The Blue Train

A Window To The Soul Of South Africa

The Blue Train has an presidents have travelled on this magnificent moving five-star hotel. 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. It has been voted the “world’s leading luxury train” at the World Travel Awards for four years running.

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.Pretoria Station.arrives at Kimberley Station.  at the railway museum,   the Open Mine Museum  journey Southbound to Cape Town.Pretoria - Victoria Falls, Pretoria - Cape Town, Port Elizabeth - Cape Town and Pretoria - Nelspruit.

The luxury of the world outside your window, stretching to the far horizon, shifting to the whispering rhythm of the wheels. The luxury of time: time to indulge, time to reflect, time to savour sights, sounds, senses and sensations. where the view of the ever-shifting landscape must compete with the original works of South African art on the walls.
All-inclusive rates
With the exception of Caviar, French Champagne and external telephone calls, everything else on board The Blue Train is included in the all-inclusive rate.
Beds
The beds fold out of the panel concealing the seats under it. Should guests require their bed to be made during the day, please ring for a Butler.
Boutique
Souvenirs and gifts are available for sale in the Boutique situated in the first luxury suite in coach 13. Guests are advised to speak to their Butler with regards to operating hours or a private appointment with the Boutique Manager. Should any international guest make a purchase of R500 or more they will be entitled to a 14% vat refund.
Butlers
Each coach has a Butler whose pleasure it will be to ensure that guests enjoy a memorable experience. Butlers are available 24 hours a day for the duration of the journey.
Check-in
Guests are requested to check-in one hour prior to departure. Check-in takes place in The Blue Train VIP lounges situated at Cape Town and Pretoria stations. Guests embarking on The Blue Train’s Port Elizabeth to Cape Town route will be welcomed and checkedin at a hotel in Port Elizabeth, before being transferred by bus to the station.
Check-out
Half an hour before the train reaches its destination, the Train Manager will announce the procedures regarding luggage collection and disembarkation. Should guests require assistance with land arrangements, please contact the Train Manager.
Children
Children aged 2-years and younger are to share with parents or a responsible adult. No special meal menus are available for children. A strict children policy is applicable on board the train.
Climate
The train is fully air-conditioned and the temperature is individually controlled withinthe suite. The temperate in the public areas (e.g. lounges and dining car) is centrally controlled. With the exception of the Cape Peninsula, southern Africa is a summer rainfall area with an average daily maximum temperate of between 25 and 30 degrees Centigrade. Although winters are generally mild, temperatures can drop to below freezing over night.
Conferences
The conference facility seats up to 22 delegates, offering technical support systems and include laptop ports, multimedia outlets, photocopying, fax and projectors. Special rates apply.
Dining
All meals and room-service snacks are included in the rate. Should guests require a snack the Butler can be contacted . Lunch and dinner are usually served in two sittings and cater for 42 guests per sitting, while breakfast is served between 7am and 10am at guests leisure.
Disabled people
One train set is compatible for disabled persons. Customised wheelchairs on board  The Blue Train have been specifically designed to negotiate the train’s corridors. A Butler will be on-hand to assist guests should they require.
Double beds
Due to the limited number of double beds it is advised that guests specify their  preference upon making a reservation.
Dress code
In keeping with tradition it is a compulsory custom to dress formal for dinner to match the sheer elegance of The Blue Train. Evening wear is elegant and gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket and tie or traditional attire. During the day dress is smart casual.
Drinking water
Bottled water is supplied in suite. The butler will provide more water on request.
Electricity
The electricity supply on board is 220 volts. Light switches are located at the door and the bedside table.
First aid
Trained first aid personnel are on-board at all times. In the event of an emergency, doctors and first aid personnel can be contacted at the various stations en-route.
Gratuities
To show appreciation at the end of the journey, guests may leave a gratuity in the box located in the Lounge Car. Gratuities are shared on a points system between The Blue Train personnel on board.
Guest amenities
Basic guest amenities are provided in the bathroom of the suite.
Languages
South Africa has 11 official languages. English is widely spoken and understood.
Laundry
A limited on-board laundry and valet service is available and is included in the rate. Please contact a butler for assistance.
Lounge Car
The Lounge Car is designed as a meeting place for pre-lunch and dinner drinks and afternoon tea and is a no smoking area, while the Club Car is ideal for a post-dinner Cognac or Cuban cigar. The bar opens as soon as the train commences its journey and closes when the last guest departs.
Luggage
It is advisable to pack an overnight case for the journey, as only a limited amount of luggage can be stored in suite. Butlers will store additional baggage in the luggage car. Although great care will be taken, it is recommended that luggage be insured.
Malaria
If guests are travelling across the South African border, please consult a medical advisor about anti-malarial precautions and other necessary medication pertaining to the time of travel and destination.
Off-the-train excursions
Excursions offered as part of The Blue Train experience are included in the all-inclusive rate. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes during the excursion. To enquire about the itinerary, the Butler can be contacted.
Room service
Room service is available free of charge, except for the speciality menu.
Safes
Safes are provided in all suites. While every precaution is taken, The Blue Train cannot be held liable for loss of valuable items left unattended in suites.
Smoking
Smoking is only permitted in the Club Car. All Suites, the Lounge and Dining Cars are strictly  smoke-free zones.
Special dietary requirements
Kindly specify any special dietary requirements at the time of booking. The Blue Train is happy to accommodate all culinary requests.
Suite facilities
All suites offer en suite facilities featuring either a private shower or bath. Guests may choose between a De Luxe or Luxury suite. Individually controlled air-conditioning, remote controlled television, telephones and room safes are standard in each suite. Hairdryers are available on request. The television is concealed above the armoire. A remote control and individual headsets are located in the nightstand.
Telephone calls
The international telephone in suite will allow guests to dial the Train Manager or butler 24-hours a day. Should guests wish to make an outside call, they are welcome to contact the Train Manager or Butler, who will assist. The costs for external calls and facsimiles are not included in the rate.
Technical
Two technical representatives are on board to ensure a trouble-free experience. They will happily share their knowledge with train enthusiasts.
Time
South Africa is +2 hours GMT (summer time).
The Train Manager
The Train Manager is on call at all times. Guests are welcome to contact him/her should they require assistance or information pertaining to the journey.
Visas
Travel agents or tour operators will assist in obtaining the necessary visas for destinations. The Blue Train offices are regrettably unable to assist with visas. Our reservation personnel will, however, gladly direct guests to the relevant authority.