Most Luxurious Train Journeys in the World

Trains are not just a way of traveling but a beautiful experience and when you are aboard one of the luxury trains in the world, it is an experience of a lifetime. Enjoy a holiday of lavish indulgences. From the 19th-century run locomotives to the newly launched royal trains, there are a handful of choices that beguile all your senses. Enjoy the beauty of luxury train rides as they pass through diverse ever-changing mesmerizing landscapes. Bask in the luxury of suites, lavish dining, and sightseeing, along with creating memorable experiences. In addition, a touch of royal hospitality transports you to the days of the yore and a world of its own.

Here’s a list of the top luxury trains in the world:

The Rocky Mountaineer

Country: Canada

Duration: 1-14 days

Passing through the 7 mountain ranges of the Canadian Rockies, this luxury train has earned bragging rights to be put on the list of the world’s best. Since its first journey in 1990, it has been one of the favorite luxury train journeys in the world. Moreover, the train traverses through some of the most pictorial and dramatic sceneries in Canada that you can enjoy seated by the glass dome. The gourmet delights tantalize your taste buds while the comforts of the train make your stay a pleasure.

The Gold Leaf Service is a much-awarded experience. There are four routes and itineraries of 1 to 14 days.

Maharajas’ Express

Country: India

Duration: 3-7 Days

Much like its name Maharajas’ Express is a train fit for royalty. The luxury Indian trains offer 7 itineraries traversing through destinations all over the country. In fact, it is among the best luxury train journeys in the world. Equipped with regal décor, the train has all possible modern state of amenities along with a touch of personal hospitality. The real pleasure of the train lies in its journeys and experiences as much in its coaches.

Explore the royal facade of erstwhile India as you visit forts, palaces, UNESCO World heritage Sites, marvelous architecture, and legends of the bygone days. From dining aboard or at offshore locations, sightseeing, shopping, elephant rides, and more, experience royalty.

Seven Stars in Kyushu

Country: Japan

Duration: 2-4 days

Named among the best trains in the world, Seven Stars in Kyushu is an ultimate luxury experience. Though the train comprises a mere seven carriages, it offers a memorable train journey for 14 guests onboard. The seven characteristic features of Kyushu: are hot springs, nature, power spots, history and culture, food, amiable people, and its train network, the train has been fondly named, Seven Stars.

Journeying across South Japan, there are itineraries that range from 1-4 days. Moreover, enjoy traditional Japanese interiors, the delicious cuisine of the island country, amazing sights, and pampering hospitality, creating memories of a lifetime.

The Belmond Andean Explorer

Country: Peru

Duration: 2-3 days

Among the list of the world’s best luxury trains, we have South America’s first luxury sleeper train, The Belmond Andean Explorer. The high rail lines of Peru’s royal train make for an unforgettable journey. Embark upon a one or two-night journey to experience the region’s attractions from Cusco to Arequipa, especially the spectacular views of Inca ruins.

Adding to the luxury feel of the train is an onboard spa, lavish dining places, décor of hand-woven fabrics and alpaca-style textures, with each cabin having its own bathroom, shower, and built-in oxygen tanks and masks as a provision for any difficulty caused by the high altitude.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Country: Countries across Europe

Duration: 1, 2, & 5 Days

If something defines the romance of the luxury rail journeys in the world, then it is the Venice Simplon Orient Express. Step aboard and feel yourself in the days of the Golden Age of train travel. The train in essence is the charm of Europe. The art-deco style of the 1920s, antique fixtures, polished wood, and plush upholstery speak for the glamorous days.

The train offers itineraries that cover the fabulous destinations of Europe. Get ready to explore London to Paris, Venice, Prague, Verona and Istanbul. In addition, bask in comfortable accommodations, delicious gastronomy, fine evenings created by the resident pianist, and a comfy bar car where the champagne always flows.

Golden Eagle

Country: Siberia and various other destinations

Duration: 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 21 Days

Moving on, next on our list of luxury trains in the world we have, Golden Eagle. The luxury train of Siberia is the best option to revel in charming experiences of Central Asia, Eastern Europe and other never-explored locales. The train itineraries cover the beautiful environs of Siberia, Norway, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and more.

