South Africa's GREAT VALUE FIRST CLASS TRAIN: Premier Classe to Durban

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  • Опубліковано 22 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 124

  • @ThandazileNkabinde
    @ThandazileNkabinde 23 дні тому +1

    19:04 30 November 2024
    I really enjoyed walking with you on your journey. I used to take a train from Johannesburg to Estcourt my home town in the early 80s. It was so refreshing. I wish we could have it again. Thank you.

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  20 днів тому

      You are very welcome and thanks for watching 🙂

  • @khulambotshwa-madlala9850
    @khulambotshwa-madlala9850 6 років тому +15

    Wow great video, I'm from Johannesburg but studying at Pietermaritzburg. I always use train although I use economy class but I still enjoy travelling using train... your video has just got me missing home

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  6 років тому +3

      That's wonderful. Thank you so much for your great feedback. So good to hear you also had the chance to enjoy the same train route from PMB. Any other train journeys in SA you would recommend? Greetings from the UK

  • @hopeodyssey
    @hopeodyssey 3 роки тому +4

    How nice to see the luscious greenery around Valley of a Thousand Hills, so beautiful!
    I once traveled on the Milk train, from Durbs to Joburg, but, I have to say I remember zero about the journey, must've slept through.
    I love a good train journey and this is up there with the best!

  • @thomasbrennan3505
    @thomasbrennan3505 3 роки тому +1

    I have fond memories from 1984 of doing this trip when ,I was visting family in Petermaritzburg. I had come up by train from CapeTown, very nice video, well dome

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  3 роки тому

      Thank you. Very sad to hear about the riots in KZN in the last few days :-( I'd love to travel again to SA

  • @siphesihlecele2275
    @siphesihlecele2275 6 років тому +5

    Im from Durban but living in Cape Town now. Watched and loved this video. reminded me of home.

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  6 років тому +4

      Thank you so much and great to hear this video reminded you of the wonderful KZN region. Have you enjoyed other train trips in SA you would recommend?

  • @hansquennet8357
    @hansquennet8357 6 років тому +4

    This man's videos are some of the best! Thank you for sharing! He captures those moments I enjoy and would, if I still could!

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  6 років тому +1

      Hans Quennet Thanks Hans, it's ever so nice to be able to share this experience and I feel privileged to get some fantastic feedback like yours. Your encouragement and kind words from other viewers mean a lot. Currently editing my next video, hope you ll enjoy it.

  • @minenhlesibanda2507
    @minenhlesibanda2507 6 років тому +11

    What a great train journey man, you just motivated me to wanna take this train journey since i like travelling , Thanks man that was awesome

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  6 років тому +2

      That's the best feedback I can hope for... inspire others to enjoy such great journeys.
      Thank you so much for taking the time to watch the video and commenting. Much appreciated

  • @manasmoeng7895
    @manasmoeng7895 3 роки тому +2

    I have been travelling with this train for 2 years i love it and its not expensive great trip

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  3 роки тому

      It certainly is. Quite a traditional experience and so enjoyable

    • @BonganiMagadu
      @BonganiMagadu Рік тому

      Is it still good. I intend travelling on it with my foreign wife as I hope to show off our country
      How much are meals in tourist class on average and do they do fancy meals. How about alcohol
      Is safety ok
      Thanks in advance

  • @ggndhlovu2847
    @ggndhlovu2847 4 роки тому +3

    Fantastic! I also enjoy train travel. I have been to Durban and back to Johannesburg in tourist class. I have been to East London and back.
    Being on retirement I was looking forward to doing the seven province tour. Unfortunately they have taken away the Orange Express that ran from Durban to Cape Town.
    In the meantime I will do the Algoa and Trans Karoo.
    Thank you very much for sharing.

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  4 роки тому +1

      The Orange Express would have been an amazing experience. Is there any hope this service will be back?
      Such great train journeys and travel are the best way to enjoy your retirement. Thanks for watching. Stay safe

    • @brucewilliams8714
      @brucewilliams8714 3 роки тому +1

      @@Speedbird1FLY I totally agree. My travels took me on the Algoa, Trans Karoo, Orange Express, Blue Train, and the overnight from Bulawayo to Jo'burg.

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  3 роки тому

      @@brucewilliams8714 Amazing experiences. Which one(s) was your favourite?

    • @ChannelKaap021
      @ChannelKaap021 Рік тому

      Durban stations are a mess sies.

