travel south africa by train

The Man in Seat 61

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in south africa.

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Contrary to what you may have heard and to what many middle-class South Africans may tell you, taking the train is a remarkably safe, civilised & enjoyable way to travel between cities in South Africa.  In fact, you'd be crazy not to consider it.  There are several completely different train services:

Shosholoza Meyl long-distance passenger trains

Comfortable & amazingly cheap, Shosholoza Meyl long-distance passenger trains link Johannesburg with Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth & East London.  They're perfectly safe , and one of South Africa's best-kept secrets, highly recommended by travellers.  The Cape Town to Johannesburg train passes the same wonderful scenery as the megabucks Blue Train, but costs only 690 Rand (£33 or $50) including a bed in a 2-berth or 4-berth sleeper.  Durban to Johannesburg is even cheaper.  Shosholoza Meyl's Tourist Class trains have modernised sleeping-cars and a restaurant car, a great alternative to flying and missing everything, or being stuck in a bus seat for whole days & nights.  See train times, fares, photos & how to buy tickets .  See important update .

Premier Classe trains

Luxury on a budget.  Premier Classe trains link Cape Town & Johannesburg weekly for R3,120 (£189 or $235) including exclusive use of a cosy private sleeper and all meals & afternoon tea in the elegant restaurant car as you pass the fabulous South African scenery.  There's a spacious lounge-bar car too.  Highly recommended by travellers, who give Premier Classe rave reviews.  See train times, fares, photos & how to buy tickets .  Not currently running, see update .

The Blue Train, Cape Town to Pretoria

A world-famous luxury train from Cape Town to Pretoria once or twice a week.  It costs from 10,120 Rand (£895 or $1,300) one-way including meals, wine and even cigars.  Worth it if you have the money.  See train times, fares & how to buy tickets .

Gautrain linking Jo'burg, Pretoria & Jo'burg airport

Gautrain is the brand-new safe and modern electric suburban train service around Johannesburg.  The Airport Line links Jo'burg's O.R. Tambo international airport with Sandton.  The North-South Line links Park Station in central Johannesburg (used by Shosholoza Meyl and Premier Classe long distance trains) with Sandton and Pretoria.

Metro suburban trains

Suburban ( Metro ) trains around Johannesburg & Pretoria are not safe (which is why some South Africans will mistakenly tell you that all South African trains are unsafe), but those around Cape Town can be used if you're reasonably careful to travel from Cape Town to Stellenbosch, Paarl & Simon's Town.  Metro train information .

Cruise trains:  Rovos Rail, Shongololo

There are several luxury cruise trains in South Africa, run by companies like Rovos Rail or Shongololo, aimed a tourists with western-style prices.  Cruise train information .

International travel to & from South Africa by train, bus & sea

Unfortunately, there are now no international trains (other than occasional tourist cruise trains) from South Africa to Namibia, Botswana or Zimbabwe, but for information on international travel by a combination of train and bus from South Africa to Zimbabwe, see the Zimbabwe page . For onward travel to Zambia and Tanzania, see the Zambia page .  For travel to Namibia, see the Namibia page .  For trains to Maputo in Mozambique, see the Mozambique page .  For travel to Botswana, see the Botswana page .  See the map here .

Freight ships with limited passenger places and an occasional cruise liner link the UK with Cape Town.  Start with your search with thecruisepeople.wordpress.com , a UK agency which books both cruise liners and freighters.  Also try www.travltips.com/cruises/freighter/overview.php & www.freightercruises.com .  Cunard have occasional sailings from Southampton to Cape Town, see www.cunard.com .  The St Helena steamship used to have very occasional sailings from the UK to Cape Town but these ended in 2018 as the island of St Helena finally (sadly) got an airstrip, see www.rms-st-helena.com .

Useful country information

Shosholoza meyl trains.

The Shosholoza Meyl long-distance passenger trains are perhaps South Africa's best-kept travel secret and an unbelievable bargain.  Comfortable, cheap & perfectly safe , they link major cities including Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth & East London.  They're a great way to travel as they let you see South Africa comfortably & affordably at ground level, without spending whole days & nights in a bus seat, or spending a fortune on expensive tourist experiences like the Blue Train or Rovos Rail , or flying and missing everything.  They are run by Shosholoza Meyl ( www.shosholozameyl.co.za ), originally part of South African Railways (Spoornet) and now a division of the Passenger Rail Authority of South Africa (PRASA, www.prasa.com ).  The Shosholoza Meyl name was launched in 2001 along with newly-refurbished brightly-coloured sleeping-cars.  In 2006, Shosholoza Meyl split its trains into two distinct classes:  Tourist class with sleeping cars with 2 & 4-berth compartments and a restaurant car serving full meals, snacks, beer and wine, and Economy class with sitter class seats and sometimes a restaurant car.  In Tourist class, the sleepers even have hot showers at the end of the corridor!

IMPORTANT UPDATE 2024:  Shosholoza Meyl trains were suspended in 2020 due to the pandemic, the rail network was then hit by looting and cable theft.  Latest info is that the Cape Town - Jo'burg train resumed once a week in December 2023 as shown below.  The Jo'burg-Durban train has also resumed, details not known.  Contact them (not me!) for details.

Update to the update, January 2024:  Reports now coming in that the Cape Town to Jo'burg train has been suspended again.  Incompetence all round...

Train times & routes

Cape Town - Johannesburg

Johannesburg - Durban

Johannesburg - Bloemfontein - Port Elizabeth

Johannesburg - East London

Johannesburg & Pretoria - Louis Trichardt - Messina

Johannesburg & Pretoria - Nelspruit - Komatipoort (for Kruger Park)

Johannesburg - Mafikeng - Kimberley

Cape Town - East London

Shosholoza Meyl travel information

How much does it cost.

How to buy tickets    

What are Shosholoza Meyl trains like?  

Safety on Shosholoza Meyl trains   

You can check Shosholoza Meyl train times at the official site www.shosholozameyl.co.za , but travel agency site www.southafricanrailways.co.za is kept better updated and is usually far more useful!

1.  Cape Town - Johannesburg

* Until 2019, the Premier Classe train ran every week.  In 2020 it was reduced to running some weeks only, once or twice each month, see www.southafricanrailways.co.za for dates.

** Pretoria:  Shosholoza Meyl & Premier Classe trains no longer run through to/from Pretoria, since 2006 they start/finish their journey at Johannesburg.  Remember that Johannesburg city centre isn't safe for visitors, but Johannesburg Park Station itself has security and is well-patrolled & secure.  Be very careful if you walk outside the station.  It's recommended that you either use the safe new Gautrain network to travel between Jo'burg Park Station, Sandton and Pretoria, or that you pre-book a car or taxi to pick you up at Jo'burg station when you arrive, and when leaving again, take a taxi or car to the station entrance.  Pretoria is a safer city to use as a base when visiting the Jo'burg area.

Fares    How to buy tickets    What are the trains like?    Are these trains safe? Yes!    Cape Town to Johannesburg is 1,530 Km or 956 miles.

Fares    How to buy tickets    What are the trains like?    Are these trains safe?  Yes they are!    Hotels in Cape Town, Jo'burg & Pretoria

2.  Johannesburg - Durban

Johannesburg-Durban trains pass the spot near Estcourt where in 1899 young war correspondent Winston Churchill was taken prisoner by the Boers when the British armoured train he was with was derailed.  They call at Pietermaritzburg (PMB), the station where Mahatma Ghandi was thrown off a train in 1893.  Not just transportation, but a bit of history!

Fares    How to buy tickets    What are the trains like?    Safety on board    Johannesburg to Durban is 722 Km or 451 miles.

3. Johannesburg - Port Elizabeth

Fares    How to buy tickets    What are the trains like?    Are these trains safe? Yes!    Johannesburg to Pt Elizabeth is 1,112 Km or 695 miles.

Check status at www.southafricanrailways.co.za

4. Johannesburg - East London

Fares    How to buy tickets    What are the trains like?    Are these trains safe? Yes!    Johannesburg to East London is 1,023 Km or 639 miles.

Fares may vary by month.   For example, Cape Town to Jo'burg might be R650 in August, R670 in Sept-Oct, R680 in November, R690 in December & January.  The fare includes a sleeper berth in a 2 or 4 berth sleeper compartment.  Couples can request berths in a 2-berth compartment, though this can't be guaranteed.  Bookings open 90 days in advance.

Bedding (sheets, blankets, pillow, made up for you by the train attendant) is an extra 60 rand (£4, $6) or so per person, paid on the train.

Children in tourist class sleepers aged from 0 to 9 pay half fare, 10 and over pay the adult fare.  This arrangement was introduced in 2009.  It seems harsh to have to pay half fare for a 3-month old baby, but remember how cheap the fares are to start with.  Children in economy class seats aged under 5 travel free, children aged 5 to 9 inclusive travel at half fare, children aged 10 and over pay full fare.

Return fares are twice the one-way fare. 

There may be further reductions for students & seniors in off-peak periods, so ask when booking.

Luggage:   You can take up to 25Kg of luggage into your sleeper compartment with you.  Excess can be sent in the baggage car for R4 per item.

Cars can be transported , for prices & booking contact www.shosholozameyl.co.za or (probably better) reliable agency www.southafricanrailways.co.za .  Pets are not allowed on board, except guide dogs.

Economy class fares:   Cape Town to Johannesburg in a seat on the daily Economy class train costs 170 Rand (£12).

What are Shosholoza Meyl Tourist Class trains like?

Sleeping-cars:    The sleeping-cars have 4-berth rooms called 'compartments' and smaller 2-berth rooms known as 'coupés'.  The berths convert to seating for daytime use.  Each compartment has basic leatherette bench seats which convert to bunks at night, and a washbasin with hot and cold water.  Bedding is provided for a small extra charge (60 Rand, about £4, $6) and expertly made up for you in the evening by the train attendant.  Each sleeping-car has a hot shower at the end of the corridor, with lockable shower cubicle & changing area - bring your own soap & towel.  The coaches are not air-conditioned, so the windows open for a superb view of the countryside.  A metal mesh screen is provided for use at night to allow cool air.  Berth numbers aren't specified on your ticket or allocated when you book.  Instead, reservation lists are posted at the departure station telling you your car and berth number.  As far as is possible, two passengers travelling together will be booked into a 2-berth coupé, a solo traveller will normally be booked into a 4-berth compartment with passengers of the same sex.  The price is the same.  If you pay for two tickets (quite affordable, given the fare) you can have sole occupancy of a coupé.  The whole train is all non-smoking.

Example restaurant car prices:  Full English breakfast R 55, porridge R35.  Sirloin steak & chips R95.  Chicken & chips or salad R55.  Lasagne R70.  Macaroni cheese R65.  Castle beer R17 for 440ml.  Wine prices not known.

What are Shosholoza Meyl Economy Class Trains like?

