cape Town. It departs from Irene Station in Centurion on selected Mondays and from Cape Town Main Station on selected Thursdays. Guests should check in between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM, with the train leaving at 1:00 PM. The arrival time at the destination is between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM on the third day.
While boarding formalities are underway, coffee and tea are served in the pre-departure lounges. After boarding, fruit platters will be provided in your suite.
Please note that departure and arrival times are not guaranteed.
IMPORTANT: Starting January 1, 2025, the Blue Train will depart from Irene Station for journeys from Pretoria to Cape Town. Guests are asked to check in at Irene Country Lodge (Farm Side) from 11:00 AM.
| 2026 Schedule | Pretoria to Cape Town | Cape Town to Pretoria |
|---|---|---|
| Jan '26 | 12, 19, 26 | 15, 22, 29 |
| Feb '26 | 9, 16, 23 | 12, 19, 26 |
| Mar '26 | 9, 16, 23 | 12, 19, 26 |
| Apr '26 | 6, 13, 20 | 9, 16, 23 |
| May '26 | 4, 11 | 7, 14 |
| Jun '26 | - | - |
| Jul '26 | 13, 20, 27 | 16, 23, 30 |
| Aug '26 | 3, 10, 17 | 6, 13, 20 |
| Sep '26 | 7, 14, 21 | 10, 17, 24 |
| Oct '26 | 5, 12, 19, 26 | 8, 15, 22, 29 |
| Nov '26 | 9, 16, 23, 30 | 12, 19, 26 |
| Dec '26 | 7, 14 | 3, 10, 17 |
| 2026 Rates (One Way) | Low season: 01 Jan - 31 August & 16 Nov - 31 Dec |
|
|---|---|---|
| De Luxe Suites | R40’685.00 per person sharing | |
| Luxury Suites | R51’905.00 per person sharing | |
| 2026 Rates (One Way) | High season: 01 Sep - 15 Nov |
|
| De Luxe Suites | R50’220.00 per person sharing | |
| Luxury Suites | R63’420.00 per person sharing | |
| *For a Single Adult travelling alone add 50% to the above rates. | ||
| 2027 Schedule | Pretoria to Cape Town | Cape Town to Pretoria |
|---|---|---|
| Jan '27 | 11, 18, 25 | 14, 21, 28 |
| Feb '27 | 15, 22 | 11, 18, 25 |
| Mar '27 | 08, 15, 22 | 11, 18, 25 |
| Apr '27 | 19, 26 | 12, 22, 29 |
| May '27 | 03 | 06 |
| Jun '27 | - | - |
| Jul '27 | 12, 19, 26 | 15, 22, 29 |
| Aug '27 | 09, 16, 23 | 12, 19, 26 |
| Sep '27 | 13, 20 | 16, 23 |
| Oct '27 | 04, 11 | 07, 14 |
| Nov '27 | 01, 08, 15, 22 | 04, 11, 18, 25 |
| Dec '27 | 06, 13 | 09, 16 |
| 2027 Rates (One Way) | Low season: 01 Jan - 31 August & 16 Nov - 31 Dec |
|
|---|---|---|
| De Luxe Suites | R45’565.00 per person sharing | |
| Luxury Suites | R58’135.00 per person sharing | |
| 2027 Rates (One Way) | High season: 01 Sep - 15 Nov |
|
| De Luxe Suites | R56’245.00 per person sharing | |
| Luxury Suites | R71’030.00 per person sharing | |
| *For a Single Adult travelling alone add 50% to the above rates. | ||
Kruger National Park
The Blue Train offers an exclusive journey from Pretoria to the breathtaking Kruger National Park, taking place once a year. On this luxurious expedition, travelers can indulge in two nights of opulent accommodations, complete with exquisite dining and personalized service. The highlight of the experience is a full day spent exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kruger National Park, where guests can witness the majesty of Africa’s renowned Big Five in their natural habitat.
This journey combines comfort, adventure, and the stunning beauty of South Africa, making it an unforgettable escape for nature and travel enthusiasts alike.
IMPORTANT: The Blue Train will depart from Irene Station. Guests are requested to check in at Irene Country Lodge (Farm side) from 10h00.
| 2026 Schedule | ||
|---|---|---|
| 25 – 27 June 2026 |
| 2026 Rates | ||
|---|---|---|
| De Luxe Suites | R74’275.00 per person sharing | |
| Luxury Suites | R92’835.00 per person sharing | |
| *For a Single Adult travelling alone add 50% to the above rates. | ||
| 2027 Schedule | ||
|---|---|---|
| 24 – 26 June 2027 |
| 2027 Rates | ||
|---|---|---|
| De Luxe Suites | R83’190.00 per person sharing | |
| Luxury Suites | R103’975.00 per person sharing | |
| *For a Single Adult travelling alone add 50% to the above rates. | ||
Rates Include:
- Two nights onboard the Blue Train
- All applicable snacks, meals & drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic), Cognacs and Cuban cigars
- Blue Train Gift & Certificate
- 24-hour Butler service
- Wi-Fi
- Off the train excursion
- One night’s accommodation in a 5*Hotel (pre- or post-departure)
- Station/Hotel transfer
Rates Exclude:
- French champagne
- Caviar
- Telephone calls
- Gratuities whilst on board The Blue Train
- Services not mentioned
- Cannot be combined with other offers
Enquiry Form
"*" indicates required fields
Gallery