  • @brianmorrison9168
    @brianmorrison9168 6 років тому +4

    Nice video.. Well Done!
    I worked in SA in the 80s and 90s and took quite a few train journeys, mainly in NE Transvaal including Hoedspruit and Nelspruit. I always enjoyed them
    Regards from The UK

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  6 років тому

      Thanks BrianSo glad you enjoyed it and so good to hear about your extensive train travels in ZA.
      Any other routes you would recommend?I thought you might also enjoy this train trip in Norway: ua-cam.com/video/lZVHXbBSASU/v-deo.html
      Hope to welcome you on-board :-)

  • @nan9mo
    @nan9mo 7 років тому +2

    ..... Beautiful lush green countryside, and a great ride, thanks for the upload!

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  7 років тому

      Thank you Manuel. It was a beautiful ride indeed, so glad you enjoyed it too.
      I also recently took a train ride across Corsica. In my pipeline of videos to be edited!! Please feel free to subscribe to my channel for more updates.

  • @Isochest
    @Isochest 5 років тому +6

    I always remember going through the metal detectors at Johannesburg and Pretoria. No knives No guns No clubs No spears!! I hope PRASA put more long haul trains on. Greater frequency would boost demand

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  4 роки тому

      You also need more passengers to justify the higher frequency. Bit of a catch 22 situation

  • @darrellcole6311
    @darrellcole6311 6 років тому +3

    Thanks for sending me the link to this ride. Enjoy your adventures. When i complete the trip I feel as if I had been on said trip. I noticed on the trip just watched that I didn't see a lot of "shanty towns", but saw lots of houses that looked like they could be seen along side a road here in the States, or in merry ol' England. The telly does seem to enforce the image of South Africa as backward and almost :stoneage-ish" to coin a word.

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  4 роки тому

      South Africa is a fantastic place - there are big social inequalities (but you'll find that in so many countries)

  • @usmanhamid9583
    @usmanhamid9583 6 років тому +7

    You seemed to be the only passenger on the entire carriage. Another great video yet

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  6 років тому +3

      Well spotted. I didn't have the chance to check other parts of the train but I was the only one indeed in the Premier Classe section. It's a very good service and despite the challenges to buy the ticket, I really enjoyed the ride. I hope that by doing this video and sharing it, I will - modestly - contribute to this service having more well deserved recognition

  • @bibekdas7449
    @bibekdas7449 3 роки тому +1

    I really like these kinds of station and trains, totally empty.
    Last time I rode an empty train was in 2015 when I was the only one along with my mom

  • @lynnieo8330
    @lynnieo8330 6 років тому +6

    Our family also had that section of the train to ourselves. Great service and great value. We were happy when our train was running late!

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  6 років тому +1

      That's wonderful Lynnie. So you also found out about this best kept secret 😂 was it on the same route? Thanks for watching. So nice to hear from other fellow travellers

    • @lynnieo8330
      @lynnieo8330 6 років тому +2

      When we had it to ourselves it was JNB-DUR in March. JNB - Capetown was in April 3 years ago and had more people. I first found it on The Man in Seat 61. Despite my J'Burg living sister-in-law telling us we shouldn't do it, that it was dangerous and dirty, etc., we thoroughly enjoyed it. As with everything there, you have to stay flexible and have a sense of humour!

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  6 років тому +2

      @@lynnieo8330 we both found out about this great train service thanks to the same great web site. I d love to try the route to Cape town. Most people I spoke to in SA about this train service didn't know about it. I am glad that after trying it others were encouraged to do the same. I must check whether online bookings work, just getting the ticket at the local station took such a long time

    • @lynnieo8330
      @lynnieo8330 6 років тому +1

      In March of this year, the booking process seemed a little less cumbersome but was still back and forth with the email.

  • @streetvideos260
    @streetvideos260 6 років тому +1

    Quite a long and pretty train. Very pristine mountains. food looks very delicious.

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  6 років тому

      Breakfast was really nice indeed. Thanks for watching

  • @willemkotze2611
    @willemkotze2611 6 років тому +1

    Ah the Shosholoza Meyl a.k.a the Trans Natal Express. Took this train to Jozi and back many years ago. Great memories.

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  6 років тому

      Stunning scenery. I mentioned to friends in South Africa I was going to use the Premier Classe service but most didn't know about it. If you are in SA, would you say people are familiar with it or not?

