The Blue Train in South Africa

LOCATED IN

South Africa

The Blue Train in South Africa

The Blue Train in South Africa is a legendary luxury train which has been synonymous with luxury hospitality since 1946. The famous 30 hour Blue Train journey between Cape Town and Pretoria provides a delightful interlude in a busy sightseeing & safari schedule! It’s particularly known for its superb cuisine and attentive butler service. The compartments are immaculate with mahogany and marble fittings.

 

South Africa has always attracted adventurous and romantic souls, discerning travellers who wished to travel the land in as much comfort as possible. But it was not until 1928, when the first luxury train was introduced between Johannesburg and Cape Town that truly decadent train travel became a reality. Southbound, the train, with its distinctive sapphire-blue carriages, was known as the ‘Union Limited’. And on its return journey people called it the ‘Union Express’. People soon began referring to them as ‘those Blue Trains’. And so a legend was born.

Contemporary designs and crafted fittings grace each cabin of the Blue Train, with individually controlled air-conditioning. A video channel offers short documentaries about the area through which the train is travelling. A large screen in the Club Car provides a driver’s eye view of the track ahead. Choose between the Deluxe and Luxury Suites. These differ only in size – in particular, the size of the bathrooms, with the Luxury Suites having a small bath rather than shower. Larger luxury suites also offer a private digital entertainment centre.

Check out the Blue train’s signature overnight journey from Cape Town to Pretoria or vice versa.