Sitter class seating: Economy trains have basic seating, which does not convert to berths.  Fine for daytime journeys, and safe with travelling security staff on board, but not generally recommended for visitors on overnight trips unless you can't get a sleeper and are prepared to rough it.  Most trains also have a restaurant or refreshment car.

How to buy tickets

Bookings open 90 days before departure. 

Shosholoza Meyl tourist class sleepers can get fully-booked a month or two ahead, especially on the popular Cape Town to Johannesburg route, so book as far ahead as you can . 

Remember that this is Africa and trains can run late, sometimes hours not minutes, so don't book any tight onward connections - ideally allow an overnight stop before any connecting international flight. 

Option 1, buy tickets online at www.shosholozameyl.co.za

Online booking used to be possible on the official Shosholoza Meyl website www.shosholozameyl.co.za - click Book now at top right.

Option 2, buy tickets in person or by phone on 086 000 8888

If you live in South Africa , simply call Shosholoza Meyl's freephone number 086 000 8888.

From outside South Africa , call + 27 11 7744 555 - but you have to collect & pay at a Shosholoza Meyl station within 2 days.  As this may be impractical, I suggest booking online as above or using African Sun Travel as shown below.

Reservations are computerised, so any reservation office can book any journey in South Africa.  When booking by phone, you will be given a booking reference number, and you must collect and pay for your tickets at a station within 2 days.  Your ticket will not show your coach or berth number, but a passenger list showing which berth is allocated to which passenger is posted in a glass case at the station about an hour before departure.

Safety & security on Shosholoza Meyl trains:  Not a problem!

Shosholoza Meyl tourist class trains are perfectly safe to travel on, and can even be recommended for families and women travelling alone.  Sleeping compartments have both a normal lock and a security lock which cannot be opened from the outside, and the train manager and his assistants do a good job looking after their passengers.  People who tell you that 'trains in South Africa are unsafe' have probably never been on one, and are confusing these excellent and safe Shosholoza Meyl trains with the suburban Metro trains around the big cities which they see adversely reported on South African TV.  It goes without saying that the high-end Premier Classe and Blue Train services are very safe, too.

Safety & security at Johannesburg's Park Station

The long-distance trains themselves are very safe, and Johannesburg's Park Station itself is well-patrolled with security guards & CCTV.  However, the streets surrounding Park Station in downtown Johannesburg are definitely not safe, so arrange a car to drop you off or pick you up right at the station entrance or ask the driver to meet you inside the station.   You should take advice before walking around in Johannesburg city centre.  However, things are improving and you can now travel between Johannesburg Park Station and Pretoria via the suburb of Sandton, using the safe new Gautrain network .

Traveller's report:   Trish Jones says this about arriving by car at Johannesburg Park station to catch the Premier Classe train to Cape Town: "With regards to Johannesburg's Park Station, it was one of the things I was concerned about as I haven’t been there for ages, and I’m super cautious.  We had a friend collect us, drove into the car park from the Rissik Street side, and much to my amazement it was spotless and well organized.  Once inside, it’s a case of down the escalator, turn left, and straight into the Premier Classe Lounge (also used for The Blue Train) for check in.  It’s totally separate and is available only to Premier Classe [and Blue Train] passengers.  No hassles and I didn’t feel uncomfortable or threatened at all.  The rest of the station isn't great, but it doesn't matter because you don’t go there."

Traveller's report:   Steven Wasiura says "Park Station in Johannesburg was very busy and felt generally safe, with visible security presence throughout.  The Gautrain is an excellent way to reach the station [from Pretoria, airport, or suburbs], though the direct link between the Gautrain station and Park is still under construction, necessitating a short, easy walk outside.  There are also several car hire agencies with offices at the station, so you may be able, as I was, to return your rental car there and go straight to your train."

Traveller's report:   Ivor Morgan says "The key point is that it's possible to transfer between Shosholoza Meyl & Premier Classe trains, long-distance buses and the Gautrain, without leaving the reasonably secure perimeter of Jo'burg Park Station.  Shosholoza Meyl & Premier Classe trains arrive on the lowest level, on a platform which is somewhat separate from the Metrorail suburban platforms.  Leaving the platform (where your ticket will be collected, so have it handy) an escalator takes you up to the main concourse.  Long-distance buses leave from the main concourse level.  The bus companies have their offices on one side, and there are waiting areas and departure gates on the other.  If you go up another level, there are some shops and a food court and this upper level is also the way to the Gautrain.  The signage is not great, so look for the Wolmarans St exit if there is no Gautrain sign.  When you reach the exit from the building at this level, you will see a short (~15m) covered walkway leading to another building. Inside the entrance to this building, you can see escalators going down to the Gautrain.  At the bottom of the escalators, there is a short passage:  The Gautrain ticket counter and ticket machines are straight ahead, and the ticket barriers are on the left.  Going the other way should be easier - turn right out of the Gautrain ticket barriers (left takes you to the Gautrain car park), up the escalators, and follow the covered walkway to the main station building.  If there are no signs specifically for Shosholoza Meyl, follow the signs for Metrorail until Shosholoza Meyl signs appear."

Travelling from Johannesburg to Cape Town by Shosholoza Meyl tourist class train

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IMPORTANT UPDATE 2024:  These Premier Classe trains stopped operating in 2020 due to Covid and have not resumed.  The great South African Railways has been brought to it knees by mismanagement, corruption, vandalism & theft.

Cape Town -  Johannesburg (once a week)

The Premier Classe train ( www.premierclasse.co.za , if & when their site is working) is an affordable deluxe service aimed at both budget-conscious tourists and South Africans themselves.  It's another of South-Africa's well-kept travel secrets, and it's already getting great reports from travellers who try it.  If you can't afford the famous Blue Train, but still want safe, civilised deluxe train travel at ground level through superb South African scenery that you can't see from 35,000 feet, take a Premier Classe train.  Premier Classe started out in 1998 as an affordable deluxe service from Cape Town to Johannesburg, originally running once a week attached to the regular Shosholoza Meyl train.  But in 2006 it was made into a completely separate train.  In 2008 they introduced a Jo'burg-Durban train and in 2013 they added a Jo'burg to Port Elizabeth train.  Sadly both of these were discontinued in 2014.  See advice on using Johannesburg Park Station .

The Premier Classe train is a hotels on rails.  It uses standard South African Railways sleeping-cars (in fact, the same 1960s-1970s type used by Shosholoza Meyl) which have been refurbished to deluxe standards, and passengers are given twice the normal amount of space per passenger:  Solo passengers get sole occupancy of what would have been a 2-berth coupé, two passengers get sole use of what would have been a 4-berth compartment and so get two lower berths.  The sleeping-cars aren't air-conditioned, a big advantage for photographers as the windows open.  There's a deluxe Premier Classe restaurant car serving 3-5 course meals and a Premier Classe lounge car with armchairs, sofas and a bar.  The fare includes all your meals and complimentary tea/coffee, although alcoholic drinks cost extra.  Premier Classe passengers can use the luxury Blue Train VIP lounges at Cape Town and Johannesburg stations.  Premier Classe is now a division of the new Passenger Rail Authority of South Africa (PRASA, www.prasa.com ).  This amateur video gives a good idea of what to expect on board the Premier Classe train and in terms of scenery, and you may also find this account helps convince you to try out this excellent train service!

Pretoria, Sandton & airport connections:  You can now travel between Jo'burg Park Station, Sandton, Pretoria & Jo'burg international airport on the safe new Gautrain network , see below.

Car transport:   Cars can also be transported on these trains between Cape Town & Johannesburg, R 1,780- R 3,700 per car.

Premier Classe train timetable...    You can check train times & fares at www.premierclasse.co.za (if working) or at www.southafricanrailways.co.za (African Sun Travel, a private agency but usually more reliable).

* Until 2019, the Premier Classe train ran every week.  In 2020 it will be reduced to running some weeks only, once or twice each month, see www.southafricanrailways.co.za for dates.

How much does Premier Classe cost?

Cape Town to Johannesburg  costs around R 3,120 (£189 or $235) each way per person including all meals and private sleeper.

Slightly higher fares apply at peak times such as December-January, Easter & school holidays.

Children under 3 travel free if sharing with their parents, children under 10 pay 80% of the adult fare, children 10 & over pay the adult fare.

You can check fares at www.premierclasse.co.za (if working, it may well still not be!), www.southafricanrailways.co.za (African Sun Travel) or www.newfusion.co.za (New Fusion Travel)

Booking for Premier Classe opens 12 months ahead.  You can request a Premier Classe booking online at www.southafricanrailways.co.za (this is  African Sun Travel, a reliable ticketing agency, not the operator themselves) or www.newfusion.co.za (New Fusion Travel).  Or you can book by phone calling the train operator on +27 11 774 4555 or + 27 12 334 8039 or (from within South Africa) 086 000 8888 (lines open Monday-Friday 09:00-16:30, GMT+2).  Alternatively, you can e-mail your request to the train operator at [email protected] .  There is more information at the Premier Classe website, if it's working, at www.premierclasse.co.za , with an online booking request form.  However, reports suggest you'll get more responsive booking from ticketing agency www.southafricanrailways.co.za (African Sun Travel).

A journey from Cape Town to Jo'burg by Premier Classe train

For these photos I am indebted to Billy Shearer ( read his trip report below ) and Tommi Tollki.

The Blue Train , Cape Town to Pretoria

IMPORTANT UPDATE 2024:  The Blue Train stopped running in 2020 due to the pandemic, but resumed in 2022.  In 2024 it's running.

It's the most famous train in South Africa, and one of the most famous trains in the world.  South Africa's Blue Train links Cape Town with Pretoria once or twice a week, year round.  With a one-way fare from around R 36,000 (£1,750 or $2,000) per person for two people travelling together even in the low season, it's now aimed squarely at foreign visitors.  However, The Blue Train is definitely the most luxurious way to travel between these two cities, and if you do choose to splurge, you will not be disappointed!

Blue Train timetable 2023

The Blue Train switched to a novel night-day-night schedule in 2019, a slower schedule but one less susceptible to delays and with additional off-train excursions.

For departure dates see www.bluetrain.co.za .   See here for the regular passenger trains between Cape Town & Johannesburg .

The northbound journey includes a one-hour stop at the 19th century health resort of Matjiesfontein in the heart of the Karoo.  The Southbound trip includes a stop at Kimberley for a tour of the Kimberley 'big hole' mining museum.  The train no longer serves Johannesburg in either direction, as few tourists want to go there because of its security problems.  The Blue Train rolling stock is also used to run irregular rail cruises on a couple of other scenic routes within South Africa.

You can arrange a package which includes the Blue Train with hotels, transfers, flights through train specialist Railbookers.  They have offices in the UK, USA & Australia:

What's it like on the Blue Train?

