The 23 Most Luxurious Trains in the World

It is said that train travel is really a remnant of old-world charm. In a sense, that’s true. Luxury trains were the classiest way to travel overland distances. It’s little wonder that luxury travel today often employs elements of a past era. 

Most Luxurious Trains in the World

Luxury train travel is a great way to see several new places without the inconvenience of moving luggage from one destination to the next. There’s something very special about these luxurious train rides that harks back to the golden age of travel.

Sometimes it’s the decor, and sometimes it’s the style and level of personal service that feels like it’s from another time. These currently operating luxury trains are shining examples of that spirit. The list of the best trains in the world is in no particular order, they’re all extremely luxurious!

Luxury Trains for a Royal Experience

Every one of these luxury trains of the world offers fine dining cars, bars, and private cabins with spacious cabin facilities as a standard. Several even proffer en-suite cabins, personal stewards and butlers.

And one, in particular, requires that you dress for dinner. Here’s our pick of the most luxurious trains you can ride today.  

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express 

At least in name, this is probably the most famous luxury train in the world, run by the prestigious Belmond company. The western-most starting point is London, though a popular kick-off is also Venice. From there, the Venice Simplon Orient-Express sleeper train visits Prague, Budapest, and Vienna before returning to Paris or London. 

Featuring restored cabins from the 1920s, this legendary train is a great combination of traditional features and modern amenities. The Grand Suites have spacious marble en-suite bathrooms, 24 hour butler service and free flowing champagne.

Bear in mind that there is a dinner dress code – black tie is preferred for gentlemen in the evenings and jeans aren’t permitted at any time. 

2. Eastern & Oriental Express

This train is colored green and gold, appropriately for an offering in this region. The Eastern & Oriental Express operates between Bangkok and Singapore, passing through the best of the region’s villages, temples, and scenery. There are excursions to Kuala Lumpur and Kanchanaburi, with a tour of the River Kwai Bridge.

All four categories of cabin are air-conditioned and have an en-suite shower and toilet. There are also international electric sockets.

Aside from the outstanding restaurant and bar carriages, there’s a fabulous observation car from which to observe the world go by. 

3. The Deccan Odyssey

Conceived as a luxury hotel on wheels, the Deccan Odyssey offers an unmatched way to see some of India’s top tourist destinations by way of luxury train. Aside from top class private cabins, the train also features a spa car with a sauna, hairdressing salon and gym.

There are restaurants, the Bar Lounge Car, a business center and the Reception Car with a library and reading area. You can choose from 3 routes: Splendours of Northern India, Darjeeling Mail and Madras Mail.

4. Golden Chariot 

The Golden Chariot is a prestigious 19-car train operating in southwest India. It runs two main itineraries for luxury train vacations – Pride of the South and Splendor of the South – and offers 44 cabins and two restaurants. 

In addition, guests can enjoy a gym, spa, and lounge bar. The main journeys are designed to touch the tourist-interest regions of Karnataka, Bangalore, and Goa. 

5. Belmond Royal Scotsman

When you board the Royal Scotsman, you literally walk the red carpet, while a piper plays for you. That’s an indicative start to the journey, and it just gets better from there. Only 36 guests are on board at a maximum, which ensures the staff is able to give you unrivaled personal attention.

With a luxurious mahogany-panelled dining car and an onboard spa, this is one of the most luxurious trains in the UK.

The train only runs between April and October, traversing the Scottish Highlands over five days. There are also special trips scheduled through the year, usually themed around an event such as The Scotch Malt Whisky Tour. 

6. Golden Eagle (formerly the Golden Eagle Trans Siberian Express) 

This luxurious train has a resident pianist playing in the Bar Lounge Car to accompany the panoramic views of the landscape. Large windows help you appreciate the scenery. 

There are three categories of cabins: Silver, Gold and the exclusive Imperial Suites. All feature private bathrooms, air conditioning, a wardrobe and a safe. A stylish Bar Lounge Car and Restaurant Cars add to the enjoyment of this unique train.

The Golden Eagle journey includes stops in many iconic cities and towns along the Silk Road in Central Asia. There are currently 4 different routes: Caspian Odyssey, Jewels of the Silk Road, Republics of the Silk Road and Treasures of Uzbekistan.

7. Maharajas’ Express 

Few trains boast more prestige than the Maharajas’ Express. It was voted the ”World’s Leading Luxury Train” at the World Travel Awards no less than seven times!

Four routes are offered, all departing from Delhi. All four routes include an excursion to the iconic Taj Mahal.

