How much does it cost?

From R 40,685 per person, the operator's advertised from-price as published when we first listed the trip. About $2,518 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is train travel included?

Yes. All meals, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and the Kimberley Big Hole mine tour are included in the fare.

Which trains operate this journey?

The Blue Train, which runs between Pretoria and Cape Town in both directions, and also offers a Pretoria-Hoedspruit rail-safari combination.

What accommodation is on board?

De Luxe Suites (twin with shower, or limited double with bath) and Luxury Suites (twin or double with bath). All suites feature marble bathrooms with underfloor heating, a dedicated butler, and a driver's-eye-view camera feed.

How long is the journey?

Three days and two nights, departing at 12:00 and arriving at approximately 18:00 on the third day.

What is the Kimberley stop?

On Day 2, the train arrives in the afternoon. Guests are transferred by bus to tour the Big Hole diamond mine and historical sites, then return to the station for a welcome drink.

Luxury Train Club · Luxury rail journey

Blue Train

The Blue Train, operated by Luxury Train Club, has been South Africa's premier luxury train since 1946. This three-day, two-night journey runs between Pretoria and Cape Town (in either direction), with all meals, beverages, and excursions included in the fare. Each suite features a marble bathroom with underfloor heating, a dedicated butler, and a driver's-eye-view camera that lets you watch the rails ahead from your cabin. Day two brings a stop at Kimberley, where guests tour the Big Hole diamond mine by bus and return to the station for a commemorative glass of sherry. The train seats 42 diners across two nightly sittings. An optional Pretoria-Hoedspruit rail-safari extension is available. This journey suits luxury seekers and couples, including honeymooners who receive complimentary champagne and a photo frame.

Price history

Across 4 checks, this price has held at ZAR 40,685 every time.

Each point is a day we checked this operator's own page, not a weekly average, and the line holds flat between checks rather than guessing at movement we did not see. Hollow points are values shown when the trip was first listed here and never confirmed with the operator.

What to know before you look closer

French champagne, caviar, and external telephone calls are not included in the fare.
Gratuities are not listed as included.
The Pretoria-Hoedspruit rail-safari combination and pre/post-safari packages are optional extras; confirm details with Luxury Train Club.

Day by day

Day 1railovernight: On board
Departure
The Blue Train leaves Cape Town (or Pretoria) at 12:00hrs, registration from 11:30hrs at the Blue Train lounge.
Day 2railovernight: On board
Kimberley
The train arrives at Kimberley Station in the afternoon; bus transfer to the Open Mine Museum for a tour of the mine and historical sites, then an enclosed ramp view of the Big Hole. Guests are greeted back at the station with a glass of sherry, engraved with the Blue Train logo as a memento.
Day 3
Arrival
Arrival at the destination (Pretoria or Cape Town) at approximately 18:00hrs.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 1Depart Cape Town or Pretoria at 12:00, registering from 11:30 in the Blue Train lounge.
Day 2Tour Kimberley's Big Hole diamond mine by bus, then return to the station for a glass of sherry in an engraved memento glass.

Included

All meals
Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
Off-the-train excursions (excluding French champagne, caviar and external telephone calls)

Not included

French champagne
Caviar
External telephone calls
Gratuities (implied, not itemised on page)

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From R 40,685 per person, the operator's advertised from-price as published when we first listed the trip. About $2,518 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is train travel included?: Yes. All meals, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and the Kimberley Big Hole mine tour are included in the fare.
Which trains operate this journey?: The Blue Train, which runs between Pretoria and Cape Town in both directions, and also offers a Pretoria-Hoedspruit rail-safari combination.
What accommodation is on board?: De Luxe Suites (twin with shower, or limited double with bath) and Luxury Suites (twin or double with bath). All suites feature marble bathrooms with underfloor heating, a dedicated butler, and a driver's-eye-view camera feed.
How long is the journey?: Three days and two nights, departing at 12:00 and arriving at approximately 18:00 on the third day.
What is the Kimberley stop?: On Day 2, the train arrives in the afternoon. Guests are transferred by bus to tour the Big Hole diamond mine and historical sites, then return to the station for a welcome drink.