The Blue Train offers two types of room:  Deluxe compartments have either a double bed or two single beds and en suite shower or small bath.  Luxury compartments cost a bit more and are almost identical, but have a full size bath (yes, really) and a video.  The train has a dining car and two lounge cars (one smoking, one non-smoking) and both of the two trainsets have an observation car at the rear, allowing you to look back along the line (one of the was damaged and taken out of service several years ago, but is restored for the 2019 season).  Meals and drinks (and even Montecristo Havana cigars!) are included in the fare, and there is an extensive list of South African wines available.  You probably won't be able to drink £800-worth before you reach Pretoria, but you can have a dam' good try...  For pictures of the scenery between Cape Town and Pretoria, see the scenery shots from the Cape Town to Johannesburg journey by Shosholoza Meyl train here and by Premier Classe train here , as the Blue Train follows the same route as far as Jo'burg.

Watch the video: The Blue Train

It's a PR video, of course, but this short film shows how good travelling in The Blue Train from Cape Town to Pretoria can be.

A bit of history

A fast train called the Union Express northbound and the Union Limited southbound was introduced in 1923, to link the Union Castle steamers arriving at Cape Town from Southampton with the gold fields of Jo'burg and the Transvaal capital at Pretoria.  The original wooden coaches were replaced in 1937 with steel coaches built in Birmingham and painted a smart blue.  Before long, the train became known colloquially as 'that blue train', and its name was changed officially to 'The Blue Train' in 1946.  Two new sets of coaches were built for the Blue Train in 1972, and both of these were beautifully refurbished in 1997.  You travel in these same trainsets today.  The Blue Train is still run by the South African Railways (Spoornet), but it is now a separate business unit, due for privatisation...

Gautrain, Jo'burg & Pretoria

Airport line:  sandton ► johannesburg international airport, see www.gautrain.co.za.

Phase 1 of the modern standard-gauge metro service called 'Gautrain' is now operational between the Jo'burg suburb of Sandton and Jo'burg's OR Tambo international airport.  Using brand-new standard-gauge electric trains, it has all the necessary CCTV and security equipment to be a safe and comfortable means of transport for locals and tourists alike.  Trains run every 30 minutes at weekends, every 20 minutes weekday off-peak, and every 12 minutes in the weekday morning and evening peaks.  See www.gautrain.co.za for fares, times and more information.

North-South Line:  Johannesburg (Park Station) ► Sandton ► Pretoria  Gautrain, see www.gautrain.co.za

Phase 2 is now open, with safe modern Gautrain service linking Johannesburg Park Station in downtown Johannesburg (the station used by Shosholoza Meyl and Premier Classe long-distance trains) with the suburb of Sandton and the administrative capital Pretoria.  Gautrain is the best way to travel between Jo'burg and Pretoria, and the safest way to access Jo'burg Park station to connect with your Premier Classe or Shosholoza Meyl long-distance train.  Trains run run every 30 minutes at weekends, every 20 minutes weekday off-peak, and every 12 minutes in the weekday morning and evening peaks.  See www.gautrain.co.za for details.

Suburban Metro trains

Metro trains around johannesburg & pretoria.

Although long-distance Shosholoza Meyl trains and Gautrain are safe for tourists, 'Metro Rail' suburban trains around Johannesburg, Soweto and Pretoria are different matter.  Unless you are particularly foolhardy or adventurous, they are probably best avoided completely.  In 2022, work to restore normal metro services continues .

Metro trains from Cape Town to Stellenbosch, Simon's Town & Paarl

Metro Rail suburban trains around Cape Town have always been less of a problem and as long as you take care, leave your valuables at your hotel and don't travel after dark, they can be a good way to get from central Cape Town to the seaside town of Simon's Town (a scenic run along the coast), or to the wine regions at Stellenbosch or even Paarl - I've taken the metro train to Stellenbosch myself, then hired a bike to cycle round the wineries.  But always check current local travel advice as the situation can change and there have been incidents, even if that may not be the norm.  On the other hand, there is a new initiative for tourists using the Cape Town to Simon's Town train service to tour the coast.

Two classes are available, 1st ('Metro Plus') and 3rd.  Metro Plus means longitudinal cloth seats on newer trains, grey plastic seats on the older ones, 3rd class means plastic bench seats.  Outside the rush hours, trains are not crowded and there's a train from Cape Town to Simon's Town or Stellenbosch every hour or two, taking about an hour.  Make sure you sit in a carriage with other travellers.  To reach the wineries, bicycles can be hired in Stellenbosch, for about £4 a day.

In 2022, work to restore normal metro services continues.  In mid-2022, trains are running between Cape Town & Fish Hoek, but Fish Hoek to Simonstown is out of action.  The Cape Town-Stellenbosch line is also still out of action.

Cruise trains

Several companies run all-inclusive tours around Southern Africa using special deluxe cruise trains. 

Rovos Rail ( www.rovos.co.za ) runs a 5-star cruise train to a regular schedule from Cape Town to Pretoria and on to Victoria Falls.  The train consists of beautifully restored South African coaches with all the usual tourist facilities - lounge, restaurant, private sleeping compartments and showers.  Meals are included in the tour price.  For times, dates of running and prices see www.rovos.co.za . 

Shongololo Express ( www.shongololo.com ) also operates a 3-star cruise train on various routes in Southern Africa and into neighbouring countries.

Buses in South Africa

The trains don't go everywhere in South Africa, and there are times when you might need to take a bus.  There are several long-distance bus operators.  Useful internet addresses are:

TransLux, www.translux.co.za .  Call 011 774 3333 or from outside South Africa +27 (011) 774 3333

Greyhound, www.greyhound.co.za .  Call 083 915 9000.

InterCape, www.intercape.co.za .  Call 0861 287 287 or from outside South Africa +27 21 380 4400.

Click the images to buy online at Amazon.co.uk...

Accommodation in south africa, hotels in cape town, johannesburg, durban or anywhere in south africa....

Personal recommendations:  The Tudor Hotel in Cape Town is inexpensive and central, a good budget choice, from 440 Rand (£33 or $65) per night.  Pretoria is a better place to stay than Johannesburg itself.

Backpacker hostels

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

Flights to South Africa

1)  check flight prices at opodo, www.opodo.com ..., 2)  use skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines....

3)  Lounge passes...

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think!  See www.loungepass.com

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com .

Other Shosholoza Meyl routes...

Fares:  Jo'burg to Messina in economy seat from R100, in a tourist class sleeper berth from R160. 

This train has economy class seats, tourist class sleepers, restaurant car.  For travellers bound for Bulawayo or Harare in Zimbabwe, Messina is 12km from the Zimbabwe frontier across the Limpopo River at Beitbridge.  This route was discontinued in 2014 but was reinstated from March 2018.  It went twice-weekly in August 2018.

*  See the Mozambique page for full details about travel between Johannesburg & Maputo by train.

Fare from Cape Town to East London approx R 650 in Tourist sleeper class.

Fares:  Jo'burg to Mafikeng R100, Mafikeng to Kimberley R130.  New service started 5 June 2015.

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Welcome to Rovos Rail

The most luxurious train in the world.

Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Bespoke train safaris through the heart of Africa combine magnificent scenery with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of leisure travel. In a series of journeys lasting from 48 hours to 15 nights, Rovos Rail links some of the continent’s greatest destinations with a variety of off-train excursions. The beautifully rebuilt wood-panelled trains, which may be hauled by diesel or electric locos, each carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites and are also available for charter , while the Events Train caters for up to 250 guests and is suitable for daytime journeys. Create itineraries by combining our short and long journeys and receive discounts or explore our specials and collections that link our journeys with other entertaining products.

We look forward to welcoming you on board.

Rediscover the old pioneering trail of the Karoo on this 3-night journey

Durban Safari

Venture into the heart of the South African bushveld on this 2-night safari

Victoria Falls

A 3/4-night meander to see one of the natural wonders of the world

Golf Safari

An exciting 9-night kaleidoscope of golf and scenic beauty (and non-golfing)

Namibia Safari

Explore untamed deserts and the wild Atlantic on this incredible 11-night safari

Southern Cross

An 11-night panoramic journey through South Africa, eSwatini, Mozambique and Zimbabwe

African Collage

A 12-night tapestry of landscape, game, history and culture covering South Africa

African Trilogy

A spectacular 15-night meander across the continent from the mountainous east to the deserts of the west

Dar es Salaam

Embark on this epic 15-night voyage across Southern Africa

Copper Trail

14 nights uniting a natural wonder of the world with the famous copper trail

Trail of Two Oceans

A pioneering 15-night east-west African adventure

Combinations

Create extraordinary itineraries combining our short and long journeys

Collections

Discover our variety of special collections for guests travelling Southern Africa

Private Hire

See our bespoke offerings for private and corporate train safaris

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Getting around South Africa by train

I I f you’re an adventurer at heart, rail travel provides an exciting way to soak up South Africa’s scenic beauty without having to drive yourself around. If your ideal adventure includes being able to sit back and relax, letting beautiful landscapes roll on by with magical pitstops along the way, then consider travelling South Africa by train.

Whether you're looking for cost-effective options or opulent multi-day luxury experiences you can choose from economy class, luxury coaches or the ultimate opulent rail safari on the Blue Train or Rovos Rail. Steam enthusiasts can also enjoy rail journeys of old, on restored steam trains.

South African train travel covers some of the most beautiful parts of the country, taking visitors from cities like Johannesburg and Bloemfontein to prime destinations like Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth.

On a budget:  The Shosholoza Meyl is a passenger train that runs between all major cities. An economy-class ticket will buy you a reclining seat with sufficient legroom on routes that include 11 major cities across the country, but be prepared for the unconventional. The energy on the train is always electrifying especially during summer (December to February) as there are people from different parts of the country travelling.

You can purchase an upgraded ticket that can get you a two-bed coupe or four-bed compartment.  These are transformed into suites during the day and bedrooms at night. Each Shosholoza Meyl train contains several communal showers and bedrooms for passengers to freshen up.

Mid-range:  The Premier Classe is a luxury passenger liner that accommodates guests in spacious single bed, double bed or family compartments. It’s complete with beautifully designed bathrooms and complimentary toiletries, gowns and room service. Yes, that’s right, room service on a train. The Premier Classe line operates between Johannesburg and Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town as well as Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.

Luxury:  South Africa's most glorious train is undoubtedly the Blue Train. The Blue Train pulls out all the stops to guarantee a state-of-the-art South African rail safari. It comprises a baggage van, personnel car, club car for smokers, deluxe suites, kitchen, dining car and lounge.

The Blue Train operates between Pretoria and Cape Town, and Pretoria and Durban. A special trip to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve is also available.

There is also Rovos Rail, defining itself as "the most luxurious train in the world".  Begin a journey with Rovos Rail and experience the extravagance of rail travel to Southern Africa’s most spectacular destinations. The beautifully rebuilt trains carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites and are also available for charter, while the Events Train caters for up to 250 guests and is suitable for daytime journeys. Rovos Rail has also established three stately seaside retreats in St James, Cape Town

WHO TO CONTACT

The Shosholoza Meyl Tel: +27 11 774 5244 Email:  [email protected]  https://www.shosholozameyl.co.za

Premier Classe Tel: +27 87 802 6674 http://southafricanrailways.co.za/premier_classe.h...

