Luxury Train Travel Is Experiencing a Renaissance: Here’s Why It’s Taking Off
As travelers increasingly embrace “slow travel,” luxury train journeys are making a grand comeback, offering opulent experiences that prioritize the journey itself over simply reaching a destination. From vintage-inspired carriages to bespoke excursions in remote locales, these experiences are redefining what it means to travel in style.
The Rise of Luxury Rail Journeys
In August 2024, an extraordinary rail journey departed from Vancouver, British Columbia, offering travelers a rare opportunity to experience seven luxury train lines across four continents. Packaged by Railbookers, the “Around the World by Luxury Train” itinerary came with a starting price of $113,599 per person and was so popular that it amassed a waitlist of over 500 people before the expanded 2025 offerings were even announced.
While such trips cater to a niche market, they reflect a larger trend in the travel industry: the growing appeal of luxury rail as a way to reconnect with the joy of travel. Samy Ghachem, general manager of the forthcoming La Dolce Vita Orient Express, attributes this shift to a post-pandemic desire for slower, more meaningful journeys.
A Nostalgic Yet Modern Experience
Luxury train travel is steeped in nostalgia, often evoking the glamour of the early 20th century. From the meticulously designed interiors of Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Wes Anderson’s signature car on the British Pullman, these trains feel like rolling works of art. But this revival isn’t just about reliving the past—it’s about creating new ways to be present and immerse oneself in the journey.
Many upcoming luxury rail lines, like Accor’s Orient Express ventures, are pushing beyond well-trodden routes. They aim to take travelers to lesser-known destinations while offering curated off-train excursions that deepen the travel experience.
Record-Breaking Demand for Rail Travel
Luxury rail bookings have surged, with companies like Railbookers reporting a 43% increase in sales for upscale journeys in 2024. “The journey itself becomes the destination,” says Andrew Channell, senior vice president at Railbookers. Travelers are drawn to the exclusivity, elegance, and once-in-a-lifetime appeal of these trips.
Interestingly, this trend isn’t limited to the ultra-wealthy. A growing segment of “little-bit-of-luxury” travelers is adding short luxury train experiences to otherwise modest vacations. Whether it’s Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer or India’s Maharajas’ Express, these trips offer a taste of high-end travel without breaking the bank.
Off the Beaten Track: The Future of Luxury Rail
The much-anticipated La Dolce Vita Orient Express, set to launch in 2025, exemplifies the shift toward slow and localized travel. Rather than focusing on speed, this Italian train offers itineraries at a leisurely 50 miles per hour, allowing passengers to savor every moment. Starting and ending in Rome, its routes include stops in remote regions like the cliffside city of Matera and the island of Sicily, where the train crosses the Strait of Messina by ferry.
Designed by Milan’s Dimorestudio, the train’s interiors reflect Italy’s iconic mid-century style, blending vintage elegance with modern comforts like en suite bathrooms and showers. This attention to detail ensures passengers experience both luxury and authenticity.
Japan’s Influence on the Rail Revival
Japan’s luxury rail offerings have set a high standard for slow travel. The Seven Stars train, which debuted in 2013, has gained a global following for its handcrafted interiors and thoughtfully curated itineraries. Its circular route around Kyushu includes stops at hot springs, shrines, and cultural landmarks, making the journey as enriching as the destinations.
Inspired by Japan’s success, La Dolce Vita and other European luxury trains are adopting similar concepts, combining elevated design with immersive experiences in lesser-known locales.
Exclusive Escapes in a Crowded World
In overtouristed destinations like Italy, luxury rail offers an escape from the crowds. Passengers can explore off-the-beaten-path locations while enjoying the privacy and exclusivity of their train accommodations. “It’s a chance to double down on the experience and access parts of Italy they might not normally consider,” says Ghachem of La Dolce Vita.
The Enduring Allure of the Golden Age
As luxury rail continues to gain momentum, major players like Accor and Belmond are expanding their offerings. Accor’s new Orient Express line will compete with Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which has added more European itineraries. Meanwhile, Japan’s East Railway Company has introduced the Train Suite Shiki-Shima, a luxurious slow-cruising experience available only through a lottery system.
In an era where even high-end travel can feel homogenized, the resurgence of luxury rail brings a refreshing touch of individuality. By embracing slower, more intentional travel, luxury trains are proving that the golden age of rail isn’t just a nostalgic dream—it’s a thriving reality.
Whether you’re indulging in a journey through the Peruvian Andes or exploring Italy’s hidden gems, luxury train travel offers an unparalleled way to experience the world, one mile at a time.
