Luxury Train Trips: 11 Breathtaking Journeys Around the World

Luxury Train Trips offer a unique blend of old-world charm, opulence, and the thrill of exploration, making them one of the most captivating ways to see the world. In an era where air travel often feels like a necessary inconvenience, luxury train trips present a romantic alternative, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes while enjoying fine dining and personalized service that rivals the best five-star hotels. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 11 of the most iconic destinations worldwide, each offering an experience that’s nothing short of magical.

What Defines a Luxury Train Trip?

Luxury Train Trips are about more than just getting from point A to point B. They’re about the journey itself—a train journey where every detail is meticulously crafted to provide an experience of luxury travel at its finest. But what truly sets a luxury train journey apart?

It’s the combination of opulence, breathtaking landscapes, fine dining, and personalized service that makes these trips unforgettable. From the moment you step aboard, you’re transported into a world where time slows down, allowing you to savor every moment of the journey. Whether it’s sipping a glass of champagne while watching the Swiss Alps glide by or indulging in gourmet cuisine as the African savannah unfolds outside your window, luxury train trips offer a travel experience that’s both relaxing and exhilarating.

1. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: A Timeless Luxury Train Journey

If there’s one luxury train journey that has become synonymous with the golden age of luxury travel, it’s the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. This legendary train journey whisks passengers from London to Venice, offering a rare opportunity to experience opulence that harks back to the 1920s. Every detail of the train, from its art deco interiors to the fine dining menus, is designed to transport you back in time.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: A Timeless Luxury Train Journey

As you embark on this luxury train trip, you’re treated to panoramic views of breathtaking landscapes—from the rolling hills of France to the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps. The service is impeccable, with staff anticipating your every need. This is not just a train journey; it’s an immersive experience where history and luxury converge to create something truly special.

2. What Makes the Belmond Royal Scotsman Scotland’s Most Luxurious Train Journey?

The Belmond Royal Scotsman is more than just a train journey; it’s a moving country house that offers an intimate and luxurious way to explore Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes. With only 40 passengers on board, the experience is both exclusive and personalized. The train’s interiors, rich in mahogany and tartan, exude a warmth and comfort that perfectly complements the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

But what truly sets this luxury train journey apart is the personalized service and attention to detail. From the moment you step aboard, you’re treated like royalty. The observation car, with its large windows and open-air veranda, offers panoramic views of Scotland’s iconic destinations—from mist-covered lochs to ancient castles perched on cliffs. And then there’s the fine dining: each meal is a celebration of Scottish cuisine, featuring local ingredients like wild salmon, venison, and haggis, all paired with the finest whiskies.

3. Journey Through Australia’s Heart on The Ghan: A True Luxury Train Adventure

Australia’s vast and varied landscape is best explored by train, and there’s no better way to do it than on The Ghan. This luxury train trip takes you from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north, traversing the country’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes. Over the course of this three-day train journey, you’ll witness the transformation of the scenery—from the lush vineyards of South Australia to the red desert sands of the Outback.

Luxury on The Ghan is defined by comfort and style. The train offers private cabins with en-suite bathrooms, ensuring that you travel in complete privacy and comfort. The dining experience is equally impressive, with gourmet meals served in elegant dining cars that evoke the golden age of luxury travel. And for those looking to truly immerse themselves in the landscape, the train offers off-train excursions that allow you to explore remote locations like the ancient gorges of Katherine and the underground town of Coober Pedy.

4. Why the Rocky Mountaineer is the Ultimate Luxury Train Journey Through the Canadian Rockies

If you’re looking to explore the majestic Canadian Rockies in style, the Rocky Mountaineer is the luxury train trip for you. This train journey takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in North America, including towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forests teeming with wildlife.

What makes the Rocky Mountaineer stand out is its commitment to offering a luxury travel experience that’s accessible to all. The train offers several service levels, but even the most basic option includes fine dining, comfortable seating, and large windows that allow you to soak in the panoramic views. For those who want the ultimate experience, the GoldLeaf Service offers a bi-level glass-domed coach, giving you an unobstructed view of the Rockies’ breathtaking landscapes.

