Blue Train (South Africa)

Blue Train
Blue Train passes through the Karoo
Overview
Service typeLuxury train
First service1923
Current operator(s)Transnet Freight Rail
Websitebluetrain.co.za
Route
TerminiPretoria
Cape Town
Distance travelled1,600 km (990 mi)
Average journey time27 hours
On-board services
Sleeping arrangementsYes
Catering facilitiesYes
Technical
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The Blue Train is a luxury train that travels an approximately 1,600-kilometre (990 mi) journey in South Africa, between Pretoria and Cape Town.[1] It is one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world. It offers butler service, two lounge cars (smoking and non-smoking), an observation car, and carriages with gold-tinted picture windows, in soundproofed, fully carpeted compartments, each with its own en-suite bathroom (many of which are equipped with a full-sized bathtub).[2] The service is promoted as a "magnificent moving five-star hotel" by its operators, who note that kings and presidents have travelled on it.[3]

The train runs through South Africa diagonally, with an average travel duration of 27 hours.[4]

  1. ^ Friel, Mikhaila (13 January 2024). "The best luxury train rides in 2024". Business Insider Africa. Retrieved 8 May 2024. spans 1,600km
  2. ^ "Train travel in South Africa". seat61.com. Retrieved 30 June 2007.
  3. ^ "The Blue Train". bluetrain.co.za. Archived from the original on 17 June 2007. Retrieved 30 June 2007.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference passengers1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).