The 9 Most Luxurious Train Rides in the World

These train rides have the ideal combination of scenery and service.

By now we do n’t have to proclaim the virtues oftrain traveling , which offers the eye - opening joy ofroad tripping(namely staring out a window at epic landscapes ) without take to dodge driver , follow navigation counsel , or worry about whatever the cockeyed price of gas is at this moment .

Even planes , though faster , can be exhausting these days , withTSA , lost luggage , delay , and cancellations . Not to mention crowded main cabin with tight seating area that scarce repose . And blank out about the views — so far - removed that they force you to squinch .

That ’s where luxury train swoop in . First enclose in 1883 with theOrient Express , here you get all the benefits of in - your - case vistas , with sizeable elbow room to kick back and relax , plus the consolation and avail you ’d receive in an airline’sfirst grade . you’re able to enjoy opulent surround while search declamatory swath of land , sip wine , and sleeping in style . In recent years luxury trains have enjoyed a revitalisation ; today there are multiple and varied options from which to take your pick .

a blue plush interior of a luxury train

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express|VW Pics / Universal Images Group / Getty Images

Here are the best luxury train on every continent , sans Antarctica . Take some time to indulge in slow change of location .

Rovos Rail, Southern Africa

There are no televisions or receiving set onboard the sleek Rovos Rail trains , but they wo n’t be missed . Whether you have two night or 15 day , the ride inaugurate you to some of Southern Africa ’s most spectacular plenty , with journeys crossing the lower part of the continent , going as far northward as Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania . The train decor is remindful of a bygone era , with a smoke waiting room , observation car , and a waiting room car to keep invitee amused . With crisp linens and crystal glassware , invitee still lop up for formal dinner party , with menus including local and traditional dishes . And of trend , there ’s heap of South African wine-coloured to go around .

At nighttime , guests sleep on board in various wood - panel suite — opt for the Royal category if you want a tub — while days are meet with risky venture through places like the awe - induct Victoria Falls , Etosha National Park , and legion enclaves known for recognise African wildlife . This is not only one of the most unique ways to go on safari , but to experience parts of Africa that are light to miss otherwise .

The Ghan, Australia

Roughly87 % of Australians hold up near the country ’s coast , but that does n’t mean the Interior Department should be neglected . While you may be more intimate with the Australian - themed steakhouse it inspired , Australia ’s literal Outback is stunningly beautiful , steeped in Aboriginal culture and full of dangerous undertaking . The landscape painting is awesomely bare — full of ruby sands , canyon , and royal monolith — and occasionally lush with plot of land of falls - pocked paradise . The Ghan , operated by Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions , is a lavishness train that crosses those nautical mile from northern Darwin , through the middle , to southerly Adelaide ( or frailty versa ) on their touch four - day , three - night stumble .

The route follow the trail of the Afghan cameleers who made a lasting road through Australia ’s red essence . Stops let in the outback town of Alice Springs and the excavation town of Coober Pedy , the “ opal capital of the earth . ” There are also daily opportunities for expedition to places like the monolithic and sacred sandstone monolith Uluru . The caravan itself offer individual , well-situated and contemporary cabin staffed by attendants , plus hearty meals , most on linen paper - topped tables in the sorcerous onboard Queen Adelaide Restaurant .

Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu, Peru

Of all the style to visit the Lost City of the Incas , the Hiram Bingham string is undoubtedly the most stylish . Named after the American explorer who , with the guidance of local indigenous granger , led the despatch that excavate the Inca citadel , this Belmond string ferries passengers aboard Pullman - style 1920s carriages from Cusco , through the Andean landscapes ofPeru ’s Sacred Valley , to and fromMachu Picchu .

A one mode slip take three to four hours . On the direction there , a effete lunch is served utilizing local produce like Sacred Valley corn while a four - course of action meal is presented on the twilight counter . Cocktails with Peruvian flavors , like the Picaflor Andino with Pisco , are available at the stylish bar — a pure mating with the live traditional lively medicine featuring the Peruvian cajón , for which the string is have it off . Catch the band in the bar , and groove to the music on the observance deck behind it .

Rocky Mountaineer, Western Canada

The very affair that makesWestern Canadaso spectacular is also why it ’s such a challenge to traverse : the deeply heavy natural environment . fortuitously , Rocky Mountaineer ingest away all the struggles created by mountainous peaks and heavyset timber , appropriate passengers to savor the jaw - dropping sights without ever having to waylay . It would n’t be uncommon to spot a barefaced eagle while sipping a glass of Okanagan wine as you ’re cross a nosepiece over a river . That ’s a combining of thing hard to make without being aboard Rocky Mountaineer .

While the Canadian Rockies can be bank upon to put on a practiced show , Rocky Mountaineer for certain builds upon it . Their GoldLeaf service is a piece of work of artistry , offer coaches with glass domes for ceiling , which you may enjoy while dining on topically source ingredients and sipping that wine , ofc . They offer several path ( including a young onein the U.S. ) , during which passengers hinge on the rails during the day and sleep in hotels at nighttime .

