The Blue Train: Pretoria to Cape Town

Highlights

Guests indulge in gourmet cuisine prepared by expert chefs, paired with South Africa’s finest wines

Guests enjoy a guided tour of the historic Kimberley Open Mine Museum and the Big Hole, including a scenic walk on an enclosed ramp overlooking the mine

Experience five-star comfort and personalised service, from attentive Butlers to elegant high tea in the Lounge Car

3 days

From

NZD 3,897

per person, twin share

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All services are subject to availability.

Overview

The Blue Train embarks on a two-night, 1600 km journey through some of South Africa’s most stunning scenery, offering travellers the chance to unwind and savour the unhurried elegance of rail travel. This luxurious five-star train features both Luxury and De Luxe suites, where guests enjoy gourmet cuisine, fine South African wines and attentive service from personal Butlers available at all hours. The experience blends comfort and sophistication, whether in-suite or in the stylish lounges. A highlight includes an off-train stop in Kimberley to visit the Big Hole and the Diamond Museum, subject to weather conditions.

Inclusions

2 nights accommodation onboard The Blue Train

All meals and beverages – except French champagne

24-hour Butler service onboard

Off-train excursions

Itinerary

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Intro Map

The Blue Train - Pretoria to Cape Town

Day 1 Pretoria

Departures until 31st July, 2026:
Guests check-in at Irene Country Lodge at 11:00am, where pre-departure beverages and canapés are served. From 11:30am, shuttles transport guests to Irene Station, with boarding commencing at 12:45pm. Upon arrival, personal Butlers welcome guests and escort them to their suites. The Blue Train departs at 1:00pm. A light lunch is served in the Lounge and Observation Cars at 2:00pm.

Departures from 1st August, 2026:

Please Note: Dinner is an elegant affair, and men are requested to wear a jacket or waistcoat and ladies elegant evening wear. Guests enjoy post-dinner drinks, Cognacs and Cuban cigars in the Club Car before retiring to bed.

Lunch, Dinner

The Blue Train Luxury Suite

Day 2 Kimberley Station

The day begins with breakfast, available from 07:00am to 10:00am on a first-come, first-served basis.

At 10:00am, The Blue Train arrives at Kimberley Station for an off-the-train excursion (weather and time permitting). Guests disembark and are transferred by bus from the Railway Museum to the Kimberley Open Mine Museum.

Afterward, a guided tour takes guests through historical sites and onto an enclosed ramp with views of the famous Big Hole. By midday, guests return to the station, where they are welcomed with a glass of sherry, served in a keepsake glass engraved with The Blue Train logo.

The train departs Kimberley at 12:30pm, continuing its journey to Cape Town. Guests may then refresh and enjoy aperitifs in the lounges. Lunch is served in two sittings, followed by High Tea in the afternoon. Dinner is also served in two formal sittings, and guests are invited to enjoy post-dinner drinks, Cognacs, and Cuban cigars in the Club Car.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fine Dining Experience

Day 3 Cape Town Station

The morning begins with a leisurely breakfast, served on a first-come-first-served basis. Later in the day, guests can enjoy a light lunch in the elegant Lounge and Observation Cars while taking in the final scenic views. As the journey concludes, The Blue Train arrives at Cape Town Station between 3:00pm - 6:00pm, where personal Butlers escort guests to the Arrival Lounge.

Please note that all timings are subject to change.

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

The Blue Train

Upgrade available

Your De Luxe Suite will forever alter your definition of what style and class entail.

De Luxe Suites measure 8m2 of space and offer twin beds or double beds with either a three-quarter sized bath or a shower in each suite.

From your elegant and relaxing lounge during the day, it transforms into a subtly-lit bedroom of indulgence during the night, bedecked with goose-down and 100 per cent percale-cotton bedding, from your individually-controlled air-conditioning system, under-floor heating, opulent marble and gold-fitted bathroom, its scented bath salts and plush monogrammed towels, to the electronic entertainment options on offer.

Please note: The De Luxe coaches each have four suites. One of these suites contains a double bed and a ¾ size bath tub with handheld shower, while the others have twin beds with showers.

