Luxury rail travel isn’t about getting from Point A to Point B. It’s more than a commute. As the saying goes…it’s about the journey, not the destination. And these train rides offer a mind-blowing journey; we’re talking sophisticated cabins, white-glove service, fine dining, and scenery that gracefully unfolds before your eyes.
These luxury train rides are all about redefining what travel feels like. And while the scenery is absolutely a bonus, the main perk of this ride is the onboard experience, which can become an unforgettable highlight of a larger trip. Here are some of the best in the world that combine service, comfort, and ambiance for an extraordinary result.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
When we’re talking about luxurious train rides, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is at the top of many lists, combining old-world glamour with Art Deco design.
Cabins are adorned with polished wood paneling, crystal glassware, and impeccable service. Pair that with details like formal dining and piano music, and you have a timeless, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Oozing with modern Italian style, this train is designed with contemporary Italian aesthetics, blending it with heritage moments that give a mid-century vibe and the utmost comfort as you travel through regions like the Italian Riviera and Tuscany. Get ready for the best pasta of your life as you’re surrounded by Italian craftsmanship in this train that’s more modern glamour than nostalgia.
Royal Scotsman
Riding through the Scottish Highlands, this five-star luxury sleeper train accommodates only 40 guests, creating an intimate, fancy country-house vibe that’s truly exclusive. It feels like a private retreat, complete with Michelin-standard meals with seasonal ingredients and an onboard spa.
Off-train adventures are also an important part of the experience and include visits to castles, guided countryside walks, and distillery tastings.
Golden Eagle Danube Express
Rather than giving visitors a single scenic corridor, this epic train ride takes passengers through multiple countries across Eastern and Central Europe, combining cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Istanbul into a single, awe-inspiring route. If you want the opulence of a luxury train experience but across a broader range of countries with guided exploration.
Rocky Mountaineer
Explore the Canadian Rockies on the Rocky Mountaineer, one of the best-known luxury train experiences in the world. Rather than trains that focus on overnight experiences, the Rocky Mountaineer is ideal for those who want to prioritise daytime travel instead and maximise the scenery.
We’re talking glass-domed coaches, gourmet food served in-seat, and sightings of wildlife, emerald lakes, and snow-topped mountain peaks.
Maharajas’ Express
Want to feel like you’re staying in a moving palace? This train's luxury is unmatched worldwide, and if you want to see India in style, this is the only way. Every cabin is designed like a royal suite, and the level of service is extremely personalized. The entire experience feels incredibly indulgent and ceremonial, and especially as the routes wind to another level with routes winding through northern and central India.
Eastern & Oriental Express
Another well-known luxury train ride in Southeast Asia, the Eastern & Oriental Express blends colonial-era elegance with dazzling Southeast Asian landscapes and culture. Routes often connect Bangkok and Singapore, riding through rivers, lush countryside, and historic towns on the way. Cabins are as comfortable as can be, and this train is known for its five-star dining from renowned chefs as well as its off-train excursions, giving travelers ample time to soak in their surroundings both on and off the train.