The Most Luxurious Train Journeys of a Lifetime

30 November 2025

Picture this: you’re sipping a glass of fine champagne while gazing out of a massive window, watching the world glide by in slow motion. Plush velvet seats, gourmet dining, and personal butlers tend to your every need. No traffic, no airport stress—just pure indulgence on rails.

If that sounds like your kind of adventure, then hop aboard as we take you through the most luxurious train journeys in the world. These aren’t just train rides; they’re rolling palaces that redefine travel in the grandest possible way.

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe)

A Glamorous Ride Through History

When you think of luxury trains, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) is the first name that pops up. This legendary train has been whisking travelers between London, Paris, and Venice since the 1920s, dripping in Art Deco elegance.

Step inside, and you’re instantly transported to a bygone era where sleek marquetry, polished brass, and vintage charm set the stage. The cabins? Spectacular. The dining experience? Michelin-star quality. You’ll be served dishes so extravagant they belong in a fine-dining restaurant, not a moving train.

And let’s not forget the service—impeccable, with personal stewards making sure you never lift a finger. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like an old-school movie star, this is your golden ticket.

2. The Maharajas’ Express (India)

Royal Treatment on Wheels

If you’ve ever dreamed of feeling like royalty, the Maharajas’ Express ensures you travel like an Indian maharaja from another century. This train is sheer opulence on rails, taking you through the heart of India’s most magical destinations—Jaipur, Udaipur, Agra, and beyond.

Your suite isn’t just a seat—it’s a full-fledged palace room with rich décor, lavish beds, and personal attendants catering to your whims. There’s a dedicated bar car, a lounge dripping in gold, and dining that showcases the best of Indian cuisine with a side of international flair.

And let’s talk about the experiences along the way. Think private viewings of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, palace galas with folk dancers, and jewelry shopping where they bring the treasures to you. It doesn’t get more regal than this.

3. The Blue Train (South Africa)

A Safari on Tracks

The Blue Train is where African wilderness meets five-star luxury. Running between Pretoria and Cape Town, this train lets passengers witness breathtaking landscapes—from rolling vineyards to rugged deserts—all while lounging in a suite that rivals a top-tier hotel.

The real star of the show? The train’s 24-hour butler service, ensuring you never have to worry about a thing. The bathrooms have marble finishes, the bedding is Egyptian cotton, and the cuisine? Oh, just some of the finest gourmet meals paired with South Africa’s exquisite wines.

And if you’re a fan of sunset views, prepare to be blown away. There’s nothing quite like watching the sun sink behind the mountains as you glide through the African landscape with a glass of Pinotage in hand.

4. The Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)

Glass-Domed Excellence Amidst Nature

Imagine an open-air adventure without sacrificing luxury. That’s the Rocky Mountaineer for you. Operating across Canada’s awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains, this train specializes in jaw-dropping scenery experienced in utter comfort.

What sets this train apart is its glass-domed carriages, providing panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, roaring rivers, and untamed wildlife. No Wi-Fi? No problem. Nature takes center stage here.

The service is absolutely top-notch, with gourmet meals inspired by Canada’s freshest ingredients. And let’s not forget the Signature GoldLeaf Class—spacious seating, upstairs viewing decks, and private chef-prepared cuisine. You’re essentially dining in the clouds while rolling through one of the most scenic landscapes in the world.

5. Belmond Andean Explorer (Peru)

High-Altitude Luxury

Luxury meets adventure on the Belmond Andean Explorer, South America’s first luxury sleeper train. Cruising through the Andes, this train covers the stunning route between Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Arequipa, offering passengers an experience that’s both high in altitude and high in class.

Here, you’ll find plush cabins inspired by Peruvian motifs, an open-air observation deck, and a piano bar where travelers sip Pisco Sours while a pianist sets the mood. The food? Think locally sourced Peruvian delicacies plated like fine artworks.

And when it's time to unwind, the spa car offers massages while the train gently sways along tracks that sit over 14,000 feet above sea level. This isn’t just a train ride; it’s an elevated experience in every sense.

6. The Ghan (Australia)

Luxury Through the Outback

If you’re looking for an adventure that’s both rugged and refined, The Ghan is your perfect match. This legendary train cuts through Australia’s red center, traveling from Adelaide to Darwin in sheer style.

While the desert outside is harsh, inside, it’s all about smooth leather seating, elegant dining, and warm outback hospitality. The Platinum Service suites come with oversized windows, offering uninterrupted views of the endless landscapes—think sunburnt plains, ancient rock formations, and star-filled skies.

One of the best parts? The off-train excursions, including camel rides, indigenous cultural experiences, and visits to the famed Katherine Gorge. It’s adventure without sacrificing an ounce of luxury.

7. Seven Stars in Kyushu (Japan)

Japan’s Most Exclusive Train Experience

Japan might be famous for its futuristic bullet trains, but the Seven Stars in Kyushu proves that slow, luxurious travel is just as mesmerizing. This ultra-exclusive train is more like a boutique hotel on wheels, blending Japanese aesthetics with world-class comfort.

Every detail, from the handcrafted wood interiors to the locally sourced gourmet cuisine, screams perfection. The train’s panoramic lounges offer spectacular views of Kyushu’s mountains and coastline, all while passengers sip on the finest sake.

With only 14 suites available per journey, this train is so exclusive that getting a ticket feels like winning the lottery. But if you manage to snag one, prepare for an experience that’s nothing short of magical.

Final Thoughts

Luxury train travel is proof that the journey can be just as incredible as the destination. These rolling five-star hotels offer an experience unlike any other—where time slows down, service is impeccable, and every mile brings new wonders.

So, if planes feel too rushed and cruises too crowded, why not indulge in a train journey that’s pure, unfiltered elegance on rails? Your next great adventure might just lie along the tracks.