The Blue Train
Since its launch in 1946, The Blue Train has been synonymous with elegance and luxury. With interiors created by a leading interior architectural design company, the new Blue Train , which was relaunched in 1997 , rivals many a five-star hotel in terms of grace, ambiance, comfort and style. The suites have been superbly redesigned to offer discerning guests and travellers the best that modern technology and superior craftsmanship can offer.
Each Blue Train suite has a fully appointed bathroom en-suite, featuring either a bath or shower; a telephone, TV monitor and individually controlled air-conditioning. A range of videos, movies and radio channels provides guests with a variety of entertainment while onboard The Blue Train. The video choices include access to short documentaries about the area through which the train is travelling. A large screen in the Club Car provides a driver's-eye view of the track ahead, courtesy of a camera mounted onto the front of the locomotive. Other innovations include CD players and video machines in the luxury suites. To enhance your experience, you can choose from a selection of CD's and videos that can be obtained from the train manager's office.
A Club Car, styled along the lines of a gentleman's club is an ideal place to enjoy an after dinner cigar and relax over a cup of coffee. For those who desire a smoke-free environment, the Lounge Car offers just that. Here, traditional high-tea as well as a variety of drinks and snacks are served.
A new concept in wining and dining features cuisine created by The Blue Train's own team of chefs. Only the finest South African wines are served to compliment your choice from the menu.
Finally, to ensure the ultimate in hospitality, professionally trained personnel are on call for guests in each suite 24 hours a day. The 380-meter long (416 yards) train has 18 carriages, which accommodates up to 82 passengers and travels at a maximum speed of 110km/h (68mph).
Each Blue Train suite has a fully appointed en-suite, featuring either a bath or a shower. All suites are equipped with telephone, television monitor and individually controlled air-conditioning. A video channel allows guests to access short documentaries about the area through which the train is travelling.
Air-conditioning:
The suites are fitted with water cooled air-conditioning system. Each suite has its own fresh air intake and individual coolant system. The passages are also air-conditioned with the same systems. Both suites and passages have the temperature adjusters and air speed regulators for individual preferred setting.
During cold periods, all the systems are provided with heating cycles, not only from the air conditioning unit but also via under floor heating.
Guests may choose between a de luxe and a luxury accomodation.
De-Luxe Accommodation:
Choice of twin-beds suite with a shower or a double-bed suite with a three-quarter size bath.
Luxury Accomodation:
Choice of twin-beds or double bed, and a full size bath with hand shower. Luxury suites are also equipped with CD players and video machines.
A sophisticated, opulent atmosphere, gourmet menu and the finest South African wines sourced from boutique vineyards, make dining on The Blue Train a magnificent experience. The Blue Train's own creative team of chefs have created a menu to delight the most discerning palate.
Only the freshest ingredients meet The Blue Train standards. Meals and snacks are prepared in the streamlined kitchen, designed to The Blue Train engineers' exacting specifications.
Guests are offered a choice of entrees, soups, fish, meat dishes, desserts, coffee and cheese platters, all beautifully presented. Typically, South African cuisine includes, Karoo lamb, kabeljou, Knysna oysters, snoek, crayfish and impala. Also offered is an abundant array of the finest South African fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian, Kosher and Halaal meals are provided on request.
The Blue Train is a showcase for South African wines which have been selected to complement each course on the menu after meticulous consultation with top South African wine experts.
Breakfast, lunch and supper are the main meals and high tea is served each afternoon in the main lounge. During high tea, various snacks are served - these include cucumber sandwiches, dainty cakes, fresh scones and cream and other irresistible delicacies with an assortment of fine teas and coffees.
Each Blue Train has two lounges: the main lounge and the Club lounge. The Club lounge, is expected to find favour with those seeking a peaceful place for after-dinner cognacs, coffees or cigars. This area is the only section of the train designated for smokers.
High tea is served each afternoon in the main lounge.
Another attraction of the opulent main lounge is the giant-size TV monitor revealing the unfolding scenery of the track ahead, courtesy of a camera mounted onto the front of the locomotive. The ambiance of the lounges is one of warm elegance. Large windows allow for panoramic views of the passing countryside.
The second Blue Train has a third lounge, which can be used as a 22 seater conference facility with laptop computer, overhead projector, video, slide facilities and other modern equipment that can cater for various types of meetings and conferences. If not used for conferencing, this lounge can be converted into an observation car.
All lounges are fitted with gas filled airconditioning systems. The temperature is centrally adjusted to a desired coolant temperature.
During cooler periods, the under-floor heating provides guests with desired temperature to ensure their comfort at all times.
The Blue Train Pretoria to Cape Town
- From Pretoria to Cape Town departs 8.50am on selected Mondays , Wednesdays and Fridays arriving in Cape Town midday the next day.
- From Cape Town to Pretoria departs 8.50am on selected Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays arriving in Pretoria at midday the next day.
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