Blue Train vs Rovos Rail

Quick Comparison

Rovos Rail offers more routes, some of which operate on a romantic vintage-style steam engine. The most popular route from Cape Town to Pretoria takes a day longer on the Rovos rail, hence the pricing. Both routes include a stop at the quaint little town of Matjiesfontein.

Blue Train offers Wi-Fi on board. The Blue Train has limited routes, whereas Rovos Rail also offers destinations that include the beautiful Namibian route to Swakopmund and Tanzania. Windows of the Blue Train are double-glazed and cannot be opened, but are slightly bigger than those of the Rovos Rail. All meals and drinks are included on both trains with the Blue Train offering a slightly wider selection. Reviews are split between the two, but it seems that the Rovos rail is the preferred choice for the mature, sophisticated traveler, whilst the Blue Train boasts more of a modern feel.

Blue Train

This “Palace on Wheels” offers a five-star hotel experience linking veld to sea. All suites are airconditioned and the De Luxe Suite transforms into a bedroom of indulgence at night with goose-down and 100 percent percale-cotton bedding and underfloor heating.

On-board chefs are ready to tantalize your tastebuds in the Dining Car with their signature dishes sourced from local ingredients, including Karoo lamb, ostrich, venison, and oysters while enjoying a tasteful selection of background music.

Visit one of the elegant lounges for a nightcap of cognac and cigars in true celebrity style.

One of the more popular options is to travel from Pretoria to Cape Town, so rent a car when you arrive in town and do a quick trip into the Winelands to finish things off. You won’t ever regret jumping on the Franschhoek wine tram.

Rovos Rail

The “Pride of Africa,” with its Edwardian grandeur, will guide you through spectacular views, with the familiar “clickety-clack” sounds of the wheels on its steel path.

The wood-panelled sleeper coaches offer modern comfort and luxury and the train itself comes to a standstill at night to ensure guests have a peaceful night’s sleep.

The Dining Car offers spectacular meals created by ambitious chefs with the aim of tradition and local ingredients and served with a fine selection of South African wines as accompaniment.

Your taste buds will be tantalized by a selection of Karoo lamb, bobotie, melktert, and Cape brandy pudding—what a delight!

Whether you’re on your honeymoon, looking for a quick romantic getaway, or fantasizing about a life of luxury, both trains will offer an unforgettable experience. Drive South Africa won’t be on the train with you, but we’ll make sure you get to the train on time. Contact us today to book your chauffeur-driven ride or rent a car and take the experience of self-driving the rest of the way.