    • @willemkotze2611
      @willemkotze2611 6 років тому +1

      Some people don't know the difference between the Shosholoza and the Premiere Classe. I guess most aren't that aware of the Premiere Classe. The train you took is the Shosholoza Meyl train, but then there's slightly more upper class trains service from PRASA called the Premiere Classe. However the Premier Classe is not on the same level as the Bluetrain or Rovos Rail. But still you had the pleasure of traveling on one of the most beautiful railway lines in South Africa, if not the most beautiful..

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  6 років тому

      That's a shame, I really enjoyed the service. I wish online bookings were available. Feel free to share the video, it may encourage others to try this service.I came across a disused railway line near Hilton (there was a small railway museum but I wasn't sure if it's still open)... rich railways history in the region!

  • @Flighttime787
    @Flighttime787 7 років тому +2

    This does actually look pretty interesting! I am not the train guy to be honest but this is a ride i would take too! Great video, thanks for sharing :)

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  7 років тому +1

      Thank you. Yes I would certainly recommend it (and you can take the train from J'burg to CPT and fly back to have the best of both worlds)

  • @vidyutharni6151
    @vidyutharni6151 6 років тому +2

    Nice one. Thanks for sharing..

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  6 років тому

      You're very welcome. Thanks for watching

  • @donalmaccormaic8173
    @donalmaccormaic8173 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you

  • @Cebo88
    @Cebo88 Рік тому

    The dinner was a memorable 7 course meal when I last traveled

  • @rogerpetzer-sk4pf
    @rogerpetzer-sk4pf Рік тому

    I would love to have seen the train going down the sithundo hills lovely view

  • @lwazilwakhanhleeng420
    @lwazilwakhanhleeng420 Рік тому +2

    I love long distance travel

  • @jcbaily5559
    @jcbaily5559 6 років тому +1

    Great video, thanks....I am ready to try it out.

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  6 років тому

      Great. You'll also find more useful information for your trip in the description below this video. Happy travels :-)

  • @brucewilliams8714
    @brucewilliams8714 3 роки тому +1

    An anecdote. In 1992 I had to travel from Durban to Jo'burg twice in one week. When I was buying my second ticket, from the same official who sold me my first, he asked if I was a "reverend".
    Apparently there were some clergy earning some extra cash by buying cars in Jo'burg (where the climate was dry) and selling them at a premium in Durban, which was humid and rust-prone.
    Having driven the car to Durban, the seller returned by overnight train. I wonder if they still do that.

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  3 роки тому

      Great anecdote. A long drive to Durban... hope he bought great cars and such a nice way to travel back to Jo'burg. I can t wait to travel to SA again. Thanks for sharing

  • @Luke_Starkenburg
    @Luke_Starkenburg 7 років тому +1

    This looks like an amazing journey, although a bit too short!! The restaurant and bar cars seem empty so I wonder if the rest of the train in economy was full. It is such a long train and beautiful train! The scenery is amazing and so lush! Breakfast looks good too!

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  7 років тому +1

      Luke Starkenburg thanks 🙏 now I experienced this train service, i d love to try to entire route to Durban or CPT. Online booking would be so useful to get a better access to this service

    • @dwaynedekoker5721
      @dwaynedekoker5721 6 років тому +1

      yes the economy is all the time full

  • @RexyH267
    @RexyH267 6 років тому +1

    That was wonderful, but would like to see a longer trip.

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  6 років тому +1

      I'd love to try again this service - maybe to Cape Town.
      I would have enjoyed trying the dinner service but as most of the trip from J'burg to Durban would have been after dark, I didn't feel too bad about it. The section from PMB offered scenic views

  • @sindymbau5255
    @sindymbau5255 5 років тому +2

    Omd this train station building hasn't changed a bit

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  5 років тому

      Sindy Mbau glad this video brought back memories of familiar places 😊😃

    • @sindymbau5255
      @sindymbau5255 5 років тому

      @@Speedbird1FLY yes so much happy I was a little kid and my first time to be on train station🙈

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  5 років тому

      @@sindymbau5255 oh wow that's a wonderful memory and a beautiful train station too. During my first visit to PMB I didn't have the chance to take the train. I was keen to make it when I came back. I look forward to more trips. Any train routes you may recommend in SA would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for watching and sharing such great memories 😃😊👍

  • @wilfriedlechner6299
    @wilfriedlechner6299 3 роки тому +1

    I believe the premier classe is only going from Cape Town to Johannesburg n back in 2022?!! Is that true! I want to go in March 2022 on this train from Cape Town to Johannesburg but it’s only running on the 3/5/22 and then not I’m March any more! WHY?? Please fill me in - let me know whether I am wrong. Take care looking forward to your reply!!!!!!!

