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All Aboard: The Greatest Luxury Train Journeys in the World
- Faye Bradley
- Jul 12
- 3 min read
From Scottish spas on rails to Southeast Asian safaris with silver service, these trains aren't just modes of transport — they’re rolling worlds unto themselves.
There’s a peculiar magic to trains. Unlike planes, which cover distance in sterile efficiency, or cars, which tether you to a wheel, luxury trains allow the world to glide past you — one mountain, one desert, one historic village at a time. They speak to a lost age of glamour, when travel was about lingering, not leaving. Today, that golden age is being reborn with carriages polished to perfection and itineraries that rival the great journeys of lore.
Here are the most exquisite, immersive, and unforgettable luxury rail experiences on Earth — each one a destination in itself.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train — Europe
The name alone conjures mystery. With its Art Deco marquetry, Lalique glass, and antique brass fixtures, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a time capsule of 1920s glamour. Lovingly restored by Belmond, its carriages are a moving stage where every detail — from liveried stewards to the champagne bar — plays its part. Seasonal itineraries shift across the continent, but the sense of theatre remains constant.
Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train — Scotland
Think of the Royal Scotsman as a country estate on wheels. With just ten carriages and room for 40 guests, the experience is supremely intimate: Harris Tweed furnishings, mahogany-panelled dining cars, and Highland excursions by day. By night, unwind with a dram of whisky in the Dior Spa carriage or join a live ceilidh under the stars.
Belmond British Pullman — England
Evoking the golden age of British rail travel, the British Pullman offers themed day journeys across the English countryside. Inside these storied carriages — once reserved for royalty and statesmen — guests dine on fine china, served by white-gloved stewards. Expect everything from Champagne brunches to immersive murder mystery dinners, all with an operatic dose of British pomp.
Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train — Southeast Asia
With its silk upholstery, cherrywood panelling, and piano bar evenings, the Eastern & Oriental Express is a tropical dreamscape on rails. The open-air observation car is a highlight, offering front-row views of misty jungles, rice paddies, and temple silhouettes. Even at rest, this train exudes motion — a tribute to the romance of Southeast Asia.
Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train — Peru
Soaring above 12,000 feet, the Andean Explorer is South America’s first luxury sleeper train — and perhaps its most poetic. Interiors fuse minimalism with local textures: alpaca throws, handwoven fabrics, soft earth tones. The journey weaves through the Andes, offering glimpses of floating islands and Incan ruins, best viewed from the wraparound observation car, coca tea in hand.
Maharajas’ Express — India
With its crimson-gold livery and Mughal-inspired interiors, the Maharajas’ Express is as decadent as its name suggests. Inside: velvet dining booths, inlaid panelling, and a Presidential Suite that rivals a palace. Outside: excursions to temples, forts, and elephant sanctuaries. A tribute to India’s royal legacy — with white-glove service to match.
Rovos Rail — South Africa
Nicknamed “The Pride of Africa,” Rovos Rail is an unplugged affair — no Wi-Fi, no TVs, just the hum of polished wood and the rustle of linen. Passengers sip wine under chandeliers and disembark for game drives before returning to clawfoot bathtubs and antique armchairs. A rolling relic of colonial grandeur, remade for the modern romantic.
Glacier Express Excellence Class — Switzerland
Often called the world’s slowest express, the Glacier Express is all about vertical thrills and horizontal ease. In Excellence Class, guests enjoy a seven-course tasting menu and a personal concierge, all while sweeping through the Alps over 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. Swiss efficiency, with a decadent twist.
Seven Stars in Kyushu — Japan
Japan’s Seven Stars is where engineering meets artistry. Each of its carriages is a masterpiece of regional craftsmanship: washi paper, Arita porcelain, and native wood inlays. With only 10 guest compartments – all suites – it’s an experience that prioritises poetic detail and opulence in abundance.
The Vietage by Anantara — Vietnam
Two carriages, twelve seats, and six hours of unfiltered coastal beauty. The Vietage is a boutique gem tacked onto a commercial train — yet inside, it’s all fine dining, spa treatments, and scenery that unfolds like a silk painting. Intimate, elegant, and entirely unexpected.
The Canadian by VIA Rail — Canada
The Canadian cuts across Canada’s most diverse landscapes — from shimmering lakes to snow-capped peaks — with the grace of a floating hotel. Prestige Class features panoramic windows, private showers, and leather seating. For lovers of classic rail, it’s a moving postcard of Canadian vastness.
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