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

Though in 2025 it willhave some contender for the recognizable name , the Venice Simplon - Orient - Express is nothing short of a 1920s artistic production deco icon , eliciting nostalgia with its 17 restore vintage pusher , each with its own unique history . It crosses throughout Europe , stopping in historic cities like Paris , Venice , Prague , Vienna , and Budapest . There are many journeys to take , but once a year , the Venice Simplon - Orient - Express make a five - night journey between Paris and Istanbu , include all-night stops in Budapest and Bucharest .

Recently , the train introduced extra Grand Suites — named Vienna , Prague , and Budapest — which sport private lavatory with showers , double beds , and a living area with underfloor heating . As travel across Europe goes , this train uphold the bequest of the golden years of change of location , remain an excellent journeying to this daylight .

Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia

The Eastern & Oriental Express was first launched in 1993 as a seasonal luxury pick shuttling passengers between Singapore and Bangkok . new refreshed in 2024 , and in its current iteration the Belmond train has nixed the Thailand option , rather offering two routes beginning and ending in Singapore and jaunt deep into the heart of Malaysia . The “ Essence of Malaysia ” road runs from November to February , and the “ Wild Malaysia ” from March to October , with offboard excursions in place like the jungle of Taman Negara , historic Gemas , Kuala Lumpur , and Penang .

Fifteen carriages on a dreamy green and gold train include eight quiescence cars , two eating house machine , a prevention railroad car — with a piano for every night live entertainment — and the watching car . suite are carpet and plush , with polished wood inside and video windows . Dinner time becomes a fashion show as guests dress up to impress , while meal designed by André Chiang , winner of multiple Michelin virtuoso , mull both upscale fare and local cuisine like Penang curry and the Malayan noodle knockout laksa .

Shiki-Shima, Japan

The Nipponese rail arrangement is renowned worldwide , but it ’s not all punctual commuter and bullet trains . The Shiki - Shima , operate on by the JR - East Company , is designed with relaxation and exploration in intellect . The train blends ancient and modern aesthetics while ferrying passengers cruise ship - style on a extract of seasonal trip ( Shiki - Shima means “ the island of four seasons ” ) , with cities on the schedule where Guest disembark and explore . But all trips commence in their own lounge in Tokyo ’s Ueno train station , where guests are served snacks , tea , and Champagne before embarking on their journey .

It ’s not only one of the most film editing - edge trains , but also of the world ’s most undivided , with 17 suites awarded by lottery , for a maximum of 34 passengers on circuit card . The entry is the stunning two - point lounge which also features trading floor to ceiling windows , a fireplace , cocktail ginmill and a piano , while two observation decks are situated on either death of the string , with futuristic windowpane and paw - tissue carpeting made to resemble forage . Meals , as you would expect , are Michelin - caliber , with lobster dishes and accents like foie gras cherries . They also encourage you to tarry , permit you to spend more metre looking out of the characterisation windowpane in the dining car .

Maharajas’ Express, India

India is synonymous with opulence train , around since its colonial era and track over into pop culture with picture show like Wes Anderson’sThe Darjeeling Limited . But while a real life Darjeeling Limited train does not actually subsist , the Maharajas ' Express does , and takes you back to an grand geological era , when trains were first built for the country ’s Maharajas , and the ruling class . The exclusive service was discontinued after India ’s independence , and today anyone can travel like the Maharajas did .

Running October to April , four itineraries take three to seven days through primarily Rajasthan — with Insta - bait like the pinkish city of Jaipur and Udaipur , the urban center of lake — and other stops including Uttar Pradesh , Maharashtra , Madhya Pradesh , and Delhi . client can slumber in one of 14 cabins in four room category . The Presidential Suite is bigger than most New York apartments , with two bedrooms , a living way and a bathroom with a bathing tub .

The Vietage by Anantara, Vietnam

Anantara is one of the tardy gamy - end hospitality sword to get into the railway biz , and in 2024 launch their 2nd rail itinerary , take travelers from Vietnam ’s historic Hoi An Ancient Town to the coastline of Quy Nhon and the coastal city of Nha Trang . The first itinerary , launch in 2020 , colligate Da Nang and Quy Nhon .

With train rides of five and six time of day , there are no overnight accommodations . Instead , as you pass through Central Vietnam , recognize lake , ancient cities , and historical relics like the crumple rampart of Tra Kieu , the first capital metropolis of the Hindu Champa Kingdom , serving focuses on the culinary experiences . Vietnamese transportation is prepared with French culinary proficiency while the bespoke cocktail menu champions Vietnamese knock rummy . A sturgeon caviare and a local and Gallic Malva sylvestris disc can be pre - ordered in addition to your included three - course of action repast . And massages are available onboard to ensure you ’re relaxed once you get in at your finish .

wood-paneled interior of a train in Africa, with views of greenery