Luxury Train tip: Also check Blue Train Cape Town to Pretoria departures for the northbound journey.
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Southbound Blue Train: Pretoria TO Cape Town 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.
SA Travel Online Exclusive Sho't Left & Transfer Specials
Sho't Left Campaign: This campaign offers a one-way De Luxe suite for R29,000 per person sharing. This is valid for travel in May, July, and August 2026.
Free Johannesburg Transfer: Please note that The Blue Train does not operate from Johannesburg. However, if you live in Johannesburg or are flying into O.R. Tambo International Airport, we can include a free transfer to the registration point at Irene Country Lodge when you book with us.
Availability & Dynamic 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
Official 2026 & 2027 Rack Rates
Rates are one way, per person sharing. A 50% surcharge applies for single occupancy. Please note that cancellation policies apply; a 50% fee is levied for cancellations within 60 days of departure.
| Season | De Luxe Suite (Sharing) | Luxury Suite (Sharing) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Rates | ||
| Low Season 2026 (Jan - Aug & 16 Nov - 31 Dec) |
R40,685.00 | R51,905.00 |
| High Season 2026 (01 Sep - 15 Nov) |
R50,220.00 | R63,420.00 |
| 2027 Rates | ||
| Low Season 2027 (Jan - Aug & 16 Nov - 31 Dec) |
R45,565.00 | R58,135.00 |
| High Season 2027 (01 Sep - 15 Nov) |
R56,245.00 | R71,030.00 |
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 Blue Train vs Rovos Rail
A frequent question we receive is how The Blue Train compares to South Africa's other premier luxury train, Rovos Rail. While both offer world-class, 5-star experiences, they cater to different tastes.
The Blue Train
Think of The Blue Train as a sleek, modern 5-star hotel on wheels.
- Vibe: Contemporary luxury and smooth air-suspended travel.
- Pace: 2 nights / 3 days from Pretoria to Cape Town.
- Amenities: Modern conveniences including Wi-Fi, interactive TVs in suites, and modern climate control.
- Windows: Large, fixed windows designed for panoramic viewing and insulating the cabin.
Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail offers a romantic, vintage experience reminiscent of the colonial era.
- Vibe: Classic Victorian-style elegance and historic charm.
- Pace: A slightly slower, more leisurely journey, often incorporating more off-train excursions.
- Amenities: A deliberate unplugged experience - no radios or TVs in the individual suites.
- Windows: Windows can be opened for fresh air and unobstructed photography.
If you are still deciding between the two, view our Pretoria to Cape Town comparison hub to see side-by-side pricing and details.
The 3-Day Southbound Itinerary
The journey from Pretoria to Cape Town spans 2 nights and 3 days, travelling roughly 1,600 kilometres through some of South Africa's most diverse scenery.
Day 1: Departure & Highveld Scenery
- 11:00 Register and check-in at Irene Country Lodge, Autograph Collection. Guests enjoy pre-departure beverages and canapés.
- 12:45 Boarding commences. Shuttles will transport guests to Irene station from 11:30. Butlers usher guests to their individual suites.
- 13:00 The Blue Train departs from Irene Train 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. OFF-THE-TRAIN EXCURSION (Weather & time permitting).
- 10:00 The Blue Train arrives at Kimberley Station. Guests disembark and gather at the Railway Museum, from where they will be ushered to a bus, which transfers them to the Kimberley Open Mine Museum.
- 10:30 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.
- 12:00 Guests depart from the Open Mine Museum for Kimberley Station. At Kimberley Station guests are greeted with a glass of sherry. The sherry glass engraved with The Blue Train logo as a memento for guests to keep.
- 12:30 The Blue Train departs Kimberley Station for the southbound journey to Cape Town. After this exciting tour, guests are welcome to refresh themselves and enjoy aperitifs served at any one of our lounges.
- 12:30 - 13:30 First sitting for Lunch.
- 14:00 - 15:30 Second sitting for Lunch.
- 16:00 High Tea is served in the Non-Smoking Lounge Car.
- 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: The Winelands & Arrival in Cape Town
- 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 Cape Town Station. Butlers usher guests to the Arrival Lounge. Kindly note that departure and arrival times are subject to change.
⚠️ Important Logistics & Timings
Check-In: Guests are requested to register and check-in exactly at 11:00 am at Irene Country Lodge.
Expected Arrival: The train aims to arrive in Cape Town 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.
Enquire / Book Now
Ready to secure your suite on The Blue Train? Email Rob at rob@southafrica.to, or use the form below to ask a travel expert for assistance.
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