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All aboard: The world’s most luxurious train journeys
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From Australia’s desert-crossing Ghan and Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer to India’s Maharajas’ Express and the timeless Orient Express, these luxury train journeys offer the romance of slow travel at its finest
In an era of fast flights and streamlined travel, some journeys are best savoured slowly. Luxury trains combine comfort, heritage and service with curated excursions and fine dining, reminding us that the journey itself can be the destination. Most of these journeys unfold over several days with elegant sleeper cabins, but a handful of day trains – from Switzerland’s Glacier Express to Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer – earn their place for the scenery and service alone. Here are some of the most luxurious rail journeys in the world today.
Australia
The Ghan
Running between Adelaide and Darwin, The Ghan traverses the red heart of Australia on three- and four-day journeys that feature off-train excursions in Katherine and Alice Springs, plus a short stop in Marla. Cabins transform from lounges by day to bedrooms at night, while Platinum Service adds double beds, ensuites and access to the Platinum Club. Dining showcases fine Australian produce and wines, and groups can even book the eight-person Chairman’s Carriage.
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Indian Pacific
The Indian Pacific spans 4,352 kilometres between Sydney and Perth – and back – linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans on what is one of the world’s longest rail journeys. Between cities, the train rolls out through the Blue Mountains, across Adelaide, over the Nullarbor and into the goldfields of Western Australia. Off-train stops reveal Broken Hill’s artistic heritage, Barossa Valley vineyards, and evenings under star-filled skies. On board, cabins convert from lounge to bedroom, with Platinum Service offering double beds, spacious ensuites and exclusive dining. Menus highlight regional produce and fine Australian wines, delivering luxury across continents in both directions.
Great Southern, Australia
The youngest of Australia’s great rail journeys, the Great Southern launched in 2019 and operates as a seasonal service each summer from December to February. Linking Adelaide and Brisbane, it threads together the vineyards of the Hunter Valley, the sandstone ridges of the Grampians and the cultural sights of Canberra. Guests dine on regional produce at beachside lunches or outback dinners under the stars, while on board the train, cabins and service echo the standard of its sister journeys, The Ghan and Indian Pacific. With clifftop views of the Twelve Apostles and coastal landscapes along the way, it offers a distinctly east-coast counterpart to Australia’s other transcontinental routes.
North America
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
The Rocky Mountaineer is North America’s most celebrated luxury train, carrying more than two million guests since its launch in 1990. Its flagship route, the “First Passage to the West,” travels between Vancouver and Banff, crossing spiral tunnels and river canyons with snow-capped peaks towering above. Guests travel by daylight in glass-domed coaches, with open-air platforms for photography and storytelling from on-board hosts. At night, accommodation is in luxury hotels in Kamloops and Banff, with GoldLeaf Service offering à la carte meals in dedicated dining cars. Eagles, bears and glaciers add drama to the landscapes, best admired with a glass of Okanagan wine in hand.
Europe
Glacier Express, Switzerland
Known as the “slowest express train in the world”, the Glacier Express takes a full day to travel between Zermatt and St Moritz, winding through 291 bridges, 91 tunnels and the Oberalp Pass at over 2,000 metres. Panoramic windows frame storybook castles, Alpine meadows and views of the Matterhorn, while on-board chefs serve multi-course menus paired with Swiss wines. The journey can be combined with stays in resorts like Zermatt, Davos and St Moritz, or linked with the Jungfrau Railway to the high-altitude station at Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe”. More than simply transport, the Glacier Express distils the romance of the Swiss Alps into a single, unforgettable day.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
Few trains embody glamour quite like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, with its restored 1920s carriages, Lalique glass and Art Deco flourishes. The annual five-night journey from Paris to Istanbul is its most legendary, but regular routes link Paris with Venice, Vienna, Verona and beyond. Guests dine in white-linen restaurant cars on menus created by Executive Chef Christian Bodiguel, paired with fine wines and Champagne served in Lalique glassware at the dedicated bar. Accommodation ranges from elegant twins to lavish Grand Suites, each with marble bathrooms and butler service. Evenings unfold to the notes of the resident pianist in Bar Car ‘3674’, recalling the golden age of rail in a way no other journey can.