The Blue Train Tel: +27 12 334 8459 [email protected]  http://www.bluetrain.co.za

Rovos Rail Tel: +27 12 315 8242 [email protected]  http://www.rovos.com

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The BMW International Open has made us excited for the BMW Golf Cup World Final to be hosted in SA. We caught up wi… https://t.co/XiU3waBo1T

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South Africa has many exquisite golf courses. As we gear up for The BMW International Open in Germany, we hope to s… https://t.co/vTFwgOa78W

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What does golf, South Africa, BMW and Germany have in common? The 34th staging of the BMW International Open in Ger… https://t.co/YdvuWOjs8O

Golf was first played in South Africa in 1885, in Cape Town. Now we are taking our love of golf to the world, as we… https://t.co/dXc5uIyGxI

RT @PublicSectorMan: Today marks 47 years since the youth uprising of 16 June 1976. Deputy President Paul Mashatile will lead the commemor…

We look forward to showcasing South Africa’s abundant tourism offerings to a global audience while reminding them a… https://t.co/yVz97hDGaa

A dynamic collaboration between SA Tourism and the iconic BMW Group is set to supercharge the country’s efforts tow… https://t.co/JhLDwHlLix

50 days until the kick-off – or shall we say the tip-off – of the Vitality #NWC2023 in SA! Excitement levels are at… https://t.co/Ni2fHwh2NJ

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A Guide to Traveling Through South Africa by Train

Some might tell you that travelling by train in South Africa isn’t an easy option –– it might not be as connected as Europe or India, and there are definitely fewer routes. If you prefer vehicles, you might find one at car rental South Africa . However, the country does possess roughly seven train services running between the major cities, with a few destinations in-between –– including service from Johannesburg to Maputo. Trains vary greatly in comfort and price, but there are definitely options for those wishing to travel with the assurance of safety and comfort, as well as those wishing to travel with a bit of luxurious pampering.

The Blue Train

Shongololo Express

Shosholoza Meyl

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Train Tickets in South Africa

South Africa is an incredibly popular destination for travellers looking to discover diverse cultures, beautiful scenery and some exciting wildlife encounters. With over 21 National Parks, eight World Heritage Sites, 3,500 kilometres of pristine coastline, a fantastic climate and awesome adventures ranging from shark-diving to surfing, historic trails to wine tasting, South Africa is guaranteed to provide you with an unforgettable holiday experience.

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Blue Train Tours: Experience the Iconic Blue Train South Africa Journey

If you’re considering adventuring away from home and treating yourself to a dose of luxury, Blue Train Tours can offer you the experience you’re looking for. The Blue Train South Africa is a genuine icon in luxury train travel and an enterprise that this magnificent country is enormously proud of. Operated by Transnet Freight Rail, our Blue Train holiday packages offer you a magical way of travelling from Pretoria to Cape Town while enjoying unbeatable hospitality that has been a trademark of Blue Train trips since 1946.

View all the Blue Train tours we offer to get your trip going.

Cabin Classes

Full details on the cabin classes available on the Blue Train.

Life On Board

Learn about life on board the Luxury Blue Train.

Frequently asked questions about the Blue Train.

South Africa’s Legendary Blue Train Luxury Tours

Below are the rail tours we offer that use the Blue Train. Just click on any tour to open a PDF containing all you need to know about the trip including a detailed itinerary, dates and prices.

● Please remember that booking as far ahead as you can in advance is essential for these trains ●

2 Nights From SA Rand ZAR 40,035

Contact us for quotes in other currencies

Cape Town ● Kimberley ● Pretoria

Pretoria ● Kimberley ● Cape Town

South Africa’s Blue Train Gallery

A selection of photos below give a flavour of life on board the Blue Train.

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How Can We Reach You?

How can we help, which blue train trip are you interested in, how did you hear about us, south africa’s blue train tours: elegance and sophistication on rails.

South Africa’s Blue Train has been synonymous with the warmth of its hospitality and the opulence of its accommodation since making its debut in the late 1940s. Whether you’re looking to sit back, kick your shoes off, and unwind on the 2-night Blue Train Cape Town to Pretoria route or the reverse journey, these Blue Train South Africa specials offer a truly unique glimpse into some of the country’s most stunning diverse scenery.

As a guest boarding Blue Train tours in South Africa, you’ll find yourself fully immersed in the lap of luxury for the duration of your journey. From a dedicated butler and spacious and beautifully designed cabin to the observation car and incredible onboard dining, the luxury Blue Train South Africa will continue to draw you in and impress you at every turn. Blue Train prices for upcoming tours represent immense value, and the Blue Train Express is something everyone should experience.

African Blue Train Holidays: From Cape Town to Pretoria in Opulent Style

The Luxury Train Travel Company’s Blue Train holiday packages allow you to steep your soul in the wonderful things this country offers. Once you’ve boarded the Blue Train, Cape Town to Pretoria route, you’re in for a first-class treat as you’ll have some magical opportunities and off-train excursions made available to you. You could add a “rail safari” to your South African Blue Train package and visit the Kruger National Park to see South Africa’s big five: elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo.

If off-train excursions aren’t your thing, the luxury Blue Train South Africa won’t leave you short of enjoyable experiences. You could relax in the observation car and enjoy a glass of champagne on your Blue Train holiday. The landscape along the route is mesmerising; you could spend hours taking in the spectacular vistas. If you want to cocoon yourself in your luxurious suite while resting easy on the African Blue Train, bury your head in a good book and watch the world go by on one of our Blue Train holidays in South Africa.

Blue Train South Africa Prices: Luxury Meets Affordability

Luxury and affordability are two words that will have a unique meaning to each of us. But one thing that can’t be argued is the luxury of South Africa’s Blue Train. Available packages for 2024/25 will introduce you to the height of luxury rail travel that can comfortably be set side by side with any luxury trains currently operating worldwide. The Blue Train South Africa route, north or southbound, allows its passengers to indulge like royalty.

Blue Train prices also represent incredible monetary worth. Blue train packages can be booked as part of a wider-reaching South African adventure or as a 3-day and 2-night short getaway. A Blue Train travel package is something that everyone should experience, and thanks to our Blue Train prices being so reasonable, they can. Our Blue Train holidays in South Africa start at over USD 1,500 and provide absolute luxury and comfort, including your meals, wine, and cigars, if that’s your thing.

Blue Train Specials: Exclusive Deals for the Discerning Traveller

Here at The Luxury Train Travel Company, we want to give our clientele the most rewarding experience when booking one of our Blue Train holiday packages. We have long excelled in customer service and assisting in providing Blue Train trips that far exceed expectations. For many guests boarding South Africa’s Blue Train, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, maybe the beginning of a honeymoon, a wedding anniversary, or a retirement treat.

Our Blue Train specials have been curated to ensure the finest of details have been taken care of as we make every effort possible to ensure your time aboard the African Blue Train is unforgettable for all the right reasons. Whether you want to book the Blue Train Cape Town to Pretoria or the return Blue Train tour, we’re with you every step to ensure it’s perfect. Check out our Blue Train specials and speak to an expert here who will help you get the best deal for your luxury rail journey in South Africa.

Available Blue Train Packages: Tailored for Every Adventurous Soul

Even though many people are never fortunate enough not to treat themselves, we all love an adventure. The Luxury Train Travel Company is here to make it easy for you to book that dream trip in the form of one of our beautifully curated Blue Train tours in South Africa. And if you’re seeking adventure, what an adventure this is, and you get to enjoy it all in the lap of luxury. Our Blue Train South Africa specials promise you the experience you’ve been missing, and you’ll experience it in total comfort.

Whichever Blue Train travel package you settle on as your dream journey, you can experience the finest of the country, from South Africa’s “Big Five” the elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and rhino, to Kimberley Open Mine Museum. Onboard, you’ll indulge in best-in-class accommodation and onboard service, including a butler. Along the Blue Train South Africa route, you can enjoy fine wines and champagne, spectacular meals prepared onboard, and relax in the bar or observation car.

The Classic Route: Blue Train from Pretoria to Cape Town and Beyond

The classic and most popular route is the Blue Train trip to Cape Town. The journey begins in Pretoria, some 1600km northeast of the port city of Cape Town. You’ll register and then check in to the Blue Train lounge for a midday departure. Your Blue Train tour will begin with canapés being served. High Tea is served at 4 p.m. before you can dress for one of two dinner settings in a jacket or waistcoat for the gentlemen and elegant wear for the ladies.

After enjoying a stunning fine dining meal, you could relax at the bar or retire in your luxury cabin for the evening. Day 2 sees South Africa’s Blue Train arrive at Kimberly station for your excursion to the Open Mine Museum. You’ll depart around midday for lunch onboard the Blue Train Express. Day 3 will see your Blue Train South Africa route end as you arrive at Cape Town Station at 6 p.m., where you’ll depart to continue your journey.

A Journey to Remember: The Blue Train Express Adventure

Luxury train travel has always provided a beautifully laid-back way of journeying from one destination to the next. Unlike other forms of transport, a trip onboard the African Blue Train is as much about the journey itself as it is about reaching Cape Town or Pretoria. Our Blue Train tours in South Africa include adventure, excitement, and thrills while remaining relaxed in total luxury. Our Blue Train tour packages are wonderfully designed to optimise unique opportunities and create a lifetime of incredible memories.

Blue Train Trips in South Africa: Discover the Country’s Hidden Gems

Blue Train trips allow the discerning traveller to explore the magical country in a way that no other method of transport allows. Whether you’re booked on the Blue Train Cape Town to Pretoria route, the reverse journey, or both, you’ll get a unique perspective of South Africa. You could book one of our Blue Train available packages as a stand-alone trip or use a journey on the Blue Train Express to embellish a wide-ranging tour of the country to discover more of its secrets and hidden gems.

Luxury Blue Train Tour Packages: Curated for Ultimate Travel Bliss

Each Blue Train travel package has been carefully curated to produce lifelong experiences and memories. Whether it’s your first Blue Train trip to Cape Town or your tenth, you’ll never be let down by the tremendous level of onboard luxury and the experiences along the route. The Blue Train South Africa route is extraordinary, and even the most seasoned luxury traveller will be dazzled by the opulence and old-world charm of any of these Blue Train tours.

THE MOST POPULAR QUESTIONS

Blue train holidays faqs, what are the blue train south africa prices for the different routes.

