The Insider's Guide to Capital Park Station
A local logistics guide to Rovos Rail's private 60-acre headquarters, working railway museum, and departure lounges in Pretoria.
Local Knowledge More Than Just a Station
Unlike Cape Town Station, which is a bustling public commuter hub, departures and arrivals in Pretoria take place at Capital Park - Rovos Rail's privately owned, highly secure headquarters.
This 60-acre property is a destination in its own right. It serves as the central nerve centre where every single carriage is meticulously restored, serviced, and provisioned. Arriving here is stepping directly into the 1920s golden age of rail travel.
Quick Jump Menu
Navigating to Capital Park & Security
Capital Park is located just north of the Pretoria city centre. The physical address for your driver or GPS is 1 Transnet Avenue, Capital Park, Pretoria. You can also contact the station directly at 012 315 8242.
Directions from OR Tambo International Airport (JNB)
If you are driving or directing a private transfer from the airport, follow these steps:
- Exit the airport onto the R21.
- Stay in the left lane and merge onto Scheiding Street.
- Continue as Scheiding Street becomes Bosman Street.
- Drive to the end of Bosman Street and turn right onto Boom Street.
- Take a slight left onto Paul Kruger Street. Cross over Flowers Street and Trouw Street.
- Drive under the first railway bridge, then take a slight left onto Transnet Avenue.
As you approach Transnet Avenue, you will be met by a secure, manned boom gate. Your driver simply needs to inform the guards that you are guests departing on Rovos Rail. They will check your names against the manifest and direct your vehicle down the tree-lined driveway.
Gautrain & Shuttle Transfers
Gautrain Station Warning: Please note that Rovos Rail's Capital Park Station is NOT at the same place as the Pretoria Gautrain Station. They are approximately a 15-minute drive apart. If you take the Gautrain from Johannesburg or the airport, you will need to request an Uber from the Pretoria Gautrain station to Capital Park.
Recommended Shuttle Transfers: If you prefer to pre-book a private shuttle, the following operators are highly recommended for transfers to Capital Park:
- Swift Kruger Shuttles (res@swiftkrugershuttles.com)
- Ekala Eco Tours (info@ekalatours.com)
- EZ Shuttle (info@ezshuttle.co.za)
- Ulysses Tours & Safaris (reservations@ulysses.co.za)
The Working Museum & Grounds
We strongly recommend arriving at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time. Capital Park is not a place you want to rush through.
🚂 Explore the Railway Village
Capital Park operates as a working railway village and museum. Once your luggage has been taken by the porters, guests are invited on a guided tour of the facility, or you are free to walk the grounds. You can:
- Wander through the massive, 10,000-square-metre workshops to see artisans actively restoring vintage wood-panelled carriages and polishing brass fittings. This is a fully equipped repair and maintenance facility unlike any other in the world.
- Walk the pedestrian bridges over the expansive network of 15 railway lines to view the fleet of historic steam, diesel, and electric locomotives.
- Stroll the manicured, lush station gardens, which are home to free-roaming peacocks, flamingos, and occasionally small antelope.
The VIP Departure Experience
Once you enter the main station building, the luxury experience officially begins.
Check-in and the Lounge
You will be greeted by the train manager and checked in. The elegant, colonial-style departure lounge features deep leather couches, vintage railway memorabilia, and ceiling fans.
Waiters will immediately offer you a glass of South African Cap Classique (sparkling wine), fresh juices, and a selection of delicate canapés while a classical musician plays in the background.
The Boarding Announcement
Approximately 30 minutes before departure, Mr. Rohan Vos (the owner and founder of Rovos Rail) or the Train Manager will ring a brass bell to gather the guests. They will deliver a personal welcome speech, outline the history of the company, and read out the passenger manifest, personally escorting guests to their dedicated carriage hosts.
Arriving in Pretoria & Post-Trip Transfers
If you are arriving in Pretoria at the end of your journey (such as the northbound route from Cape Town or the southbound route from Victoria Falls), your train will pull directly into the secure Capital Park facility.
⚠️ Important Flight Booking Warning
Because Rovos Rail shares the expansive South African rail network with commercial freight, delays are a part of the authentic, slow-travel experience. Never book an onward international flight out of Johannesburg (JNB) departing before 15:00 on the day your train is scheduled to arrive.
Transfer Times from Capital Park
When you disembark, the secure parking area will be filled with waiting transfer vehicles. If you haven't booked one of the shuttle services listed above, we strongly advise utilizing Uber Black for your onward journey.
- To O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB): 45 - 60 minutes via the R21 highway.
- To Sandton / Rosebank (Johannesburg CBD): 45 - 60 minutes via the M1 highway.
- To Pretoria East / Menlyn: 20 - 30 minutes.
Long-Term Guest Parking
If you are a South African resident driving your own vehicle to the station, Capital Park offers excellent facilities. Complimentary, highly secure, shaded parking is available on the estate for the entire duration of your train journey. Your vehicle will remain behind the manned security booms and electric fencing until your return.