The Blue Train

Blue Train (South Africa)
South Africa
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The Journey

Navigate from Pretoria Station to Cape Town Station across a span of 1600km. This is an overnight service.

Scenery Highlights
  • Highveld Grasslands approaching Pretoria
  • The Great Karoo Desert — vast, open, timeless expanse
  • Kimberley Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum excursion
  • Matjiesfontein Victorian village stop
  • Cape Winelands approach into Cape Town
  • Table Mountain panorama from the Cape Town approach
Quick Facts
  • Duration

    52 hours

  • Distance

    1600 km

  • Est. Price

    ZAR 40,685–63,420 per person sharing one-way (2026, seasonal)

Official Booking Provider
Classes & Accommodations

Meals: All-Inclusive

Ensuite: Yes

Meals: All-Inclusive

Ensuite: Yes

Engine / Locomotive

Diesel-electric locomotives (typically Class 34 GE U26C or equivalent)

Locomotive Weight

Approximately 120–140 tonnes per locomotive

Track Gauge

1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Cape gauge

Braking Technology

Air brakes (Westinghouse-style) on carriages; locomotive regenerative and air braking

Route Engineering Challenges

  • 1,600km route traverses multiple climate zones — from Highveld grassland (1,200m+) to sea level at Cape Town

  • Significant elevation change over the route requiring capable braking on long descents

  • Long sections of single-track operation requiring precise scheduling

  • Karoo desert crossings with extreme temperature variations

Maximum speed

90 km/h (luxury pacing designed for comfort, not speed)

Total route distance

1,600 km (Pretoria to Cape Town)

Number of carriages

18–22: sleeping, two dining cars, two lounge cars, observation car, gift shop, smoking lounge

Suite dimensions

De Luxe ±8m², Luxury ±11m²

Heritage

In service since 1946; operated continuously except during pandemic

Crew

~60 staff including butlers, chefs, and maintenance crew

Quick Facts
  • Duration

    52 hours

  • Distance

    1600 km

  • Est. Price

    ZAR 40,685–63,420 per person sharing one-way (2026, seasonal)

Official Booking Provider