Luxury Train Rides Around the World

7 September 2025

Ever dreamt of traveling in style, sipping champagne as breathtaking landscapes roll past your window? Luxury train rides offer an experience straight out of a classic novel—where elegance, adventure, and nostalgia blend seamlessly. Forget cramped airline seats or long highway drives; this is travel done right. So, pack your finest attire and get ready to uncover some of the most luxurious train journeys around the world!

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe)

Step Into the Golden Age of Travel

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) is synonymous with luxury train travel. With its meticulously restored 1920s carriages, this train transports you back to a time of opulence, elegance, and old-world charm. Every detail, from the plush seating to the Art Deco interiors, whispers sophistication.

The Route

The VSOE offers several routes, but the most famous one runs from London to Venice, passing through Paris and the stunning Swiss Alps. Imagine waking up to sweeping mountain views before indulging in a gourmet breakfast.

Why You'll Love It

- Handcrafted wood-paneled cabins that scream luxury
- Michelin-starred meals served onboard
- White-gloved service with attention to every tiny detail

This isn't just a train ride; it's a rolling five-star hotel.

2. The Maharajas' Express (India)

Royalty on Rails

If you want to experience India like a true Maharaja, this is the way to do it. The Maharajas' Express is India’s answer to luxury train travel. Think palatial interiors, extravagant amenities, and impeccable service—all while passing through some of the country’s most stunning landscapes.

The Route

This train offers multiple itineraries, but the most popular one, The Indian Splendor, takes you from Delhi to Mumbai, stopping at Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and the Taj Mahal in Agra. Yes, you read that right—you get to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World in pure luxury!

Why You'll Love It

- Lavishly decorated suites that resemble royal chambers
- Gourmet dining with both Indian and international cuisine
- Tranquil lounges where you can sip on fine whiskey while enjoying the views

If there’s one way to see India like a king or queen, this is it.

3. The Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)

A Glass-Dome View of the Canadian Rockies

Ever wanted to witness the raw beauty of Canada from a front-row seat? The Rocky Mountaineer delivers just that. Think snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and untamed wilderness, all viewed from a glass-domed train car.

The Route

The most famous journey, First Passage to the West, travels between Vancouver and Banff, cutting through some of the most picturesque landscapes in British Columbia and Alberta.

Why You'll Love It

- Glass-dome coaches for a panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains
- Open-air observation decks for unbeatable photography
- Gourmet meals paired with Canadian wines

This isn't just a train journey; it's an immersive nature experience—without sacrificing an ounce of luxury.

4. The Ghan (Australia)

Crossing the Heart of Australia in Style

The Ghan is an iconic Australian train that takes you on a stunning 2,979-kilometer journey through the heart of the Outback. Forget ordinary rail travel—this is an adventure through rugged deserts, red rock formations, and endless open landscapes.

The Route

The Ghan runs from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north, with stops in Alice Springs and Katherine. You’ll see landscapes shift from fertile farmland to remote, fiery deserts.

Why You'll Love It

- Plush private cabins with en-suite bathrooms
- Multi-course gourmet meals featuring local flavors
- Off-train excursions, like camel rides in the desert

If you’ve ever wanted to see Australia's Outback in the most stylish way possible, the Ghan is your golden ticket.

5. The Belmond Andean Explorer (Peru)

South America’s First Luxury Sleeper Train

The Belmond Andean Explorer takes you through the Andes Mountains, offering breathtaking views of Peru’s high-altitude landscapes. This is not just a train ride—it’s an unforgettable cultural experience.

The Route

The most popular route, Cusco to Arequipa, covers Lake Titicaca and Colca Canyon, passing through towering peaks, ancient ruins, and rolling plains.

Why You'll Love It

- Elegant cabins inspired by Peruvian culture
- An onboard spa for ultimate relaxation
- Gourmet dishes featuring Peruvian specialties

This train isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B—it’s about soaking in the beauty of the Andes while being pampered like royalty.

6. The Blue Train (South Africa)

The Pride of South African Luxury Travel

Dubbed "a window to the soul of Africa", The Blue Train is the epitome of luxury rail travel in South Africa. From five-star dining to butler service, every detail is designed for pure indulgence.

The Route

The classic journey runs from Pretoria to Cape Town, covering 1,600 kilometers of breathtaking landscapes, including rugged mountains, vast deserts, and lush vineyards.

Why You'll Love It

- Luxury suites featuring marble-clad bathrooms and gold fittings
- A cigar lounge and fine-dining restaurant for relaxation
- Spectacular views of South Africa’s diverse terrain

A journey on The Blue Train is more than a vacation—it’s an experience you’ll cherish forever.

7. The Eastern & Oriental Express (Southeast Asia)

A Journey of Exotic Elegance

Imagine traveling through the heart of Southeast Asia while sipping on a perfectly crafted cocktail. That’s exactly what the Eastern & Oriental Express offers. With its colonial-style wood paneling, plush interiors, and impeccable service, this train is pure romance on rails.

The Route

The most famous journey runs from Bangkok to Singapore, winding through lush forests, shimmering rice paddies, and ancient temples.

Why You'll Love It

- Elegant vintage-style cabins with en-suite bathrooms
- Traditional afternoon tea served onboard
- Off-train excursions, including visits to historic sites

This train journey combines thrill, luxury, and culture in a way no other mode of transport can.

Final Thoughts: A Timeless Way to Travel

Luxury train rides aren’t just about getting from one place to another—they're about stepping into a different era, indulging in top-tier service, and admiring some of the world’s most stunning landscapes without lifting a finger. Whether it’s the majestic Alps, the vast Outback, or the mystical Andes, these train journeys promise a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

So, next time you're planning a trip, why not swap the long flights and road trips for one of these unforgettable luxury train rides? After all, why rush when you can savor the journey?