WELCOME ABOARD THE BLUE TRAIN
As time meandered from the 19th Century towards the dawn of the new era, a dream was born. A dream of harnessing steam technology to link Africa’s vast south to north, around the awe-inspiring mountain ranges that dot the continent, through the apparently arid desert landscapes, over untamed savannah grasslands teeming with wildlife. From the Cape all the way to Cairo… all of this on parallel lines of tempered steel.
It is from this dream that The Blue Train was born. Cairo was never to be, but the dreamers persevered and The Blue Train now traverses South Africa and its breath-taking scenery in a manner that befits the mystique that has grown around it.
Kings and presidents have indulged on this magnificent, moving five-star “hotel-on-wheels”. From love-struck honeymooners, to adulated celebrities. And even ordinary folk who fantasize about a life of spectacular luxury, a life that has seemed tantalizingly out of reach. Until now…
Welcome aboard The Blue Train. Your unforgettable experience is about to begin…
The Blue Train History
For the Empire-builders of old, the uncharted African interior was the landscape of a dream in the making. A dream that would etch its course in parallel lines that snaked their way northward from the Atlantic shoreline, conquering the distance from Cape Town to Cairo. The dream was not to be, as the Great African Railway reached only as far as a bridge across the gorge of the Zambezi River, overlooking the thundering smoke of the Victoria Falls.
But in the fading years of the 19th Century, the discovery of gold and diamonds drew thousands to the edge of the continent, and those lines of tempered steel began to bear the burden of industry, commerce, and society on the move. Soon, as the moneyed classes made their presence felt, the network added leisure travel to its list of duties, and in the slipstream of leisure came luxury. The Union Limited and Union Express, ferrying passengers between the mailships of Cape Town harbour and the goldfields of the Witwatersrand, were the standard-bearers of steam-powered opulence in the easy-living heyday of the 1920s, boasting everything from card tables to ceiling fans, to hot and cold water on tap.
A coat of royal blue and cream would later give the trains their distinctive livery, and it was from this line, in these shades, that The Blue Train – a “Palace on Wheels” – would ride the rails to legend. Withdrawn from service during the dark days of World War II, extensively refurbished and modernised in the Seventies and Nineties.
In 1997 a new Blue Train was introduced and its traditional route between Cape Town and Pretoria was extended northwards to the Victoria Falls. In the following year a second identical train came into service, allowing The Blue Train to add to its destinations Hoedspruit on the western edge of the Kruger National Park, and Port Elizabeth at the eastern end of South Africa’s Garden Route.
The Blue Train has defined a new era of luxury travel, making the switch from steam to electric and diesel, linking veld to sea, tradition to progress, with a sense of style, grace, and mesmerising power that has never come close to being matched..
Charters & Events
As The Blue Train’s tracks roll inevitably into the distance, so life’s course brings with it joys that must be celebrated. Graduations, engagements, weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries and milestone birthdays. All of these deserve a memorable venue, a special ambience, a reminder that you’re going places.
The Blue Train can be chartered for such occasions. Just for you, it can meander along its standard routes, or on custom-made trips and cross-border excursions that last from a few hours to several nights. It’s your sojourn, it’s your train. It’s our pleasure.
When not booked for use during a trip, the Conference Car is converted into an Observation Car that reflects and complements the amenities offered in the Lounge cars.
For those with more stern agendas, The Blue Train has the facilities to service business-oriented journeys. Our fully-equipped Conference Car can comfortably seat 22 delegates boardroom-style or accommodate smaller work areas combined with Observation Car amenities.
Whether you’re rallying your sales force, rewarding outstanding performance, wooing potential clients or hosting your year-end function, stay on line. Keep on track. Navigate your way through the ever-shifting landscape of doing business in the 21st Century. Meet your challenges and celebrate your successes on the move by stepping onboard a world where business is pleasure…
Pre Departure Information
All-inclusive rates
With the exception of Caviar, French Champagne and external telephone calls, everything else onboard is included in the rate.
Beds
The beds fold out of the panel concealing the seats under it. Should guests require their bed to be made during the day, please ring for a Butler.
Butlers
Each coach has a Butler whose pleasure it will be to ensure that guests enjoy a memorable
experience. Butlers are available 24 hours a day for the duration of the journey.
Check-in
Check-in is between 06:30-07:00, boarding gates close at 07:45. Guests are requested to
check-in at least one hour prior to departure. Check-in takes place in The Blue Train VIP lounges situated at Cape Town and Pretoria stations.
