The World's Most Extraordinary Luxury Train Journeys You Need to Experience

The world’s most luxurious train journeys, from the Swiss Alps to the Australian Outback.

It almost feels like stepping into a Hercule Poirot mystery. Impeccably dressed passengers, polished wood-panelled carriages, candlelit dinners and landscapes rolling past at an unhurried pace. These are a few things that make luxury rail travel one of the few experiences where the journey rivals the destination. One moment you’re lingering over a white-tablecloth lunch as snow-capped Swiss peaks glide past the window; the next, you’re watching the Australian Outback, the Peruvian Andes or Malaysia’s emerald rainforests unfold at an unhurried pace. Long before slow travel became a buzzword, luxury trains proved that the journey could be every bit as memorable as the destination.

Today, these legendary rail journeys are enjoying a renaissance. From the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Japan’s Seven Stars in Kyushu and India’s Maharajas’ Express, the world’s most luxurious trains combine old-world glamour with extraordinary landscapes, impeccable hospitality and the rare luxury of slowing down. Here are 11 of the world’s most unforgettable luxury train journeys.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Italy

There are few journeys as synonymous with luxury travel as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express may have introduced it to millions of readers, but its beautifully restored 1920s and 1930s carriages have become the enduring symbol of glamorous rail travel. Today, Belmond’s iconic train continues to travel between cities including Paris, Venice and Budapest, proving that some icons never go out of style.

Part of the appeal lies in how little has changed. The Art Deco interiors, polished wood panelling and black-tie dress code are all still part of the experience, while newer additions, including Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert’s menus and the artist-designed L’Observatoire suite by JR, ensure it never feels stuck in the past. It’s one of the few journeys where people still dress for dinner, linger over lunch and happily spend an afternoon watching Europe pass by.

The Ghan, Australia

Stretching almost 3,000 kilometres between Adelaide and Darwin, The Ghan is one of Australia’s greatest rail journeys. Named after the Afghan cameleers who once crossed the country’s vast interior, the three-day journey traverses the Red Centre, passing through the Flinders Ranges, Alice Springs and the underground mining town of Coober Pedy before arriving in the tropical north. Thus, promising access to parts of Australia no other holiday can come close to.

While the ever-changing landscapes are the biggest draw, the experience onboard has evolved with the times. Contemporary cabins, regionally inspired dining and immersive off-train experiences are complemented by the recently introduced Aurora Australis suites, complete with butler service and exclusive inclusions. It’s the kind of journey that makes you appreciate just how vast Australia really is.

Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru

Luxury rail travel reaches new heights aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer, South America’s first luxury sleeper train. Connecting Arequipa, Lake Titicaca and Cusco, the journey climbs to more than 4,300 metres above sea level, passing remote Andean plains, grazing llamas and alpacas, and some of Peru’s most dramatic landscapes. It’s a route few travellers experience at such an unhurried pace.

With just 35 cabins, the train never feels crowded. Two dining cars, a Piano Bar and an open-air Observation Car make the most of the scenery, while excursions include visits to the floating Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca and local communities. An onboard nurse also helps guests acclimatise to the altitude, making it easier to sit back and enjoy one of South America’s most spectacular rail journeys.

Maharajas’ Express, India

Consistently recognised among the world’s leading luxury trains, the Maharajas’ Express brings India’s royal heritage to life. Its four curated itineraries weave through some of the country’s most iconic destinations, including Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Ranthambore National Park, Udaipur and Varanasi. From palace visits to sunrise at the Taj Mahal, the experience extends far beyond the train itself.

Onboard, guests can choose from four cabin categories, including lavish suites and a Presidential Suite, while two restaurants, Rang Mahal and Mayur Mahal, serve Indian and international cuisine. Between excursions, the Safari Bar and Rajah Bar, in the lounge car, offer the perfect place to unwind before the next stop. Between the ever-changing scenery and thoughtfully curated excursions, the journey feels like a grand tour of India at its most regal.

Glacier Express, Switzerland

Nicknamed the world’s slowest express train, the Glacier Express proves that speed isn’t always the point. A window to the Swiss Alps, the eight-hour journey links the alpine resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz, winding through the Swiss Alps as it crosses 291 bridges, passes through 91 tunnels and crosses the Oberalp Pass, the highest point on the route. It’s one of Switzerland’s most iconic rail journeys, and for good reason.

Panoramic windows ensure the landscape remains the star of the show, from snow-covered peaks to dramatic viaducts like the Landwasser Viaduct. For those looking to elevate the experience, Excellence Class offers guaranteed window seats, a dedicated concierge, access to the Glacier Bar and a multi-course meal paired with Swiss wines. Eight hours pass surprisingly quickly when the view never stops changing.

