Blue Train Ticket Cost: What You Really Pay for the Luxury Ride

Imagine rolling through the South African landscape in five-star comfort, sipping bubbly with lions somewhere out beyond your window. If you’re wondering what that dream costs on the Blue Train, you’re not alone. Spoiler alert: There’s no flat price. Blue Train tickets start at around 29,000 South African Rand (a little over $1,500 USD) per person for the classic Pretoria to Cape Town route. Splurge for a luxury suite and you’re looking at about 44,000 Rand (roughly $2,300+ USD) each.

These numbers might make your eyes widen, but Blue Train pricing is all about timing, cabin type, and, frankly, how far you want to go with the fancy extras. Got flexible dates? Traveling outside peak season (June to August or around December holidays) can save you thousands. Two sharing a suite? You’ll both pay the same flat rate, so it’s really built for couples or close friends.

• Blue Train Ticket Prices: The Real Numbers
• What’s Included in Your Fare
• Choosing Your Cabin: Worth the Upgrade?
• Booking Tips and Timing
• Hidden Extras and Money-Saving Hacks

Blue Train Ticket Prices: The Real Numbers

If you’re serious about booking a Blue Train trip, you’re probably hunting for actual numbers, not vague promises of “luxury at a price.” Here’s what you need to know about ticket prices in 2025: rates are set in South African Rand (ZAR) and usually quoted per person per journey, with all meals and drinks included except for some premium alcohol.

Most people travel the classic Pretoria–Cape Town route. Prices change based on the type of suite, time of year, and even which day you travel. As of May 2025, this is what you’re looking at for a one-way ticket per person:

These numbers convert to about $1,600–$2,800 USD depending on the suite and exchange rates. And yes, these prices are for one person sharing – if you’re traveling solo, expect a supplement of at least 50% more.

Kids under five ride free if they share a bed with you. If you bring a child between five and eleven, they get a reduced rate (typically about half the adult price), but check the age limit and fine print when booking. There isn’t really a budget way to hop on, unless you catch a rare local promo—international guests almost never see big discounts.

The train typically runs a couple of times a week each direction, but peak dates (like South African public holidays and school breaks) fill up fast. If you want top cabin choices or dream of a private suite, book three to six months ahead at least.

• Pro tip: The posted rate covers your meals, drinks (even local wines and spirits), high tea, and butler service. But transfers to/from the station, off-train excursions, and premium champagnes will nudge your bill higher.

What’s Included in Your Fare

So, what do you actually get when you hand over your cash for a Blue Train ticket? Here’s where luxury really kicks in. First, all your meals are sorted. We’re not talking boring airline trays, either. Think fancy, multi-course dinners, full English breakfasts, and even afternoon high tea, all prepared on board by professional chefs. Want that steak rare? Just ask.

Every ticket also covers drinks—yep, even local wines, craft gin, and cappuccinos are fair game. If you’re eyeing premium champagnes or top-shelf whiskies, just check which labels count as "included" and which might run up a tab. But, honestly, most top South African wines and beers are part of the package, so you probably won’t miss much.

Accommodations are also a major perk. Even in the entry-level De Luxe suites, you’re guaranteed a comfy bed, private en suite bathroom (shower, basin, flush toilet—the works), and big windows for soaking in the view. Spring for a Luxury suite, and you’ll score a full-size bathtub and a little extra room to stretch out.

But wait—there’s more. You’ll get 24-hour butler service, so if you’re craving coffee at 2 AM, just push the button. Your laundry? They’ll handle it, free for basic items. There’s Wi-Fi in the Club Car (it’s not always super-fast, but it works), and all excursions during stops are rolled into the fare. For example, on the Pretoria to Cape Town route, a guided off-train tour of Kimberley's Big Hole and Diamond Museum is included.

"The Blue Train embodies a unique combination of old-world charm and modern luxury, offering an all-inclusive experience that sets it apart from other rail journeys," says the official Blue Train website.

Bottom line: If you’re comparing against flying business class, what’s included here goes way beyond a bigger seat and a glass of bubbly. Everything you eat, most drinks, your bed, service, sightseeing—literally, just about everything but tips and certain imported drinks—is built into the price. No ugly surprises.

Choosing Your Cabin: Worth the Upgrade?

So here’s the crunch question on the Blue Train: stick with the standard De Luxe suite or splurge on the Luxury option? Both come with a private bathroom (yes, your own shower!), air-con, and butler service. But there’s a big gap in the details and the price.

The De Luxe cabins give you about 8 square meters of space—a tight but comfy fit. You'll find a snug seating area that turns into either two single beds or a single double bed at night. The en-suite bathroom has a shower, not a bath. Honestly, if you plan to spend most of your time in the lounge car or at the observation windows, this cabin works fine.