The Blue Train specials at The Luxury Train Travel Company provide incredible value for money when taking a luxury train journey through South Africa or another continent. The landscapes you’ll see across SA are very diverse and offer something truly unique. The Blue Train trips in South Africa from either Cape Town or Pretoria make for an incredible journey. Blue Train prices are dependent on several factors. The price can change significantly between the high and low seasons, depending on which luxury cabin you choose. If you opt for a luxury double cabin in the low season, you can expect the price to be around USD 1800, and a deluxe single occupancy cabin in the high season will be USD 2500+.

Are there any special Blue Train South Africa Specials or discounts available?

Blue Train specials are sometimes available throughout the year. If you are considering any of our Blue Train holiday packages available through our website, contact an expert at The Luxury Train Travel Company, and we’ll help you get the best available deal at that time.

Which Blue Train Packages are the most popular?

It would be fair to say that all the routes currently available onboard South Africa’s Blue Train are very popular. It depends on whether the three days and two nights onboard your Blue Train tour will be your entire vacation or whether your stay onboard the luxury Blue Train South Africa is being optimised to transport you to Pretoria or Cape Town to continue your journey.

Can I book a Blue Train Tour with rail travel and safari experiences?

The Pretoria to Hoedspruit is returning, and this Blue Train travel package is being run as a “rail safari” and will take in Kruger National Park. Kruger National Park is one of the country’s top three destinations and will provide ample opportunity to witness Africa’s Big Five. These particular Blue Train tour packages will be running with a route from Pretoria to Hoedspruit, including the 19-hour overnight journey, arriving at 5 a.m. and then returning at 10 a.m. the following morning.

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Train journeys in South Africa

Both the Rovos Rail and Blue Train offer a five-star experience and the chance to explore untouched parts of Southern Africa. Journeys can last anything from one day to two weeks.

The most popular route travels the length of South Africa , from Pretoria to Cape Town (or vice-versa), while others criss-cross their way right across Southern Africa and travel as far afield as Botswana , Zimbabwe , Zambia , Namibia and Tanzania .

A trip on either the Blue Train or Rovos Rail can be easily incorporated into a safari in Kruger National Park .

Start planning your rail journey in South Africa

Cape Town to Kruger: luxury South African rail journey

11 days from $14,995pp

Cape Town, Botswana & Victoria Falls

11 days from $19,495pp

Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.

The Blue Train

Every comfort has been thought of on the Blue Train and the vivid blue color makes it instantly recognizable as it weaves its path through the country.

With soundproofing and modern air suspension it's a peaceful and comfortable way to travel.

Blue Train routes

One of the most popular routes taken by the Blue Train travels between Cape Town and Pretoria (or vice-versa), taking in South African countryside seldom seen by visitors.

It passes the changing scenery of the Winelands , and places such as Paarl, the Great Karoo desert, and the diamond mining region around Kimberley.

Stop-offs include the Victorian village of Matjiesfontein, a National Historic Monument. Its Victorian buildings and original 19th century London lampposts present a bygone era to the traveler. Visitors can take a tour by old London bus and visit the various local museums.

If you're seeking something different, additional routes to Durban and even into Botswana can also be arranged.

Levels of service

There are two trains, one accommodating 58 guests, the other 74, with excellent service on both.

You'll be assigned a butler at the start of your journey who'll convert the cushioned seats in your compartment into plush beds while you enjoy dinner in the dining carriage.

• Luxury suites : the twin or double-bed suites offer deep, long baths, the choice of radio and movie channels on a private digital entertainment center, as well as a selection of music CDs and big-screen movies on DVD.
• Deluxe suites : these suites feature either twin beds with a shower, or double beds with a bathtub and handheld shower.

Rovos Rail combines luxury travel with the chance to experience living history.

Its carriages have been restored to their Edwardian grandeur, making them the ideal environment for enjoying the scenery of Southern Africa.

Rovos Rail routes

Like the Blue Train, Rovos Rail trains travel between Cape Town and Pretoria or vice-versa,

They pass through South Africa's Winelands, and places such as Paarl, the Great Karoo desert, the diamond mining region around Kimberley and the restored Victorian village of Matjiesfontein.

As with the Blue Train, a trip on the Rovos Rail can be incorporated into a safari in the Kruger National Park , as well as to Durban and Victoria Falls near Livingstone.

We can also arrange a nine day (eight night) trip from Pretoria to Ondangwa in Namibia, a journey of 2,112 miles (3,400 kilometers). Alternatively, you could take a 14-day trip from Cape Town, through Zimbabwe and Zambia, ending in Dar es Salaam on the Tanzanian coast.

Rovos has two trains, complete with restaurant cars: observation carriages and sleeping compartments.

Each train carries a maximum of 72 guests and offers three types of accommodation:

• Royal suites : offer plenty of room. Each suite is air-conditioned and has its own private lounge and bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower. They can accommodate two people and offer the choice of side-by-side twin or spacious double beds.
• Deluxe suites : are spacious and can accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds. They feature a lounge and en suite bathroom with shower.
• Pullman suites : these are equipped with a sofa-seat during the day, which can be converted to double or twin beds for the evening, and have an en suite bathroom with shower.

Train journey questions and answers

Q. does rovos rail and the blue train run all year round.

Yes, they both run throughout the year, although the journeys are more limited during winter months (July - September).

Q. Are all meals, drinks and excursions included in the price?

All meals and drinks whilst on the train are included, as are any excursions.

Q. Are there sittings for meals?

On Rovos Rail there is one sitting in the formal dining carriage. On the Blue Train there are two sittings for dinner.

Q. Can you take children?

Yes, but parents need to be aware of other passengers, so very young children are not recommended.

Q. What is the dress code on board?

During the day, casual wear is fine. At dinner, a jacket and tie for men is required.

Q. Are there showers on board?

On the Rovos Rail, all rooms have a shower. On the Blue Train, all rooms have either a shower or bath.

Q. Will I require visas for my trip?

If your journey crosses into different countries, even if you are only passing through, you will require a visa. Please discuss this with your South Africa specialist for detailed advice.

Further reading

• What to do in South Africa: our highlights
• Grand tour of South Africa

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The Complete List of Train Travel Options Between Johannesburg and Cape Town

There are several frequently asked questions tourists to South Africa have about train travel. Since the two most visited cities are Cape Town and Johannesburg , the first is whether there is a train from Johannesburg to Cape Town, and the answer is that there are several options for overnight train travel between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Another question is whether there is a high-speed train between Johannesburg and Cape Town. The answer to this question is no. The Gautrain is a high-speed train in Gauteng , but there is no Gautrain line between Johannesburg and Cape Town .

Your options for train travel between Johannesburg and Cape Town depend on your budget, time in South Africa and what you want from your travel experience. Let’s explore the options for overnight train travel between Johannesburg and Cape Town, which includes the Shosholoza Meyl, Rovos Rail and the Blue Train.

Bus travel between Cape Town and Johannesburg may suit your budget better if you are on a budget.

Train Travel Between Johannesburg and Cape Town: Shosholoza Meyl

The Shosholoza Meyl is a passenger train operated by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). It travels between Johannesburg , Cape Town , East London , Port Elizabeth and Durban every week at reasonable rates. 

The trains travel between Park Station in Johannesburg and Cape Town’s train station. The train journey between Cape Town and Johannesburg lasts 25 hours and covers a distance of 1600 km across South Africa. 

The Shosholoza Meyl is a dedicated long-distance passenger train service, offering economy and deluxe sleeper class trains. In both tourist and premier classes, compartments have 2 or 4 berths. Solo travellers share a 4-bed compartment with solo travellers of the same gender. The leatherette benches in the compartments convert to bunk beds at night. Each compartment has a washbasin with hot and cold water under the table. There is a communal toilet, lockable shower cubicle and changing area at the end of the coach.

Train Travel Between Johannesburg and Cape Town: The Shosholoza Meyl Service Offerings

You can book either economy or deluxe tickets on the Shosholoza Meyl. You can also transport your car between Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Economy or Tourist Class 

The restaurant in the tourist class coach makes South African meals which you can purchase with cash only. You can also buy snacks from a service trolley or bring food. You can get bedding from an attendant at R75 per person. Remember, the tourist class coaches do not have air conditioning, but you can open the train’s windows for fresh air and a cool breeze.

The tourist class Shosholoza Meyl travels between Johannesburg and Cape Town on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The train leaves Johannesburg at 10:30 on these days and arrives in Cape Town the following day at 12:40. The journey is an hour longer than the premier class and takes 16 hours. In addition, the tourist train stops at many towns, whereas the premier train trains only have two stops during the journey.

Deluxe or Premier Class for Train Travel Between Johannesburg and Cape Town

When you book a deluxe ticket, you travel in the Premier Classe. One of the premier class ticket benefits is access to the VIP lounges in Johannesburg and Cape Town before boarding the train. In the Premier Classe, you get a classy food and beverage schedule. You get welcome drinks and snacks comprising tea/coffee and muffins when the train departs, a full English breakfast, a four-course lunch, high tea and a five-course dinner while travelling.

Coffee/tea and juices are complimentary when travelling premier class, but you will pay extra for alcoholic beverages and sodas. You eat meals in a restaurant car and access the premier classe’s lounge coach with a television. The Premier Classe coaches have air conditioning. Your premier class fare includes bedding, towels and additional luxury amenities. 

The premier classe’s Shosholoza Meyl travels once a week on Thursdays from Johannesburg and Cape Town. The train leaves Johannesburg at 10:30 on a Thursday and arrives in Cape Town at 12:40 on a Friday. The train travels via Kimberley and Beaufort West to get to Cape Town . You can travel from Cape Town to Johannesburg in premier class once a week on Tuesdays. The train leaves Cape Town at 9:05 on a Tuesday morning and arrives in Johannesburg at 11:03 on a Wednesday. The train travels via Kimberley and Beaufort West to get to Johannesburg. 

How Much Are the Shosholoza Meyl Train’s Prices for Train Travel Between Johannesburg and Cape Town ?

The fare is R690 per trip for tourist class tickets, making this the cheapest train from Johannesburg to Cape Town. The premier class ticket costs R3120 per trip and is reasonable for a more luxurious train travel experience.

How Do I Book the Shosholoza Meyl for Train Travel Between Johannesburg and Cape Town?

The  Shosholoza Website  does not contain much information on the service. However, you can book through the following sales and reservation contact numbers: 086 000 8888 / (+27 11) 774 4555. The call centre operates from 8:00 to 16:00 on weekdays and 8:00 to 12:00 on weekends and public holidays. 

An online booking alternative is to book through a  third-party website  by completing a form to get a quote. You cannot make a direct and immediate online booking for travel on the Shosholoza Meyl, and you cannot book tourist class tickets or get a quote for longer than 90 days before your travel date. You can book premier class tickets one year before your travel dates.

for Train Travel Between Johannesburg and Cape Town: Considerations for The Shosholoza Meyl

Many travellers complain about the train often leaving late and last-minute cancellations. For the most updated information on your journey, follow the South African Railways on  Facebook   or  Twitter.  

