THE BLUE TRAIN has been synonymous with luxury hospitality, tourism and leisure since 1946. It offers a unique way of experiencing some of Southern Africa's magnificent landscapes and landmarks. On board the train, guests indulge in fine cuisine accompanied by some of the best wines South Africa has to offer. Around-the-clock personal butlers see to the guests' every need for the duration of their trip; be it in the comfort of their private suite or at any one of our exquisite lounges. So take a journey into a timeless world of grace, elegance and romance, where spectacular scenery stirs the imagination and luxurious comfort soothes body and soul. The Blue Train - A Window to the Soul of South Africa.

Some History...
The Blue Train's origins date back to the Union Limited and Union Express trains which began in 1923, taking passengers from Johannesburg to the ships departing from Cape Town to England. The Union Express introduced luxury features such as a dining saloon in 1933 and air-conditioned carriages in 1939.  After a break in service in World War II the service returned in 1946. With the reintroduction of the train, with reference to the blue-painted steel carriages introduced in 1937, was formally adopted as the new name.  In 1997, three years after the end of apartheid, The Blue Train was refurbished and relaunched.

SUITE FACILITIES On The Blue Train luxury assumes a new dimension. You'll feel it from the moment you step into your suite, transformed from an elegant, spacious lounge by day, into a sanctuary of comfort and slumber by night.  The DE LUXE SUITE offers you a choice between twin beds (with shower) or double beds (with bath tub and hand held shower). LUXURY SUITES are more spacious, extending your personal domain by more than a metre, and offers twin or double beds with luxuriant bath.

Each suite has an individually controlled air-conditioning system and a private entertainment centre with a choice of movie channels and radio stations. The Luxury suite takes the choice of radio and movie channels even further, with an inviting selection of compact disks and movies on video and DVD.

ON BOARD SERVICES INCLUDE
* Each coach has a butler on board to attend to every guests needs, with each butler serving a maximum of four suites only. 
* A variety of delectable snacks and beverages served in your suite on request.
* A limited on-board laundry and valet service.
* Safes in all the suites for valuables.
* A luggage van for additional luggage that a guest may not need during the journey.

FINE DINING - A meal on The Blue Train is an experience in itself!  Featuring a selection of local cuisine, from Karoo lamb and ostrich fillet to Knysna oysters, accompanied by carefully selected and award winning South African wines, The Blue Train's meals are freshly prepared by Executive Chefs on board the train. Special dietary requirements are available on request.  In the dining car, Sheffield cutlery and crystal glassware on crisp white linen set the tone for a dinner dress code of evening wear and traditional attire.

ELEGANT LOUNGE FACILITIES The warm ambience of the lounge car with its large windows allows for panoramic views of the passing countryside. After dinner, guests can enjoy a cigar and cognac in the Club Car before one retires.  In the lounge and Club Car, guests can enjoy a game of cards, chess or backgammon, tune into the big screen television or browse through a volume from the library.

ROUTINGS
PRETORIA - CAPE TOWN - OR VICE VERSA 
The route between Pretoria and Cape Town is a 27 hour journey through some of the most
diverse and spectacular scenery. Southbound, off-train excursions include the diamond town
of Kimberley where one can explore the 'Big Hole' and the Diamond Museum. Northbound, the train stops at Kleinstraat siding for an off-train excursion at Aquila Private Game Reserve, where guests can view lion and many other species and interact with cheetah.
Detailed Itinerary: Pretoria to Cape Town
Detailed Itinerary: Cape Town to Pretoria

TAILOR-MADE CHARTERS

• Why not charter The Blue Train for strategic meetings, product launches, cocktail parties, weddings and more. You can also book a charter with a difference such as a Golfing or Safari charter.
• Charters are dependant on the rail network's compatibility with The Blue Train's technology. 
• Chartered journeys are customized to suit the needs of the client.