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United Kingdom
Royal Scotsman, Scotland
Carrying just 40 guests, Belmond’s Royal Scotsman is one of the most exclusive trains in the world. Its Highland itineraries range from two to seven nights, weaving past lochs, castles and misty glens, with off-train excursions to whisky distilleries, clay pigeon shoots and stately homes. Interiors are rich with mahogany and tweed, while the Dior Spa offers massages as the countryside rolls past. Dining focuses on seasonal Scottish produce, paired with fine whiskies and wines. An intimate club-like atmosphere makes the Royal Scotsman less a train and more a private house party on rails.
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Belmond Britannic Explorer, UK
Belmond’s newest train, the Britannic Explorer, is the first luxury sleeper service dedicated to Britain. Designed as a modern counterpart to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, it operates three-night itineraries from London Victoria, winding through Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales with excursions to sculpture gardens, private estates and fine-dining experiences such as Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. Interiors by Albion Nord showcase British craftsmanship with bold textiles, custom wallpapers and contemporary art, while three Grand Suites and 15 Suites offer refined accommodation. A botanically inspired Observation Car and a Wellness Suite by Wildsmith complement menus created by chef Sven-Hanson Britt under the guidance of Michelin-starred Simon Rogan.
Belmond British Pullman, England
For a shorter journey, Belmond’s British Pullman channels the romance of 1920s England, with lovingly restored carriages – each with its own history – carrying guests on nostalgic day journeys from London. Trips include themed experiences such as “The Golden Age of Travel”, “Murder Mystery Lunch” or seasonal escapes to Bath, Canterbury or the English coast. On board, Champagne flows and multi-course menus crafted from British produce are served on crisp white linen, while stewards in period dress bring theatre to every detail. With interiors of polished wood, marquetry and brass, and the chance to follow in the footsteps of royalty and film stars, the Pullman offers a slice of timeless elegance on the move.
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Asia
Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia
Relaunched in 2024, Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express now runs seasonal three-night journeys between Singapore and Malaysia, replacing its former Bangkok route. Departing Singapore’s Woodlands station, the Essence of Malaysia (Nov–Feb) and Wild Malaysia (Mar–Oct) itineraries pair teak-and-silk interiors, a convivial bar and observation car, and a resident pianist with shore excursions – think George Town, Penang; or canopy walks in Taman Negara. Cabins (Pullman, State and the spacious Presidential) convert to bedrooms by night with 24-hour service. On board, menus lean into Malaysian and Peranakan flavours served in white-linen restaurant cars.
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Maharajas’ Express, India
The Maharajas’ Express is often described as a palace on wheels, welcoming guests with red carpets, garlands and live musicians. Cabins come with butler service, while the Presidential Suite spans an entire carriage with bedrooms, lounge and dining room. Onboard restaurants serve both Indian and international cuisine, and excursions include Rajasthan’s palaces and the Taj Mahal.
Palace on Wheels, India
Launched in 1982 as India’s first luxury train, the Palace on Wheels continues to blend regal décor with modern comforts on its week-long circuit through Rajasthan. The seven-night, eight-day journey visits Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Agra, with excursions to forts, palaces and wildlife reserves. On board, 14 coaches named after princely states evoke a royal era, while dining cars serve multi-cuisine menus and evenings bring traditional performances.