Train Travel Between Pretoria and Cape Town: Rovos Rail’s Train

Rovos Rail started in 1989 and offers a steam-train experience. They provide several train journeys, including the first-class train between Pretoria and Cape Town. During the trip, guests visit the historic village of Matjiesfontein , with a museum on its platform. The train also stops in Kimberley to visit the Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole . Here is a great place to stay if you visit Kimberley.

Each train includes coaches for accommodation, dining and a lounge. There is also a small gift shop, a smoking lounge and an observation car with a balcony. The Rovos Train has no radios or television sets on board. 

The Rovos Train does not use Pretoria Station, but the Rovos Rail Station in Capital Park, Pretoria. The train departs from Pretoria at 11:00 on the first travel day. During the second travel day, guests visit Kimberley , and on the third travel day, they see Matjiesfontein . The train arrives in Cape Town on the third day at 18:00. The journey from Cape Town to Pretoria has the same schedule, just in reverse.

Choice of Compartments

The Rovos Train offers a variety of compartments to choose from, including:

• Royal suites:  These suites have a private lounge area and an en-suite bathroom with a Victorian bath, separate shower, basin and toilet. Guests can choose between double beds or twin beds. 
• Deluxe suites:   Each suite has a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with a shower, toilet and basin. Guests can choose between double beds or twin beds.  
• Pullman suites:  These are available on long journeys and have an en-suite bathroom with a shower, toilet and basin. During the day, these suites have a couch for seating that converts to a bed at night. 

How Much Does a Trip on the Rovos Rail Cost?

The ticket prices depend on the type of compartment you book and whether you share a compartment or travel alone. A single supplement is a 50% add-on to a compartment’s regular price. The prices for the train tickets between Pretoria and Cape Town or from Cape Town to Pretoria are:

How to Book Tickets for Rovos Rail?

You can submit an information request, a quote, or a booking on the  Rovos Rail Website.

Train Travel Between Pretoria and Cape Town : Blue Train

The Blue train launched in 1946 and provides a luxury hotel experience. If you love old steam trains and want a first-class experience, this train is for you!

The Blue Train does not travel from Johannesburg to Cape Town but from Pretoria Station to Cape Town station and between Cape Town and Pretoria. The Blue Train typically travels between Pretoria and Cape Town weekly.

When travelling on the Blue Train, you can choose between suites with either twin or double beds. Each suite has an en suite bathroom. The suites also include the following:

• Radio and move channels.
• A digital entertainment area.
• A selection of music CVs and DVD movies.

The train is air-conditioned, and the windows remain closed at all times. A butler is available in each coach, and room service is available 24 hours daily.

When travelling from Pretoria to Cape Town, the Blue Train leaves Pretoria Station at 14:00 and arrives at Cape Town station at noon on the third day of the journey. The reverse journey from Cape Town to Pretoria has similar departure and arrival times. The Blue Train travels between Pretoria and Cape Town once a week. Depending on the month, there are between 3 and 5 trips a month. For the updated schedule, check their  website .

There is also a Blue Train route between Pretoria and the Kruger National Park . 

Compartment Options on The Blue Train

You can also choose between a deluxe or luxury experience on the Blue Train. The deluxe compartment has either a double bed or two single beds. It also comes with an en-suite shower or small bath. The luxury compartments are identical, except they have a full bath in the en-suite bathroom.

How Long Is a Trip on The Blue Train?

The Blue Train travels 1660 km between Pretoria and Cape Town. The train journey on the blue train takes three days and includes an excursion in Kimberley in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa if there is time and the weather is good. Guests visit the Kimberley Open Mine Museum and the Big Hole in Kimberley .

What Should I Wear on The Blue Train?

When travelling on the Blue Train, you must take formal clothing for dinner. Men need to wear a jacket or waistcoat with a tie , while ladies need elegant evening wear . During the day, the dress code is smart casual, but you cannot wear shorts or flip-flops in the dining car. 

How Much Does a Trip on The Blue Train Cost?

The Blue Train’s rates include all meals, high tea every afternoon, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and excursions. The fare does not include French champagne, caviare or telephone calls. When you make your reservation, you can specify if you need special meals (such as halal, vegetarian or kosher) and whether you prefer a double or twin-bed suite. 

The rates for travelling on the Blue Train depend on whether you travel in the low or high season. The low season is from 1 January to 31 August each year and from 16 November to 31 December. The peak or high season is from 1 September to 15 November each year. The Blue Train’s rates from Pretoria to Cape Town or from Cape Town to Pretoria are:

How to Book Tickets for The Blue Train?

You can book your tickets for the   Blue Train online.

Editor of the South Africa Travel Blog that focuses on travel to South Africa, including destinations, attractions, accommodation, food & drink.

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• Luxury Train Travel South Africa

Rovos Rail - Luxury Train Journeys in Southern Africa

Since its inaugural trip in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned the reputation of being ‘the most luxurious train in the world’ . Experience the ultimate in long-distance travel aboard Rovos Rail’s opulent trains which offer epic j ourneys throughout Southern and East Africa . Also known as ‘The Pride of Africa’, Rovos Rail recaptures the charm and ambience of yesteryear and lavishes its guests with comfort, luxury, and personal service.

In 2016 , The Shongololo Express , one of South Africa’s other luxury trains, began operating under the Rovos Rail umbrella. In January 2024 the Shongololo Express will fully merge with the Rovos Rail, increasing the number of journeys on the Rovos Rail to 12 extraordinary luxury train experiences. The Shongololo Express Brand will be dissolved.

A Brief History

For three decades, South African entrepreneur Rohan Vos - the owner of Rovos Rail - has painstakingly acquired railway locomotives and coaches from the old Rhodesian and South African Railways, foreign rail operators, private owners, and auctions. Each has been carefully chosen, restored, and assigned to duty. His fleet of vintage coaches make up one of the biggest private collections in the world.

On The Train

The coaches, which serve as suites, dining cars, lounge cars, observation, and kitchen cars, have been meticulously restored to preserve their most alluring features. The ornate wood-panelling and carved roof-supporting pillars and arches of the suites tell of old-world charm and character, while the custom-built wing-back chairs, button-leather seats, and deep sofas of the lounge and observation cars envelop guests in comfort.

Each Rovos Rail train accommodates a maximum of 72 passengers in guest suites on Rovos Rail that tastefully combine period Edwardian furnishings with modern conveniences.

As the train meanders through Southern Africa’s most breathtaking scenery, guests relax amidst sophisticated five-star facilities, service, and fine dining. A journey with Rovos Rail adds an exciting highlight to any travel itinerary and can be easily incorporated into other Africa Travel Gateway tours and safaris.

The Different Journeys

Journeys on Rovos Rail travel to Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Durban, Dar es Salaam and Namibia with two different Golf Journeys also available. Journeys depart several times per month and can be booked in either direction. Pretoria is Rovos Rail’s main headquarters.

The scenery en route - vineyards, mountains, deserts, forests, rugged coastline, game reserves, and African savanna - is truly spectacular. Trains are drawn by diesel, electric or, for special occasions, steam locomotives.

Contact African Travel Gateway to discuss how we can incorporate one of Rovos Trail’s train journeys into your Southern African itinerary. Alternatively, look at the rates & dates for 2024 ** or 2025 **

** In South Africa when it comes to train travel, time delays are a potential reality due to the electricity constraints the country experiences. So the time schedules displayed in the rate sheets can differ to reality. For this reason when you (or we) plan your itinerary before and after a train journey we will allow a margin for error in times.

In addition to Rovos Rail, we also recommend another luxury train service - The Blue Train which offers journeys between Pretoria, Cape Town, and the Kruger National Park.

For more information about these or other Luxury Train Travel options in South Africa , please Email us

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The Most Scenic Train Journeys Across Africa

Traveling Across South Africa, Cameroon, Egypt, and More

Cammaert / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Train travel is an option that may not be favored by everybody, but when you compare it to flying, you will certainly get more beautiful views when you travel by railway than you will high above the ground.

Trains also provide a good way of getting from place to place without having to go through customs and the usual security checks. Not to mention, they usually provide a more relaxing travel experience than flying.

On these train trips in Africa, not only will you get to travel between the country's destinations, but you will have some wonderful views to enjoy from the window as you travel.

Johannesburg to Cape Town, South Africa

Neil Austen / Getty Images

While the Blue Train may be the most famous train in South Africa , you don't need to pay the big bucks to enjoy this scenery. The Shosholoza Meyl trains follow the same lines, are much more affordable, and still perfectly safe. The iconic views of Table Mountain are just a part of the attractions here, with the beautiful wine region around the Cape offering some lovely scenery to enjoy too.

Yaounde to Ngaoundere, Cameroon

This is quite a long journey that takes around 17 hours when running on time, and reveals some of the fascinating cultures around trains, with the vendors carrying trays of fruit and food on their heads at each stop. The route passes through some beautiful scenery, with rolling hills and the greenery of the forests along much of the route. While it may not be the most modern of trains, it is undoubtedly the best way to carry out this journey.

Cairo to Aswan, Egypt

Rudolf Baumann / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

This is a stunning line that follows the route of the Nile for much of the way, and the views of herds of camels , along with the stark contrast between the greenery around the Nile and the desert elsewhere, makes for a visually stunning trip. The one hiccup with this route is that tourists cannot purchase tickets for the daytime trains at the station, only for the more expensive overnight sleeper train. This meaning you either have to be purchased online in advance or purchased from the conductor on the train.

Umgeni Steam Railway, South Africa

Marion Boddy-Evans

This preserved railway has been running in the KwaZulu Natal National Park for over 25 years, and it is certainly one of the most interesting ways to see the superb scenery of this national park. The train is pulled behind a historic steam engine and runs from the station at Kloof to Inchaga. There are some very steep sections along the line as it climbs through the 1000 Hills region, and you can see the train having to work to pull the vintage coaches up the hills.

Nairobi to Mombasa, Kenya

sharjah / WikiMedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Few journeys have such a contrast between the two destinations like this one, as you drop over 5,000 feet from Nairobi in the mountains to the tropical heat of Mombasa, which lies at under 100 feet above sea level. Along the route, the train passes through beautiful open areas, and it is common to spot giraffes, ostriches, impala, and so many other species as you travel.

Bulawayo to the Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Louise Grubb / Getty Images

This train runs with some historic rolling stock from the 1950s. It does show some of the neglect caused by the economic situation in Zimbabwe. First-class sleeping compartments are quite affordable for most international visitors.

It is the experience that makes this route special, and as it is an overnight train, the sunrise as you travel across the plains towards the falls is sensational. You can spot all kinds of wildlife while also seeing the spray of the falls rising on the horizon.

Metlaoui to Redeyef, Tunisia

felinebird / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

This is a seasonal train that travels a stunning route through the Selja Gorge and includes plenty of wonderful views of the Atlas Mountains too. The train was once the property of the Bey of Tunis but has now been adapted to hold tourists. Tourists flock to this line precisely because of the beautiful views throughout the route. Originally built to transport phosphates from these mountains, it now offers a very different service.

