A luxury train service that promises not to ruin your bank balance is set to begin operating between Durban and Johannesburg in October.

Shosholoza Meyl's acting business development manager Zola Mankoba said the twice weekly service will start operating from October 14.

The Premier Classe train, which will transport 84 passengers between Durban and Gauteng, is the latest route to be offered by Shosholoza Meyl.

Currently Shosholoza Meyl offers a regular service between Cape Town and Johannesburg.

At a preview launch in Durban on Wednesday the rail operator revealed that it plans to expand its Premier Classe service to operate between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth as well as between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg.

While not in the league of the famous Blue Train or Rovos Rail, all the coaches will have a wood panel finish with dining cars and a bar, as well as a conference coach that can be converted into a dance facility for after-hours entertainment.

And for those who have retired to their sleeping compartment — all of which are air-conditioned — there is telephone for room service.

Shosholoza Meyl, the long distance passenger rail arm of Transnet, claims that it has an award-winning wine list and five-star cuisine aboard its coaches.

For those who want to take their car with them, a coach that can load vehicles is available

Getting a place aboard the famed Blue Train will set you back by nearly R10 000 in the low season, but the Premier Classe coach will whicsk you to the coast for just R750 a person. During October discounted fares will be available.

The train leaves Johannesburg on Tuesdays and Fridays and leaves Durban on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Premier Classe began in 2001, when four train cars were attached to the TransKaroo passenger train, and in May 2006 the Premier Classe became a separate train carrying 126 passengers between Cape Town and Johannesburg.

The trains will have their own dedicated security personnel who will open and close doors at stations, also ensuring that they are properly locked.

Shosholoza Meyl communications manager Du Dlamini said: "I am confident that it will deliver a tourism product that is demanded."

For more information visit www.premierclasse.co.za.

Sapa