The Blue Train

The Blue Train has an aura of mystique about it. Kings and presidents have travelled on this magnificent moving five-star hotel. Its very name has become synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and personal service.

The routes of The Blue Train - both scheduled and chartered - take guests through some of the most breathtaking countryside to be found anywhere in the world.

As the ever-changing scenery flashes past the windows, guests can savour exquisite meals freshly prepared on board by top chefs. Our meals are complemented by the best South Africa has to offer.

The suites on The Blue Train live up to its reputation for magnificence and splendour. The finest bed linen, marble tiles and gold fittings in the bathrooms and sheer opulence all ensure that guests will never forget the time they spend on The Blue Train.

When you choose to travel on The Blue Train, you choose to travel in a world of grace, elegance and romance.

The Blue Train Routes

The Blue Train offers both scheduled and charter services.

Scheduled Routes

Pretoria - Cape Town - Pretoria

The route between Pretoria and Cape Town is a 27-hour journey of 1 600 kilometres (994 miles), through some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery offered by the African sub-continent.

On the southbound trip, the train departs from Pretoria main train sation at 8:50 and arrives in Cape Town train station at 12:00 the following day.

En route to Cape Town there is a stopover and excursion in Kimberley, where we take a step back in time to the days of the diamond rush.

On the northbound journey, the train leaves Cape Town at 08:50 and arrives in Pretoria at 12:30, in time for high tea the following day. It stops at Matjiesfontein for an off-the-train excursion.

The Victorian buildings and original nineteenth century London lampposts impart to the traveller, the uncanny sense of entering a colonial time warp – an oasis suspended in a different age.

Guests are reminded that they must be at the station an hour before the departure time.

Special Packaged Routes

Pretoria - Durban route

The Durban route takes guests from Pretoria to Zimbali Lodge in Durban. The package includes two nights' accommodation on The Blue Train and two nights at Zimbali Lodge. Zimbali Lodge, home to a spectacular 18-hole golf course, is the golfer's ideal retreat. It boasts indigenous trees, natural streams and ponds which create a dramatic and beautiful setting.

Guests who are not interested in golf are treated to leisurely days being pampered with health spa treatments. On the last day, guests are transferred to Durban Station where the train departs for Pretoria.

The Blue Train Bakubung Game Lodge Bonanza

This route takes guests from Pretoria to Bakubung Game Lodge for an unforgettable two night stay, with daily game drives accompanied by qualified rangers and trackers.

Charter / Conference

The Blue Train can be chartered for journeys anywhere in SA where the rail tracks are compatible with The Blue Train's technology.

Chartered journeys can also be customised to suit the needs of the client.

The solid lines on the map above indicate the scheduled routes while the dashed lines indicate the charter routes.

Rates

Maximum 2 guests per suite. Rates are per person, inclusive of all meals, high tea, drinks and off-the train excursions excluding French champagne, caviar and external telephone calls. Rates quoted are for a one-way journey and are subject to change without prior notification. Arrival times and off-the train excursions cannot be guaranteed. Reservations for children on request only. Special requests for meals (e.g. Kosher and Halaal) to be specified at time of reservation. Bed preference (double or single) to be specified when making a reservation, as double beds are limited. Guests are requested to check in 1 hour prior to departure at The Blue Train lounges in Pretoria and Cape Town. Terms and Conditions

Low season dates : 01 January - 31 August / 16 November - 31 December
High season dates : 01 September - 15 November

Click to mail for price

“For a great selection of places to stay with discount prices visit Hotels South Africa for more information.”