Excursions aboard eight opulent train journeys across the globe, offering an extraordinary travel experience.
Luxury Train Vacations: A Journey Through Elegance and Scenery
In 2025, the world's most celebrated luxury train journeys offer travelers a unique blend of breathtaking scenery and exquisite service. These iconic rail experiences curate immersive journeys, combining elegant interiors, personalized service, fine dining, and spectacular landscapes that define the gold standard in rail vacations. Here are some of the top luxury train journeys to explore:
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, traversing Europe, is renowned for its Art Deco interiors, white-glove service, gourmet cuisine, and private cabins, evoking the glamour of a bygone era. With routes through cities like Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, Budapest, and Bucharest, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers an unforgettable journey across the continent.
The Maharajas' Express, a train-palace, takes travelers on a royal journey through India, showcasing palaces and historic landmarks in Rajasthan and other cultural hubs. The Maharajas' Express offers lavish décor, private butlers in each carriage, and a two-bedroom Presidential Suite for ultra-luxury.
Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, with scenic routes through Kyushu. The ultra-luxurious cabins, refined Japanese hospitality, and carefully curated meals create an unparalleled experience for travelers.
The Ghan, traversing the heart of Australia from Adelaide to Darwin or vice versa, offers an immersive journey through the outback wilderness and desert landscapes. With spacious cabins, high-end dining, and immersive excursions showcasing Australia’s rugged interior, The Ghan provides a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
The Rocky Mountaineer, traveling through the Canadian Rockies, offers panoramic mountain views, gold-standard luxury, exceptional customer service, and gourmet meals in a private dining car. The train's glass-domed coaches provide an unobstructed view of the stunning landscapes.
The Trans-Siberian Railway, the ultimate continental crossing from Moscow to Vladivostok or Beijing, offers travelers a chance to experience vast landscapes and cultural stops, with varied service classes, including luxury cabins, for a truly unique experience.
Additional notable rail experiences include The Reunification Express in Vietnam, offering an iconic, culturally immersive route between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and the Gotthard Panorama Express in Switzerland, renowned for stunning Alpine scenery with first-class comfort.
For travelers seeking a more intimate experience, the Belmond Andean Explorer, traveling through Cusco to Arequipa via Puno and Lake Titicaca in South America, offers a full spa onboard, making it an ideal choice for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The Belmond Andean Explorer's Presidential Suite is the largest train accommodation in the world.
The Royal Canadian Pacific, offering daily off-train excursions, takes travelers on a journey through the Canadian Rockies, with three- to four-night journeys from Calgary or Vancouver.
Rovos Rail Pride of Africa, known as the most luxurious train in the world, offers an unforgettable journey through epic landscapes such as Cape Town, Windhoek, and Victoria Falls. The train's accommodations offer en-suite baths and big windows, providing guests with a comfortable and relaxing experience.
Prices for these luxury train journeys vary, with the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express starting at around $3,800 per person for a one-night journey, and the Rocky Mountaineer starting at around $2,600 per person. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of luxury, these top luxury train vacations offer an unforgettable journey through elegance and scenery.
- To embark on a journey that blends luxury and scenic beauty, one might consider the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which offers art deco interiors, gourmet cuisine, and private cabins, providing an unforgettable trip across Europe.
- For a royal journey through India, the Maharajas' Express offers opulent decors, personalized service, and a two-bedroom Presidential Suite, showcasing historic landmarks in Rajasthan and other cultural hubs.
- For travelers seeking a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, Japan's Seven Stars in Kyushu offers ultra-luxurious cabins, refined Japanese hospitality, and carefully curated meals, journeying through scenic routes in Kyushu.
