Blue Train Luxury Experience: Is It Really a Luxury Train?

They call it the “moving five-star hotel” for a reason. But is the Blue Train in South Africa truly as luxurious as everyone says? You hear about suites with marble baths, round-the-clock butlers, and fine dining with crystal goblets, but it’s easy to wonder if it’s all clever marketing or the real deal. Let’s get up close with every aspect, from the velvet-draped cabins to that famous observation car with a glass of Cape wine, and see if the Blue Train earns its luxury stripes—or if it’s just living off a legend from the 1940s.

The History and Reputation of the Blue Train

The Blue Train is not some glossy newcomer in the world of luxury. It’s been rolling across South Africa since 1946, earning a place on bucket lists alongside the Orient Express or the Royal Scotsman. Initially, it linked Cape Town and Pretoria for the country’s elite—gold magnates, politicians, and the odd movie star—all expecting top-tier comfort. Even the rich in the 1950s bragged about trips in cabins with private bathrooms and meals served on monogrammed china. Upgrades followed over decades, but the old-world glamour stuck around.

The name “Blue Train” isn’t decorative—the carriages are painted an unmistakable royal blue, impossible to miss against the savanna and vineyards. Its reputation was sealed when it won “Africa’s Leading Luxury Train” over a dozen times at the World Travel Awards. That’s not just local hype: people travel from Europe, the U.S., and Asia for this train. Before you think awards are just trophies on a shelf, consider this: guests have included European royalty and celebrities, who could have gone anywhere, but chose the Blue Train for their splurges or secret getaways.

But it’s not only about nostalgia or name-dropping. In 2023, travel review site TripAdvisor listed the Blue Train among Africa’s top luxury experiences. Why? Travelers raved about seamless service—the staff’s blend of formality and friendliness stands out. There’s an emphasis on old-fashioned manners: polished shoes appear magically outside your door, and bartenders remember your whiskey the second night. These touches, passed from generation to generation of crew, keep the historic vibe alive without turning stuffy.

Onboard Luxury: Cabins, Dining, and Service

Ok, now for the cabin reveal. Forget poky bunk beds or plastic cups: suites on the Blue Train often feel like hotel rooms on rails. You’ve got gold-framed artwork, thick carpets, and real wood panels. Large windows let you sprawl in your pajamas and watch mountains roll by. The luxury suites have full-sized bathtubs (try that on a regular train) and heated towel racks. Beds turn from sofas by day into proper mattresses at night—made up with crisp linen that looks ironed by a perfectionist. Temperature control? There’s a personal console at your fingertips.

If you’re expecting a dining car with sticky tables and chipboard chairs, think again. The Blue Train’s chefs go all in, whipping up three-course dinners with dishes like Karoo lamb, fresh oysters from Knysna, and wild mushroom risotto. Everything arrives under silver cloches, paired with South Africa’s best wines, often introduced by a sommelier who’ll chat as long as you like. Don’t expect a boring buffet—the prix-fixe menu changes every journey to spotlight seasonal, local ingredients. Yes, they twist knives and fold napkins like it’s an Olympic sport, but it never feels uptight. Late breakfasts in bed, high tea with miniature cakes, and midnight snacks from your butler are all on the table (literally).

Let’s talk about service. There’s a 24/7 butler assigned to every compartment—think Jeeves, but in a blue blazer, quick with stories and always two steps ahead. Some guests admit they didn’t lift a finger for 30 hours; laundry, shoe shining, you name it, it’s handled. Special requests aren’t a problem. Want roses for an anniversary? How about Champagne and a vegan tasting menu? They’ll try to make it happen, and usually do. The real gold is the staff’s knack for making luxury relaxed. No need to whisper or tiptoe—if your tie’s crooked, someone will quietly fix it, no judgement.

Pricing, Routes, and What You Get for Your Money

The Blue Train is pricey. Tickets in 2025 start at around $1,650 per person for the two-day journey between Pretoria and Cape Town. Some charge headlong into sticker shock, but when you break down what you’re actually paying for, you might start to get it. The ticket includes your suite, all meals and drinks—yes, even premium Champagne and cocktails—plus excursions like tours of diamond mines or winelands. Extras like on-board spa treatments cost more, but honestly, you could board without your wallet and be fine.

Two main routes exist: Pretoria to Cape Town (and reverse) is the classic, crossing 994 miles of changing scenery—farms, vineyards, deserts, and those wild South African skies. The trip slows down at Matjiesfontein, a quirky Victorian village, for an off-train wander. There’s also Pretoria to Kruger National Park, which mixes rail luxury with private game drives. In both cases, the train barely stirs during the night, so you sleep soundly.

So, what sets the Blue Train apart from, say, a few nights at a five-star hotel? It’s the constant motion—the landscape changes every hour—and that feeling of having the whole pampered experience wrapped around you. A recent survey by South African Tourism (2024) found 82% of Blue Train passengers considered the trip better value than high-end safaris or city hotels, mainly because everything’s included and personalized. Here’s a breakdown of what’s part of the package versus what’ll need your credit card:

If comparing to other luxury trains, the Blue Train holds its own for price and what’s bundled in. Plus, with fewer than 90 guests on board, nothing ever feels crowded or rushed. This is grown-up train travel, roomy enough to nap, read, or just stare out the window like a daydreaming kid.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Blue Train Journey

First thing: pack smart. Blue Train style isn’t about ballgowns, but you’ll want at least one nice outfit for dinner—think jacket for guys, a cocktail dress for women. The dress code requests “elegant evening wear” after 6 PM, and yes, people do notice. During the day, comfort is king; jeans, light sweaters, and loafers work just fine, but skip gym clothes. Bring a pair of binoculars for spotting wildlife or far-off storm clouds—you’d be amazed how many antelope you’ll see without trying.

Plan for the pace. There’s Wi-Fi but it’s patchy, especially in stretch-of-nowhere parts of the Karoo desert, so bring a book or load up your playlist. If you want privacy, request a table for two in the dining car—just flag it early with your butler. Vegans, gluten-free, or kosher? Let the staff know at booking and they’ll prep special menus. Pro tip: grab a seat in the observation car just before dusk; with wall-to-wall windows, this is where sunsets and South Africa’s starry skies hit hard.

If you want to see more than the rails, take the guided walking tour at Matjiesfontein. The “town” is frozen in the Victorian era, complete with a museum of oddities and a historic pub. Remember, excursions are short (about an hour), so snap photos fast and don’t wander off. Back on board, hit the bar car for a signature Blue Train martini—they shake a mean one, and locals say it’s better than in any Cape Town hotel.

Don’t ignore the smaller luxuries: order breakfast in bed at least once, ask your butler for turn-down treats (they’ll surprise you with chocolate truffles or citrus sorbet), and sneak in a nap with the blinds open—the light across the veld is famous for a reason. If you’re up early, step into the lounge before others rise for a coffee with sunrise views. Bring a small bag if you plan to shop for souvenirs—handmade crafts are on sale in the gift shop, and proceeds often go to South African children’s shelters.

If you’re curious but hesitant about the price, consider that most guests say they’d do it again, even over top game lodges or ocean cruises. It’s not just about riding a train; it’s about a total reset, letting yourself be spoiled while rolling across one of the world’s epic landscapes. In short, the Blue Train’s claim to luxury is well-earned—and a little magic still lingers in every mile.