Children
Children aged 5-years and younger are to share with parents or a responsible adult. No special meal menus are available for children. A strict children policy is applicable on board the train.
Dining
All meals and room-service snacks are included in the rate. Should guests require a snack the butler can be contacted. Lunch and dinner are usually served in two sittings and cater for 42 guests per sitting, while breakfast is served between 07:00 and 10:00 at guests leisure.
Disabled people
One train set is compatible for disabled persons. Customised wheelchairs on board The Blue Train have been specifically-designed to negotiate the train’s corridors. A Butler will be on-hand to assist guests should they require.
Double beds
Due to the limited number of double beds it is advisable that guests specify their preference upon making a reservation.
Dress code
In keeping with tradition it is a compulsory custom to dress formal for dinner to match the sheer elegance of The Blue Train. Evening wear is elegant for ladies and gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket and tie. During the day the dress code is smart casual. No shorts and flip-flops are allowed in the Dining Car.
Drinking Water
Bottled water is supplied in suite. The butler will provide more water on request.
Electricity
The electricity supply on-board is 220 volts. Lights switches are located at the door and the bedside table.
First Aid
Trained first aid personnel are on-board at all times. In the event of an emergency, doctors can be contacted at the various stations en-route.
Gifts for travelers
Post their overnight Blue Train trip, every guests receives a Blue Train miniature gold clock and a certificate that ‘authenticates’ their experience and certifies them as the official Blue Train “Ambassadors”. These clocks are not for sale and are only handed to travelling guests.
Gratuities
To show appreciation at the end of the journey, guests may leave a gratuity in the box located in the Club Car. Gratuities are shared amongst The Blue Train personnel on board.
Guest amenities
Guest amenities are provided in the bathroom of the suite.
Laundry
A limited on-board laundry and valet service is available and is included in the rate. Please contact a butler for assistance.
Local vendors / In-Bound
Destination Management Companies (DMCs)
For peace of mind, it is advisable for international tour operators / travel agents to use local vendors / DMCs who will do their ground handling and ensure that clients are taken care of whilst away in a foreign country.
Lounge Car
The Lounge Car is designed as a meeting place for Aperitifs and afternoon High-tea and is a no smoking area. The Club Car is ideal for post-dinner Cognac or hand-made Cuban cigar. The bar opens as soon as the train commences its journey and closes when the last guest departs.
Room Service
Room service is available 24-hours, free of charge.
Safes
Safes are provided in all suites. While every precaution is taken, The Blue Train cannot be held liable for loss of valuable items left unattended in suites.
Smoking
Smoking is only permitted in the Club Car. All suites, the Lounge and Dining Cars are strictly smoke-free zones.
Special Dietary Requirements
Kindly specify any special dietary requirements at the time of booking. The Blue Train is happy to accommodate all culinary requests.
Time
South Africa is +2 hours GMT (summer time).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance The Blue Train travels between Pretoria & Cape Town?
1660 km (904 miles)
How long is The Blue Train?
Long train – 399 metres; short train – 294 metres
How long has the train been in existence?
The Blue Train was launched and has been in existence since 1946
How many carriages (coaches) does the train have?
Long train – 19 carriages; short train – 14 carriages
Do you have a doctor on board?
Trained first aid personnel are on-board at all times. In the event of an emergency, doctors and emergency personnel can be contacted at the various stations en-route. Please note that The Blue Train personnel are not allowed to administer any medication to guests.
Can we open the windows?
For safety reasons, The Blue Train windows are double-glazed and cannot be opened. The Blue Train is fitted with a centrally-controlled air-conditioning system. All private suites are fitted with individually-controlled air-conditioning systems.
Are children allowed on board?
Children are allowed on board. Children aged 2 years and younger are to share a suite with parents or a responsible adult. No special meal menus are available for children. A strict Children Policy is applicable and must be signed by parents or guardians prior to boarding.
Who was the interior designer on the train?
The late American designer, David Barrett, who was the former president of the American society of interior decorators.
Does The Blue Train fare include gratuity?
The fare does not include gratuities. Our guests are not obliged to give the staff gratuities. However, should guests at their own discretion wish to do so, guests are encouraged not give gratuities to individuals, but to rather use the gratuity box located at the entrance of the club (smoking) car.
Gratuities are then shared equally amongst all the staff (including the kitchen staff) at the end of each trip
How many crew members on board at every trip?
28 crew + 2 technicians
What currency is used in the boutique shop?