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Matador Original Series

Ride This Train for 994 Miles Across South Africa's Mountains, Deserts, and Biggest Cities

L ong-distance trains, like the train between Toronto and Vancouver in Canada, or the Caledonian Sleeper between London and Edinburgh in the UK, are not for those who want to get anywhere fast — they are for travelers for whom the journey is as much an essential part of a trip as the destination. And South Africa’s Blue Train is meant just for those people. The nearly 1,000-mile, luxurious train trip between Cape Town and Pretoria (and sometime even all the way to Kruger National Park) is one that wows its passengers by going through four South African provinces and some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, from mountains to vineyards, deserts, and the country’s biggest cities.

Does the Blue Train still exist in South Africa?

What are the routes for the blue train in south africa, how long is the journey of the blue train, what is special about the blue train, the best hotels in cape town and pretoria to be near the train stations.

The Blue Train has been in operation since 1946 and is still running. Bookings are open on their website . The train has been awarded the title of “ World’s Leading Luxury Train ” eight times in the past 25 years.

The main route of the Blue Train is between Cape Town and Pretoria, a journey of 994 miles. A few times per year, the train also runs from Pretoria to Kruger National Park.

The Blue Train can also be chartered from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, George, and Mossel Bay, and from Pretoria to Durban, Kruger National Park, Sun City, and Bloemfontein.

The route between Cape Town and Pretoria, which is the train’s standard journey, takes around 31 hours. It leaves the station at 10 AM in Cape Town/Pretoria and arrives the next day at 6 PM at its destination.

When it is running, the trip between Pretoria to Kruger National Park takes 19 hours.

The Blue Train is a luxury train that resembles a four-star hotel on wheels that can accommodate between 54 and 82 guests (54 guests on the charter train and 82 guests on the standard train).

The guest suites are all exceptional, with detailed wood paneling, elegant wooden furniture, plush carpets, comfy beds, quality textiles, air conditioning, underfloor heating, and private bathrooms. Guests have the choice of twin beds or a double bed, and can opt for a suite with a shower or one with a full-size bathtub. The bathrooms are fitted with Italian marble and gold-plated fixtures. Each coach has a 24-hour butler to help with any requests.

Similarly, the lounges (for aperitif, afternoon tea, after-dinner cognac, and cigar) and the dining car are beautifully decorated in a classic and elegant style. The dining car, where the dress code is formal, serves fine cuisine and South African wines. The chef caters to every diet, including Kosher, Halal, gluten-free, or vegan, as long as your preferences are mentioned at the time of booking.

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

The best hotel near the Cape Town railway station: Taj Cape Town

A quick taxi ride to the train station and the center of the city, the Taj Cape Town is a five-start hotel with 176 luxury rooms and suites. All the rooms and suites are beautifully decorated in an elegant and classic style but their best asset is the views of the city and Table Mountain that they offer. There are three restaurants and bar on site for guest to enjoy: Bombay Brasserie, The Mint Restaurant and Grilland, and The Taj Lobby Bar and Lounge. The property also has a spa offering a range of treatments, a fully-equipped fitness centre, and a large indoor heated pool, sauna, and steam rooms.

If you’d rather stay in a rental, check out Matador ‘s selection of the best Airbnbs in Cape Town .

The best hotel near Gautrain Pretoria Station: Sheraton Pretoria Hotel

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Luxury Rail Travel, South Africa

The Blue Train

Traverse South Africa in style

Adopt the romantic spirit of adventure, the opulence of the past and the finest service of today aboard the majestic Blue Train.

Sometimes there is no better way of seeing a country than rolling along its tracked arteries. The Blue Train’s luxurious carriages and car suites take you from Cape Town to Pretoria (and back) through breath-taking countryside of semi-desert, savannah, winelands and more.

Bedecked in all the elegant splendour of the locomotive era, all the carriages, suites and lounges are panelled in wood with the familiar brass fittings, large panoramic windows and comfortable furniture. Gourmet food prepared by a top chef and fine regional wines are served by uniformed waiters in the smart dining car where tables are dressed in white linen tablecloths, sparkling cutlery and crystal glasses. There is nothing more sublime than watching the landscapes flit by over a lunch of oysters, Karoo lamb and a reserve bottle of Vergelegen wine. Dinner orders a strict dress code too: dinner jackets for the gentlemen, elegant evening wear for ladies.

All the suites come with en-suite bathrooms with showers plus all the customary in-room amenities. There are also deluxe suites available and usually six luxury suites which come with bathtubs.

There are two trains with differing capacity which operate along the scheduled routes of Cape Town to Pretoria (going via Durban sometimes) or they can be chartered for unusual itineraries or even hired for exclusive private use.

Our team of expert travel designers can help you incorporate the Blue Train in your personalised itinerary along with maybe a safari stay, perhaps a beachside break or a spell at an authentic wine lodge. We’re here to give you exactly the trip you want.

37 suites, 74 guests

29 suites, 58 guests

WiFi, Music Systems, TV/DVD, en suite bathroom with shower (some with bathtubs)

Two Lounges

Private and chartered routes available

Off train excursions available

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Whatever you want from your adventure in South Africa, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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South Africa Rail Travel Ideas

In a bygone era, travelling by train was a way of life. Now, it remains a relaxing, enjoyable way to get to your next destination, and in some cases, a great travel experience on its own. Train travel also allows you to take in passing vistas while eating, reading, or simply relaxing. In Southern Africa, one can travel in style on either the Blue Train, linking Cape Town and Pretoria in 27 hours, or Rovos Rail, which offers an excellent selection of longer itineraries around Southern Africa. Slightly less luxurious but still of a high standard are train tours with Shongololo Express, which offers a broad selection of journeys around Southern Africa. Rail travel removes both the responsibilities of driving and the expense and carbon footprint of flying. It also helps cut down on accommodation costs, with sleeping berths available on overnight services.

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Signature South Africa: Cape Town, Rovos Rail, Kruger & More

Rovos Rail: Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam

Rovos Rail: Pretoria to Victoria Falls (or v.v.)

Rovos Rail: Cape Town to Pretoria (or v.v)

Rovos Rail: Pretoria to Walvis Bay or vice versa

Shongololo Southern Cross: Kruger National Park, Great Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls & More

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Getting Around East And South Africa: Transportation Options

A frica is a wild and diverse continent that promises nothing short of adventure. It’s the second largest continent, made up of 54 countries, and presents travelers with a host of wonderful experiences, as well as a few challenges.

One of the biggest challenges about traveling in Africa is knowing how to get around.

We explored East and South Africa on a five-month backpacking adventure, and found there were many forms of transport to explore the continent with.

Getting around East and South Africa is rough, but it’s cheap, and it will provide you with some of your most entertaining stories.

In this guide, we share how to get around East and South Africa and the different modes of transport you can take.

There are many transportation options to suit each travellers budget, desired experiences and comfort levels, which we’ll go into below.

Globus Tours

Public buses, hitchhiking, final thoughts, more africa travel tips, how to travel africa: getting around east and south africa.

Below are the main ways to get around Africa.

Guided Tour

For those travellers who feels a little intimidated about backpacking Africa independently, or a short on time and want to be spared the hassle, there are organized overland safari tours that make traveling in Africa easy.

Craig, and I decided not to travel Africa in this way, although we ran into a lot of these overlander trucks through Africa and were given quite an insight into how they operated.

We wanted to travel slower through each area, and have a lot more contact with the local people, but we can see the appeal for a tour – Africa can feel huge and overwhelming.

Overland safari tours will be more expensive than independent travel,  but costs usually cover meals, transport, and accommodation.

Travelling Africa independently for 5 months cost us $7,000 tota l, and we visited several countries.

If you’re short on time, or only have one month, then we highly recommend this GAdventures Tour from Nairobi to South Africa , which covers the top places to visit in Africa such as Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, South Luangwa National Park, Lake Malawi, Zanzibar and a trip to the Serengeti.

We have also traveled with the Globus family brand of tours on several occasions now and have loved them. They offer a variety of tours including budget and more luxury. Here are some of their Africa tours. Don’t forget our exclusive discount code in the blue box below.

• Globus tours of Africa
• Cosmos tours of Africa

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We’ve secured an exclusive yTravel discoun t: Save $100 per person on select 2023 and 2024 Globus and Avalon Waterway Vacations. Use the code: YTRAVEL when booking online at the Globus , Cosmos , and Avalon Waterways websites, by calling Globus and Avalon Waterways directly, or booking with a preferred Travel Advisor. Terms & Conditions .

The Baz Bus is a hop on, hop off style transportation company organized to help backpackers and travelers get around South Africa in comfort.

It has designated travel route that follows the backpacking trail, taking you to the most popular destinations and popular things to do in South Africa .

You can choose the route you want, and the bust will pick you up and drop you off at your selected hostel.

Tickets can be purchased for a specific number of days, or more open-ended fleixible tickets are available.

Prices for the Baz Bus range from USD $200 to $500.

After 4 months of traveling around Africa using public transport, I welcomed the Baz Bus ‘luxury’ experience with open arms.

I used it for the last two weeks in South Africa to travel from Durban to Johannesburg via Zululand, Swaziland and Kruger National Park.

Getting picked up and dropped off at my hostel door, spreading myself out on my own spacious seat while I watched videos and swapped stories with other travelers, was pure bliss and so worth the extra expense.

It’s also a safer way to travel for solo travelers in South Africa who don’t want to take a group tour.

There wasn’t a bus journey we went on in Africa that did not involve a laughter and conversation with the locals, having a child thrown on your lap, a neighboring rooster dangerously pecking around your head, a protective mother figure curing your motion sickness with matchsticks, or dramas such as punctured tires, highway roadside ablutions and bus drivers leaving behind those who did not get back from the toilet quick enough.

This is Africa and what better way to experience it.

Public buses (USD$3-$32) are usually taken for longer journeys and across borders where there is a good network of sealed roads.

The buses are generally comfortable, safe and spacious.

When traveling around East African countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, you’ll find there are fewer public buses available than there are in North African countries such as Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt.

This is because they are less developed and have fewer vehicles on the road in general.

These places have fewer or no sealed roads and will have ancient buses that frequently break down, and are crowded.

A step up from the local public buses is the Intercape , the largest privately owned intercity bus service in Southern Africa.

Think modern coach service with reclining seats and restrooms. We experienced the comfort of this from Cape Town to Durban…ahhh!

I thought Asians knew how to fill a mini-van, but then I went to Africa. The mini vans in Asia are quite spacious in comparison to mini vans in Africa.

Africa is the place that sets the outer limits as to how many people can be transported at once in a vehicle. 

Just when you think they couldn’t possibly fit another person in, they have them stand on the window sill outside the van.

