Luxury Train tip: Also check Blue Train Pretoria to Cape Town departures for the southbound journey.
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Northbound Blue Train: Cape Town TO Pretoria Prices
Experience a modern, 5-star boutique hotel on wheels. The Blue Train features sleek, contemporary elegance, air-suspension for an incredibly smooth ride, and modern amenities including Wi-Fi and interactive entertainment systems. The hardest thing to do on The Blue Train every day is simply deciding what to wear.
A Seat At The Table: Easter Campaign
Step aboard The Blue Train this Easter and discover a journey where timeless elegance meets extraordinary value. Experience world-class luxury, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments along one of South Africa's most iconic rail journeys from Cape Town to Pretoria. Personal butlers are at the guests' beck-and-call, tending to their every whim; whether in the comfort of their private suites or in any one of the exquisite lounges.
🎟️ Promo Code: Sho't Left TBT 2026
An iconic Luxury Experience - At an Unforgettable rate
COST: R20 340,00 per person sharing in a De Luxe suite | R30 515,00 for a single person (incl. single supplement) in De Luxe suite. (One-Way Journey) for travel March, April, May, July and August 2026.
*Standard Blue Train terms and conditions apply. The offer is subject to availability & it will be available for selected departures ONLY.
WE CORDIALLY INVITE YOU ABOARD THE BLUE TRAIN.
LEAVE THE FRANTIC PACE OF THE EVERYDAY BEHIND YOU AND EXPERIENCE FIRST-HAND, THE LUXURY AND TRANQUILLITY THAT FILLS EVERY CARRIAGE AND EVERY KILOMETRE.
SA Travel Online Exclusive Complimentary Transfers & Specials
Free Johannesburg Transfer: Please note that The Blue Train terminates in Pretoria and does not operate to Johannesburg. However, if your final destination is Johannesburg or O.R. Tambo International Airport, we can include a free transfer from the Pretoria station when you book with us.
Free Hotel Night Special: Many of our regular-fare bookings qualify for a complimentary pre- or post-journey night's stay at a 5-star hotel in Pretoria or Cape Town. WhatsApp us to check if your preferred date qualifies.
Live Availability & Fares
The longer you take to book, the greater the chance of train fares changing or selling out.
Train Bookings
Prices auto-adjusted for exchange rates. WhatsApp Rob at 27824795197 for help.
Availability last updated: 08-May-26
Choose Your Suite
The Blue Train offers two superb suite options. Both feature underfloor heating, modern air-conditioning, and 100% percale cotton bedding.
De Luxe Suite
Functions as an elegant private lounge during the day and is seamlessly converted into a bedroom at night.
- Choice of twin beds or a double bed
- En-suite bathroom
- Choice of a shower or a deep, small bathtub (subject to availability)
- Interactive entertainment system
Luxury Suite
Offers more space and enhanced premium features, providing the ultimate Blue Train experience.
- Choice of twin beds or a double bed
- Larger en-suite bathroom
- Full-sized, deep bathtub
- Complimentary selection of premium CDs and DVDs
- Private digital entertainment centre
The 3-Day Northbound Itinerary
The journey from Cape Town to Pretoria spans 2 nights and 3 days, travelling roughly 1,600 kilometres through some of South Africa's most diverse scenery. The train is scheduled to take approximately 54 hours.
Day 1: Departure & The Hex River Pass
- 11:00 Register and check-in at The Blue Train VIP Lounge, Cape Town Station. Guests enjoy pre-departure beverages and canapés.
- 12:30 Boarding commences. Butlers usher guests to their individual suites.
- 13:00 The Blue Train departs from Cape Town Station. Guests welcomed on-board and suite orientation conducted by butlers.
- 14:00 Light Lunch is served in the Lounge Car and Observation Car.
- 18:00 - 19:30 First sitting for Dinner. 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.
- 20:00 - 21:30 Second sitting for Dinner. 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.
Day 2: The Kimberley Diamond Mine
- 07:00 - 10:00 Breakfast is served on a first-come-first-served basis.
- 12:00 - 13:15 First sitting for Lunch.
- 13:30 - 14:30 Second sitting for Lunch.
- 14:30 Guests arrive at the Open Mine Museum for a tour of the mine. Guests are first taken to view interesting and historical sites. Guests are also taken onto an enclosed ramp on the edge of the Big Hole.
- 16:00 Guests depart from Open Mine Museum for Kimberley Station. At Kimberley Station guests are greeted with a glass of sherry. The sherry glass is engraved with The Blue Train logo as a memento for guests to keep.
- 16:30 - 17:30 High Tea is served in the Non-Smoking Lounge Car.
- 18:00 The Blue Train departs Kimberley Station for the northbound journey to Pretoria. After this exciting tour, guests are welcome to refresh themselves and enjoy aperitifs served at any one of our lounges.
- 18:30 - 20:00 First sitting for Dinner. 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.
- 20:30 - 22:00 Second sitting for Dinner. 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.
Day 3: Arrival in Pretoria
- 07:00 - 10:00 Breakfast is served on a first-come-first-served basis.
- 13:00 - 15:00 Light Lunch is served in the Lounge Car and Observation Car.
- 15:00 - 18:00 The Blue Train arrives at Pretoria Station. Butlers usher guests to the Arrival Lounge.
The Blue Train vs Rovos Rail - Itinerary Comparison
When evaluating the northbound route from Cape Town to Pretoria, the choice between The Blue Train and Rovos Rail primarily depends on your preferred pace and the number of off-train excursions.
The Blue Train
- Duration: 2 Nights / 3 Days (approximately 54 hours).
- Off-Train Excursions: 1 stop (Kimberley Open Mine Museum).
- Pace: A more direct route travelling steadily to Pretoria.
Rovos Rail
- Duration: 3 Nights / 4 Days.
- Off-Train Excursions: 2 stops (Matjiesfontein historic village and the Kimberley Diamond Mine Museum).
- Pace: A slower, leisurely journey travelling through the Karoo.
For a detailed breakdown of the slower 4-day journey, view the Rovos Rail Cape Town to Pretoria itinerary and fares.
⚠️ Important Logistics & Timings
Check-In: Guests are requested to check in exactly two hours prior to departure (11:00) at The Blue Train VIP Lounge at Cape Town Station.
Expected Arrival: The train aims to arrive in Pretoria between 15:00 and 18:00 on the third day. However, this time is not guaranteed.
CRITICAL TRAVEL WARNING: The South African rail network is shared with freight trains, which can occasionally cause delays. Do not book any onward domestic or international flights on the same evening of your scheduled arrival. These flights may be forfeited if the train is delayed.
Related Logistics & Planning
⚖️ Compare Trains
Still deciding? Read our complete comparison between The Blue Train and Rovos Rail.
🏷️ View All Specials
Check the latest 2-for-1 deals, SA Resident rates, and complimentary hotel add-ons.
Ready to secure your suite? Email Rob at rob@southafrica.to, or use the form below to ask a travel expert for assistance.
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