Accessible Travel on The Blue Train & Rovos Rail

Luxury rail travel through South Africa's breathtaking landscapes should be an experience available to all travelers, regardless of physical abilities or mobility requirements; but these iconic trains present unique challenges due to their vintage carriages and historic designs.

Accessibility on The Blue Train

One train set is compatible for disabled persons. On the Train set that The Blue Train are currently using they do not have a Paraplegic suite, however they will allocate a Deluxe Twin Beds with shower and chair for guests to sits while washing and a Wheelchair. Customised wheelchairs are on board The Blue Train and have been specifically designed to negotiate the train's corridors. A butler will be on-hand to assist guests should they require.

Accessibility on Rovos Rail

Due to the historic design of their coaches, access for guests with limited mobility is unfortunately restricted. Rovos's carriages are not equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, and the passageways and doorways are too narrow for standard mobility aids. Guests must be able to manage the short distances between compartments and to embark or disembark the train. They are, however, always happy to assist where possible, and their train team will gladly provide additional support to ensure comfort throughout the journey.

Rovos Rail welcomes passengers with walking difficulties (they recommend traveling with an able-bodied companion) but cannot accommodate wheelchair-bound guests due to the historic train's structural limitations. Please inform us of any mobility requirements when booking.

Getting on & off Rovos's Trains

A ramp is only available at Rovos's private station in Pretoria. At other stations assengers must use vertical train steps with handrails.
Some platforms require stair access (no elevators). Staff assist with luggage but cannot physically lift passengers

Moving through Rovos's Trains

Rovos's 1920s-1930s carriages travel at 20-60 km/h over varying track conditions, creating significant motion. Passengers must walk between suites and dining/lounge cars through narrow passages with handrails. While challenging initially, most guests quickly adapt. The train layout prevents wheelchair use - passages are too narrow and some carriages connect at 90-degree angles with uneven crossings.

Accessibility features in Rovos's Suites:

• Handrails in passages
  
• Bathroom grab rails
  
• Non-slip shower mats
  
• Shower seat (on request)
  

For Excursions

Onboard wheelchair available (cannot be used on train). Not all destinations are wheelchair accessible.

St James Guesthouses

The Manor: Ground floor and Deluxe Suite (Boyes) are wheelchair accessible. The Homestead is not wheelchair accessible

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Fabulous occasions

• Christmas on Rovos Rail or the Blue Train
• New years eve on Rovos Rail or the Blue Train
• Valentines on Rovos Rail or the Blue Train
• Halloween on Rovos Rail or the Blue Train
• Click here to see the best Rovos Rail prices on each route in 2026
• Click here to see the best Rovos Rail prices on each route in 2027

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