There’s something so elegant in regards to the concept of travelling by practice. It conjures visions of a bygone period, Previous Hollywood glamour, and baggage within the type of trunks slightly than backpacks. When it’s performed proper – and we’re not speaking in regards to the every day commute – practice journey generally is a actually luxurious expertise. Trains don’t require the faff that comes with catching a flight. And you do not miss a factor en route. Trains are a way of sluggish journey, permitting individuals to benefit from the journey slightly than merely get to their vacation spot.
Right here, that can assist you escape in unhurried model and class, we’ve put collectively our decide of the world’s most luxurious practice journeys. So sit again, loosen up and benefit from the view.
Our decide of the world’s most luxurious practice journeys
Andean Explorer, Peru
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Andean Explorer)
South America’s first luxurious practice, the Andean Explorer snakes its method by way of the gorgeous panorama of Peru. From the open-air commentary automotive, uncover Lake Titicaca and the floating island of Uros. The Andean Explorer’s design steps away from the vintage-style luxurious we see with some high-end trains, and as a substitute boasts a extra modern aesthetic. Native delicacies is on the menu, with Peruvian dishes and Andean components. There are additionally choices for spa journeys and excursions.
belmond.com
Danube Specific Golden Eagle, Jap Europe
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Danube Specific Golden Eagle)
Go to the castles of Transylvania or Christmas markets of Austria – the Danube Specific Golden Eagle explores the very best of the Balkans and Jap Europe. The unique practice carries simply 50 passengers and affords decadent consolation in every carriage. Interiors nod to Nineteen Twenties glamour, however carriages include trendy know-how. Visitors can get pleasure from regional cuisines and sightseeing at each cease.
goldeneagleluxurytrains.com
Jap & Oriental Specific, Malaysia
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of The Belmond)
The sister practice to The Venice Simplon-Orient-Specific, the Jap & Oriental Specific travels from Singapore into Malaysia. The carriages function cream and jade-green exteriors, whereas polished wood-panelled corridors and silk and delicate detailing set an opulent temper inside. There’s a Dior spa on board, the Bar Automotive serves as an unique jazz membership, with flowing cocktails and champagne, whereas the Piano Automotive affords gentler tunes, an ideal accompaniment to a quiet nightcap.
belmond.com
The Ghan, Australia
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Journey Past)
The Ghan affords a number of routes by way of Australia however is most recognized for journeying from Darwin to Adelaide. Traversing the guts of the nation, the route and its stops supply entry to a few of the individuals, locations and tales that form Australia. With elegant suites (the interiors have been redesigned by Woods Bagot in 2024) and positive eating, The Ghan ticks all the posh rail journey packing containers. Its ‘off-train’ experiences span from a tranquil cruise down the Katherine River to exploring the desert habitats of Alice Springs.
journeybeyondrail.com
The Maharajas’ Specific, India
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of The Maharajas’ Specific)
Journeying by way of North-West and Central India, with a concentrate on Rajasthan’s wealthy heritage, The Maharajas Specific is one in every of India’s (and the world’s) most interesting luxurious trains. It options 23 carriages, together with two eating automobiles, a non-public lounge with a bar known as the Rajah Membership, and even a memento store.
maharajas-express.com
Royal Scotsman, Scotland
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Belmond Royal Scotsman)
Scotland has considerable breathtaking surroundings, and the Belmond Royal Scotsman is a journey that balances enchantment and custom. This luxurious practice took its first journey in 1985 and was initially composed of sleeping automobiles and three eating carriages. Now, this has expanded (and features a Dior spa automotive) however nonetheless exudes an Edwardian nation home really feel because of the nice and cozy interiors. The routes round Scotland embrace scope for every part from whisky tasting to wild swimming and visiting historic castles.
belmond.com
Rovos Satisfaction of Africa
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Rovos Satisfaction of Africa)
Rovos Satisfaction of Africa has a number of trains and routes throughout the continent, taking in Botswana, Zambia, Eswatini, Tanzania and Mozambique amongst different international locations. The model of the carriages has an earthy, African safari really feel, with conventional luxurious (we’re speaking about soaking in a full-size bathtub on board). On the journey from Pretoria to Durban, for instance, soak up sweeping views of the savannah, and be taught in regards to the cultural historical past and affect of the Zulu individuals.
rovos.com
Seven Stars Kyushu
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Seven Stars Kyushu)
Previous-world glamour takes on a brand new interpretation aboard the Seven Stars Kyushu, an expensive sleeper practice that travels throughout Japan’s third-largest island, making stops at Fukuoka, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, and Kumamoto. Seats on this practice are extremely wanted, requiring potential company to enter a lottery to safe a reservation. The practice showcases the best of Japanese artistry and craftsmanship throughout its suites and lounges, whereas its Jupiter Eating Automotive affords seasonal components from the countryside and seas of Kyushu.
cruisetrain-sevenstars.jp
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Specific, Europe
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of The Belmond)
The Orient Specific started its service in 1883, famously departing from Paris and journeying throughout Europe earlier than arriving in Istanbul. With the unique practice now not in service, Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Specific (whose JR-designed suite received a Wallpaper* Design Award 2025) carries by way of the legacy honourably, travelling between Paris and Venice or Verona, in addition to Prague, Budapest and Vienna. The journey stays the top of luxurious and magnificence, with a contact of sultry thriller. In 2026, the corporate will refurbish 17 unique Orient Specific automobiles, relationship again to the Nineteen Twenties and Thirties.
belmond.com
Supply: Wallpaper
