10 Spectacular Luxury Train Journeys for the Ultimate Scenic Experience
For travelers who appreciate elegance, comfort, and breathtaking landscapes, luxury train journeys offer an experience unlike any other. These rolling palaces transport passengers through majestic mountain ranges, untouched wilderness, and historic cities, all while providing sumptuous accommodations, gourmet dining, and impeccable service.
From the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the exotic landscapes of India and Africa, here are 10 of the world’s most spectacular luxury train journeys that combine the grandeur of a bygone era with modern sophistication.
1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – Europe’s Most Iconic Train Journey
Few train journeys evoke as much romance and nostalgia as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. This legendary train, with its 1920s Art Deco carriages, handcrafted interiors, and white-glove service, transports passengers back to the golden age of travel.
Route & Scenery:
- The classic route runs from London to Venice, passing through Paris, the Swiss Alps, and the Italian countryside.
- Other seasonal routes include Vienna, Budapest, and Istanbul, offering spectacular European landscapes.
Luxury Highlights:
- Lavish private cabins with vintage furnishings and rich mahogany paneling.
- Champagne and gourmet multi-course meals prepared by world-class chefs.
- Evening entertainment, including a piano bar and elegant cocktail lounge.
Why It’s Special:
A journey on the Orient Express is the pinnacle of luxury train travel, combining historic elegance with a sense of adventure across Europe’s most stunning landscapes.
2. The Royal Scotsman – A Grand Highland Adventure
Scotland’s Royal Scotsman is a moving five-star hotel that winds through the untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands. With only 40 passengers per journey, this train provides an exclusive and intimate travel experience.
Route & Scenery:
- Various itineraries explore Edinburgh, Inverness, the Isle of Skye, and the remote lochs and glens of Scotland.
- Guests enjoy private castle visits, whisky tastings, and excursions to legendary battlefields.
Luxury Highlights:
- Elegant Edwardian-style cabins with en-suite bathrooms and plush furnishings.
- A world-class onboard spa, offering treatments while traveling through scenic landscapes.
- The Observation Car’s open-air veranda, perfect for viewing Scotland’s breathtaking vistas.
Why It’s Special:
This journey is a perfect blend of Scottish history, rugged natural beauty, and refined luxury, making it one of the most sought-after train experiences in the world.
3. The Maharajas’ Express – India’s Royal Palace on Wheels
Known as one of the most luxurious trains in the world, the Maharajas’ Express offers a royal travel experience through India, reminiscent of the journeys once taken by Maharajas and British aristocracy.
Route & Scenery:
- Passengers can choose from several itineraries, covering destinations such as Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Agra (Taj Mahal), Varanasi, and Ranthambore National Park.
- The landscapes shift from bustling cities to ancient temples and vast deserts.
Luxury Highlights:
- Lavish suites featuring gold accents, rich silk fabrics, and personal butler service.
- Exclusive off-train excursions, such as private palace dinners and tiger safaris in Ranthambore.
- Fine-dining restaurants onboard, offering a blend of Indian and international gourmet cuisine.
Why It’s Special:
The Maharajas’ Express provides a regal experience, making passengers feel as if they are traveling in a moving palace, surrounded by the rich culture and history of India.
4. The Rocky Mountaineer – Canada’s Ultimate Scenic Rail Journey
The Rocky Mountaineer is Canada’s premier luxury train, offering unparalleled views of the Canadian Rockies through its glass-domed carriages.
Route & Scenery:
- The most famous route, First Passage to the West, runs between Vancouver and Banff, passing through glacial rivers, mountain passes, and dense pine forests.
- Other routes travel to Jasper, Lake Louise, and Whistler, showcasing Western Canada’s natural splendor.
Luxury Highlights:
- GoldLeaf Service, featuring bi-level glass-domed coaches and open-air viewing platforms.
- Gourmet meals inspired by Canadian cuisine, prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
- Overnight stays in luxury hotels, as this train only travels during daylight hours to maximize scenic views.
Why It’s Special:
The Rocky Mountaineer is the ultimate way to experience Canada’s wilderness in comfort, offering awe-inspiring views and world-class service.
5. The Ghan – Australia’s Legendary Outback Adventure
Crossing the vast heart of Australia, The Ghan offers a luxurious and immersive experience through the country’s most remote landscapes.
Route & Scenery:
- Travels 1,851 miles from Adelaide to Darwin, passing through the Red Centre, Alice Springs, and the tropical north.
- Passengers witness changing landscapes from deserts to lush forests.
