The 9 Most Luxurious Train Rides in the World

By now we don’t have to extol the virtues of train travel, which offers the eye-opening joy of road tripping (namely staring out a window at epic landscapes) without having to dodge drivers, follow navigation directions, or worry about whatever the absurd price of gas is at this moment.

Even planes, though faster, can be exhausting these days, with TSA, lost baggage, delays, and cancellations. Not to mention crowded main cabins with tight seats that barely recline. And forget about the views—so far-removed that they force you to squint.

That’s where luxury trains swoop in. First introduced in 1883 with the Orient Express, here you get all the benefits of in-your-face vistas, with ample room to kick back and relax, plus the comfort and service you’d receive in an airline’s first class. You can enjoy opulent surroundings while exploring large swaths of land, sipping wine, and sleeping in style. In recent years luxury trains have enjoyed a resurgence; today there are multiple and varied options from which to take your pick.

Here are the best luxury trains on every continent, sans Antarctica. Take some time to indulge in slow travel.

There are no televisions or radios onboard the sleek Rovos Rail trains, but they won’t be missed. Whether you have two nights or 15 days, the ride introduces you to some of Southern Africa’s most spectacular sights, with journeys crossing the lower part of the continent, going as far north as Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania. The train decor is reminiscent of a bygone era, with a smoking lounge, observation car, and a lounge car to keep guests entertained. With crisp linens and crystal glassware, guests still dress up for formal dinners, with menus including local and traditional dishes. And of course, there’s plenty of South African wine to go around.

At night, guests sleep on board in various wood-paneled suites—opt for the Royal category if you want a bathtub—while days are filled with adventures through places like the awe-inducing Victoria Falls, Etosha National Park, and numerous enclaves known for spotting African wildlife. This is not only one of the most unique ways to go on safari, but to experience parts of Africa that are easy to miss otherwise.

Roughly 87% of Australians live near the country’s coast, but that doesn’t mean the interior should be neglected. While you may be more familiar with the Australian-themed steakhouse it inspired, Australia’s actual Outback is stunningly beautiful, steeped in Aboriginal culture and full of adventure. The landscape is awesomely barren—full of red sands, canyons, and majestic monoliths—and occasionally lush with patches of waterfall-pocked paradise. The Ghan, operated by Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions, is a luxury train that crosses those miles from northern Darwin, through the middle, to southern Adelaide (or vice versa) on their signature four-day, three-night trip.

The route follows the trail of the Afghan cameleers who made a permanent road through Australia’s red center. Stops include the remote town of Alice Springs and the mining town of Coober Pedy, the “opal capital of the world.” There are also daily opportunities for excursions to places like the massive and sacred sandstone monolith Uluru. The train itself offers private, comfortable and contemporary cabins staffed by attendants, plus hearty meals, most on linen-topped tables in the charming onboard Queen Adelaide Restaurant.

Of all the ways to visit the Lost City of the Incas, the Hiram Bingham train is undoubtedly the most stylish. Named after the American explorer who, with the guidance of local indigenous farmers, led the expedition that excavated the Inca citadel, this Belmond train ferries passengers aboard Pullman-style 1920s carriages from Cusco, through the Andean landscapes of Peru’s Sacred Valley, to and from Machu Picchu.

A one way trip takes three to four hours. On the way there, a decadent lunch is served utilizing local produce like Sacred Valley corn while a four-course meal is presented on the twilight return. Cocktails with Peruvian flavors, like the Picaflor Andino with Pisco, are available at the stylish bar—a perfect pairing with the live traditional live music featuring the Peruvian cajón, for which the train is known. Catch the band in the bar, and groove to the music on the observation deck behind it.

