Found in 1923 to take passengers from Johannesburg to the ships departing from Cape Town to England. The Blue Train was introduced luxury features such as a dining saloon in 1933 and air-conditioned carriages in 1939 and has become one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world.
The Blue Train boasts butler service, two lounge cars (smoking and non-smoking), an observation car, and carriages with gold-tinted picture windows, in soundproofed, fully carpeted compartments, each featuring its own en-suite (many of which are equipped with a full-sized bathtub).
After a break in service in World War II the service returned in 1946. In 1997 it was refurbished and relaunched. The service of the Blue Train is promoted as a “magnificent moving five-star hotel” by its operators, who note that kings and presidents have traveled on it.
Here is a rare collection of amazing photos that shows the comfortable interior of these trains in South Africa from between the 1920s and 1950s.
Two man reading while other sleeping, 1924Night scene in a First Class compartment of Blue Train, ca. 1930sNight scene in a First Class compartment of Blue Train, ca. 1930sNight scene in a First Class compartment of Blue Train, ca. 1930sTea in a First Class Couple, ca. 1930sA woman reading in a Blue Train compartment at nightBlue Train bedding attendant, Catering DepartmentBlue Train bedding man at workBlue Train compartment scene, ca. 1940sBlue Train couple in the 1940sBlue Train deluxe mattressBlue Train shower roomInterior of a First Class compartmentInterior of couple showing sleeping accommodationTea in a Blue Train compartmentTwo girls reading magazines in a First Class compartment, ca. 1940sA family inside a Trans-Karoo compartment, ca. 1950sA woman and her daughter in a Blue Train compartment, ca. 1950sBlue Train compartment scene, 1950Blue Train compartment scene, 1950Blue Train compartment scene, 1950Blue Train couple, ca. 1950sBlue Train suiteInterior of a Blue Train compartment, ca. 1950sInterior of a First Class Couple, ca. 1950s
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