The Blue Train: Cape Town & Pretoria
A five-star hotel on wheels — South Africa's iconic blue journey with 24-hour butler service
Overview
One of the most celebrated luxury trains in the world, The Blue Train has carried royalty, heads of state and discerning travellers between Pretoria and Cape Town for decades. This one-night, two-day journey is a moving five-star hotel: butler-serviced suites, gold-and-blue en-suite bathrooms, two elegant dining cars and a wood-panelled Club Car where high tea and cigars are a daily ritual. Between the Highveld and the Cape, the train crosses the diamond city of Kimberley and the vast Great Karoo in a bubble of understated, quintessentially South African luxury.
Every suite has a 24-hour butler, and the fully inclusive fare covers all meals, high tea, and all beverages bar French champagne and caviar. Picture windows and a specially treated glass ceiling in the lounge cars frame the passing country, while an off-train excursion in Kimberley visits the legendary Big Hole. Whether taken on its own or as the elegant bookend to a Cape Town holiday or a Big Five safari, The Blue Train is a bucket-list experience delivered with warmth and old-world grace.
Who It's For
Perfect for travellers who want an iconic, all-inclusive luxury rail experience in a single, easy night — honeymooners, couples celebrating a milestone, and first-time rail guests. It combines beautifully with a Cape Town and Winelands stay or a fly-in safari to the Kruger.
Package Highlights
A Five-Star Hotel on Wheels
One of the world's most famous luxury trains, Pretoria ↔ Cape Town
24-Hour Butler Service
A personal butler for every suite, day and night
Gold & Blue En-Suite Suites
De Luxe and Luxury suites; Luxury suites feature a full bath
Kimberley Big Hole Excursion
Off-train tour of the historic diamond mine and museum
Club Car & Lounge
Wood-panelled Club Car for high tea, cocktails and after-dinner cigars
Fully Inclusive
All meals, high tea and beverages included (bar French champagne & caviar)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Check in at the elegant lounge at Irene, just outside Pretoria, where your journey begins with a warm welcome. Board The Blue Train and meet your personal butler as the train slips out towards the Highveld. Enjoy a leisurely lunch, then settle into the rhythm of the rails — perhaps high tea in the Club Car or a quiet hour in your suite watching the country roll by. As evening falls, the train comes alive for a sumptuous multi-course dinner, followed by cocktails and cigars in the Club Car.
🏨 Accommodation: The Blue Train — De Luxe / Luxury Suite
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, High Tea, Dinner
Your Route
Tap a marker to see each stop on your journey.
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
De Luxe Suite
📍 ≈8–10 m² butler-serviced suite
A refined ≈8–10 m² suite that transforms from a daytime lounge to a bedroom by night, with twin or double configurations and an en-suite bathroom with shower (some double suites have a bath). Each De Luxe Suite comes with 24-hour butler service.
From $2,220 per person per night
Luxury Suite
📍 ≈10–13 m² butler-serviced suite
The larger ≈10–13 m² Luxury Suite adds a writing desk and an en-suite bathroom with a full-size bath, plus a private entertainment centre. Space, light and a full bath aboard one of the world's great trains.
From $2,840 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
What's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ 1 night aboard The Blue Train in your chosen suite category
- ✓ 24-hour personal butler service
- ✓ All meals — lunch, high tea, dinner and breakfast
- ✓ All beverages on board (excluding French champagne and caviar)
- ✓ Off-train excursion (typically the Kimberley Big Hole, subject to schedule)
- ✓ Wi-Fi on board
- ✓ Pre-departure lounge at Irene, Pretoria
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International & domestic flights and transfers
- ✗ Pre- and post-tour hotels and touring
- ✗ French champagne and caviar
- ✗ Gratuities (guidelines provided)
- ✗ Travel insurance and visas
- ✗ Personal expenses
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
The Blue Train runs year-round between Pretoria and Cape Town. Low-season fares apply January–August and mid-November–December, with high season 1 September–15 November. Book six to twelve months ahead for popular dates, especially high season.
Why Choose This Package
A Genuine Icon
The Blue Train has been synonymous with South African luxury rail for generations — a bucket-list journey in its own right.
Effortless One-Night Luxury
The full grandeur of a luxury train delivered in a single, easy overnight — ideal alongside a Cape Town or safari holiday.
Butler Service & Fully Inclusive
A 24-hour butler for every suite, and a fare that includes all meals, high tea and beverages bar champagne and caviar.
The Elegant Bookend
We pair it seamlessly with Cape Town, the Winelands or a Big Five fly-in safari for a complete South African itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the The Blue Train: Cape Town & Pretoria?
From $2,220 per person | 2 Days / 1 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates
