Most Luxurious Train Journeys in the World
1. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – Europe’s Timeless Glamour
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is often called the most luxurious train journey in the world. This legendary train revives the golden age of travel with vintage 1920s carriages, polished wood interiors, and five-star service. Running between cities like London, Paris, Venice, and Istanbul, it offers panoramic views of the Alps and European countryside. Passengers enjoy luxury suites, round-the-clock butler service, and gourmet meals prepared by world-class chefs. This train is more than transportation—it's an unforgettable luxury travel experience. With formal dining rooms and evening entertainment, it feels like stepping back in time. For those seeking romance, opulence, and nostalgia, this journey is ideal. It’s also a top choice for honeymoon travel, luxury rail tours, or celebrating milestones. The dress code is formal, adding elegance to the experience. Expect to pay thousands of dollars, but the memories are priceless. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a bucket-list experience that combines history, charm, and five-star luxury—ideal for those who want the journey to be just as magical as the destination.
2. The Maharajas’ Express – Royal Luxury Across India
The Maharajas’ Express is often referred to as India’s most luxurious train and one of the most prestigious in the world. Operated by Indian Railways, it recreates the lifestyle of royal Indian maharajas, offering a journey through India’s rich heritage and vibrant landscapes. The train runs on multiple routes, such as Delhi to Mumbai and Delhi to Goa, covering iconic destinations like Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi, Udaipur, and Ranthambore National Park. Each coach is named after a royal province and features lavish decor, private butlers, Wi-Fi, and fine dining restaurants that serve Indian and international cuisine. Guests can choose from Deluxe Cabins to the ultra-luxurious Presidential Suite.
What sets the Maharajas’ Express apart is the curated experiences off the train—private champagne breakfasts near the Taj Mahal, elephant polo matches, and exclusive cultural shows. It's perfect for those who want to experience royal Indian hospitality and history in complete comfort. The train has won multiple awards, including “World’s Leading Luxury Train” by the World Travel Awards for several years.
Official Maharajas’ Express Website
3. The Royal Scotsman – Scenic Luxury Through theScottish Highlands
The Royal Scotsman is a legendary luxury train that offers an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. Operated by Belmond, the Royal Scotsman combines elegant Edwardian décor with modern comforts, making it one of the most refined and peaceful train journeys in the world. It departs from Edinburgh Waverley Station and covers picturesque routes that include Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis, Dundee, and the Isle of Skye. Every trip includes off-train excursions such as whiskey distillery visits, castle tours, and private Highland games.
With just 36 passengers per journey, the train ensures a highly personalized experience. It features wood-paneled suites, a fine dining car serving Scottish gourmet cuisine, and even an onboard spa—a rare luxury on a train. The Observation Car offers panoramic views of rugged landscapes, lochs, and glens, often accompanied by live traditional Scottish music.
This train is perfect for travelers seeking quiet luxury, nature, and cultural immersion. The Royal Scotsman has consistently been ranked among the top 10 luxury trains in the world and is known for its warm hospitality and attention to detail.
Official Belmond Royal Scotsman Website
4. The Ghan – Iconic Outback Luxury in Australia
The Ghan is one of the most famous and luxurious train journeys in the world, offering an extraordinary way to explore the heart of Australia. This legendary train runs from Adelaide to Darwin, covering over 2,979 kilometers through the red sands of the Australian Outback, lush tropics of the Top End, and the ancient landscapes of Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge. The journey typically spans three to four days, depending on the package you choose.
The Ghan is renowned for its five-star service, gourmet cuisine, and immersive off-train excursions. Guests enjoy all-inclusive experiences that include meals inspired by local ingredients, such as kangaroo, barramundi, and bush spices. Every cabin offers plush bedding, en-suite bathrooms, and panoramic windows to soak in the dramatic views. The Outback Explorer Lounge is a social hub where travelers relax, sip Australian wines, and share stories.
Traveling aboard The Ghan is about more than just transport—it’s about discovering the spirit of Australia in unmatched style. This journey is ideal for those who love adventure, culture, and comfort, making it a bucket-list trip for luxury travel lovers.
The Ghan – Journey Beyond Rail
5. Eastern & Oriental Express – Southeast Asia in Timeless Elegance
The Eastern & Oriental Express offers one of the most luxurious and romantic train journeys in the world. Operated by Belmond, this iconic green-and-gold train runs between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok, showcasing the heart of Southeast Asia with grace and grandeur. The journey typically lasts two to three nights, depending on the route chosen, and combines the charm of vintage rail travel with world-class amenities.
Inside the train, passengers are treated to elegant cabins with polished wood, silk furnishings, and private en-suite bathrooms. The dining car serves exquisite meals crafted with local flavors, and the observation car provides an open-air experience perfect for admiring lush landscapes, rural villages, and ancient temples. Stops along the way often include guided tours to historical landmarks, floating markets, or traditional Thai dance performances.
This journey offers a blend of luxury and cultural immersion, making it perfect for travelers who want a unique way to experience Southeast Asia. Whether it's sipping cocktails in the piano bar or waking up to misty rice paddies, the Eastern & Oriental Express is a dream journey that evokes a bygone era of train travel.
Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express
6. The Blue Train – South Africa’s Window to Luxury
The Blue Train is South Africa’s most prestigious rail journey, often referred to as a “moving five-star hotel.” Operating between Pretoria and Cape Town, this luxurious train covers around 1,600 kilometers of diverse landscapes in about 31 hours, offering travelers a seamless blend of world-class comfort and African charm. It’s more than just transportation — it’s an indulgent experience steeped in elegance and history.
The train features deluxe suites with full-sized bathtubs, butler service, and fine dining showcasing South African cuisine paired with local wines. Each coach is adorned with gold-trimmed décor, rich wood panels, and plush carpets that create an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. Passengers can unwind in the observation car or the club car, where they can enjoy cigars, top-shelf whiskey, or afternoon tea while gazing at the changing landscapes — from vineyards and mountains to savannahs and deserts.
The journey is not just about luxury; it’s also an immersive introduction to South African culture, hospitality, and natural beauty. Whether you're celebrating a honeymoon, a special anniversary, or simply seeking a one-of-a-kind travel experience, The Blue Train delivers an unforgettable adventure on rails.
7. Glacier Express – The Slowest Fast Ride through the Swiss Alps
The Glacier Express is often called the slowest express train in the world, but this is what makes it magical. Traveling between Zermatt and St. Moritz in Switzerland, the journey spans over 290 kilometers and takes about 8 hours, offering passengers uninterrupted panoramic views of the Swiss Alps through its signature glass-domed carriages.
This scenic route crosses 291 bridges, passes through 91 tunnels, and glides over the Oberalp Pass, which reaches a height of over 2,000 meters. The Glacier Express is a dream come true for photographers, nature lovers, and luxury seekers alike. As the train moves at a leisurely pace, guests are treated to three-course meals, wine service, and informative commentary about the regions and landmarks outside their windows.
What truly sets the Glacier Express apart is the comfort and elegance of its interiors. With first-class and excellence-class coaches, travelers can enjoy leather seats, private dining, and dedicated concierge service. Every inch of the journey is designed for relaxation, inspiration, and indulgence. Whether it’s winter with snow-covered peaks or summer with lush green valleys, the view is always postcard-perfect.
Glacier Express Official Website
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