Luxury train travel evokes the glamour of a bygone era, combining unparalleled comfort, exquisite dining, and breathtaking scenery. These journeys are as much about the experience aboard as the destinations they visit, offering passengers a chance to immerse themselves in history, culture, and nature. From the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to the remote landscapes traversed by The Ghan, here are the 10 best luxury train rides in the world for 2025, each promising an unforgettable adventure.
1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), operated by Belmond, is the epitome of luxury train travel, immortalized by Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. Running routes across Europe, including London to Venice and Paris to Istanbul, this train features restored 1920s Art Deco carriages with polished wood, plush fabrics, and marble bathrooms. Passengers are treated to gourmet meals prepared by world-class chefs, with seasonal ingredients like Italian truffles and French lobster. The bar car, complete with a baby grand piano, serves craft cocktails as the European countryside rolls by. A one-night journey from London to Venice feels like stepping into a golden age of travel, with white-gloved stewards and a formal dress code enhancing the glamour.
2. Maharajas’ Express, India
The Maharajas’ Express is India’s crown jewel of luxury rail, offering a regal experience across routes like the Heritage of India (Mumbai to Delhi). With private butlers, a two-bedroom presidential suite, and interiors inspired by the opulence of the Raj, this train redefines extravagance. Passengers visit iconic sites like the Taj Mahal, Ranthambore National Park, and Jaipur’s palaces, with off-train excursions including champagne breakfasts and elephant rides. The dining cars, Safari Bar, and Raja Club serve gourmet Indian and international cuisine, paired with fine wines. This seven-day journey, though pricey, delivers a cultural immersion unmatched by other trains.
3. Rovos Rail Pride of Africa, South Africa
Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa is celebrated as one of the world’s most luxurious trains, offering journeys across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Tanzania. The train’s antique carriages, with wood-paneled suites and clawfoot bathtubs, evoke colonial elegance. Routes like Pretoria to Cape Town or the 15-day Dar es Salaam adventure include safaris, wine tastings, and visits to Victoria Falls. The dining car serves five-star meals paired with South African wines, while the observation car offers panoramic views of savannahs and mountains. Rovos’ leisurely pace (never exceeding 37 mph) allows passengers to savor the scenery, with open windows for fresh air and photography.
4. The Ghan, Australia
The Ghan, traversing Australia from Darwin to Adelaide, is a three-day, 2,979-km journey through the Outback’s heart. Operated by Journey Beyond, this iconic train features Platinum Service cabins with panoramic windows, private bathrooms, and access to the exclusive Platinum Club for dining. Passengers enjoy gourmet meals showcasing Australian ingredients, like kangaroo and barramundi, while passing landmarks like the Red Centre and Katherine Gorge. Off-train excursions include Uluru visits and Alice Springs tours. The Ghan’s modern luxury and remote landscapes make it a bucket-list experience for adventurers and rail enthusiasts alike.
5. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
The Rocky Mountaineer, a daylight-only train, offers breathtaking journeys through the Canadian Rockies, with routes like Vancouver to Banff or Jasper. Its GoldLeaf Service features glass-domed coaches, providing unobstructed views of snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and wildlife like elk and bears. Passengers dine on gourmet meals, such as Alberta beef and Pacific salmon, paired with local wines. Overnight stays in hotels ensure comfort, while daytime travel maximizes scenic enjoyment. The Rockies to Red Rocks route, extending to Utah, adds variety with desert landscapes. This train’s focus on views makes it a top choice for nature lovers.
6. Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland
The Belmond Royal Scotsman, the UK’s only luxury sleeper train, carries just 36 passengers through the Scottish Highlands. Departing from Edinburgh, its four-night classic journey visits distilleries, castles, and landmarks like the Kyle of Lochalsh. Edwardian-style cabins, a mahogany-lined dining car, and an open-air observation veranda create an intimate, elegant atmosphere. The onboard spa, a rare feature, offers treatments synchronized with the train’s motion. Gourmet meals, paired with over 50 whiskies, celebrate Scotland’s culinary heritage. The Royal Scotsman’s exclusivity and dramatic scenery make it a standout luxury rail experience.
7. Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan
Japan’s Seven Stars in Kyushu, launched in 2013, is a masterpiece of exclusivity, with just 20 passengers in 10 suites. Its wood-paneled cabins, hand-painted sinks, and traditional tea room reflect Japanese craftsmanship. The train’s two- or four-day journeys from Hakata visit Nagasaki, Yufuin, and Kagoshima, with off-train excursions to hot springs and cultural sites. The Blue Moon lounge and Jupiter dining car serve seasonal Kyushu cuisine, accompanied by live music. Tickets are allocated by lottery due to high demand, making this a rare and coveted experience.
8. Golden Eagle Danube Express, Europe
The Golden Eagle Danube Express offers unique routes through Southern and Eastern Europe, such as the Castles of Transylvania from Istanbul to Budapest. With spacious cabins, private bathrooms, and white-glove dining, this train combines luxury with cultural immersion. Passengers explore historic cities, medieval castles, and the Balkan landscapes, guided by personal tour managers. The bar car’s resident pianist and regional cuisine, like Hungarian goulash, enhance the experience. This train’s ability to access lesser-known destinations sets it apart, offering a blend of adventure and opulence.
9. Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia
Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express runs from Singapore to Bangkok, covering 1,262 miles through Malaysia and Thailand. Its polished wood-paneled corridors, silk-trimmed cabins, and 1920s-inspired bar car evoke colonial elegance. Passengers enjoy Singapore Slings on the outdoor viewing platform as jungles and rice paddies pass by. Chef André Chiang’s dining cars, Malaya and Adisorn, serve Southeast Asian dishes like laksa bouillabaisse. Off-train excursions include Kuala Lumpur tours and river cruises. This train’s exotic route and luxurious ambiance make it a favorite among slow-travel enthusiasts.
10. Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru
South America’s first overnight luxury train, the Belmond Andean Explorer, travels from Cusco to Arequipa via Lake Titicaca. Its vibrant interiors, inspired by Andean textiles, feature 35 cabins, a spa, and a lounge car. Passengers dine on gourmet Peruvian cuisine, like alpaca tortellini, while marveling at the world’s highest rail network. Off-train excursions include visits to Machu Picchu and floating Uros Islands. The train’s two-night journey through rugged Andean landscapes, with oxygen-enriched cabins for altitude comfort, offers a unique blend of adventure and luxury.
Why Luxury Trains Are Timeless
Luxury trains like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Maharajas’ Express transcend transportation, offering immersive experiences that blend history, culture, and scenery. Their meticulously restored carriages, gourmet dining, and personalized service hark back to the golden age of travel, while modern amenities ensure comfort. These journeys appeal to those who value slow travel, allowing passengers to disconnect from the rush of modern life and savor every moment. From Europe’s historic cities to Australia’s Outback, these trains showcase the world’s diversity in unparalleled style.
Planning Your Luxury Train Adventure
Booking a luxury train journey requires planning, as many, like Seven Stars in Kyushu, have limited availability or lottery systems. Prices range from $1,500 for shorter trips to over $3,000 per night for premium suites, but the all-inclusive nature—covering meals, excursions, and accommodations—adds value. Check dress codes, as trains like the VSOE enforce formal attire. Whether you dream of sipping champagne in the Alps or spotting wildlife in South Africa, these trains promise a journey as memorable as the destination.
Conclusion
The world’s best luxury train rides—Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Maharajas’ Express, Rovos Rail, and others—offer more than travel; they deliver a lifestyle of elegance and discovery. From the Scottish Highlands to the Peruvian Andes, these journeys weave together stunning landscapes, cultural immersion, and opulent comfort. For those seeking a unique way to explore the world, these trains provide an unrivaled experience, proving that the journey truly is the destination.
