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The Blue Train

The Blue Train

Proudly brought to you by SA‑Rail

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

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 '2612, 19, 2615, 22, 29
Feb '269, 16, 2312, 19, 26
Mar '269, 16, 2312, 19, 26
Apr '266, 13, 209, 16, 23
May '264, 117, 14
Jun '26--
Jul '2613, 20, 2716, 23, 30
Aug '263, 10, 176, 13, 20
Sep '267, 14, 2110, 17, 24
Oct '265, 12, 19, 268, 15, 22, 29
Nov '269, 16, 23, 3012, 19, 26
Dec '267, 143, 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 '2711, 18, 2514, 21, 28
Feb '2715, 2211, 18, 25
Mar '2708, 15, 2211, 18, 25
Apr '2719, 2612, 22, 29
May '270306
Jun '27--
Jul '2712, 19, 2615, 22, 29
Aug '2709, 16, 2312, 19, 26
Sep '2713, 2016, 23
Oct '2704, 1107, 14
Nov '2701, 08, 15, 2204, 11, 18, 25
Dec '2706, 1309, 16
2027 Rates
(One Way)
Low season:
01 Jan - 31 August & 16 Nov - 31 Dec
De Luxe SuitesR45’565.00 per person sharing
Luxury SuitesR58’135.00 per person sharing
2027 Rates
(One Way)
High season:
01 Sep - 15 Nov
De Luxe SuitesR56’245.00 per person sharing
Luxury SuitesR71’030.00 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 SuitesR74’275.00 per person sharing
Luxury SuitesR92’835.00 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 SuitesR83’190.00 per person sharing
Luxury SuitesR103’975.00 per person sharing
*For a Single Adult travelling alone add 50% to the above rates.

Rates Include:

Rates Exclude:

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Blue Train
Terms & Conditions

  • The Free night hotel offer is available on all Blue Train departures between Pretoria and Cape Town from now until the end of 2026, pre or post departures.
  • This offer is only valid on entry level room categories and remains subject to availability.
  • Should you wish to book a higher room category or an alternative hotel from our list, we will send you a quotation accordingly.
  • Rates are quoted per adult sharing. Single Travelers and Child’s rates are available on request.
  • All travel services remain subject to availability at the time of making your reservation and packages can be withdrawn without prior notice.
  • We are not limited to website offers and can assist with tailor made packages.
  • Our standard travel terms and conditions apply.
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