Cape Town to Pretoria
Two nights northbound from Cape Town through the Karoo to Kimberley and on to Pretoria in classic Blue Train style.
- Cape TownDay 1
- KimberleyDay 2
- PretoriaDay 3
Overview
Heading north from Cape Town, the Blue Train climbs out of the Cape mountains into the wide spaces of the Karoo. Schedule and weather permitting, the second afternoon brings a guided tour of Kimberley's Big Hole and mine museum before the final run across the Highveld to Pretoria.
- Pre-departure drinks and live music in the Cape Town lounge
- Cape mountains and the Karoo
- Afternoon tour of Kimberley's Big Hole and mine museum
- High tea in the Lounge Car
- Two sittings of fine dining with Cape wines
Day by day
Day 1Cape TownOn board
Check in at the Blue Train lounge in Cape Town about an hour before departure, with live music, snacks and drinks. The train leaves in the early afternoon and climbs through the Cape mountains towards the Karoo.
Day 2KimberleyOn board
After breakfast and lunch on board, the train reaches Kimberley in the afternoon. Weather and time permitting, you tour the open mine museum and the Big Hole, then return for high tea in the Lounge Car before the train continues north and dinner is served.
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · High tea · Dinner
Day 3Pretoria
Breakfast and a light lunch are served in the Lounge and Observation Cars as the train crosses the Highveld. The journey ends at Pretoria Station in the early evening.
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch
- Night 1On board
- Night 2On board
The map is schematic. Dashed lines are excursions by road.
De Luxe Suite
- Shower or three-quarter bathtub
- Beds fold out from the daytime seating panel
- Butler on call around the clock
- Lockable door and in-suite safe
Luxury Suite
- Full-size bathtub in an Italian marble bathroom
- Larger private lounge by day
- Mostly twin beds, a few doubles
- Under-floor heating and individual air conditioning
- Monogrammed bedding, towels and robes
There are far fewer Luxury suites than De Luxe suites, so early booking is recommended; state your bath or shower preference when booking.
- Accommodation in your suite
- All meals and room service
- Drinks on board, except caviar and French Champagne
- Off-train excursion transport, guided tours and entry fees
- Limited laundry and valet service
- Wi-Fi on board
- Deposit
- 10% of the total at booking
- Final payment
- 60 days before departure
Dates and prices
Live availability. Choose a cabin type, then select Book Now to reserve online, or Join waitlist on sold-out dates.
Luxury Suite
De Luxe Suite
Join the waitlist
This departure is currently sold out. Leave your details and we will contact you the moment a cabin becomes available.
Questions about this journey
How long is the Cape Town to Pretoria journey?
It is two nights and three days, covering about 1,600 km. Departure from Cape Town is in the early afternoon, with arrival in Pretoria in the early evening of day three.
Where do I check in?
Check in at the Blue Train lounge at Cape Town Station about an hour before departure, where snacks, drinks and live music await.
What excursion is included?
Schedule and weather permitting, the northbound journey stops in Kimberley for a guided tour of the Big Hole and the mine museum. On some departures a tour of Matjiesfontein may be offered instead.
Can I eat in my suite?
Yes. Instead of the dining car you can choose to dine privately in your suite, and room service is free of charge apart from the speciality menu.
What should I pack?
Pack an overnight case, as space in the suite is limited; larger luggage travels in the baggage van and is not easily reached during the journey. Bring smart casual clothes for the day and elegant wear for dinner.
How do I check dates and fares?
Live dates and fares are shown on this page, and our reservations team can help on (866) 484-7882.