Every inch of this train reflects the opulence and splendor of India’s most refined decor and cuisine. The restaurants, lounge bar, suites, and even the junior rooms are exquisitely serviced and maintained.

The Deluxe Cabins are the entry level accommodation measuring 112 square feet, and each have a private bathroom, wardrobe, safe, folding writing table, television, direct dial telephone and Wi-Fi. The Junior Suites are a bit larger at 150 square feet.

The Presidential Suite has a living room, two bathrooms including one with a bathtub and two bedrooms. This suite comes with a personal valet available 24/7 and private vehicles for local excursions at each destination.

8. The Pride of Africa (Rovos Rail) 

Africa is truly a place you’ll want to experience with a sense of luxury. Rovos Rail offers several options for its luxury train journeys, ranging from two to 15 days. 

The Pride of Africa travels cross-border, visiting Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Zambia on its routes. 

9. Rocky Mountaineer 

This modern train has magnificent glass-dome observation carriages, which offer exhilarating views of the beautiful Canadian Rockies. There are also open-air observation carriages for the complete experience. 

From Vancouver, the train takes one of four routes to Banff, Jasper, or Denver, each with its thematic appeal. 

10. Seven Stars Kyushu

Everything on the Kyushu seems to be a work of art. Famously, they claim that even the washbasins on board are rare, limited-edition models. The wood-themed decor is immaculate, down to the finest detail, in typical proud Japanese artistic fashion. 

Even the onboard cuisine is sourced from Kyushu’s surrounding landscape. Four-day and two-day journeys depart from Fukuoka and traverse Kyushu Island. 

Why not combine your journey with a trip to Oita, also on Kyushu island. This scenic district has some beautiful temples and gardens.

11. South Africa Blue Train

Traveling from Pretoria in the northeast to Cape Town in the southwest of South Africa doesn’t get any more indulgent. It’s the best way to see South Africa’s spectacular scenery as you enjoy butler service, world-class food, and superb wines. 

Several of the compartments have full baths, which is a must in the light of the African daytime. The two-day Blue Train is widely recognized as one of the world’s finest shorter luxury train experiences.  

12. Belmond Andean Explorer 

The Andean Explorer travels one of the highest train routes in the world, with its tracks running across the Andes Mountains in Peru. A great way to see South America, it also offers intriguing day excursions along the way, with comfortable cabin accommodations for your evening.

The journey starts at the ancient Incan city of Cusco, passing Lake Titicaca in Puno, and finishing at Arequipa. The Belmond Andean Explorer boasts 20 train carriages including the Llama and Muna Dining Cars, the Piano Bar Car, The Observation Car and the Picaflor Spa Car.

13. Hiram Bingham

This luxury train travels between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Featuring 1920s inspired carriages with wood panelling and brass details, the Belmond Hiram Bingham is the height of Peruvian hospitality.

Named after the American explorer who discovered Machu Picchu, the train route is 57 miles long. There are no sleeping carriages on the Hiram Bingham train, as the journey is short. However, you’ll want to spend all your time enjoying the Peruvian cuisine and local musicians playing in the Bar Car.

14. Golden Eagle Danube Express

The Golden Eagle Danube Express is one of the most luxurious ways to travel through Central Europe. This train service is run by Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, a British company.

Destinations visited may include Vienna, Salzburg, Budapest, Cesky Krumlov, Krakow, Venice, Istanbul and more. The train has sleeper cabins, a Bar Lounge Car and Restaurant Cars. The cabins are relatively spacious and equipped with private en-suite facilities and air conditioning.

Fares start at around $5,000+ per person for a 7-day trip depending on the itinerary and cabin type. The price includes touring, most meals, drinks, and transfers.

15. Palace on Wheels

The Royal Rajasthan On Wheels (better known as the Palace on Wheels train) rounds up our list of luxury train journeys, due to their focus on space. Each carriage only has three cabins, making its passenger quarters more spacious. 

The visual impact of the decor is impressive – lush carpeting, drapery and bedspreads await you in your cabin. There’s also a library, bar and a Rejuvenation Spa Car. Two restaurant cars serve foods and drinks: Maharaja and Maharani.

16. El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo

One of Spain’s most prestigious luxury trains, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo operates along the spectacular northern coast of Spain between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela. This narrow-gauge railway journey takes you through the stunning landscapes of “Green Spain,” traversing the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia.

Originally launched in 1983 as Spain’s first hotel-train, this train earned the distinguished award for the “Most Luxurious Train in the World” in London in 2014. The train accommodates only 28 passengers in 14 spacious Grand Luxury Suites, ensuring personalized attention from the crew.