Golden Eagle, Central Asia
The Golden Eagle private train, best known for its Trans-Siberian service through Russia, now operates immersive journeys through Central Asia – including the Silk Road (relaunching with a new route and train in 2026), Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Guests travel in opulent carriages with panoramic windows, plush cabins (Imperial Suites among them), and gourmet dining onboard while stopping at vibrant bazaars, historic madrassas and mountain vistas. Service remains lavish and detailed, with guided excursions, evening entertainment and comfort built into every itinerary. For those dreaming of the Trans-Siberian glory, the Golden Eagle still offers elegance – just on reimagined tracks.
Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan
Launched in 2013, Japan’s Seven Stars is one of the most exclusive trains in the world, carrying just 30 guests across 14 suites. Designed by Eiji Mitooka, the carriages combine polished wood, shoji screens and handwoven textiles to showcase Kyushu’s heritage. Two- and four-day circuits take in volcanic peaks, coastal cliffs and onsen towns, with excursions to ryokans, craft studios and markets. On board, a piano lounge, panoramic windows and seasonal multi-course menus celebrate Kyushu’s finest produce. With waitlists stretching months ahead, the Seven Stars remains the pinnacle of Japanese omotenashi – hospitality at its most refined.
Train Suite Shiki-Shima, Japan
Operated by JR East, the Train Suite Shiki-Shima carries just 34 guests across 17 suites in 10 carriages on two-, three- and four-day itineraries through Tohoku and Hokkaido. Designed by Ken Okuyama, its interiors blend sleek contemporary lines with Japanese tradition – tatami mat flooring, washi paper screens and hinoki cypress baths in select suites. Panoramic observatory cars open to rice fields, forests and rugged coastlines, while fine dining menus showcase seasonal produce from each region. With split-level suites, intimate capacity and service tailored to every guest, Shiki-Shima is one of the most sought-after journeys in Japan.
Africa
The Blue Train, South Africa
Often described as a five-star hotel on rails, The Blue Train offers a 27-hour journey of refined service and South African scenery between Pretoria and Cape Town. Suites feature marble-clad bathrooms – many with full bathtubs – plus 24-hour butler service. In the dining car, seasonal menus highlight local produce and wines, while lounges with polished wood and crystal set the scene for high tea or a nightcap. A stop in Kimberley includes a visit to the historic Big Hole and diamond mine museum, linking today’s luxury with the train’s origins serving mining magnates.
Rovos Rail, Southern Africa
Rovos Rail captures the romance of a bygone era, with Edwardian-style dining cars, wood-panelled suites and observation decks that open to the African air. The flagship Pretoria–Cape Town route spans 1,600 kilometres in three days, but longer itineraries extend north to Victoria Falls or west to Namibia. At the top end, Royal Suites take up half a carriage, complete with a Victorian bath, lounge and bedroom. Off-train excursions explore vineyards, battlefields and game reserves, while multi-course dinners with fine South African wines make each evening as memorable as the landscapes rolling by.
South America
Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru
South America’s first luxury sleeper train, the Belmond Andean Explorer travels through the high-altitude landscapes of Peru on one- and two-night itineraries linking Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa. Carriages dressed in soft alpaca wool and Andean textiles set a contemporary yet local tone, while open-air observation decks frame snow-capped peaks and vast altiplano plains. Guests dine on Peruvian menus crafted from seasonal ingredients, enjoy Pisco Sours in the piano bar, or retreat to the dedicated spa car between excursions. Off-train highlights include visiting the floating Uros Islands, sunrise over Lake Titicaca and exploring ancient Incan sites, making this journey as rich in culture as it is in comfort.
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Belmond Hiram Bingham, Peru
Belmond’s Hiram Bingham offers a day-trip alternative in Peru, journeying in Pullman-style splendour between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Expect polished wood, brass fittings and oversized windows that recall 1920s glamour, with plenty of live music and flowing champagne. Guests enjoy a gourmet brunch on the outbound journey and a four-course dinner on the return, paired with fine South American wines. An open-air observation car frames the dramatic Sacred Valley scenery before arriving at the citadel itself, with guided entry included. It remains one of the world’s most stylish ways to reach Machu Picchu.
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