Luxury suites, on the other hand, bump you up to 10.7 square meters (about 15% bigger!). Here’s where it gets thoughtful: you get a full-sized bathtub. Sounds like a detail, but soaking in a bath on a moving train really sets the mood. These cabins have longer couches, a bigger bed, and just a bit more elbow room. For some routes, you can also request a suite with a panoramic window for extra views—definitely a showstopper for anyone addicted to scenery.

• If privacy is your top priority, both cabins deliver. But if you’re after that classic luxury train vibe (or just want to brag you had a bath on rails), the Luxury suite scratches that itch.
• The price bump is steep—for the main Pretoria to Cape Town trip in 2025, expect to fork out an extra 15,000 Rand ($800+) per person for the Luxury upgrade.
• Some couples go for the upgrade just for those bigger beds and the bathtub. Solo travelers? Most don’t think it’s worth the extra cash, unless space is crucial to you.

Quick tip: suites closer to the middle of the train get less sway, so you’ll have a smoother ride when it’s time to sleep. Specify your preference when booking if you’re picky about motion.

Bottom line? Both options spoil you, but decide if that extra room, bathtub, and bigger windows justify the leap. If you’re spending a lot of hours in your suite, it might be worth it. Otherwise, slide back to De Luxe and put that cash toward another South African adventure.

Booking Tips and Timing

If you want to score the best deal on a Blue Train ticket, a little planning goes a long way. The train runs a set schedule most of the year, but not every week. For the classic Pretoria–Cape Town route, departures usually happen twice a week, but sometimes they skip a week or two if it's maintenance season or low demand. Don’t just show up—always check the train’s official website for the most up-to-date calendar.

Here’s the clutch part: prices jump during peak seasons. Expect to pay premium rates around December holidays, Easter, and during school breaks in South Africa. Shoulder months (May, early September, and November) can come in cheaper and a bit less crowded. If you can be flexible, sliding your dates a few weeks forward or back could save you hundreds of dollars.

• Book at least six months in advance if you want popular dates or a luxury suite. These go fast.
• If you’re traveling outside top demand periods, last-minute deals sometimes pop up—just phone the Blue Train reservations team directly. They occasionally slash prices to fill cabins.
• Watch for packages: Some travel companies bundle Blue Train fares with safari stays or city hotels. Packages can rack up savings, especially for international travelers.

For a quick look at average 2025 ticket prices by month (per person, sharing):

Heads up: Tickets are all-inclusive, but some upgrades or special requests (like private transfers to the train station) may add to your bill. Set calendar reminders for sale announcements, and if you see a price drop, jump on it—Blue Train seats don’t stick around for long.

Hidden Extras and Money-Saving Hacks

When you fork over serious cash for a Blue Train ticket, you expect everything to be covered—and for the most part, it is. But there are a few things to watch out for in the fine print, plus a couple of ways to keep more money in your pocket.

First, the basics: your ticket covers all your meals, drinks (even the wines and bubbles), and the off-train excursion. But your wallet comes out for:

• Cigars and premium brand alcohols—your free drink list is huge, but top-shelf whiskies and imported cigars cost extra.
• Gratuities—tips aren’t added to your fare, and while not forced, staff do expect them. Most guests tip about 300–500 ZAR (roughly $15–$25) per person for the trip.
• Extra nights in Pretoria or Cape Town—The Blue Train itself doesn’t cover pre- or post-trip hotels, so that’s a separate bill.
• Personal purchases—there’s a tiny gift shop if you want hats, postcards or souvenirs.
• Transfers—getting to and from the train station is on you, unless you book luxury transfer add-ons (which really bump up the cost).

So, how do you cut costs without losing the luxury experience? Here are strategies regulars and budget-savvy travelers use:

• Travel with a buddy. The price is per person sharing a suite, so solo travelers get stuck paying nearly double.
• Book well in advance. Blue Train opens bookings up to 18 months out—early birds get cheaper fares and better cabin picks.
• Look for specials. The Blue Train sometimes runs limited-time offers, like "companion goes half price" or free hotel nights pre- or post-trip. These pop up mostly around South African winter or early spring.
• Go outside of South Africa’s peak season. Mid-May to August is their "low season." You can bank on fares dipping by 10-20% for the same experience.
• Use miles. If you’re part of a travel rewards program (like SAA Voyager), you can sometimes redeem points for part of your fare. Not a huge savings, but every bit counts.

Here’s a quick look at some common extras people overlook, plus the typical costs in 2025:

A little planning goes a long way. If you’re smart with your booking and keep an eye on the small stuff, you’ll enjoy all the legendary Blue Train perks—without any nasty surprises on your bill.