The very thing that makes Western Canada so spectacular is also why it’s such a challenge to traverse: the profoundly dense natural environment. Fortunately, Rocky Mountaineer takes away all the struggles created by craggy peaks and thick forests, allowing passengers to enjoy the jaw-dropping sights without ever having to bushwhack. It wouldn’t be uncommon to spot a bald eagle while sipping a glass of Okanagan wine as you’re crossing a bridge over a river. That’s a combination of things difficult to attain without being aboard Rocky Mountaineer.

While the Canadian Rockies can be relied upon to put on a good show, Rocky Mountaineer sure builds upon it. Their GoldLeaf service is a work of art, offering coaches with glass domes for ceilings, which you can enjoy while dining on locally sourced ingredients and sipping that wine, ofc.They offer several routes (including a new one in the U.S.), during which passengers ride the rails during the day and sleep in hotels at night.

Though in 2025 it will have some competition for the recognizable name, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is nothing short of a 1920s art deco icon, eliciting nostalgia with its 17 restored vintage carriages, 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 makes a five-night journey between Paris and Istanbu, including overnight stops in Budapest and Bucharest.

Recently, the train introduced additional Grand Suites—named Vienna, Prague, and Budapest—which feature private bathrooms with showers, double beds, and a living area with underfloor heating. As traveling across Europe goes, this train continues the legacy of the golden age of travel, remaining an excellent journey to this day.

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

Fifteen carriages on a dreamy green and gold train include eight sleeping cars, two restaurant cars, a bar car—with a piano for nightly live entertainment—and the observation car. Suites are carpeted and plush, with polished wood interiors and picture windows. Dinner time becomes a fashion show as guests dress to impress, while meals designed by André Chiang, winner of multiple Michelin stars, reflect both upscale fare and local cuisine like Penang curry and the Malaysian noodle dish laksa.

The Japanese rail system is renowned worldwide, but it’s not all punctual commuter and bullet trains. The Shiki-Shima, operated by the JR-East Company, is designed with relaxation and exploration in mind. The train blends ancient and modern aesthetics while ferrying passengers cruise ship-style on a selection of seasonal trips (Shiki-Shima means “the island of four seasons”), with cities on the schedule where guests disembark and explore. But all trips begin 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 cutting-edge trains, but also of the world’s most exclusive, with 17 suites awarded by lottery, for a maximum of 34 passengers on board. The entrance is the stunning two-level lounge which also features floor to ceiling windows, a fireplace, cocktail bar and a piano, while two observation decks are situated on either end of the train, with futuristic windows and hand-woven carpets made to resemble grass. Meals, as you would expect, are Michelin-caliber, with lobster dishes and accents like foie gras cherries. They also encourage you to linger, allowing you to spend more time looking out of the picture windows in the dining car.

India is synonymous with luxury trains, around since its colonial era and crossing over into pop culture with films like Wes Anderson’s The Darjeeling Limited. But while a real life Darjeeling Limited train does not actually exist, the Maharajas' Express does, and takes you back to an opulent 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 pink city of Jaipur and Udaipur, the city of lakes—and other stops including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi. Guests can sleep in one of 14 cabins in four room categories. The Presidential Suite is bigger than most New York apartments, with two bedrooms, a living room and a bathroom with a bathtub.

Anantara is one of the latest high-end hospitality brands to get into the railway game, and in 2024 launched their second rail itinerary, taking travelers from Vietnam’s historic Hoi An Ancient Town to the coastlines of Quy Nhon and the coastal city of Nha Trang. The first itinerary, launched in 2020, connects Da Nang and Quy Nhon.

With train rides of five and six hours, there are no overnight accommodations. Instead, as you pass through Central Vietnam, spotting lakes, ancient cities, and historical relics like the crumbled ramparts of Tra Kieu, the first capital city of the Hindu Champa Kingdom, service focuses on the culinary experiences. Vietnamese fare is prepared with French culinary techniques while the bespoke cocktail menu champions Vietnamese gin. A sturgeon caviar and a local and French cheese platter can be pre-ordered in addition to your included three-course meal. And massages are available onboard to ensure you’re relaxed once you arrive at your destination.

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