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First Class Holidays · Rail Journey

The Blue Train: Cape Town to Pretoria

Luxury sleeper train from Cape Town to Pretoria with butler service

Illustration of The Blue Train: Cape Town to Pretoria

First Class Holidays' The Blue Train is a luxury sleeper journey across South Africa, departing Cape Town and arriving in Pretoria after 3 days and 2 nights. You travel in a Deluxe Suite with a personal butler, panoramic viewing, and all meals included. Day 1 begins with pre-departure snacks and High Tea as you settle in; dinner is an elegant affair. Day 2 brings a stop at Kimberley, where you tour the Open Mine Museum and view the historic Big Hole. Throughout, the train's air-suspension system and fine dining create a refined experience. This trip suits luxury seekers, couples, and repeat rail travellers who value personal service and high-quality accommodations over independent exploration.

What to know before you look closer

  • Return flights to South Africa are not included and must be booked separately with First Class Holidays.
  • Dinner may have two sittings; gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket or waistcoat, and ladies to dress elegantly.
  • Off-the-train excursions are subject to weather and time permitting.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: The Blue Train

    The Blue Train

    Enjoy pre-departure snacks and drinks at The Blue Train Station Lounge before being shown to your suite by your butler. High Tea is served in the non-smoking lounge car after departure from Pretoria. Settling into your suite and prepare for dinner (note there may be 2 sittings for dinner). Dinner is an elegant affair with gentlemen requested to wear a jacket/waistcoat and ladies to dress elegantly. Post-dinner drinks, cognacs and Cuban cigars served in the Club Car before retiring.

    Meals: High Tea, Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: The Blue Train

    The Blue Train

    Breakfast is served on board the train before the train arrives at Kimberley Station. Disembark from the train and gather at the Railway Museum, where you board a bus and travel to the Kimberley Open Mine Museum. View interesting and historical sites before viewing the edge of the Big Hole from an enclosed ramp. A glass of sherry is served upon your return to Kimberley Station before boarding the train. Lunch is served on board the train. After an afternoon at leisure, followed by High Tea in the Lounge Car. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure followed by dinner with post-dinner drinks, cognacs and Cuban cigars in the Club Car.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, High Tea, Dinner

  3. Day 3rail

    The Blue Train

    Breakfast at leisure before arriving into Pretoria Station. Your butler will assist you into the Arrivals Lounge at the journey's end.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board The Blue Train at Cape Town Station, settle into your Deluxe Suite with butler service, and dine elegantly as the train departs.
  • Day 2Disembark at Kimberley to visit the Open Mine Museum and view the Big Hole from an enclosed ramp, with sherry served on your return to the station.
  • Day 3Arrive into Pretoria Station after breakfast at leisure, with your butler assisting you into the Arrivals Lounge.

Included

  • All-inclusive service with 24-hour butler service
  • All meals and drinks
  • Off-the-train excursions (weather and time permitting)
  • Minimum laundry service
  • Cognacs and genuine Cuban cigars

Not included

  • Return flights to South Africa, please contact us we can arrange these for you
  • Meals, sightseeing and excursions not shown as included

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes all rail travel aboard The Blue Train in a Deluxe Suite from Cape Town to Pretoria via Kimberley.
What is included in the price?
All meals and drinks, 24-hour butler service, the Kimberley Open Mine Museum excursion, minimum laundry service, cognacs, and Cuban cigars.
Will I sleep on the train?
Yes. You have two nights on board The Blue Train in your Deluxe Suite, with butler service throughout.
What is not included?
Return flights to South Africa, any meals or sightseeing not listed in the itinerary, and excursions outside the stated schedule.
How long is the journey?
3 days and 2 nights, covering 1,600 kilometres from Cape Town to Pretoria.

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