The Blue Train is hard to beat in terms of luxury when it comes to a rail service. Two locomotive sets operate on the exclusive Blue Train routes, not travelling beyond 58.2mph to ensure that noise from the trains does not become distracting to the guests.
Guests travel in beautifully maintained and decorated suites, each of which has its own private bathroom with shower or bath. There are two luxury carriages for those wanting superior quality of service, with three suites in each. All these luxury suites have private bathrooms with full-sized baths. The beds in the train have been custom designed for the Blue Train, featuring white cotton sheets and duvets. Luxury suites all benefit from a hi-fi, audio, CD and VHS video systems.
In total, the trains have between 29 and 37 suites (depending on which specific train is in use). The train with fewer suites benefits from an observation/conference carriage.
Pretoria to Cape Town:
Early in the morning In Pretoria, guests are greeted at the Blue Train Lounge, where they are offered complimentary snacks and drinks, before boarding the train. After departure, guests are treated to brunch, followed by afternoon tea, before arriving in Kimberley for a tour of the Open Mine Museum. On return to the train, guests are given a glass of sherry before preparing for evening food and drinks. The following day, breakfast is served before the train arrives in Cape Town in time for lunch.
Cape Town to Pretoria:
Early in the morning in Cape Town, guests are greeted at the Blue Train Lounge, where they are offered complimentary snacks and drinks, before boarding the train. After departure, guests are treated to brunch. In the mid-afternoon, the train arrives in Matjiesfontein for a 45 minute excursion (including sherry!). Back on the train, high tea is served before pre-dinner drinks and dinner itself. The following day, breakfast is served before the train arrives in Pretoria in time for lunch.