The personalized service on board is exceptional, with staff providing commentary on the passing scenery and ensuring that your every need is met. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, this luxury train journey offers an unforgettable way to explore one of the world’s most beautiful regions.

5. How Does the Maharajas’ Express Redefine Luxury Train Travel in India?

India is a land of contrasts, and the Maharajas’ Express captures this diversity in the most luxurious way possible. This luxury train journey takes you through some of India’s most iconic destinations, including Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Mumbai. Along the way, you’ll experience the country’s rich cultural heritage, all while traveling in the lap of opulence.

The Maharajas’ Express offers a range of private cabins, each more luxurious than the last. The Presidential Suite, for example, is a spacious, two-bedroom cabin that includes a living area and a private bathroom with a shower and bathtub. The fine dining on board is another highlight, with gourmet meals served in elegantly appointed dining cars. Each meal is a celebration of Indian cuisine, featuring dishes prepared with the freshest local ingredients.

But what truly sets this luxury train trip apart is the opportunity to experience India’s culture and history in a way that’s both immersive and comfortable. The train offers a range of excursions, including guided tours of the Taj Mahal, the temples of Khajuraho, and the wildlife reserves of Ranthambore. These experiences, combined with the train’s personalized service and luxurious amenities, make the Maharajas’ Express one of the most sought-after luxury train journeys in the world.

6. What Makes the Seven Stars in Kyushu Japan’s Premier Luxury Train Journey?

Japan’s Seven Stars in Kyushu is a luxury train journey that offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern comfort. This luxury train trip takes you through the island of Kyushu, known for its natural beauty, hot springs, and vibrant cities. The train itself is a marvel, with interiors that combine elements of traditional Japanese design—such as shoji screens and tatami mats—with the opulence of Western luxury.

Each suite on the Seven Stars in Kyushu is uniquely decorated, offering a serene and comfortable space to relax as you journey through Kyushu’s breathtaking landscapes. The fine dining on board is another highlight, with gourmet meals prepared by top chefs using the freshest local ingredients. The dining experience is complemented by personalized service, with staff going above and beyond to ensure that your every need is met.

But what truly sets this luxury train journey apart is the opportunity to experience Japan’s rich culture in a way that’s both immersive and luxurious. The train offers a range of excursions, including visits to hot springs, historic temples, and scenic vistas, all of which provide a deeper understanding of Japan’s unique heritage. This is not just a train journey; it’s a cultural exploration that offers a rare glimpse into the heart of Japan.

7. How Does the Blue Train Offer a Royal Journey Across South Africa?

The Blue Train is South Africa’s most iconic luxury train journey, offering a royal experience that takes you from Pretoria to Cape Town. Often referred to as a “five-star hotel on wheels,” the Blue Train offers all the comforts and amenities of a luxury hotel, combined with the adventure of exploring South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes.

The train’s opulent interiors feature rich fabrics, marble finishes, and gold-plated fittings, creating an atmosphere of refined luxury. Each suite is equipped with a private bathroom, air conditioning, and a butler service, ensuring that your every need is catered to. The fine dining on board is another highlight, with gourmet meals prepared by top chefs and served in elegant dining cars.

But what truly sets this luxury train journey apart is the opportunity to experience South Africa’s diverse landscapes from the comfort of your private suite. As the train winds its way through the country, you’ll witness breathtaking landscapes ranging from the arid Karoo to the lush vineyards of the Cape Winelands. The journey is punctuated by stops at iconic destinations such as Kimberley, where you can visit the famous Big Hole, and Matjiesfontein, a historic village that offers a glimpse into South Africa’s colonial past.

8. Is Rovos Rail the World’s Most Luxurious Train Journey?

Rovos Rail has earned a reputation as the world’s most luxurious train journey, and it’s easy to see why. This South African luxury train trip offers a range of journeys, from short excursions to longer expeditions that take you through multiple countries. Whether you’re traveling from Pretoria to Cape Town or embarking on the epic journey to Dar es Salaam, Rovos Rail offers an experience of opulence and comfort that’s unmatched.

