Southbound Rovos Rail: Pretoria TO Cape Town Prices & Availability
A gentle reminder about Rovos's Cape Town journey arrival and departure times from 2026 onwards:
Pretoria to Cape Town > Depart 10:00 - Arrive 15:00
Cape Town to Pretoria > Depart 11:00 - Arrive 16:00
SA Travel Online Insight Booking Tips
Beat the Price Increase: Book for travel before 1 October 2026 to secure current rates before the annual fare increase.
Free Johannesburg Transfer: There are no Rovos Rail departures directly from Johannesburg to Cape Town, as embarkation occurs in Pretoria. However, SA Travel Online provides a free transfer from Johannesburg to Pretoria when you book through us.
Looking for Specials? Note that all special deals for SA residents at the moment apply to the reverse direction. Check the Cape Town to Pretoria departures if you are flexible.
Alternatively, explore the extended 12-night African Collage journey from Pretoria down to Cape Town, traversing the Kruger Park, eSwatini, Hluhluwe, Durban, Spionkop, Golden Gate & Clarens, Kroonstad, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Prince Albert, and Matjiesfontein.
Availability & Dynamic Fares
The longer you take to book, the greater the chance of train fares changing. Use the booking engine below, or reach out directly for personalised assistance.
Train Bookings
Prices auto-adjusted for exchange rates. WhatsApp Rob at 27824795197 for help.
Availability last updated: 10-May-26
Arrival & Departure Times
Current Times 2025
- Depart: 10:00 - Arrive: 10:00
New Times (Select 2025 dates & All 2026 onwards)
- Depart: 10:00 - Arrive: 15:00
- (Applies to 2025 departures on: 30 Jun, 25 Jul, 22 Aug, 19 Sep, 20 Nov, 21 Nov, 5 Dec, 23 Dec; and all 2026 journeys onwards).
Rovos Rail vs The Blue Train Itinerary Comparison
For travellers considering their options, here is a comparison of the Rovos Rail schedule with the Pretoria - Cape Town itinerary of The Blue Train.
| Day | Rovos Rail (4 Days, 3 Nights) | The Blue Train (3 Days, 2 Nights) |
|---|---|---|
| Day One | Departs Pretoria at 10:00. | Guests register and check-in at Irene Country Lodge at 11:00. The train departs Irene Train Station at 13:00. |
| Day Two | Onboard travel and scheduled off-train excursion in Kimberley. | Arrives at Kimberley Station at 10:00. Guests disembark for a tour of the Kimberley Open Mine Museum. The train departs Kimberley at 12:30. |
| Day Three | Stop at Matjiesfontein historic village. | Arrives at Cape Town Station between 15:00 and 18:00. |
| Day Four | Arrives in Cape Town at 10:00 or 15:00 (schedule dependent). | Journey complete. |
The Rovos Rail Experience
Laingsburg
The "iron horse" leaves Laingsburg and thunders over the bridge above the Buffels River.
Matjiesfontein
Enjoy a historic excursion exploring the Victorian preservation village of Matjiesfontein.
Hex River Valley
Dining on a Rovos Rail Journey
Cape Town Station
- Rovos Rail Lounge, 1 Adderley St, Paul Sauer Building
Cape Town Villas by Rovos
Straddling Kalk Bay and St James in Cape Town are Rovos's seaside retreats, which offer sweeping views across False Bay.
- The Manor Guesthouse: Freshly refurbished in 2024, it exudes old-world charm and quiet grandeur. It features 6 ensuite bedrooms - each named after notable historic figures from St James. 108 Main Road, St James (Corner Hillrise Road & Main Road, between Dalebrooke tidal pool and Danger Beach).
- The Homestead Villa: Now boasting a vibrant interior makeover, it is available exclusively as a private villa rental. With six sea-facing ensuite bedrooms, it combines the romance of classic seaside tradition with colourful, contemporary flair. 94 Main Road, St James (Corner Ley Road & Main Road, opposite Danger Beach, next to St James Seaforth Hotel).
Both properties provide an ideal seaside escape - particularly after concluding a Pretoria - Cape Town Rovos Rail journey, offering a graceful transition from the romance of the rails to the tranquillity of the ocean.
If you stay in the St James Manor Guesthouse, there is a pleasant walk between three beautiful tidal pools:
- St James tidal pool
- Dalebrook tidal pool
- Brass Bell tidal pool
One of the best hikes in Cape Town is located nearby:
Kalky's fresh seafood at the harbour is a must-try.
Also, view our curated list of luxury accommodation in Cape Town suitable for Rovos Rail and Blue Train passengers.
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