Taking a luxury train ride is one of the most exclusive ways to explore some of the world’s enchanting landscapes. Unlike conventional travel, these journeys offer a combination of elegance, nostalgia, and adventure. Passengers experience opulent accommodations, gourmet dining, and world-class service, all while gliding past breathtaking scenery in a manner reminiscent of a bygone era. Here are some of the world’s most spectacular luxury train rides that provide top-notch experiences.
The Orient Express
The legendary Orient Express is the epitome of luxury train travel. Evoking the glamour of the 1920s, this iconic ride allows passengers to relive the golden age of travel. The route runs from Paris to Istanbul, passing through breathtaking scenery in seven different countries, including France and Switzerland. The train’s lavish carriages include a dining car serving sumptuous cuisine, a bar car, and opulent suites. The renowned service and hospitality combined with the train’s history are a big part of what makes this ride such a highly sought-after experience.
- Cost: Prices start around $3,500 per person for a one-night journey, with longer routes costing upwards of $20,000.
- Booking: Available through the Belmond website and luxury travel agencies.
- Best Time to Book: Spring and autumn for the best weather and scenery.
The Maharajas’ Express Luxury Train
Maharajas’ Express is a luxury train ride offering a regal journey through India’s top cities and cultural treasures. Its three to six-night itineraries are carefully curated to include iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal and Amber Fort as well as lesser-known gems like the Diwan-i-Khas and Anup Mahal. Onboard, guests enjoy posh, spacious cabins, delectable cuisine, and personalized service truly fit for royalty.
- Cost: Packages range from $3,500 to over $24,000 per person, depending on the itinerary and cabin class.
- Booking: This can be booked through the official Maharajas’ Express website or authorized travel partners.
- Best Time to Book: October to April, avoiding the extreme summer heat of India.
The Blue Train
This “luxury hotel on wheels” is regarded as one of the world’s most elegant trains. The ride takes passengers across South Africa from Pretoria to Cape Town or Kruger National Park in ultimate style, class, and comfort. This remarkable journey passes through diverse terrains, each more stunning than the next. Mountains, vineyards, and grasslands are all a part of the beautiful landscape you’ll witness. In addition to well-appointed suites, guests are in store for gourmet cuisine and bespoke itineraries customized to their interests and preferences.
- Cost: Prices start from approximately $1,200 per person for a one-night journey, with luxury suites costing more.
- Booking: Available on the official Blue Train website and select travel agencies.
- Best Time to Book: May to September for cooler and more comfortable weather conditions in South Africa.
The Rocky Mountaineer
Travelers can board the Rocky Mountaineer for a grand luxury train experience through the Canadian Rockies. Nature lovers will be left breathless by the views of the snow-capped mountain peaks, pristine crystal lakes, and dense forests as they travel from Vancouver to Banff or Jasper. The train’s glass dome cars allow for panoramic views of it all. The outdoor observation deck also creates an even more immersive and unforgettable journey.
- Cost: Prices start at $1,500 per person for a two-day journey, with luxury packages exceeding $10,000.
- Booking: Book via the Rocky Mountaineer website or through travel agencies specializing in luxury train travel.
- Best Time to Book: April to October, with peak season being June to September.
The Belmond Royal Scotsman Luxury Train
Scotland’s Belmond Royal Scotsman offers an intimate luxury train experience that takes passengers through the landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. This exclusive train, accommodating only 38 guests, provides a highly personalized and luxurious journey. With mahogany-clad carriages, fine dining, and a dedicated spa car, passengers can relax and take in the stunning scenery of lochs, castles, and rolling green hills. Some itineraries include stops at whisky distilleries, guided castle tours, and outdoor excursions.
- Cost: Journeys start at around $5,000 per person for a two-night trip, with longer journeys costing more.
- Booking: Available through the Belmond website and luxury tour operators.
- Best Time to Book: April to October, when Scotland’s landscapes are at their most vibrant.
The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express
For an epic journey, the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express offers an unrivaled adventure across Russia. The train covers nearly 6,000 miles from Moscow to Vladivostok. Guests travel in sheer luxury across Siberia’s vast and changing landscapes, stopping at historic cities and cultural landmarks along the way. The train features elegant en-suite cabins, a fine-dining restaurant, and a lecture program about the regions visited. This extraordinary journey combines exploration with refinement, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Cost: Prices range from $15,000 to over $35,000 per person for the full journey.
- Booking: Reservations can be made on the Golden Eagle Luxury Trains website or through specialized travel agencies.
- Best Time to Book: May to September for the most pleasant weather conditions.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Another legendary trip, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, whisks passengers away on a glamorous European adventure. With routes connecting cities like London, Paris, Venice, and Vienna, this train is a throwback to the sophistication of 1920s travel. Opulently restored vintage carriages, five-star dining, and impeccable service transport guests to a world of old-world elegance. Every detail, from the polished wood-paneled cabins to the fine china in the dining car, enhances the nostalgia and charm of this extraordinary experience.
- Cost: Prices start at around $3,500 per person for an overnight journey, with longer itineraries exceeding $10,000.
- Booking: Available through the Belmond website and luxury travel operators.
- Best Time to Book: Spring and autumn for mild weather and stunning scenery.
The Andean Explorer Luxury Train
The Andean Explorer, South America’s first luxury sleeper train, provides a stunning journey through the Peruvian Andes. Traveling from Cusco to Arequipa, with a stop at the breathtaking Lake Titicaca, this train offers a remarkable view of Peru’s diverse landscapes. In addition, passengers enjoy stylish, cozy cabins, a gourmet dining experience inspired by local flavors, and cultural excursions to explore Incan ruins and colonial towns. The Andean Explorer is an ideal choice for those who wish to experience Peru in absolute comfort and style.
- Cost: Prices range from $2,000 to $7,000 per person depending on the itinerary.
- Booking: Available via the Belmond website and select travel agencies.
- Best Time to Book: April to November for dry weather and clear views of the Andes.
The Ghan
One of Australia’s most famous train rides, The Ghan, takes passengers on an expedition through the heart of the Outback. This luxury train travels from Adelaide to Darwin. It completes nearly 3,000 kilometers of rugged and breathtaking terrain. Along the way, passengers can explore remote landscapes and visit iconic sites like Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge. Guests can also expect to enjoy world-class dining inspired by Australia’s unique culinary scene.
- Cost: Prices start at approximately $2,000 per person for the shortest journey, with luxury experiences costing over $8,000.
- Booking: Reservations can be made through the Journey Beyond Rail website and travel agencies.
- Best Time to Book: May to September, avoiding the extreme heat of the Australian summer.
The Eastern and Oriental Express
For a luxurious train experience in Southeast Asia, the Eastern and Oriental Express gives travelers a charming experience through Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. With its elegant carriages, fine dining, and immersive cultural excursions, this train combines adventure with refined luxury. Guests can relax in beautifully appointed cabins while traveling through lush jungles, picturesque villages, and vibrant cities. With stops at destinations like the River Kwai and Penang, passengers get a firsthand experience of the history and culture of the region.
- Cost: Prices start around $3,000 per person for a two-night journey, with luxury suites costing significantly more.
- Booking: Available through Belmond’s website and luxury travel agencies.
- Best Time to Book: November to February, avoiding the monsoon season in Southeast Asia.