Luxury Highlights:
- Platinum and Gold Service cabins, offering fine linens and en-suite bathrooms.
- Off-train experiences, such as sunset camel rides and guided Aboriginal cultural tours.
- Gourmet dining featuring Australian specialties like barramundi fish and kangaroo fillet.
Why It’s Special:
The Ghan provides a rare opportunity to explore the Australian Outback in total comfort, making it a must-do for adventure-seekers with a taste for luxury.
6. The Belmond Andean Explorer – South America’s Most Luxurious Train
South America’s first luxury sleeper train, the Belmond Andean Explorer, takes passengers on a stunning journey through the Peruvian Andes.
Route & Scenery:
- Travels between Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Arequipa, offering panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and Andean highlands.
- Passengers can visit Machu Picchu, ancient Incan sites, and floating villages on Lake Titicaca.
Luxury Highlights:
- Elegant en-suite cabins inspired by Peruvian heritage.
- A dedicated Observation Car, providing unobstructed views of the Andes.
- Peruvian-inspired gourmet cuisine, crafted by world-class chefs.
Why It’s Special:
This journey allows travelers to experience the mysticism of the Andes while enjoying five-star accommodations and service.
7. The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express – The Ultimate Russian Rail Adventure
For those seeking the longest luxury train journey in the world, the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express offers a stunning, two-week journey across Russia, Mongolia, and beyond.
Route & Scenery:
- The train covers 6,000 miles between Moscow and Vladivostok, passing through vast forests, Lake Baikal, and the Ural Mountains.
Luxury Highlights:
- Imperial Suites with underfloor heating and private en-suite bathrooms.
- A piano bar and caviar tasting experiences.
- Private guided city tours at each stop.
Why It’s Special:
This is the ultimate bucket-list train journey, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to cross Russia in absolute comfort.
8. Rovos Rail – The Pride of Africa
Rovos Rail is Africa’s most luxurious train experience, offering an opulent journey through South Africa, Namibia, and Tanzania. Often called the Pride of Africa, this train blends Edwardian-era charm with modern indulgences, providing a unique way to experience the continent’s diverse landscapes.
Route & Scenery:
- The most popular route, Cape Town to Pretoria, takes passengers through South Africa’s wine regions, rugged mountain ranges, and historic towns.
- Other journeys include a two-week expedition from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam, crossing multiple countries and showcasing deserts, wildlife reserves, and Victoria Falls.
Luxury Highlights:
- Restored wood-paneled suites with plush Victorian decor, en-suite bathrooms, and butler service.
- Observation car with an open-air balcony, perfect for viewing Africa’s dramatic landscapes.
- Fine dining with locally inspired cuisine, paired with South African wines.
Why It’s Special:
Rovos Rail is the epitome of old-world luxury, offering a chance to see Africa’s stunning landscapes from the comfort of a five-star hotel on wheels.
9. The Eastern & Oriental Express – A Grand Voyage Through Southeast Asia
For those seeking a refined and exotic adventure, the Eastern & Oriental Express travels through Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, offering a blend of luxury, culture, and tropical scenery.
Route & Scenery:
- The classic Bangkok to Singapore route takes passengers through lush rainforests, rice paddies, and colonial towns.
- Stops include visits to the River Kwai Bridge, historic temples, and bustling street markets.
Luxury Highlights:
- Elegant colonial-style cabins with polished wood finishes and fine linens.
- Ornate dining cars, where passengers enjoy multi-course meals inspired by Southeast Asian flavors.
- Guided off-train excursions, including private temple visits and cultural performances.
Why It’s Special:
This train captures the romance of classic Asian travel, offering an unparalleled way to explore Southeast Asia’s landscapes and heritage in total luxury.
10. The Glacier Express – Switzerland’s Most Scenic Rail Journey
Known as the slowest express train in the world, the Glacier Express offers an eight-hour journey through the Swiss Alps, treating passengers to some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery on Earth.
Route & Scenery:
- Travels between Zermatt and St. Moritz, passing through the Matterhorn region, deep gorges, alpine meadows, and over 290 bridges.
- Crosses the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the route, at over 6,600 feet above sea level.
Luxury Highlights:
- Panoramic glass windows, allowing for uninterrupted mountain views.
- Exquisite onboard dining, featuring Swiss gourmet cuisine and fine wines.
- First-class comfort with reclining leather seats, spacious legroom, and concierge service.
Why It’s Special:
The Glacier Express offers one of the most visually stunning train journeys in the world, providing a luxurious and tranquil way to experience the Swiss Alps.
