Exploring the world by train offers a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and breathtaking scenery. From the historic elegance of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to the stunning landscapes traversed by the Rocky Mountaineer, these journeys provide unparalleled experiences. Whether it’s the cultural richness of India’s Maharajas’ Express or the scenic beauty of Switzerland’s Glacier Express, each train offers a distinct adventure. Below are some of the most luxurious train journeys around the globe, highlighting their unique features and the incredible experiences they offer.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe)
Renowned for its opulence, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express transports passengers back in time with its art deco interiors and world-class service. This legendary train travels between iconic cities like London, Paris, and Venice. Passengers enjoy gourmet dining, private compartments, and impeccable service, with meals prepared by French chefs using fresh local ingredients. The cost for this journey starts at approximately $3,200 per person. Its classic elegance and storied history make it a bucket-list experience for many travelers.
The Royal Scotsman (Scotland)
The Royal Scotsman offers an intimate and luxurious experience through the Scottish Highlands. With only 36 passengers, the train ensures personalized service and lavish accommodations. Guests can indulge in fine dining, spa treatments, and excursions such as whisky distillery visits, clay pigeon shooting, and castle tours. Prices begin at around $3,500 per person for a two-night journey. The breathtaking scenery combined with the train’s comfort and style makes it a standout choice.
Maharajas’ Express (India)
Known as one of the most luxurious trains in the world, the Maharajas’ Express offers various itineraries across India, covering destinations like Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Mumbai. Passengers experience royal treatment with spacious cabins, gourmet cuisine, and guided tours to historical sites, including the Taj Mahal and Amber Fort. The journey cost starts at about $3,850 per person. This train’s grandeur and the rich cultural experiences it provides make it a unique way to explore India.
The Ghan (Australia)
Spanning over 1,800 miles from Adelaide to Darwin, The Ghan offers an extraordinary adventure through the heart of Australia. Guests enjoy luxurious cabins, fine dining featuring local ingredients like barramundi and kangaroo, and off-train excursions to places such as Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge. A journey on The Ghan starts at approximately $2,500 per person. The spectacular landscapes and the train’s comfort make this an unforgettable trip.
Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)
The Rocky Mountaineer provides a luxurious rail journey through the stunning Canadian Rockies, with routes including Vancouver to Banff and Jasper. With glass-domed coaches, gourmet meals, and impeccable service, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and forests. Prices for this experience start at around $1,700 per person. The combination of natural beauty and upscale amenities makes it a favorite among travelers.
Belmond Andean Explorer (Peru)
As South America’s first luxury sleeper train, the Belmond Andean Explorer traverses the Peruvian Andes, with routes between Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Arequipa. Guests can choose from one- and two-night journeys, enjoying elegant cabins, gourmet Peruvian cuisine, and scenic views of mountains, lakes, and local villages. The cost for this luxurious journey begins at approximately $1,400 per person. The unique route and high-end services make it a standout experience in South America.
Eastern & Oriental Express (Southeast Asia)
The Eastern & Oriental Express offers a lavish journey through Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, with itineraries such as the Singapore to Bangkok route. Passengers enjoy luxurious cabins, exquisite dining, and sightseeing excursions to places like Kuala Lumpur and the River Kwai. A journey on this train starts at about $2,800 per person. The combination of cultural experiences and on-board luxury creates a memorable adventure.
The Blue Train (South Africa)
The Blue Train is synonymous with luxury travel in South Africa, offering a two-night journey between Pretoria and Cape Town, covering 1,600 kilometers. Passengers enjoy elegantly furnished suites, fine dining, and personalized service, with highlights such as a stopover at the Kimberley diamond mine. Prices start at around $1,500 per person. The stunning landscapes and high-end amenities make this train a top choice for luxury travelers.
Seven Stars in Kyushu (Japan)
Known for its elegance and exclusivity, Seven Stars in Kyushu offers luxury journeys across Japan’s southern island, Kyushu, with various two- and four-day itineraries. With just 14 suites, passengers receive exceptional service, gourmet meals prepared with local ingredients, and cultural excursions to hot springs, temples, and traditional markets. The journey cost begins at approximately $4,000 per person. The train’s refined interiors and scenic routes provide a unique way to explore Japan.
