[2] The service is promoted as a "magnificent moving five-star hotel" by its operators, who note that kings and presidents have travelled on it.

[5] The Union Express introduced luxury features including a dining saloon in 1933 and air-conditioned carriages from Metro-Cammell in 1939.

[14] Notable past passengers include Nelson Mandela, Quincy Jones, Paul Simon, Mia Farrow, Margaret Thatcher, and Kylie Minogue.

[8] As of 2007 the only regular route in operation was Pretoria-Cape Town; however special package tours were offered to Durban or the Bakubung Game Lodge.

[17] Two Blue Trains are required to run daily departures from each end of the route, one travelling north, the other south.