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  3 роки тому

      I don't have any trips to SA planned yet. Travel plans have been very fluid with many changes. Some good opportunities opened up whilst some travel rules or changes also made other plans very difficult

  • @Braselton21
    @Braselton21 4 роки тому +1

    Is it air-conditioned? it gets around 35 degrees and humid in KZN

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  4 роки тому

      Hi, yes train was air-conditioned. Thanks for watching

  • @lelandpeck4585
    @lelandpeck4585 6 років тому +1

    very enjoyable!

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  6 років тому

      Leland Peck thank you. Really glad you enjoyed it 😃

  • @nettie-615
    @nettie-615 3 роки тому

    I miss so much 😢😭

  • @pathmanathanmoodley1431
    @pathmanathanmoodley1431 4 місяці тому

    Do we still have this trains running in 2024

  • @amirherry9058
    @amirherry9058 Рік тому

    Hi guys can you tell me the price of the ticket?

  • @josebahanan1835
    @josebahanan1835 7 місяців тому +2

    It's is a revelation to me. I was under the impression that railway travel in south africa is dangerous.

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  7 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I've never had any issues during my visits to SA. Security was present and it's always good to use common sense and precautions .

  • @mabhodlelajj1195
    @mabhodlelajj1195 5 років тому

    thanks for the video!!Great job!! New sub here!!I hope to get even more beautiful footages!!

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  5 років тому +1

      Thanks. I be been rather busy lately with very little spare time for video editing. I am due to finish a video about a trip on the French high speed train and it's really nice first-class section

  • @nettie-615
    @nettie-615 3 роки тому

    We called it the Sleep train to Durban Leave Johannesburg @ 7 and arrive the next morning in Durban ❤️

  • @lorenzo_contini_7
    @lorenzo_contini_7 7 років тому +1

    Nice video again! Any idea how many coaches the train had?

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  7 років тому +1

      Thank you so much Lorenzo. At least 16 carriages. I wonder if any friends from SA can comment further

  • @BonganiMagadu
    @BonganiMagadu Рік тому

    How much for a double from Joburg to Cape Town please and how much are drinks and can you bring your own

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  Рік тому

      Hi, thanks for watching. I posted a link to the premier classe website in the video description. You'll get all the latest fares there

    • @BonganiMagadu
      @BonganiMagadu Рік тому

      @@Speedbird1FLY Thanks

  • @davidsadler419
    @davidsadler419 7 років тому +1

    Amazing. Another of those to do things that is well up there on my list. Great filming and production; thanks for uploading and please count me in as a subscriber.

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  7 років тому

      Thank you thank you thank you (for watching, your kind comments and becoming a subscriber). I would certainly recommend such service to visitors or anyone in South Africa

  • @amygilchrist7569
    @amygilchrist7569 5 років тому

    Great video thank you! What is the song at the end called?

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  5 років тому

      Thanks Amy I am glad you enjoyed this video and hope it will inspire your future travels.
      I put info about the music tracks featured in the video in the description

  • @Ahlul_Quraan
    @Ahlul_Quraan 2 роки тому

    this is from where to Durban?

  • @BonganiMagadu
    @BonganiMagadu Рік тому

    Has anyone taken the train recently of so how was the service
    In tourist class how much are the meals and alcohol. Can you get three course fancy meals
    I want to surprise my wife and I'm looking for a memorable experience
    Thanks

    • @sandswest1837
      @sandswest1837 Рік тому

      Sadly the trains between CPT to JHB & DBN have been suspended since 2020

    • @GrumpyTinashe
      @GrumpyTinashe Рік тому

      @@sandswest1837 oh shoot
      Why were they suspended
      Thanks

    • @sandswest1837
      @sandswest1837 Рік тому

      @@GrumpyTinashe initially becuase of the regulator saying there was some infrastructure and safety issues they had to sort out first but the also remember during 2020 there was massive infrastructure damage and looting because of those security contracts that were terminated which left the infrastructure unguarded. So I guess now repairs are underway and it will take a while for everything to be fully restored. The reason I know all of this is cause I'm very passionate about Trians, even though I've never been on one as a Young South African. Very sad to see this state of fairs, what kind of country doesn't have any trains connecting it's major cities? Sad

    • @GrumpyTinashe
      @GrumpyTinashe Рік тому +1

      @@sandswest1837 Truly sad. I too am passionate about trains. I'm in UK and was hoping to ride on that train when I visit in December
      Is the drive between Joburg and Cape Town scenic and is I doable in a single day or best done over 2 days?

