Luxury Train Journeys You Must Experience Once

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Timeless Elegance Across Europe

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is, quite simply, the Rolls Royce of luxury train journeys. Evoking the glamour and romance of the 1920s and 30s, this train has become something of a cultural icon, in no small part thanks to such fictional celebrities as Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot. Traveling through the Swiss Alps, the Italian countryside, and other picturesque landscapes and destinations such as Innsbruck and Venice, this train offers a memorable journey from London to Rome. Passengers can relax in the company of luxury, enjoying spectacular views, excellent food and wine, and unparalleled levels of comfort as they travel through Europe like a character in a classic novel.

The Blue Train: South Africa’s Imperial Journey

Known as South Africa’s Imperial Blue Train, this train journey is a luxurious way to travel from Pretoria to Cape Town. The service offers a wide range of bespoke trips which all include plush private suites with sumptuous furnishings, attentive personal service, a full-service bar, and even a selection of gourmet meals that include a number of South African specialties. On the way, passengers will pass through the majestic Drakensberg mountains, beautiful South African winelands, and dramatic coastline of the Western Cape region.

The Maharajas’ Express: Royalty on Rails in India

Operated by luxury tour company, Trainjourneys of India, the Maharajas’ Express offers an incredibly opulent and regal experience on a journey between Delhi and Mumbai. Passing through the Agra and Jaipur cities, with stops at a range of palaces and grand homes along the way, this train features opulent suites complete with ornate wood carvings and a wide range of luxurious amenities. The train also offers both Indian and Western dishes for travelers to sample, as well as a range of leisure facilities like a spa, a bar, and a lounge car.

The Rocky Mountaineer: Canada’s Scenic Masterpiece

The Rocky Mountaineer is a great choice for travelers who love stunning views, but who are after something a bit more upmarket. This luxury train travels between Vancouver and Banff or Jasper, running during the day to allow travelers to make the most of the incredible scenery. As it rumbles through British Columbia and Alberta, travelers will be treated to glass-domed carriages which offer uninterrupted views of Canadian Rockies. The Rocky Mountaineer has also been recognized for its exceptional hospitality, offering first-class dining and commentary from experts on both the region’s natural history and ecology.

The Ghan: Australia’s Outback Majesty

Covering a long stretch of Australian desert and wilderness between Adelaide and Darwin, The Ghan is a legendary train journey which promises an unforgettable combination of outback ruggedness and luxurious accommodation. In addition to the train itself, which features elegant lounges and spacious cabins complete with all the expected modern amenities, the trip also includes an array of guided excursions to learn about Aboriginal culture, as well as the stunning landscapes and natural wonders that the Australian wilderness has to offer.

The Belmond Andean Explorer: Peru’s High-Altitude Luxury

If South America is on your itinerary, the Belmond Andean Explorer will give you the opportunity to travel the Peruvian Andes between Cusco, Puno, and Arequipa in style. A unique train in that it is the first luxury sleeper service in the country, at higher altitudes, you will pass through surreal landscapes, see turquoise lakes, ancient agricultural terraces, and quaint traditional villages. Belmond Andean Explorer has an array of sumptuous suites, a lounge car with panoramic windows, and a full-service dining car, serving up gourmet Peruvian fare. Your train journey will also include several stops at some of the country’s most iconic sights including Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, one of South America’s most elegant colonial cities.

Eastern & Oriental Express: Southeast Asia’s Exotic Elegance

Linking Singapore with Malaysia and Thailand, the Eastern & Oriental Express offers luxury travel through some of South East Asia’s most storied landscapes, cultures, and cities. Traveling through tropical jungles, vibrant cities, and quaint villages, this train features an array of stylishly designed and sumptuously decorated suites, complete with teakwood and silk furnishings that hark back to the region’s rich history. The dining experience onboard includes both Asian and Western menus which make use of local, fresh ingredients.

The Royal Scotsman: Britain’s Quintessential Country Journey

If you find yourself planning a trip to the Scottish highlands, the Royal Scotsman is the perfect train to consider. Offering a level of luxury and intimate service that only the most exclusive travel can provide, the train is small, but lavish, with plush cabins that include private bathrooms and fine linens. While you dine on elegant fare with a focus on locally sourced Scottish ingredients and an extensive whisky list, you will pass through the rugged mountains, lochs, and castles that make up this iconic part of Scotland. As a travel writer, I have encountered some truly majestic journeys, but the Royal Scotsman has to be one of the most uniquely special in the world.

The Hiram Bingham: Discovering Machu Picchu in Style

On a similar theme to The Belmond Andean Explorer, the Hiram Bingham train journey takes place between Cusco and Aguas Calientes in Peru. This journey offers the opportunity to visit the iconic archaeological site of Machu Picchu in style. Wooden-panelled, Hiram Bingham train cars, elegant dining, and attentive service combine with the chance to enjoy gourmet meals and fine wines as you take in spectacular views of the mountains. Passengers are dropped right in Aguas Calientes, so the train journey is a seamless part of the larger Peruvian experience.

The Palace on Wheels: A Royal Rajasthan Experience

As the name suggests, this is a luxury train journey which offers an insight into India’s royal history, traveling through the colorful and vibrant state of Rajasthan. Lavishly decorated and inspired by India’s royal palaces, this train features a stunning interior, luxurious cabins, fine dining, and traditional Indian hospitality. The Palace on Wheels itinerary also includes a number of visits to Rajasthan’s own majestic forts and palaces, as well as heritage sites in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. As you move between each location, you will get to experience the local culture through a range of arranged events, crafts exhibitions, and traditional performances.

The British Pullman: Vintage Glamour on the Rails

For the traveler with a taste for vintage luxury, British Pullman offers a range of short trips, which offer the chance to see the English countryside in style. This beautifully restored 1920s and 30s train features polished wood paneling, cozy lounges, and an impeccable service. Whether you take a luxurious lunch or enjoy afternoon tea, British Pullman offers a range of themed journeys. This often serves as a supplement for journeys on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

The Rovos Rail: Africa’s Pride in Luxury Travel

Offering a selection of nostalgic but modern trains, Rovos Rail runs out of South Africa. Rovos Rail has been described as “The Pride of Africa,” and this luxury train is certainly one of the best ways to travel the world. Boasting spacious suites, fine dining, and open-air observation cars, some of its most popular itineraries see the train travel past the Drakensberg Mountains, the Kalahari Desert, and Victoria Falls. Rovos Rail also offers custom-built trips, so travelers can get truly bespoke travel which might include a range of safaris, cultural tours, and wine tastings.

Conclusion: Embarking on a Journey Beyond the Destination

Luxury train journeys offer travelers a unique and truly memorable way to see the world. A world where fine dining, decadent relaxation, and luxurious interiors are combined with an adventure in discovery which unfolds outside your very window. Each of these luxury train journeys offers an entirely different experience, so it is no surprise that each is one of the world’s best. Whether it is the snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies or the bustling cities of Rajasthan, these luxury train journeys are not simply about the destination; they are experiences in their own right.