Started in 2007, the luxury train offered soon joined the ranks of the world’s best. The Gold Class accommodation, Silver Class accommodation as well and Imperial Suite are truly straight out of fantasies. Dining is an experience you will definitely cherish. The décor and the modern amenities please guests like no other.

Palace on Wheels

Country: India

Duration: 3-7 Days

The first luxury trains in India, the Palace on Wheels is a royal experience. Traversing across Rajasthan, the former province of the Rajputs the train tour is unmatched. Comfortable lodgings decorated in royal style, lavish dining cabins, lounge and to top it all the amazing hospitality makes your journey memorable.

Learn about the heritage of Rajasthan, and its colorful culture, and have experiences that you cherish forever. From sightseeing in the mighty forts, gawking at the impressive architecture of temples, riding elephants, and attending cultural shows to enjoy other thrilling activities. In fact, it is named among the best luxury rail journeys in the world. Get back to the days of Kings as it does not just create the experience of royalty but has the refurbished coaches of these very Kings, Nizams, and other people of authority.

The Ghan

Country: Australia

Duration: 4 days

Dating back to the 1920s, The Ghan has been one of the most luxurious train rides in the world. Journey through Australia from north to south, the train offers an experience unlike any other. The route begins in Darwin and ends in Adelaide, offering insights into the real Australian Outback.

It’s the views that make the Ghan truly an experience of a lifetime. The amenities of the train enhance the experience. Services are categorized as Platinum, Gold, and Red, each memorable in its own way. One of the longest train journeys in the world, Ghan offers views that very few have actually seen. Fall in love with the raw natural bliss of Australia with the rail tour.

Rovos Rail

Country: South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania,

Duration: 3, 9 & 15 day tours

Nicknamed the “Pride of Africa”, Rovos Rail is counted among the most popular luxury trains in the world. Known for its truly lovely experience of South Africa, the train recaptures the romance of the bygone era. Passing through some of the thriving wildlife zones in the world, the thrilling ride is not short of any of the amenities of the modern days.

A kind of a luxury safari, the train journeys through the heart of African wilderness including the Big Five as well as beautiful views of the Indian Ocean. Passengers onboard can also enjoy the landscape as well as take clear photos as the train chugs at a leisurely pace.

Deccan Odyssey

Country: India

Duration: 8-Day & 7-Night Journeys

Titled as “Asia’s Leading Luxury Train” a number of times, Deccan Odyssey is also one of the luxury trains in the world. Offering six magical journeys through the beautiful landscape of India, the palatial train offers an experience one must not miss out on.

Endowed with truly lavish facilities, the Deccan Odyssey recreates the elegance of the bygone days with décor inspired by the golden era of train travel. While the train has boarding for almost 72 passengers, it has two gourmet restaurants on board, a lounge, a full bar, a beauty salon, round-the-clock Wi-Fi connectivity, LCD TVs along many more state-of-the-art amenities. Moreover, experience the charm of India with this royal train ride.

Eastern & Oriental Express

Country: Singapore, Thailand & Malaysia

Duration: 3 & 4 Day Itineraries

As its name suggests, the Eastern and Oriental Express offers unforgettable luxury train journeys through the Oriental landscape of Southeast Asia. Board the luxury train for its unrivaled style of timeless adventure, choosing from 19 journeys.

The two-night and three-night itineraries include nothing short of a fascinating vacation. Moreover, indulge in three-course lunches, four-course dinners, afternoon tea, and other glamorous facilities. In addition, the views make your experience all the more worthy. Journey across the fabled oriental South East Asia, especially Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. In a word trace the colonial charms, natural beauty, and many more cherished experiences.

Golden Chariot

Country: India

Duration: 8 Days & 7 Nights

Catering to Southern India, Golden Chariot ranks among the top luxury trains in the world. Offering two itineraries, the train covers the prominent destinations in South India, Dravidian cultural ethos, state-of-the-art amenities, gracious hospitality, impeccable services, and more.

Board the train and get back to the era of the royal days of India. The carriage interiors have a palatial style, architectural designs, and opulent detailing of temples. While they are also equipped with the finest modern facilities. While it has 11 coaches for accommodation, also on board are 2 restaurants, a recreational coach, a conference car, and other delights. All in all the Indian luxury train offers an experience unlike another.

Debashree Chakraborty

A travel writer by profession and self-professed addict to literature and travelling. Go through her penned down travel experiences on indianholiday.com