I questioned my sanity, every time I rode in a mini-van, and spent the majority of the journey eyes closed to avoid seeing the drivers careen around mountainous corners at speeds of over 80km/h, overtaking anything from bikes to livestock trucks.

Travel in Africa, like this, is not for the faint hearted. Africa is poor; the drivers want to overfill the beat-up, rusty van and go as fast as they can in order to make more money.

Mini-vans are a very cheap way to get around, and are usually taken for up to 6 hour journeys within a country (usually around USD$1-$10) .

They don’t leave until they are full, so jump on one that looks ready to go and avoid sitting in the front seat, commonly referred to as the ‘death seat.’

Of course there is more room!

Pickups are cheap (usually not much more than USD$2) and tend to go a lot slower, traveling more on the smaller rural or village roads. I appreciated pickup travel a lot more than mini vans.

Even though I was hanging out in the pickup tray with bags of rice and potatoes, bicycles, and generally the whole village, I still felt a lot safer.

Traveling Africa in this way is extremely uncomfortable, but the communal aspect of it makes up for this.

A local African took me under his wing, as his muzungu (white person), on an 8 hour, 97km pickup trip to see the gorillas in Uganda.

No one was to touch me or make me uncomfortable; he even threatened to beat two handcuffed prisoners for accidentally sitting on my shoulder.

We sat under a blue tarp as rain pelted down on our drive through treacherous mountain passes.

Benson rescued me several times from sliding off the side of the truck to certain death below. You can always count on African pickups to give you memories like this.

We share more about this experience in this podcast on Amazing adventures to have in Uganda.

Hitchhiking is something that would turn most people’s blood to ice, especially with the thought of doing it in Africa.

It can be a relatively safe and cheap way to get around East and South Africa, and it can also be incredibly dangerous.

More people tend to hitchhike through Namibia and South Africa than any other East African country, but we wouldn’t recommend it unless there is no other way .

Hitchhiking can be free, although many times you will be expected to leave a small tip, and you have to be able to judge each situation. It is always a good idea to ask how much up front.

Accommodations and internet message boards often have notices for those seeking rides, in return for the sharing of fuel costs. This is much safer than flagging someone down on the side of the road.

If you hitch from the side of the road it’s best to wave your hand up and down to flag a lift, as sticking out your thumb is considered a rude gesture in Africa.

Craig and I hitchhiked from Namibia to South Africa, only because other transport options were limited.

A Namibian trucker, for a small tip, drove us halfway, sharing stories with Craig about Namibian life while I slept comfortably in his bed.

Chinese students drove us the remainder of the way to Cape Town, for the sharing of fuel prices and stories of life in South Africa as a Chinese student.

Although not a common form of transportation in East and South Africa, there will be times when the opportunity for train travel should be taken as it is a pleasantly relaxing, cultural experience.

You can travel most of Zimbabwe by train, using the National Railways of Zimbabwe . There is also a famous route from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, but this is a luxury train and quite expensive.

Cruising through game reserves and seeing giraffe, lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, wildebeest and zebra from my sleeper class cabin window was a surreal experience.

It was a treat to pick up passengers from small African towns and have goods hawked at our windows while children raced up to smile broadly and wave at the passing Muzungus.

Usually with travel in Africa you are squashed in like sardines, but if you pay for the higher class ticket (USD$20-$30) you will have your own sleeping cabin, giving you the space and freedom to walk around and appreciate African travel.

If you are not doing game drives in the Game Reserves, then leave room in your Africa travel budget for car hire.

There is no other way to view the wildlife and the natural wonders of Africa, and let’s face it this is one of your main reasons for coming to this beautiful continent.

Be clear on where the best viewing areas and safari camps are for your chosen game parks and plan accordingly so you can cut down on mileage and fuel expenses.

Car hire can be expensive but can work out to be a more cost-effective way to go on safari and tour certain regions of Africa. Check out DiscoverCars.com for the best competitive rates and excellent customer service.

We hired cars for safaris in Namibia and South Africa and to experience the beautiful Garden Route, a popular and scenic stretch off the coast of South Africa.

Car hire in South Africa can be found for as cheap as $30 a day, especially if you book online in advance.

In other parts of Africa it ranges from $75- $100 a day. Be careful of where you have to pick up your vehicle from.

If it is too far from the safari park you will have to allow for extra mileage and fuel expenses.

If you are planning on long term travel in Africa you may even consider buying your own 4WD to tour the continent in.

South Africa would be the best option for purchase, or a departing traveler ready to sell up.

Getting around East and South Africa can be done really cheaply if planned well. Carefully consider your budget and safety interests for getting around Africa.

While public transport is cheap and authentic, it is uncomfortable and less safe. Hiring or buying a car is the more expensive option, but will give you greater freedom.

Overland Safari tours will be expensive and less authentic but will give you an all inclusive package and a greater sense of safety.

So there you have it, those are the ways to travel around Africa, and as you can see there’s a lot of transportation options.

Before you go, we highly recommend you take out travel insurance to protect yourself ahead of your trip.

This will protect you should you come into any unforeseen circumstances.

Don’t forget to get your travel vaccinations too and talk to your doctor about medications!

Need more inspiration for traveling in Africa? Here are some other helpful guides…

• Top 5 Things in Botswana to experience the natural beauty
• 7 Reasons to visit Mozambique
• 13 awe-inspiring things to do in Eastern and Southern Africa
• Africa Travel Safety Tips
• How to travel Africa on a budget
• Safari game parks in Africa not to miss
• Africa safari tips to see the best wildlife
• Why this couple is traveling Africa and you should too
• 7 Reasons to honeymoon in South Africa
• 5 Extraordinary places to visit in Namibia

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Volkswagen set to invest $210 million in South African plant

Volkswagen Africa

German car giants, Volkswagen, is set to invest a fresh $210 million in its South African manufacturing plant located at the Eastern Cape in preparation for the manufacture of a new brand of SUV in 2027.

According to Reuters , the German car maker said the $210 million investment would be used to upgrade facilities in various areas in the plant in preparation for the addition of a third model to its production line from 2027.

Martina Biene,  Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa, explained the company’s goal and how it aligns with the realities of the automobile market in Africa at the moment.

• “As most global vehicle markets transition to electric vehicles, African markets like South Africa will continue manufacturing and selling vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICEs) for the foreseeable future, ” said Martina Biene
• “This will be due to customer demand for ICEs and slow introduction of electric vehicles in these markets, ” Biene added.

Meanwhile, European Union countries are committed to a target of ending sales of Co2 emitting cars by 2035. In the United States, the plan is to increase the share of fully electric vehicles to as much as 35% of the automobile market.

The first phase of the Volkswagen plant facility, also known as the Kariega Plant, will begin at the end of 2024 during the plant shutdown, Volkswagen said.

Volkswagen Brazil team will lead the design and development of the new SUV while Volkswagen Group’s Africa engineering team would focus on adapting the SUV to fit local and continental requirements such as right-hand driving.

Volkswagen revealed very little details about the new model of SUV in contention. The German car maker did not reveal the name of the new SUV.

Aside the planned new model of SUV to be introduced to the plant by 2027, Volkswagen manufactures Polo and Polo Vivo models in the South African plant.

Biene said the new model SUV would be sold in African countries with Volkswagen presence and, in addition to this new model, Volkswagen will also introduce its ID.4 test fleet in South Africa and Rwanda.

Recommended reading: South Africa to open rail sector to private companies

What to know .

• South Africa is the largest automotive manufacturing hub on the African continent, hosting global brands such as Toyota, Isuzu, Volkswagen and Mercedes. 
• Volkswagen has invested over $538 million in its Kariega plant located at the Eastern Cape of South Africa since 2011. 
• According to Statista, Volkswagen was the second-best selling carmaker in South Africa with over 6,316 vehicles sold in 2023. The German carmakers were only eclipsed by Toyota which sold over 12,704 units in the same year. 

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Treat yourself with an unforgettable experience aboard one of South Africa’s leading luxury trains.This 5 star, 31 hour experience offers you around-the-clock butler service, 2 lounge cars (smoking and non-smoking), an observation car, carriages with gold-tinted picture windows and fully carpeted and soundproofed suites, all with en-suite bathrooms. Dine with friends or enjoy a romantic dinner for two in the elegant Dining car. The on-board chefs prepare meals of the highest quality, using only the freshest local ingredients.

Enjoy old-world luxury in Rovos Rail’s wood-panelled coaches, with accommodation for a maximum of 72 guests.  The train consists of the locomotive, generator car, staff car, guest sleepers, non-smoking lounge car which can accommodate 26 guests, two non-smoking dining cars, a smoking lounge car, and the observation car with ample space for 32 guests at the end of the train. The rebuilt sleeper coaches with en-suite bathrooms combine the original fittings with all the modern amenities one would require from a 5 star stay.

The Shongololo Express, based at Rovos Rail’s station in Pretoria, began operations in 1995 to provide a very special touring experience for visitors to Southern Africa. The three journeys of between 12 to 15 days offer tours that traverse South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. 72 guests are accommodated in two categories of comfortable en-suite cabins with double or twin beds. Come and join us on one of our captivating tours and allow us to provide the friendly and efficient service for which we are renowned.

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Vietnam is planning high-speed rail connections with china.

Vietnam aims to start building two high-speed railway lines linking its capital Hanoi with China before 2030, the Ministry of Planning and Investment said, another sign of a recent warming of ties between the two Communist-ruled neighbors.

China is Vietnam’s largest trading partner and a vital source of imports for its manufacturing sector. The two countries are already connected via a system of highways and two railway lines that are old and need upgrading on the Vietnam side.

One of the planned high-speed lines would run from Vietnam’s port cities of Haiphong and Quang Ninh through Hanoi to Lao Cai province, which borders China’s Yunnan province, the ministry said in a statement released late on Tuesday.

The other would run from Hanoi to Lang Son province, which borders China’s Guangxi region, passing through an area densely populated with global manufacturing facilities, including some owned by Chinese investors.

The ministry didn’t provide further details about the projects.

Related article China is trying to connect Southeast Asia by high-speed rail. Here’s how that’s going

Earlier this month, Vietnam said it was seeking to learn from China to develop its first high-speed railway network and had sent its officials to work with Chinese railway companies .

A massive high-speed railway line linking capital Hanoi with business hub Ho Chi Minh City is also being planned in the country.

Vietnam’s National Assembly chairman Vuong Dinh Hue met executives of Chinese railway companies on Monday during his ongoing visit to Beijing, where he was hosted by Xi Jinping.

This came after Vietnam and China signed dozens of cooperation agreements, including on railways, during a visit to Hanoi by Chinese President Xi Jinping in December.

Trade between Vietnam and China in the first quarter of this year rose 22% from a year earlier to $43.6 billion, according to Vietnamese government data.

The two countries remain embroiled in a years-long maritime dispute in the South China Sea, though the tensions appear to have calmed recently.

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