Solo Travel on The Blue Train & Rovos Rail: Prices and Single Supplements

To avoid "murder on the Blue Train", sometimes it's better to travel alone! The biggest hurdle for solo travellers on luxury trips is the "single supplement"; which usually is set at 50% of the per person sharing rate; all-in Rand prices for solo travellers are shown below. Scroll past the solo traveller costs below to understand what the experience is like travelling alone on The Blue Train and Rovos Rail, the safety aspect and which of the two trains is the better fit for solo people.

• Solo travel tip if your journey is to or from Cape Town: ask for a hiking experience to be included when in Cape Town.

```

There are no dedicated single cabins on the Blue Train or Rovos Rail. The Rovos Rail single supplement is the same as the Blue Train single supplement; usually equalling 50% of the per person sharing price. The Pullman suites on Rovos are the smallest and often the most affordable option (but not always for Rovos Rail specials, more often the deluxe suites are on special)..

Onboard Experience and Social Atmosphere

After cost, the next biggest concern for solo travellers is what the experience will actually be like alone. Will it be awkward? Will I be lonely?

Given that booze is free a convivial atmosphere is almost always the case, with passengers interested in chatting to others and learning about them; the fact that devices are discouraged makes this even more the case.

If you prefer to be seated with other guests, then make sure that you let your travel agent know when making your reservation, so that they can ensure that this is the case.

Safety and Security

The trains themselves are the safest part of the journey, the riskiest parts are your transfers to and from the stations; ask your travel agent to arrange your transfers (maybe they'll even provide it for free) before your trip, so there is no anxiety around this.

Blue Train vs Rovos Rail for a solo traveller

Rovos Rail is privately owned by Rohan Vos. The Blue Train is owned by Transnet, a government entity. Rovos Rail and The Blue Train are in competition with each other.

• Choose Rovos Rail if you want a social, romantic, "golden age of travel" experience. It's designed to encourage mingling with other guests and offers a "digital detox" (no Wi-Fi or TVs). It's generally considered the better option for a solo traveller looking to connect with others.
• Choose the Blue Train if you want a private, modern, 5-star "hotel on wheels" experience. It’s about sleek comfort, personal butler service, and private relaxation in your suite, which includes Wi-Fi and TV.

"Best route for a single person":

The ideal route for most solo travellers is the Pretoria to Cape Town route (or vice-versa):

• High Social Potential: This is the most popular and frequently run route. This means the train is almost always full, attracting a diverse and international group of interesting people. The shared experience of this classic journey makes for easy conversation.
• Perfect Duration: At 2 (Blue Train) or 3 nights (Rovoso Rail) it's long enough to settle in, meet people, and truly disconnect, but not so long that you risk feeling isolated if you happen to get a less social group. It’s the perfect "taster" of the erxperience.
• Structured Group Excursions: The off-train excursions to Kimberley's Big Hole and the historic town of Matjiesfontein are done as a group. This is a natural, low-pressure way to chat with fellow passengers while exploring.
• Ease and Logistics: Starting and ending in two of South Africa's major cities and travel hubs makes a solo traveller's logistics incredibly simple. You can easily fly into one city and out of the other.

Itinerary Snapshot for Cape Town - Pretoria one-way:

• Day 1: Depart from Cape Town/Pretoria, settle in, enjoy the incredible scenery and five-star service.
• Day 2: Morning stop in Kimberley for a tour of the Big Hole and Diamond Museum.
• Day 3: Morning stop at the historic colonial outpost of Matjiesfontein before arriving at your destination.

---

The Runner-Up: Pretoria to Victoria Falls

This 3 or 4 night journey is another fantastic option, especially if you crave a bit more of a wild, adventurous feel and want to tick a major "bucket list" item off your list.

• A Shared, Epic Goal: Everyone on the train is heading to one of the natural wonders of the world. This shared excitement is a powerful icebreaker and creates an immediate sense of camaraderie among passengers.
• Sense of Adventure: The route crosses borders and travels through more remote landscapes, including Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, which feels like a true expedition.
• Incredible Finale: Arriving at the majestic Victoria Falls is an unforgettable experience, and sharing that "wow" moment with new friends you've made on board is truly special.

Discuss Blue Train & Rovos Rail luxury trips

This is a public forum. Please do not share any personal details.