Suite configurations are subject to availability. Suite layouts may differ from images.

Room Upgrades

Luxury Suite

Luxury suites are the premier suites and measure 10.26m2 of space and offer twin beds or double beds with either a full-sized bath or a shower in each suite. The same suite is also a lounge area by day and is converted into a comfortable bedroom during the night.

Suite configurations are subject to availability. Suite layouts may differ from images.

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

The Blue Train is happy to accommodate culinary requests that are supplied with adequate notice. Please specify any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Guests are requested to check-in at least two hours prior to departure. Guests will be kept captivated and entertained with a live performance by a saxophonist while they indulge in gourmet canapes, pre-departure snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Please dress accordingly for excursions: mornings can be cool then warm up considerably; afternoons can be warm then cool down considerably. Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, hats and sun protection are advised.
Rain capes are available. Excursions may be changed according to schedule achieved. Times are approximate and cannot be guaranteed.
Dinner is an elegant affair – Gentleman are requested to at least wear a jacket/waistcoat and elegant evening wear for ladies.
Please note: caviar, french champagne, external phone calls and gratuities are excluded from the price.

2026 Departure Dates	2027 Departure Dates
Jan 12, 19, 26 Feb 09, 16, 23 Mar 09, 16, 23 Apr 06, 13, 20 May 04, 11 Jun (no departures) Jul 13, 20, 27 Aug 03, 10, 17 Sep 07, 14, 21 Oct 05, 12, 19, 26 Nov 09, 16, 23, 30 Dec 07, 14	Jan 11, 18, 25 Feb 15, 22 Mar 08, 15, 22 Apr 19, 26 May 03 Jun (no departures) Jul 12, 19, 26 Aug 09, 16, 23 Sep 13, 20 Oct 04, 11 Nov 01, 08, 15, 22 Dec 06, 13

Excluded

International airfares and taxes
Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

What is included in the price?

With the exception of Caviar, French champagne and external telephone calls, everything onboard is included in the rate.

Can someone with mobility limitations travel on the Blue Train?

Should you or your guests have any special requirements or mobility issues, please do let us know ahead of your luxury train journey. The Blue Train is not completely wheelchair friendly, but it has a customised wheelchair onboard which has been specifically designed to negotiate the train’s corridors. A butler will be on hand to assist guests should they require. Wheelchair users or those with restricted mobility are asked to contact us directly - we would be delighted to discuss personal arrangements and respond to any further questions you may have.

Are children permitted onboard?

Children 5 years and younger sharing a suite with their parents travel free of charge (maximum of two children per suite). Please contact us for the full child policy terms & conditions.

Does the train have Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is available in all suites and is complimentary to all guests.

Can the Blue Train accommodate special dietary preferences?

Special diets can be accommodated by our Chef. Please be sure to tell us in advance of any allergies, food-related or not. We will do our best to cater for special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, Kosher, Halal etc. Kindly specify any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Is there a dress code when onboard the Blue Train?

In keeping with tradition, dinner on-board The Blue Train is an elegant affair. Elegant evening wear for ladies, and gentleman are required to wear at least a jacket or waistcoat or traditional attire. During the day dress code is smart casual.

Can I smoke onboard?

The Lounge Car is designed as a meeting place for pre-lunch, dinner drinks and afternoon tea, and is a no-smoking area. The Club car is ideal for post-dinner Cognac or Cuban cigars. The bar opens as soon as the train commences its journey and closes when the last guest departs.

Do I need to check-in prior to arrival?

Check-in takes place at our VIP lounges two hours prior to departure – where guests can relax to a live performance and enjoy gourmet canapes, pre-departure snacks and drinks

Are there luggage restrictions?

It is advisable to pack an overnight case for the journey, as only a limited amount of luggage can be stored in your suite. Butlers will store additional luggage in the Luggage Car. Although great care will be taken, it is recommended that luggage be insured. Please ensure any medication is kept with you when travelling.

Will I need travel insurance?

As with all holidays and trips abroad, we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. Please consult with our agents at time of booking and we can assist you with this.

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