So, you’re curious about luxury train travel? The short answer is yes, there are some truly incredible options out there that go far beyond a regular commuter train. Imagine breathtaking scenery, impeccable service, delicious food, and a comfortable berth all while gliding through some of the world’s most stunning landscapes. It’s less about getting from A to B quickly, and more about the journey itself – a unique, elegant, and often historic way to experience a destination. This list explores 15 of these remarkable voyages, offering a glimpse into what makes each one special.
Why Choose a Luxury Train Journey?
Luxury train travel is a different beast entirely from flying or even driving. It’s not just transportation; it’s an experience. Think of it as a moving five-star hotel, complete with gourmet dining, comfortable sleeping quarters, and often, incredible onboard entertainment or insightful excursions.
A Different Pace of Travel
One of the biggest draws is the pace. In our fast-paced world, slowing down to appreciate the landscape as it unfolds outside your window is a rare treat. You’re not rushing through airports or battling traffic; you’re simply enjoying the journey.
Unparalleled Views and Access
Many of these routes are specifically chosen for their scenic beauty, traversing regions that might be difficult or impossible to access by other means. You’ll see remote villages, dramatic mountain ranges, vast deserts, and stunning coastlines from a unique vantage point.
Historic Charm and Modern Comforts
While many luxury trains evoke a sense of bygone glamour with their polished wood, brass fittings, and elegant dining cars, they also offer modern comforts. Expect plush bedding, private bathrooms, and often, air conditioning and Wi-Fi, blending the best of both worlds.
Exceptional Service and Cuisine
The staff-to-guest ratio on these trains is often very high, ensuring attentive and personalized service. And the food? It’s usually a highlight, featuring locally sourced ingredients prepared by talented chefs, often paired with fine wines.
Iconic Routes Across Continents
These journeys often traverse multiple countries or significant regions, offering a broad cultural experience alongside the spectacular views.
1. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe)
Perhaps the most famous luxury train in the world, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) evokes an unparalleled sense of nostalgia and glamour. This isn’t the original Orient Express, but a meticulously restored collection of 1920s and 30s carriages. Its classic route runs between London and Venice, though various other itineraries are available, including journeys to Prague, Budapest, and Istanbul.
The experience is all about old-world elegance. Think fine dining in ornate art deco carriages, impeccable service, and beautifully appointed cabins, some of which transform from a daytime lounge to a comfortable sleeping berth at night. You’ll want to dress the part – evening wear is encouraged for dinner. It’s a true step back in time.
2. The Trans-Siberian Express (Russia, Mongolia, China)
While not exclusively a luxury train, several private operators offer luxury versions of the Trans-Siberian, such as the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express. This epic journey stretches over 6,000 miles, connecting Moscow with Vladivostok, or even Beijing.
It’s a journey of immense scale, traversing the vast landscapes of Siberia, passing through the Ural Mountains, skirting the shores of Lake Baikal (the world’s deepest lake), and experiencing diverse cultures. On a luxury version, you’ll have private en-suite cabins, gourmet dining, and often included excursions to explore cities like Kazan, Irkutsk, and Ulaanbaatar. It’s an adventure of a lifetime.
3. The Ghan (Australia)
Crossing the Australian continent from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north (or vice-versa), The Ghan offers a unique perspective on Australia’s rugged interior. Named after the Afghan cameleers who once traversed these routes, this train journey is about vast, unadulterated landscapes.
You’ll witness dramatic changes in scenery, from the fertile fields of South Australia to the red earth of the outback and the tropical north. Off-train excursions allow you to explore places like Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge. The Platinum Service offers spacious cabins with full en-suite bathrooms and exclusive lounge access, making the long journey incredibly comfortable.
4. The Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)
Operating across Western Canada, the Rocky Mountaineer is unique in that it’s a daylight-only service, meaning you spend your nights in hotels at designated stops. This allows passengers to fully appreciate the stunning scenery of the Canadian Rockies without missing a single vista while sleeping.
Routes include “First Passage to the West” (Vancouver to Banff/Lake Louise), “Journey Through the Clouds” (Vancouver to Jasper), and “Rainforest to Gold Rush” (Vancouver to Jasper via Whistler). The highlight is the glass-domed carriages, offering panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and pristine forests. The GoldLeaf Service includes gourmet meals served in a separate dining car and access to an open-air viewing platform.
5. Rovos Rail (Southern Africa)
Known as “The Pride of Africa,” Rovos Rail offers a range of luxurious journeys across Southern Africa, from a 48-hour trip between Pretoria and Cape Town to epic 15-day voyages stretching to Victoria Falls, Dar es Salaam, or Namibia.
The restored carriages evoke a colonial charm, and the service is exceptional. You’ll dine on gourmet African and international cuisine, served with fine South African wines. The suites are incredibly spacious, especially the Royal Suites, which occupy half a carriage. Off-train excursions include game drives, visits to diamond mines, and cultural experiences, making it much more than just a train ride.
Luxury on Rails: A Global Perspective
Beyond the well-trodden paths, there are equally opulent and memorable train journeys offering unique insights into their respective regions.
6. The Blue Train (South Africa)
Running between Pretoria and Cape Town (or vice versa), The Blue Train is another South African icon, often considered one of the most luxurious trains in the world. It’s a slightly more modern take on luxury than Rovos Rail, but equally refined.