South African Rands (R)
What routes does The Blue Train do?
Standard route is Pretoria – cape town and vice-versa. On charters, Pretoria – Durban, Pretoria – Kruger; Pretoria – Sun City; Pretoria – Bloemfontein and anywhere else where there are rail networks that are compatible to the blue train’s technology.
Distances
The distance between Cape Town and Pretoria is just under one thousand miles and The Blue Train does the journey in roughly 27 hours.
How much water does The Blue Train hold?
Each coach – 5,000 litres; entire train – 85,000 litres
Is The Blue Train privately-owned?
No. The Blue Train is owned by Transnet, a state-owned company
Which famous people have travelled on The Blue Train?
The Blue Train VIP Guest Record
Former SA Presidents – Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki
Arch-Bishop Desmond Tutu
SA President Cyril Ramaphosa
Imran Khan
Naomi Campbell
Quincy Jones
Mia Farrow
Sir Nigel Mansell
Paul Simon
Jonty & Kate Rhodes
John Corr
Earl & Lady Spencer)
Leo Sayer
Pieter Dirk Uys
Neil Young (From the band Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young)
Sir Peter Ustinov
Sir Elton John
Danny Glover
Karin Barnard
Sir Tim Rice
Kylie Minogue
How many SA provinces does The Blue Train traverse from Pretoria to cape town or vice-versa?
Four Provinces – Gauteng, North West, Northern Cape and Western Cape.
TRAIN LAYOUT
There are two Blue Train sets – simply referred to as Train Set 1 and Train Set 2. The former can accommodate a maximum of 54 guests and is available for use during charters. Train Set 2 is the weekly “schedule” train running between Pretoria and Cape Town. It accommodates a maximum of 82 guests and includes a paraplegic suite and a Conference Car.
Each of the two trains consist of a Baggage Van, Power Car, Personnel Car, Club and Lounge Cars, Kitchen and De Luxe and Luxury accommodation coaches.
Club Car
In the event that you are able to whisk yourself away from your luxurious cocoon of comfort, The Blue Train offers two convivial spaces in which to build friendships over a beverage of choice.
The Club Car, ideally situated behind the train’s engines offers the feel of a burnished, wood-panelled gentleman’s club where you are free to enjoy a Cuban cigar which we serve after dinner to round off a perfect evening. Wind down and relax with cognac or any drink of your choice. Whether you’re after a game of backgammon, chess or cards, the lure of the big screen or a tome from the library’s selection, a fascinating chat with the barman or simply a solitary reverie of the star-lit skies, then the Club Car is your ideal setting.
Fine Dining
While The Blue Train lives up to its five-star reputation in every sense, its cuisine surpasses even the highest expectations. It could be said that dinner will be the most unforgettable experience of your adventure.
On board chefs regularly refresh their menus to intrigue and tantalise your palate, as they prepare their signature dishes using the freshest of local ingredients. From Karoo lamb, ostrich and venison, to Knysna oysters and other award-winning Cape cultivars. All artfully presented in delicate crystal or on fine china, all contributing to the ultimate experience.
Underscoring the Dining Car’s atmosphere is a delightful selection of tasteful background music, ranging from smooth jazz to light classical to the mellow tones of the Soweto String Quartet.
As the sky darkens over the landscape, you adorn yourself in your finest silks and satins, diamonds and pearls, tuxedos and ties, as you prepare to relish a banquet glowing with the camaraderie of new friends or dine entwined in the subtle intimacy of a table for two – or even if you opt to dine in the privacy of your own suite – you become aware that every taste you’re about to experience is a memory in the making, a tantalising highlight on a menu of magical moments.
And indeed, there’s a menu for every taste. Whether you require Kosher or Halaal meals, or gluten-free vegan options, simply make your needs known at the time of reserving your passage. You’ll also need to reserve your ideal dinner sitting. Our very elegant Dining Car comfortably accommodates 42 guests in a single sitting and, in the event of having more guests on the train, meals are served in two sittings to ensure all our guests experience utter luxury and decadence.
Non-Smoking Lounge Car
In the event that you are able to whisk yourself away from your luxurious cocoon of comfort, The Blue Train offers two convivial spaces in which to build friendships over a beverage of choice.
The beautifully designed Lounge Car, conveniently situated in the middle of the train, is an ideal venue to enjoy the charming view of the countryside, with its windows perfectly framing the ever-changing panoramas and interrupted only by rare works from some of Southern Africa’s finest artists – or an occasional gentle reminder from the barman that your glass needs topping up.
