Ethos Marketing

Blue Train Fast Facts

South Africa Train Travel

The Blue Train is one of the finest luxury trains in the world and has been operating since 1946. The most popular and frequently operated journey is a 27-hour one-way overnight journey in either direction between Cape Town and Pretoria that takes guests through the spectacular African landscapes. The trains travel on selected Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in both directions.

  • The Southbound (PRY – CTN) off-train excursion is at the Kimberley Hole Diamond mine.
  • The Northbound (CTN – PRY) off-train excursion is at Matjiesfontein.

This overnight trip fits perfectly even into relatively short itineraries and guests can be assured of a good night’s rest due to the smoothness of the ride. The Blue Train does not need to stop at night thanks to its advanced suspension system!

Charters and special packages are also available, incorporating game experiences, golf etc. View the latest offerings.

Blue Train Luxury

There are 2 trains that operate as The  Blue Train. Train 1 comprises 16 coaches and can accommodate 74 guests including one paraplegic suite. Train 2 comprises 17 coaches and accommodates 58 guests and has an observation car/third lounge at the end – and is usually indicated in bold on the schedules. This Third lounge is only available when not being used as a conference facility.

Check-in is an hour before departure and guests can relax in the private Blue Train lounges at Pretoria or Cape Town train stations.

All suites have the following facilities:

  • En-suite bathrooms – elegantly decorated with Italian marble and gold plated fittings
  • Fully remote controlled facilities – blinds etc.
  • Fully soundproofed
  • Air-conditioning, a safe and television
  • Personal butlers offer 24-hour room service
  • GPS system and TV monitor track the train’s progress and share the driver’s view

De Luxe suites offer:

  • Twin beds with showers (most suites on the train offer this option) OR
  • Double bed with three-quarter sized bath (limited availability)

Luxury suites have an extra m² of space, a personalized entertainment system and offer:

  • Twin beds with full-sized bath (limited availability) OR
  • Double beds with full-sized baths (limited availability)

Blue Train Facilities

Two lounges Blue Train are available:

  • The Club Car Lounge : The only area where smoking is permitted. A very popular lounge after dinner as Cognac and Cigars are served. The lounge boasts a well stocked bar, coffee table books, magazines and board games.
  • The Lounge Car : A non-smoking lounge in which to relax and enjoy High Tea and snacks.

Guests all enjoy the finest dining on board. The Dining Car seats 42 people and serves meals in two sittings. The wine list has for a number of years secured the Annual Diner’s Club Award of Approval.

Rates include: all meals, drinks (including South African sparkling wine) and off-the-train excursions. The high season rates apply from 1 September till 15 November every year. Rates exclude: gratuities, imported French Champagne, caviar and telephone calls outside the train.

Children 5 years and younger sharing a suite with their parents travel free of charge (maximum two children per suite). Children will have to share beds with parents / guardians, as the Blue Train does not have special beds for children in the suites). Children aged 6 years and older pay full adult rate per person sharing and will be accommodated in a separate suite. Please note that children have to be strictly supervised and are not allowed in the club car or lounge that are licensed to sell alcohol. There are no special children/infant meals available.

Dress code on board the blue train is smart-casual during the day but a jacket and tie are compulsory for gentlemen in the evening. Ladies to dress elegantly for dinner.

View Ethos Marketing’s Blue Train Fast Facts Sheet.