Each suite features a comfortable double bed (or twin beds), private bathroom with hydromassage shower, wardrobe, safe, minibar, LED screens, and panoramic windows for spectacular coastal views. The train includes four magnificent salon cars built over a century ago, including the Tea Room, Panorama car, and entertainment room.

The 8-day, 7-night journey focuses heavily on fine dining, with breakfast served aboard and most other meals in exceptional local restaurants featuring the renowned cuisine of Northern Spain. All meals and fine wines are included, celebrating the region’s culinary heritage.

17. Orient Express La Dolce Vita

Italy’s newest luxury train sensation, Orient Express La Dolce Vita made its highly anticipated debut in April 2024 as the first Italian-made luxury train. This stunning train revives the legendary Orient Express name with eight curated itineraries throughout Italy, designed to celebrate the glamour and joie de vivre of 1960s Italy.

The train’s interiors, crafted by Milan’s prestigious Dimorestudio, pay homage to Italian design masters like Giò Ponti, Gae Aulenti, and Osvaldo Borsani. Every detail embodies the spirit of La Dolce Vita era, featuring geometric patterns, rich materials, and contemporary luxury that feels both historic and timelessly elegant.

With nine passenger cars accommodating 62 guests, travelers can choose between Deluxe Cabins and Suite Cabins, all featuring en-suite bathrooms. The Deluxe Cabins offer refined comfort with wood-beamed ceilings and carpeted floors, while Suite Cabins provide spacious bedrooms with vibrant décor, genuine brass finishes, and luxurious furnishings including sofas and armchairs.

The culinary experience is overseen by three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck, serving exceptional Italian cuisine that celebrates regional specialties. Journey options range from one to three nights, visiting destinations like Rome, Venice, Portofino, Tuscany, Sicily, and Matera, with carefully curated excursions at each stop.

18. Vietnam Express

Vietnam’s first luxury train, the Vietnam Express, represents a new chapter in Southeast Asian rail travel. This sophisticated train journeys through Vietnam’s most breathtaking landscapes, from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, with stops at iconic destinations including the ancient imperial city of Hue and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An, showcasing the country’s transformation from Mekong Delta rice paddies to dramatic limestone karsts and terraced mountains.

The train features elegantly appointed cabins with contemporary Vietnamese design elements, private bathrooms, and large windows for optimal scenery viewing. Vietnamese cuisine takes center stage with expert chefs preparing authentic regional specialties served in the Bistro Car.

Carefully curated excursions include visits to floating markets, traditional craft villages, and historical sites, offering opportunities to experience Vietnamese culture through cooking classes, traditional performances, and local community interactions. Each day brings new discoveries, from exploring ancient temples and cruising Ha Long Bay to walking through the lantern-lit streets of historic Hoi An.

19. Al Andalus

The magnificent Al Andalus luxury train offers an extraordinary journey through Spain’s enchanting Andalusia region. Built in France between 1929-1930 by the Wagon-Lits Company, this Belle Époque masterpiece has been tastefully restored to its original splendor.

The train features 32 elegant suites accommodating up to 60 passengers, with a choice between 20 Deluxe Suites and 12 larger Gran Clase Suites. During the day, beds convert into comfortable sofas, transforming suites into private lounges with panoramic windows for enjoying the Andalusian countryside. All suites feature private bathrooms, air conditioning, minibars, and exquisite period décor.

The 7-day, 6-night journey traverses some of Spain’s most captivating cities including Seville, Córdoba, Cádiz, Jerez, Ronda, and Granada. Starting in 2026, Al Andalus will offer an extended route between Madrid and Seville, nearly doubling the journey distance and including stops in Toledo, Cáceres, Mérida, and other historic cities.

Four magnificent lounge cars provide spaces for relaxation, socializing, and evening entertainment. The dining experience celebrates Andalusian gastronomy with meals alternating between the train’s elegant restaurant and renowned local establishments, accompanied by the region’s finest sherry wines and traditional Spanish cuisine.

20. The Canadian (VIA Rail)

VIA Rail Canada’s flagship train, The Canadian, offers one of the world’s great transcontinental railway journeys. Operating three times weekly between Toronto and Vancouver, this epic 2,775-mile journey crosses the entire breadth of Canada through some of the planet’s most spectacular and untouched wilderness.

Passengers in Sleeper Plus class enjoy private cabins with comfortable berths, while Prestige class offers spacious suites with private bathrooms and reserved seating in the Dining car, Park car and Panorama car.