The train’s interiors are reminiscent of a bygone era, with wood-paneled coaches, plush seating, and elegant dining cars. Each suite is equipped with a private bathroom, air conditioning, and 24-hour room service, ensuring that you travel in complete comfort. The fine dining on board is another highlight, with gourmet meals served in the train’s elegant dining cars. The menu features a range of dishes that showcase the best of South African cuisine, all paired with the finest local wines.

But what truly sets this luxury train journey apart is the level of personalized service. From the moment you step aboard, you’re treated like royalty, with staff attending to your every need. The train also offers a range of excursions, including visits to game reserves, historic sites, and scenic vistas, allowing you to experience the best of South Africa in luxury.

9. Travel Through the Andes on the Belmond Andean Explorer: South America’s Premier Luxury Train Journey

The Belmond Andean Explorer is South America’s first luxury sleeper train, offering a luxury train journey through the Peruvian Andes that’s both breathtaking and unforgettable. This luxury train trip takes you from Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, to Arequipa, known as the “White City” for its stunning colonial architecture.

The train itself is a marvel, with luxurious cabins that offer panoramic views of the Andean breathtaking landscapes. Each cabin is equipped with a private bathroom, air conditioning, and large windows that allow you to soak in the scenery. The fine dining on board is another highlight, with gourmet meals prepared using the freshest local ingredients. The menu features a range of Peruvian dishes, all expertly crafted to showcase the country’s rich culinary heritage.

But what truly sets this luxury train journey apart is the opportunity to explore some of Peru’s most iconic destinations. The train offers a range of excursions, including visits to Lake Titicaca, the Colca Canyon, and the ancient city of Cusco. These experiences, combined with the train’s luxurious amenities and personalized service, make the Belmond Andean Explorer one of the most sought-after luxury train journeys in the world.

10. Is the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express the Ultimate Rail Adventure?

The Trans-Siberian Railway is one of the world’s most famous train journeys, and the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express takes this adventure to a whole new level of luxury. This luxury train trip takes you from Moscow to Vladivostok, crossing eight time zones and covering over 6,000 miles of breathtaking landscapes.

The Golden Eagle offers luxury travel at its finest, with cabins that feature private bathrooms, air conditioning, and large windows that allow you to take in the panoramic views. The train’s interiors are reminiscent of a bygone era, with wood-paneled coaches, plush seating, and elegant dining cars. The fine dining on board is another highlight, with gourmet meals prepared by top chefs and served in the train’s elegant dining cars.

But what truly sets this luxury train journey apart is the opportunity to explore some of Russia’s most remote and iconic destinations. The train offers a range of excursions, including visits to the Kremlin, Lake Baikal, and the Ural Mountains. These experiences, combined with the train’s luxurious amenities and personalized service, make the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express one of the most sought-after luxury train journeys in the world.

11. How Does the Eastern & Oriental Express Combine the Best of Asia?

The Eastern & Oriental Express offers a luxury train journey through Southeast Asia that’s both breathtaking and unforgettable. This luxury train trip takes you from Singapore to Bangkok, offering a unique blend of cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes.

The train itself is a work of art, with elegant cabins, fine dining, and a bar car that offers panoramic views of the passing scenery. Each cabin is equipped with a private bathroom, air conditioning, and large windows that allow you to take in the panoramic views. The personalized service on board is exceptional, with staff attending to your every need.

But what truly sets this luxury train journey apart is the opportunity to experience some of Southeast Asia’s most iconic destinations in luxury. The train offers a range of excursions, including visits to the historic cities of Penang and Kanchanaburi, as well as scenic vistas in the Thai countryside. These experiences, combined with the train’s luxurious amenities and personalized service, make the Eastern & Oriental Express one of the most sought-after luxury train journeys in the world.

Why Choose a Luxury Train Trip?

In a world where travel is often rushed and stressful, luxury train trips offer a welcome respite—a chance to slow down, savor the moment, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and cultures of the world. Whether you’re exploring the Scottish Highlands, the Canadian Rockies, or the Peruvian Andes, these journeys offer a level of luxury travel and comfort that’s hard to find anywhere else.

So, if you’re looking for a travel experience that’s both luxurious and unforgettable, consider one of these breathtaking luxury train journeys. Each offers something unique, but all promise an adventure that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.