  • @Crosshead1
    @Crosshead1 5 років тому +2

    What an incredibly under-utilised and amazing value train journey. Seems PRASA would do well to spend a little time and money to promote this journey overseas. Looks like a great way to see a bit of South Africa if you’re not up for the cost of the Blue Train.

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  5 років тому

      Yes a great experience... even if the interior is not to the same standards as the blue train, it's a very comfortable and enjoyable ride with all the perks added. I haven't tried booking it online recently, have you?

  • @charlesbouwer6739
    @charlesbouwer6739 Рік тому +1

    It's very sad to hear that our railway infrastructure is demolished as a result of bad governance.

  • @jomaema
    @jomaema 4 роки тому +1

    Very tropical.

  • @seavale11
    @seavale11 10 місяців тому

    why him alloaver..

  • @BarneySuperBear
    @BarneySuperBear 6 років тому +1

    So many worries when you come from Europe! The passport man asks have you enjoyed your stay in SA? I have every time! Your driving around J Burg ring road! Suicidal! Things are improving now!

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  6 років тому +1

      Thanks for watching. I've been to SA a few times and always greatly enjoyed my stays there

  • @warnerbeachful
    @warnerbeachful 5 років тому

    The aging rail network, cable theft and track theft have made this service very unreliable. It was such a lovely train. Now it's always late and sometimes cancelled. Very sad state of affairs, as this really was a excellent train.

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  5 років тому

      Thanks for your feedback.
      Do you know whether online booking is now available? Or would have other routes in ZA to recommend?.
      Thanks for watching

    • @warnerbeachful
      @warnerbeachful 5 років тому

      Thanks for your video. I would be hesitant to recommend this train service now in 2019. The other luxury trains are Rovos rail, and the Blue Train. I believe they are both much more reliable.

    • @mabhodlelajj1195
      @mabhodlelajj1195 5 років тому

      @@warnerbeachful I have different opinion to you,you seem to exagerate things in your comment.Nothing much have changed after SINCE he made this video last year.In such shot span of time all of a sudden you want to make this train a hellhole?!He was there himself, he made this video and nothing has changed at all ever since he made this video.
      I was expecting your kind though to come with comments like this as usual.

    • @warnerbeachful
      @warnerbeachful 3 роки тому

      @@mabhodlelajj1195 I comment from personal experience. I was on this train , halfway through the journey the trip was cancelled and we were bussed to Capetown. In My country USA we are more advanced and do not treat our customers like you do. Sorry but it's the truth.

  • @TheFrankles
    @TheFrankles 5 років тому +1

    Nice video, but you need to jack up your spelling and proofreading. At one point you used "loosing" when it should be "losing". Elsewhere you used "enthusiast" when you meant "enthusiastic".

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  5 років тому

      You are so right. I tend to finish the editing quite late before publishing in the morning. My heart sinks when I spot a typo. If you enjoy train videos, I have other reports you might be interested in . Thanks for watching

  • @MervynGarnham
    @MervynGarnham 3 роки тому

    Nice trip bad a poor video

    • @Speedbird1FLY
      @Speedbird1FLY  3 роки тому

      I am sorry to hear that. What would you change?

    • @MervynGarnham
      @MervynGarnham 3 роки тому +1

      @@Speedbird1FLY Hi, I've watched your video again and I enjoyed it today.
      I also think your logo is original and it gives a great touch to the start of your presentation. Your voice in the video as you nurrate would give a persoanl experience to the viewer, and all the reading gets a bit boring. However, you may have persoanl reasons for not putting your voice in, and this I can take into consideration, Remember, I'm watching a video, not reading a magazine.
      The music is not too ongoing and changes between scenes, which is good; -but in the intro, sounds too familiar of other "review videos" on UA-cam.
      Other than you editing, I did enjoy the video and felt like I was enjoying the trip with you.
      Just to let you know, I do not post my own videos under this chanel and do not put my own content out as professional.
      Thanbk you