The journey takes approximately 4 days and 3 nights, traversing the Canadian Shield, prairies, and Rocky Mountains. Large panoramic windows provide stunning views of pristine forests, mirror-like lakes, rolling wheat fields, and snow-capped mountain peaks.

21. Belmond British Pullman

The British Pullman, a Belmond train represents the epitome of vintage luxury day trips throughout Britain. This magnificent train consists of authentic 1920s and 1930s Pullman carriages, each meticulously restored and individually named with its own distinct character and Art Deco styling.

Operating from London Victoria Station, the British Pullman offers a diverse array of themed journeys ranging from castle visits and garden tours to murder mystery dinners and seasonal celebrations. Popular destinations include Bath, Canterbury, Whitstable, and various historic houses and vineyards throughout England.

The train’s carriages feature sumptuous marquetry, comfortable armchair seating, and crisp white tablecloths set for elegant dining experiences. Each carriage tells its own story – some have transported royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries throughout their distinguished histories.

The culinary experience features seasonal British cuisine prepared by expert chefs, with meals including Champagne and fine wines, and afternoon tea service. Special themed journeys might include Christmas markets, spring gardens, or exclusive wine tastings, making each trip a unique celebration of British heritage and hospitality.

22. The Ghan

Australia’s legendary transcontinental railway, The Ghan, traverses the heart of the continent on an epic 1,851-mile journey from Darwin in the tropical north to Adelaide in the south. Named after Afghan cameleers who once crossed these same desert routes, this iconic train offers a three-day adventure through Australia’s vast Red Centre.

The Ghan’s sleek, modern carriages cut through some of the world’s most remote and spectacular landscapes, including the MacDonnell Ranges, vast desert plains, and the unique ecosystem around Alice Springs. Large panoramic windows and outdoor viewing decks provide incredible vistas of the changing terrain and spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

Accommodation ranges from comfortable Gold Service cabins to luxurious Platinum Service suites with double beds, en-suite facilities, and priority dining reservations. The premium Off Train Experiences include helicopter flights over Uluru, hot air ballooning, and guided tours of Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge.

The dining experience celebrates Australian cuisine with native ingredients and fine wines from renowned regions. The Queen Adelaide Restaurant and Outback Explorer Lounge provide elegant settings for enjoying meals while watching the dramatic landscape change from tropical Top End to arid desert to temperate south.

23. Golden Eagle Silk Road Express

The Golden Eagle Silk Road Express offers 6 different luxury train journeys, following the legendary Silk Road trade routes through Central Asia. Guests travel through multiple countries such as China, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, covering routes that have connected East and West for over 2,000 years.

This fully en-suite train features stylish Superior Cabins and luxurious Hans Dynasty Suites with spacious bathrooms. The journey visits UNESCO World Heritage sites and architectural marvels, including the stunning architecture of Samarkand and Bukhara in Uzbekistan, the “Door to Hell” gas crater in Turkmenistan, and the magnificent mosques and bazaars of Isfahan in Iran.

The train features air-conditioned dining cars serving international cuisine adapted to local tastes, plus a bar lounge car where passengers can socialize while enjoying the ever-changing scenery. Expert guides provide fascinating insights into the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Silk Road, making this journey both luxurious and deeply educational.

Which is the Most Luxurious Train Ride?

There you have it: the world’s most luxurious train rides! These journeys offer an unparalleled level of luxury, comfort, and service. If you’re looking for a truly unique travel experience, one of these trains is sure to deliver.

Each of these trains is incredibly special in its way. Rail travel offers a way to see a particular part of the world that cannot be matched by any other mode of transport.

In terms of luxury and service, they are generally regarded as outstanding. Let us know which sounds most appealing to you.

No matter where you end up going or what kind of train ride you take, just remember to enjoy the journey. That’s really what it’s all about. If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, be sure to check out our other articles. Happy travels!

To recap, here’s a list of the most luxurious trains in the world:

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
2. Eastern & Oriental Express
3. The Deccan Odyssey
4. Golden Chariot
5. Belmond Royal Scotsman
6. Golden Eagle (formerly the Trans-Siberian Express)
7. Maharajas Express
8. The Pride of Africa (Rovos Rail)
9. Rocky Mountaineer
10. Seven Stars Kyushu
11. South Africa Blue Train
12. Belmond Andean Explorer
13. Hiram Bingham
14. Golden Eagle Danube Express
15. Palace on Wheels
16. El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo
17. Orient Express La Dolce Vita
18. Vietnam Express
19. Al Andalus
20. The Candadian
21. Belmond British Pullman
22. The Ghan
23. Golden Eagle Silk Road Express

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