Blue Train Cape Town to Pretoria – 2 night luxury train journey

Step aboard The Blue Train Cape Town to Pretoria journey, South Africa’s most iconic luxury rail experience. Since 1946, this legendary deluxe train has been synonymous with refined hospitality, fine dining, and timeless elegance. It provides a delightful break in a busy sightseeing & safari schedule.

The 2-night journey between Cape Town and Pretoria, or in reverse, offers the perfect blend of scenic splendour, relaxation, fine cuisine and attentive butler service. It’s ideal for travellers wishing to add a touch of opulence to their safari or sightseeing itinerary.

At a Glance: The Blue Train Cape Town to Pretoria (2 Nights / 3 Days)

• Route: Cape Town ↔ Pretoria (available in both directions)
• Duration: 2 nights / 3 days
• Highlights:
  • Choice of Deluxe or Luxury Suites, both with en-suite bathrooms
  • Gourmet dining paired with South African wines in an elegant dining car
  • 24-hour butler service and impeccable onboard hospitality
  • Off-train excursions en route (varies by direction and schedule)

The Blue Train Cape Town to Pretoria – Route Description

Crossing 1,600km of South Africa’s most diverse landscapes, the route passes from the rolling vineyards and rugged mountains of the Cape through the semi-desert expanses of the Great Karoo to the fertile Highveld.

This all-inclusive journey is not simply a way to get from A to B: it’s a luxurious interlude, celebrating the art of slow travel across South Africa’s heartland, discovering South Africa from a unique, unhurried perspective.

As the train glides from the Cape’s coastal plains through the Great Karoo’s desert landscapes to the rolling Highveld, you  enjoy seamless service, excellent cuisine, and the pleasure of a bygone era — complete with private butler service and exquisite interiors of mahogany, marble, and brass.

Life Onboard The Blue Train

Relax in two elegant lounge cars, enjoy a signature cocktail in the Club Car. (A large screen in the Club Car provides a driver's eye view of the track ahead.) The Dining Car offers two sittings for each meal, where every dish is a celebration of South African flavours paired with the country’s best wines. Meals may be enjoyed in the dining car or served privately in your suite.

Each suite is a private sanctuary of polished mahogany and marble, elegantly blending contemporary design with classic craftsmanship.

• Deluxe Suites: Well-appointed private cabins featuring an en-suite shower, individually controlled air conditioning, entertainment system, underfloor heating, and picture windows framing the passing scenery. A video channel offers short documentaries about the area through which the train is travelling.
• Luxury Suites: Larger in size, with a small bath instead of a shower, and a private digital entertainment centre.
• Butler service and 24-hour in-room dining option

Good to Know

• Includes all meals, drinks, off-train excursions, and luxury accommodation.
• Dress Code: Smart-casual by day; elegant evening wear at dinner (jacket and tie recommended for men).
• Operates year-round in both directions between Cape Town and Pretoria.
• Ideal for travellers seeking a luxurious yet time-efficient rail experience.