Palace on Wheels (India)
The Palace on Wheels offers a regal journey through Rajasthan, reflecting the grandeur of India’s royal heritage. Passengers enjoy luxurious cabins, fine dining, and visits to historic sites such as the Hawa Mahal, Ranthambore National Park, and the City Palace in Udaipur. Prices start at about $3,630 per person. The train’s opulence and the rich cultural experiences make it a remarkable way to see India.
Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express (Russia)
This iconic train journey spans across Russia from Moscow to Vladivostok, covering 6,000 miles in 15 days, offering a luxurious exploration of the vast Siberian landscape. Guests enjoy private en-suite cabins, gourmet dining, and a range of excursions, including visits to Lake Baikal and Ulan Ude. The cost for this epic journey begins at approximately $15,000 per person. The combination of remote scenery and top-tier comfort makes this one of the most prestigious train journeys.
Pride of Africa (Rovos Rail, Africa)
The Pride of Africa, operated by Rovos Rail, offers a luxurious experience across various routes in Southern Africa, including a journey from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam. Passengers enjoy vintage-style cabins, gourmet cuisine, and off-train excursions to places like Victoria Falls and the game reserves of Botswana. Prices start at around $1,600 per person. The train’s elegance and the diverse landscapes it traverses make it a favorite among luxury travelers.
El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo (Spain)
This luxurious train journey traverses the northern coast of Spain, from San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela, over eight days. Passengers enjoy elegant cabins, gourmet meals, and excursions to historic sites such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the prehistoric caves of Altamira. The journey cost starts at about $5,000 per person. The train’s high-end amenities and scenic route through Spain’s lush landscapes make it a unique experience.
The Canadian (Canada)
The Canadian, operated by VIA Rail, offers a luxurious cross-country journey from Toronto to Vancouver, spanning 4,466 kilometers. Passengers enjoy private cabins, fine dining, and panoramic views of Canada’s diverse landscapes, including the prairies, the Rockies, and the coastal mountains. Prices start at approximately $3,000 per person. The train’s comfort and the spectacular scenery make it a popular choice for luxury travel in Canada.
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels (India)
This luxurious train journey explores the vibrant state of Rajasthan, offering passengers a taste of royal India with a seven-day itinerary. Guests enjoy opulent cabins, gourmet dining, and guided tours to historic palaces and forts, including the Taj Mahal, the Amber Fort, and the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. The journey cost begins at around $4,000 per person. The train’s regal interiors and rich cultural experiences make it a standout option for exploring Rajasthan.
The Golden Chariot (India)
The Golden Chariot offers a luxurious journey through South India, exploring Karnataka and Goa with itineraries such as the Pride of the South and the Southern Splendour. Guests enjoy lavish cabins, gourmet meals, and guided tours to historic sites like Mysore Palace, Hampi, and the churches of Old Goa. The journey cost starts at approximately $3,500 per person. The train’s opulence and the rich cultural experiences it offers make it a unique way to see South India.
The Glacier Express (Switzerland)
Known as the slowest express train in the world, the Glacier Express offers a luxurious journey through the Swiss Alps, from Zermatt to St. Moritz over eight hours. Passengers enjoy panoramic views, gourmet dining, and comfortable seating while traversing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. Prices start at around $150 per person for a one-way trip. The stunning alpine scenery and the train’s comfort make it a favorite among travelers.
Shiki-Shima (Japan)
The Train Suite Shiki-Shima offers an exclusive and luxurious journey through Japan’s Tohoku and Hokkaido regions, with various itineraries ranging from two to four days. With only 17 suites, passengers enjoy personalized service, gourmet dining featuring local delicacies, and cultural excursions such as tea ceremonies and visits to hot springs. The cost for this unique experience begins at approximately $10,000 per person. The train’s refined design and the scenic route provide a truly luxurious way to explore Japan.
The Bernina Express (Switzerland)
The Bernina Express offers a scenic and luxurious journey through the Swiss Alps, from Chur to Tirano over four hours. Passengers enjoy panoramic views of glaciers, mountains, and viaducts, comfortable seating, and gourmet dining. Prices start at about $100 per person for a one-way trip. The breathtaking landscapes and the train’s comfort make it a memorable travel experience.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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