Luxury train trip with your travel companion
Imagine traveling through various countries aboard a luxury train designed for an extraordinary experience with your favorite travel companion. I’ve found you the most beautiful and luxurious trains for a romantic weekend...
The 10 Most Luxurious Trains in the World: When Travel Becomes an Art
In an age of fast flights and tightly scheduled journeys, luxury trains offer a different philosophy of travel. Here, speed is not the goal, savoring every moment is. Plush armchairs replace standard seats, carriages transform into private suites, gourmet dining becomes part of the journey, and breathtaking landscapes glide past panoramic windows. Boarding a luxury train means stepping into a world where timeless elegance meets modern comfort. Here is a curated selection of the 10 most luxurious trains in the world, true palaces on rails.
1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – A Timeless Icon (Europe)
The ultimate symbol of prestigious rail travel, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express embodies romance and glamour at their finest. Its meticulously restored 1920s Art Deco carriages evoke the golden age of travel. Polished wood paneling, Lalique lamps, fine linens, every detail reflects extraordinary craftsmanship. The train crosses Europe between Paris, Venice, Vienna, and Istanbul, in a hushed, cinematic atmosphere. The experience: elegant dinners, champagne at the bar, and nights lulled by the rhythm of the rails.
2. The Royal Scotsman – Luxury in the Heart of the Highlands (Scotland)
Intimate and refined, The Royal Scotsman offers a rare immersion into Scotland’s wild landscapes. With only a limited number of cabins, the experience feels deeply exclusive and personal. Warm interiors feature fine wood, traditional tartans, and cozy lounges. Uniquely, the train even includes an onboard spa. The experience: whisky tastings, misty castles, lochs, and untamed nature.
3. Maharajas’ Express – Royal Splendor on Rails (India)
In India, luxury takes on an almost theatrical dimension. The Maharajas’ Express is often regarded as the most luxurious train in the world. Inspired by the palaces of former maharajas, it features opulent suites with personal butlers, gourmet restaurants, and lavish lounges adorned with silk and precious stones. The experience: discovering the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, and Udaipur in regal comfort.
4. The Blue Train – African Elegance (South Africa)
Traveling between Pretoria and Cape Town, The Blue Train is a global benchmark for luxury rail journeys. Its suites offer marble bathrooms, large panoramic windows, and impeccable service. Fine dining highlights South Africa’s best wines and culinary traditions. The experience: dramatic landscapes, refined African hospitality, and effortless elegance.
5. Rocky Mountaineer – Nature at Its Most Spectacular (Canada)
More than just a train, the Rocky Mountaineer is an immersive journey through the Canadian Rockies. Glass-dome carriages deliver uninterrupted views of mountains, rivers, and forests. Luxury here is understated yet exceptional, paired with attentive service and cuisine inspired by local ingredients. The experience: daytime travel through some of the world’s most awe-inspiring scenery.
6. Belmond Andean Explorer – High-Altitude Refinement (Peru)
South America’s first luxury sleeper train, the Belmond Andean Explorer travels through the Peruvian Andes at altitudes exceeding 13,000 feet. Elegant interiors inspired by Andean culture, comfortable cabins, an onboard spa, and observation carriages create a sophisticated adventure. The experience: a majestic journey between Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Arequipa.
7. Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express – The Ultimate Rail Odyssey (Russia / Asia)
Crossing the legendary Trans-Siberian route in absolute comfort is the promise of the Golden Eagle. Cabins are true suites with private bathrooms, heated floors, and personalized service. Some journeys last several weeks, transforming the train into a moving luxury residence. The experience: traversing vast continents in a cocoon of comfort.
8. Rovos Rail – Vintage Elegance Reimagined (Africa)
Often called the “Pride of Africa,” Rovos Rail delivers a nostalgic yet refined journey through Southern Africa. Beautifully restored vintage carriages, spacious suites, and attentive service recreate the romance of a bygone era. The experience: slow travel, untamed landscapes, and timeless sophistication.
9. Eastern & Oriental Express – Tropical Luxury (Southeast Asia)
Linking Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, the Eastern & Oriental Express offers an exotic and elegant rail journey. Polished wood interiors, refined fabrics, gourmet Asian cuisine, and views of jungles and rice fields make this a deeply sensory experience. The experience: colonial elegance blended with tropical serenity.
10. Seven Stars in Kyushu – Japanese Minimalist Luxury (Japan)
Rare, exclusive, and exquisitely designed, Seven Stars in Kyushu embodies Japanese luxury at its most subtle.With only a handful of passengers per journey, refined décor, impeccable service, and deep cultural immersion, every detail is intentional. The experience: harmony, precision, and the art of slow travel, Japanese-style.
True Luxury Is Taking the Time
These trains are not merely modes of transportation, they are destinations in themselves. Onboard, travel becomes a sensory, cultural, and emotional experience. In a fast-paced world, the ultimate luxury may simply be this: taking the time to travel differently.