Accessible Travel on The Blue Train & Rovos Rail
Luxury rail travel through South Africa's breathtaking landscapes should be an experience available to all travelers, regardless of physical abilities or mobility requirements; but these iconic trains present unique challenges due to their vintage carriages and historic designs.
Accessibility on The Blue Train
One train set is compatible for disabled persons. On the Train set that The Blue Train are currently using they do not have a Paraplegic suite, however they will allocate a Deluxe Twin Beds with shower and chair for guests to sits while washing and a Wheelchair. Customised wheelchairs are on board The Blue Train and have been specifically designed to negotiate the train's corridors. A butler will be on-hand to assist guests should they require.
Accessibility on Rovos Rail
Due to the historic design of their coaches, access for guests with limited mobility is unfortunately restricted. Rovos's carriages are not equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, and the passageways and doorways are too narrow for standard mobility aids. Guests must be able to manage the short distances between compartments and to embark or disembark the train. They are, however, always happy to assist where possible, and their train team will gladly provide additional support to ensure comfort throughout the journey.
Rovos Rail welcomes passengers with walking difficulties (they recommend traveling with an able-bodied companion) but cannot accommodate wheelchair-bound guests due to the historic train's structural limitations. Please inform us of any mobility requirements when booking.
Getting on & off Rovos's Trains
A ramp is only available at Rovos's private station in Pretoria. At other stations assengers must use vertical train steps with handrails.
Some platforms require stair access (no elevators). Staff assist with luggage but cannot physically lift passengers
Moving through Rovos's Trains
Rovos's 1920s-1930s carriages travel at 20-60 km/h over varying track conditions, creating significant motion. Passengers must walk between suites and dining/lounge cars through narrow passages with handrails. While challenging initially, most guests quickly adapt. The train layout prevents wheelchair use - passages are too narrow and some carriages connect at 90-degree angles with uneven crossings.
Accessibility features in Rovos's Suites:
- Handrails in passages
- Bathroom grab rails
- Non-slip shower mats
- Shower seat (on request)
For Excursions
Onboard wheelchair available (cannot be used on train). Not all destinations are wheelchair accessible.
St James Guesthouses
The Manor: Ground floor and Deluxe Suite (Boyes) are wheelchair accessible. The
Homestead is not wheelchair accessible
Availability last updated on 28 Oct 2025 for Rovos Rail; on 12 Oct 2025 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
Fabulous occasions
- Christmas on Rovos Rail or the Blue Train
- New years eve on Rovos Rail or the Blue Train
- Valentines on Rovos Rail or the Blue Train
- Halloween on Rovos Rail or the Blue Train
- Click here to see the best Rovos Rail prices on each route in 2026
- Click here to see the best Rovos Rail prices on each route in 2027
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