If you love luxury and the romance of train travel, you're in for a treat! We've compiled some of today's most luxurious and memorable rail journeys. Travel across mountain peaks, along winding rivers, and through tunnels connecting one continent with another — all from the comfort of your private cabin.
Whether it’s a short excursion or cross-continental trip that tickles your fancy, each journey detailed below offers an incomparable view into natural beauty – plus unprecedented service that will make even first-class airline seats seem ordinary by comparison.
Discover what sets these train rides apart from their traveling counterparts - prepare for an unforgettable experience as we explore some of the world's top, most luxurious train rides!
Orient Express - Paris to Istanbul
The Orient Express is one of the world's most iconic and luxurious train rides. It offers a unique experience that takes passengers on an incredible journey from Paris to Istanbul, passing through many countries in between, such as Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Bulgaria.
The journey lasts three days, allowing plenty of time to explore the countryside and take in the stunning scenery. On board, you can enjoy the finest hospitality with a private cabin, gourmet meals, and exclusive services.
The Orient Express is truly an unforgettable experience that you won’t forget!
Blue Train - Cape Town to Pretoria
The Blue Train is one of South Africa’s most luxurious train rides, taking passengers on a 27-hour journey between Cape Town and Pretoria. On board, you can enjoy the finest amenities and services, including private cabins with en suite bathrooms, gourmet meals prepared by an in-house chef, luxurious lounges, and more.
The views along this route are some of the most spectacular in the world.
The Rocky Mountaineer - Vancouver to Banff
The Rocky Mountaineer is a two-day journey that takes passengers on an unforgettable journey through the Canadian Rockies. Along the way, you will witness breathtaking mountain views, pass by turquoise lakes and glacial rivers, and experience some of the world’s most stunning wilderness scenery.
On board this luxurious train ride, you can enjoy gourmet meals, private cabins, panoramic views from the observation car, and more. It is a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories.
Royal Scotsman - Edinburgh to Inverness
The Royal Scotsman is an exclusive train ride in Scotland that takes passengers on a journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain. On board, you can enjoy luxurious private cabins, gourmet meals, and stunning views of the Scottish Highlands.
The journey lasts two days and ends in Inverness, where you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city and its surroundings. This is a truly unforgettable experience that should not be missed!
The Maharajas' Express - India
The Maharajas’ Express is one of the world’s most luxurious and extravagant train rides. It offers a seven-day journey through India, taking passengers to the country’s most iconic sights, including the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Udaipur, Agra, and more.
On board, the Maharajas’ Express offers world-class hospitality with private cabins, gourmet meals, a spa and gym, wine-tasting sessions, and more. This unique experience will bring you closer to India’s vibrant culture and heritage.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express - London to Venice
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is one of the world's most luxurious and iconic train rides. This unique experience takes passengers on a two-day journey from London to Venice, passing through some of Europe’s most stunning cities, such as Paris, Strasbourg, Innsbruck, and Vienna.
On board this luxurious train, you can enjoy a private cabin, gourmet meals from an in-house chef, complimentary drinks and snacks, and music and entertainment.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience will leave you with lasting memories of incredible scenery and luxurious hospitality.
The Ghan - Darwin to Adelaide
The Ghan is an iconic train ride in Australia that takes passengers on a 44-hour journey across the continent. The route passes through some of the country’s most stunning scenery, including red deserts, lush forests, and dry grasslands.
On board this luxurious train, you can enjoy private cabins, gourmet meals, and of entertainment. The Ghan is a truly unique experience that will give you an unforgettable insight into the beauty and diversity of Australia.
Royal Scotsman - Scotland
The Royal Scotsman is an exclusive train ride in Scotland that takes passengers on a journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain. On board, you can enjoy luxurious private cabins, gourmet meals, and stunning views of the Scottish Highlands.
The journey lasts two days and ends in Inverness, where you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city and its surroundings. This is a truly unforgettable experience that should not be missed!
On board, you'll have access to luxurious lounges and exclusive observation cars to take in some of Scotland's most breathtaking sights. The Royal Scotsman also offers personalized service and gourmet meals an in-house chef prepares. It is a truly luxurious experience that you won't forget!
These are just some of the most luxurious train rides in the world, each offering its unique and unforgettable experience. Whether looking for stunning scenery, luxury hospitality, or something in between, these amazing train rides will give you an unforgettable journey!
FAQs
What are the most luxurious train rides in the world?
The most luxurious train rides in the world include the Orient Express, The Glacier Express, and Rovos Rail. Each of these trains offers unparalleled comfort, luxury, and service as they whisk passengers through breathtaking scenery across multiple continents.
Onboard amenities range from fine dining options to personalized cabin service. With these unique experiences, travelers can expect a truly memorable journey.
What makes these train rides so special?
Each rail service provides passengers with an exclusive and luxurious experience as they traverse the world’s most beautiful landscapes. These trains have unparalleled amenities and service, from the Orient Express, with its classic Art Deco styling, to Rovos Rail's colonial-style decor and The Glacier Express's spectacular mountain views.
Passengers can expect to be treated to gourmet meals, attentive cabin attendants, plush beds and seating areas, and other luxuries such as onboard spas and salons.
Where do the luxurious train rides travel?
The Orient Express travels from London to Venice, The Glacier Express journeys through the Swiss Alps, and Rovos Rail traverses South Africa. Each of these routes offers stunning vistas and a variety of activities along the way.
Onboard staff can also assist with planning off-train excursions for travelers who want to explore more of each destination's beauty.
Conclusion
The luxury train travel experience available today promises to be even more unforgettable and sumptuous. From traditional luxury travel across Europe to the uncompromising, personalized service of the Orient Express, these rail journeys will elevate any holiday itinerary.
Whether it’s a night journey between capitals or a scenic excursion along once-in-a-lifetime scenery, these journeys offer unparalleled access to some of the world’s most stunning landscapes.
There is something for every traveler in this collection of luxurious train rides. So why not plan your grand rail adventure? Explore today's selection of the most luxurious train rides and begin an exceptionally luxurious journey you'll never forget!