Breeze into the Lounge Car for afternoon High Tea… a traditional English ritual of taste and aroma that is enhanced by the classic, elegant opulence of this carriage, or wander in after your five-course dinner banquet for another glass of award-winning wine or a taste of fine Port to round off your perfect evening.
Observation Car
As The Blue Train’s tracks roll inevitably into the distance, so life’s course brings with it joys that must be celebrated. Graduations, engagements, weddings and honeymoons, anniversaries and milestone birthdays. All of these deserve a memorable venue, a special ambience, a reminder that you’re going places.
The Blue Train can be chartered for such occasions. Just for you, it can meander along its standard routes, or on custom-made trips and cross-border excursions that last from a few hours to several nights. It’s your sojourn, it’s your train. It’s our pleasure.
When not booked for use during a trip, the Conference Car is converted into an Observation Car that reflects and complements the amenities offered in the Lounge cars.
For those with more stern agendas, The Blue Train has the facilities to service business-oriented journeys. Our fully-equipped Conference Car can comfortably seat 22 delegates boardroom-style or accommodate smaller work areas combined with Observation Car amenities.
Whether you’re rallying your sales force, rewarding outstanding performance, wooing potential clients or hosting your year-end function, stay on line. Keep on track. Navigate your way through the ever-shifting landscape of doing business in the 21st Century. Meet your challenges and celebrate your successes on the move by stepping onboard a world where business is pleasure…
Conferences Car
As The Blue Train’s tracks roll inevitably into the distance, so life’s course brings with it joys that must be celebrated. Graduations, engagements, weddings and honeymoons, anniversaries and milestone birthdays. All of these deserve a memorable venue, a special ambience, a reminder that you’re going places.
The Blue Train can be chartered for such occasions. Just for you, it can meander along its standard routes, or on custom-made trips and cross-border excursions that last from a few hours to several nights. It’s your sojourn, it’s your train. It’s our pleasure.
When not booked for use during a trip, the Conference Car is converted into an Observation Car that reflects and complements the amenities offered in the Lounge cars.
For those with more stern agendas, The Blue Train has the facilities to service business-oriented journeys. Our fully-equipped Conference Car can comfortably seat 22 delegates boardroom-style or accommodate smaller work areas combined with Observation Car amenities.
Whether you’re rallying your sales force, rewarding outstanding performance, wooing potential clients or hosting your year-end function, stay on line. Keep on track. Navigate your way through the ever-shifting landscape of doing business in the 21st Century. Meet your challenges and celebrate your successes on the move by stepping onboard a world where business is pleasure…
De Luxe Suites
Your De Luxe Suite will forever alter your definition of what style and class entail. From your elegant and relaxing lounge during the day, it transforms into a subtly-lit bedroom of indulgence during the night, bedecked with goose-down and 100 per cent percale-cotton bedding, from your individually-controlled air-conditioning system, under-floor heating, opulent marble and gold-fitted bathroom, its scented bath salts and plush monogrammed towels, to the electronic entertainment options on offer.
And then, of course, all this accompanied by the ever-changing vistas of the countryside…
The De Luxe coaches each have four suites that measure 4 by 2 metres. One of these contains a double bed and a ¾ size bath tub with handheld shower, while the others have twin beds with showers.
Luxury Suites
Your Luxury Suite will enchant you from the moment your personal butler ushers you aboard. It extends the offering from a De Luxe suite even further; by an extra metre of your domain, with twin or double bedded suites which offer you long and luxurious bath tubs and a private digital interactive entertainment system, with an inviting selection of music CDs and big-screen movies on Blue-Ray DVD.
Luxury coaches have three Luxury Suites that each measure 5,13 by 2 metres and give you the option of twin beds or a double bed.
Your De Luxe or Luxury suites are your home-away-from-home lounges. Need to send an important email halfway across the world or make that urgent phone call? Relax in knowing that all suites are fitted with WI-FI service that is complimentary to all our guests. Use the telephone system in each suite to dial your butler, at no extra charge, for an apéritif or even call family and friends across the Atlantic and relay your Blue Train experience at a minimal fee.
An act of alchemy transforms your sitting area into a restful night-time sanctuary. Goose down duvets and pillows and 100 percent percale cotton bedding envelop you as you drift off after a soothing, scented soak or shower in your marble and gold-appointed bathroom, lulled by the rhythm of the whispering wheels.
