Most of what makes the Blue Train special happens without you having to think about it. This page covers the few things worth knowing before you travel, from where to check in to what goes in your overnight bag.
Check-in and Departure Points
The Pretoria to Cape Town and Cape Town to Pretoria journeys are scheduled to leave at 13:00, with check-in in the late morning. You are welcomed with snacks, drinks and often some live music while your luggage is taken care of. We confirm the exact check-in time for your departure with your travel documents.
- Pretoria to Cape Town: since 1 January 2025 the southbound train has left from Irene Station in Centurion, just south of Pretoria, not from Pretoria Station. Check-in is at Irene Country Lodge, on the farm side of the estate.
- Cape Town to Pretoria: check-in is at The Blue Train's lounge at Cape Town Station.
- Pretoria to Kruger: the Kruger rail safari leaves from Pretoria Station, with check-in at The Blue Train Lounge.
The main journeys are scheduled to arrive at about 18:00 on the third day. The Blue Train shares the railway with freight trains, so delays do happen. If a delay is serious enough to affect onward plans, The Blue Train may offer guests the option of leaving the train and continuing by road. We always recommend a night in a hotel at the end of the journey rather than a same-day flight.
Luggage
Space in the suites is limited. There is a raised luggage rack for a small bag, so pack an overnight case with everything you need for two nights, including your evening clothes. Your butler will put larger cases in the baggage van, where they cannot be reached until the end of the journey. The Blue Train recommends that luggage is insured.
Dress Code
Smart casual during the day. Dinner is an elegant affair: gentlemen are asked to wear a jacket, a waistcoat or traditional dress, and ladies elegant evening wear. Pack for the season, too. South African summers (December to February) can be hot and humid, and winter days (June to August) are often sunny but the nights cold, with rain in Cape Town.
What Is Included
The fare covers your suite, all meals and snacks, all drinks including alcohol, cognac and Cuban cigars, room service (apart from a small specialty menu), a limited laundry and valet service, Wi-Fi and the off-train excursion. The only exclusions on board are French Champagne, caviar and external telephone calls. Gratuities are not included and are entirely at your discretion; if you would like to leave something, there is a box at the entrance to the Club Car and the total is shared equally among the crew.
Children
Children are welcome. Those aged five and under travel free when sharing their parents' suite, up to two per suite. Children aged 6 to 11 have their own suite and pay half the adult fare, and children aged 12 and over pay the full adult fare. There are no children's menus, though dietary needs can be accommodated, and a parent or guardian signs The Blue Train's children's policy before boarding. There is no room in the suites for a cot or an extra mattress.
Accessibility
The Blue Train is not fully wheelchair friendly, as the corridors are narrow, but there is a specially designed wheelchair on board that fits them, and the butlers will help. If you or anyone in your party has limited mobility, please talk to us before booking so we can check the arrangements with The Blue Train.
Health and Safety
Trained first-aid staff are on board at all times, and doctors can be called to stations along the route if needed. The crew are not allowed to give guests any medication, so bring whatever you need. The tap water on the train is not for drinking, but still and sparkling bottled water is always available.
No vaccinations are needed for South Africa unless you are arriving from, or have passed through, a country with a risk of yellow fever. The Kruger area and Victoria Falls carry a malaria risk, so if you are adding a safari, ask your GP or a travel clinic for advice well before you go. The train has on-board security, the stations are access-controlled, suite doors lock and each suite has a coded safe.
Passports and Visas
British citizens can currently visit South Africa for up to 90 days without a visa. According to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after the date you leave South Africa and have at least two blank pages. The Blue Train recommends six months' validity, which is sensible if your holiday includes other countries. There are extra document requirements for children aged 17 and under. Other nationalities should check with the South African embassy. Rules change, so please check the latest position before you travel.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential. Make sure your policy covers medical treatment, cancellation and curtailment, and lost luggage, and that it covers every country on your itinerary. Some travellers may be asked to show proof of medical insurance on arrival in South Africa.
Money, Power and Time
- Money: the currency is the South African rand. You will rarely need cash on board, and major credit and debit cards are widely accepted.
- Electricity: 220 volts, 50 Hz, with South African M-type sockets. Bring a travel adaptor.
- Wi-Fi: available throughout the train, but based on the mobile network and patchy in remote areas.
- Smoking: only in the Club Car at the front of the train.
- Time: South Africa is two hours ahead of GMT, and one hour ahead of the UK during British Summer Time.
- Language: English is used on board, and many of the crew also speak Afrikaans and other South African languages.
- Pets: not permitted on the train.
For more on the suites and daily life, see Blue Train suites and On Board. The journeys are set out day by day on Pretoria to Cape Town, Cape Town to Pretoria and Pretoria to Kruger. Back to the Blue Train overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, including safety, local laws, passports and visas, please see gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.