The Ultimate Comparison: Blue Train vs. Rovos Rail
Choosing between the Blue Train and Rovos Rail is the ultimate luxury dilemma. Both are regularly voted among the top luxury trains in the world, both travel the iconic Cape Town to Pretoria route, and both offer 5-star service. However, they cater to very different types of travellers.
Below is our definitive guide to help you choose the right journey for your South African adventure.
Side-by-Side Train Comparison
| Feature | Rovos Rail (The Pride of Africa) | The Blue Train |
|---|---|---|
| The Atmosphere & Vibe | "Old World Romance" Rovos Rail is a step back in time. The train is meticulously restored to Edwardian elegance. It is formal, quiet, and romantic. Note: There are no radios or TVs, and the use of mobile phones or laptops is strictly confined to your private suite to maintain the 1920s atmosphere. |
"Modern Luxury Hotel on Wheels" The Blue Train feels like a modern, 5-star boutique hotel. It is sleek, elegant, and contemporary. Note: Suites feature modern amenities including underfloor heating, Wi-Fi, and interactive entertainment systems. |
| Entry-Level Suites | Pullman Suite (7 sq metres) During the day, it features a comfortable sofa. While you are at dinner, staff convert it into double or twin beds. En-suite bathroom with a shower. |
De Luxe Suite (8 sq metres) Slightly larger. Functions as a lounge by day and converted to beds at night. En-suite bathroom features either a shower or a small, deep bath. |
| All-Inclusive Drinks | Fully All-Inclusive Absolutely everything is included. From your morning coffee to top-shelf spirits, fine wines, and French Champagne. You will never need to open your wallet on board. |
Mostly All-Inclusive All meals and standard drinks (including local wines and spirits) are included. However, French Champagne and premium imported liquors (like specific cognacs or single malts) are charged to your account. |
| Off-Train Excursions | The Clear Winner Rovos takes the Cape Town to Pretoria route slower (3 nights/4 days). This allows for fantastic off-train excursions, including a stop at the historic village of Matjiesfontein AND a visit to the Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum in Kimberley. |
Shorter Journey The Blue Train completes the journey faster (2 nights/3 days). Southbound (Pretoria to Cape Town) stops in Kimberley. Northbound (Cape Town to Pretoria) stops in Matjiesfontein. You do not get to do both on a single one-way trip. |
| The Train Carriages | Windows can be opened to smell the Karoo air and take photos without glare. The train features a spectacular open-air observation balcony at the very back of the train. | The train is fully air-conditioned and sealed (windows do not open). The observation car at the back features massive, wall-to-wall glass windows, but no open-air balcony. |
| Dress Code | Strictly Formal Smart casual during the day. For dinner, gentlemen must wear a jacket and tie, and ladies must wear cocktail/evening wear. |
Elegant Smart casual during the day. Dinner is an elegant affair; gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket and tie. |
In 2026, luxury travel is no longer about how fast you get there, but how deeply you disconnect. Rovos Rail’s "No Wi-Fi" policy has become a sought-after feature for executives looking for a true "calmcation," while The Blue Train’s updated Wi-Fi ensures that those who need to remain connected to global markets can do so without sacrificing 5-star comfort.
The Final Verdict
Choose Rovos Rail if: You want an immersive, romantic, digital-detox experience. If you want to open your window, stand on the open-air balcony, and feel the history of a bygone era with zero hidden costs for premium drinks.
Choose The Blue Train if: You prefer the comforts of a modern 5-star hotel, need Wi-Fi access, prefer a slightly faster journey, and want the smoothest possible ride thanks to their modern air-suspension system.
Price comparison
Availability last updated on 25 Mar 2026 for Rovos Rail; on 13 Feb 2026 for The Blue Train
Best Train Deals
Prices are shown based on your selection in the 'Travellers' filter. While you are on The Blue Train and Rovos Rail, accommodation is included, fine dining (excluding caviar), beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic - except French champagne), and off-train excursions. External phone calls and gratuities are excluded. The longer you take to book the greater the chance of prices and availability changing. Select your preferred currency at the top - US Dollars, Bitcoin, Rands, Great Britain Pounds, Euros, Canadian Dollars or Australian Dollars; the prices are automatically adjusted for current exchange rates. We are the only official reseller showing prices in US Dollars, Great Britain Pounds, Euros, Canadian Dollars and Australian Dollars. We accept payment in most cryptocurrencies. Credit card payments accepted. WhatsApp Rob (any time of night or day) for more info. Email rob@southafrica.to to firm up a booking.
No surcharge for Credit Card payments
*Note: Blue Train rates increase significantly during High Season (Sept–Nov), reaching up to R63,420 for a Luxury Suite. Rovos Rail rates noted are for 1 Oct 2026 - 30 Sep 2027.
Pro Tip: The "Free Night" Benefit
Many of our 2026 regular-fare Blue Train bookings qualify for a complimentary night's stay at a hotel in Cape Town or Pretoria, including chauffeur transfers between the station and the hotel. This effectively adds thousands of Rands in value to your journey.
Check Prices & Availability
Ready to book your luxury rail experience? Check our latest deals below:
Discuss Blue Train & Rovos Rail luxury trips
This is a public forum. Please do not share any personal details.