Expect butler service, elegant suites with private bathrooms, and exquisite dining. The journey itself showcases South Africa’s diverse landscapes, from highveld grasslands to the dramatic Karoo desert and the picturesque winelands. It’s a perfect way to travel between two of South Africa’s most vibrant cities in ultimate comfort.
7. The Maharajas’ Express (India)
India, a country known for its intricate rail network, offers The Maharajas’ Express, consistently ranked among the world’s leading luxury trains. It offers several itineraries across North and Central India, ranging from 3 to 7 nights.
Each journey is a royal experience, reflecting the opulence of India’s bygone era. Expect lavish cabins, including a presidential suite, multiple fine dining restaurants serving Indian and international cuisine, and an observation car. Excursions include visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Taj Mahal, wildlife sanctuaries, and royal palaces, often with exclusive access.
8. The Palace on Wheels (India)
Another regal offering from India, The Palace on Wheels focuses primarily on Rajasthan, showcasing the region’s vibrant culture, magnificent forts, and desert landscapes. It’s a slightly older train than The Maharajas’ Express, but still offers a luxurious and culturally rich experience.
The carriages are designed to mimic the private saloons of India’s former maharajas, with intricate detailing and comfortable amenities. Passengers enjoy delicious regional cuisine, cultural performances, and guided tours of Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and the Ranthambore National Park.
9. Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train (Peru)
South America’s first luxury sleeper train, the Andean Explorer, travels across the Peruvian Andes between Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Arequipa. This high-altitude journey offers unparalleled views of the Andean altiplano, often considered one of the most beautiful train routes in the world.
The train features beautifully decorated cabins inspired by Peruvian textiles, an observation car with an open-air deck, and two dining cars serving contemporary Peruvian cuisine. It’s an immersive cultural and scenic experience, often including visits to ancient Incan sites and local communities.
10. The Eastern & Oriental Express (Southeast Asia)
Connecting Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, the Eastern & Oriental Express offers a luxurious journey through the lush landscapes of Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. It’s part of the Belmond collection, ensuring high standards of service and elegance.
The train features polished wood panelling, silk upholstery, and an atmosphere of colonial charm. Passengers enjoy gourmet Asian and international cuisine, vibrant bar cars, and open-air observation cars. Off-train excursions include visits to the Bridge on the River Kwai and local villages, providing cultural insights into the region.
Specialized Journeys and Unique Experiences
These trains offer something a little different, whether it’s an incredibly exclusive route, a unique focus, or an exceptional level of service.
11. The Shiki-shima (Japan)
Japan, known for its impeccable service and technological advancements, offers the ultra-exclusive Train Suite Shiki-shima. This futuristic-looking train embarks on various itineraries through Eastern Japan, ranging from 2 to 4 days.
It’s less a train and more a moving luxury hotel. The Shiki-shima features stunning observation cars, opulent suites (some split-level with a bath), and Michelin-starred cuisine. Bookings are often made months in advance and are highly competitive. It’s an experience in Japanese elegance, design, and hospitality, showcasing rural landscapes, traditional crafts, and hot springs.
12. The Seven Stars in Kyushu (Japan)
Another gem from Japan, The Seven Stars in Kyushu, offers journeys around the island of Kyushu. This train focuses on showcasing the natural beauty, diverse culture, and unique culinary traditions of Kyushu.
Like the Shiki-shima, it’s incredibly exclusive and meticulously designed, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern luxury. Each suite is unique, featuring local materials and craftsmanship. The dining experience is a highlight, with exquisite dishes made from regional ingredients. It’s an intimate journey designed for discerning travelers seeking an authentic and luxurious Japanese experience.
13. The Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train (Peru)
While a day trip rather than an overnight sleeper, The Hiram Bingham is often considered a luxury train experience that can’t be overlooked. It runs from Poroy (near Cusco) to Machu Picchu, offering a stylish way to reach the iconic Inca citadel.
The journey includes a gourmet brunch on the way to Machu Picchu and a sumptuous dinner on the return, all accompanied by Peruvian wines and live entertainment. The carriages are elegantly decorated in the 1920s Pullman style, and service is impeccable, including bus transfers and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu. It transforms a functional journey into a luxurious adventure.
14. The Presidential Train (Portugal)
Operating mainly for special events and gastronomic journeys through Portugal’s Douro Valley, The Presidential Train offers a unique, refined experience. This historic train once carried Portuguese heads of state and royalty.
It has been meticulously restored and now offers an exquisite culinary experience. Renowned chefs are invited to prepare multi-course gourmet meals onboard, paired with fine Portuguese wines, as the train winds through the stunning terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley. It’s a journey for foodies and wine lovers, combined with breathtaking scenery.
15. The Glacier Express (Switzerland)
While not a sleeper train, The Glacier Express is often lauded as the “slowest express train in the world” and certainly counts as a luxury experience for its breathtaking views and dedicated service. It connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, traversing the Swiss Alps.
What makes it luxurious are its panoramic carriages, offering unobstructed views of dramatic mountain peaks, deep gorges, and picturesque valleys. The Excellence Class offers guaranteed window seats, a 5-course gourmet meal with wine pairings, and a dedicated concierge service. It’s a fantastic way to experience the majesty of the Swiss Alps in comfort and style.