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

If there’s a train journey that showcases the Canadian Rockies at their finest, it’s the Rocky Mountaineer. Travelling only during daylight hours, its multi-day routes wind through soaring mountains, turquoise lakes, dramatic canyons and dense forests, ensuring you never miss the scenery outside your window.

Overnight stops in charming mountain towns mean the experience extends well beyond the train itself.

GoldLeaf Service elevates the journey with bi-level glass-domed coaches (with spacious seats on the upper level and meals in the lower-level dining area), regionally inspired cuisine prepared onboard and an outdoor viewing platform. At the same time, SilverLeaf offers custom-designed glass-dome coaches and attentive service. Add lively storytelling from the onboard hosts, and it’s easy to see why this remains one of North America’s most sought-after rail journeys.

Eastern & Oriental Express, Malaysia

The Eastern & Oriental Express brings the romance of luxury rail travel to Southeast Asia. Belmond’s emerald-green train glides through Malaysia’s lush rainforests, limestone hills and coastal towns, pairing vintage glamour with thoughtfully curated local experiences. Following its return in 2024 after an extensive refurbishment, it now offers immersive journeys through the country’s rich landscapes and culture.

From Singapore to Langkawi Island and the wonders of Penang, elegant cabins, fine dining by acclaimed chef André Chiang, a lively Piano Bar and an open-air Observation Car make life onboard just as memorable as the destinations themselves. For times when you wish to unwind, the new Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental Express will transform your luxury rail wellness journey. Whether you’re spotting wildlife near Taman Negara or lingering over cocktails as the jungle rolls by, it’s a journey that encourages you to slow down and savour every moment.

Royal Scotsman, Scotland

Yet another exquisite train by Belmond. With room for just 36 guests, the Royal Scotsman offers one of the world’s most intimate luxury rail journeys. Let the resonant sound of the bagpipe welcome you to Waverley Station, as the blow of a whistle signals the start of your adventure. Departing from Edinburgh, Belmond’s maroon train winds through the Scottish Highlands, passing lochs, castles and remote landscapes that few visitors experience by road. Rather than rushing between destinations, its itineraries linger over Scottish whisky tasting, clay pigeon shooting, plunges into mystical lochs for exhilarating wild swims, historic estates and charming Highland towns, making the journey every bit as memorable as the stops themselves.

Life onboard is equally enchanting. Mahogany-panelled carriages evoke the romance of classic rail travel, while the Observation Car, open-air platform and Dior Spa carriage invite guests to slow down and savour the scenery. Seasonal Scottish cuisine, impeccable service and evenings spent over a dram of whisky as the Highlands drift past the window make this one of Britain’s most unforgettable rail journeys.

La Dolce Vita Orient Express, Italy

Italy’s newest luxury train proves that the golden age of rail travel is far from over. La Dolce Vita Orient Express celebrates Italian design, craftsmanship and cuisine through one, two and three-night journeys that connect some of the country’s most beautiful destinations, Venice and Portofino.

Every detail feels distinctly Italian, from Dimorestudio’s mid-century inspired interiors to dining experiences curated by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck and beautifully designed cabins. Rather than simply travelling across Italy, the experience is a celebration of the country’s creativity, style and unmistakable sense of la dolce vita.

Rovos Rail, South Africa

Rovos Rail is often called the Pride of Africa, and for good reason. Travelling through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and beyond, the train's beautifully restored vintage trains combine old-world elegance with some of the continent’s most spectacular scenery. In a series of journeys lasting from 48 hours to 16 nights, Rovos Rail links some of the continent’s greatest destinations with a maximum capacity of 72 passengers in 36 suites. Depending on the itinerary, guests can experience everything from Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park to remote stretches of the African savannah.

Life onboard moves at a refreshingly slower pace. There’s no pressure to stay connected, formal dinners are still part of the ritual, and much of the day is spent reading, talking or simply watching the landscape roll by from the observation car. In an always-on world, Rovos Rail reminds you just how luxurious slowing down can be.

Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan

With just 10 cabins and a maximum of 20 guests, Seven Stars in Kyushu is one of the world’s most exclusive train journeys. The beautifully crafted train winds through Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, blending extraordinary scenery with the country’s renowned spirit of omotenashi, or heartfelt hospitality.

Interiors by celebrated designer Eiji Mitooka showcase regional craftsmanship, while elegant dining, cultural experiences and carefully curated excursions reveal a side of Japan many travellers never see. More than a luxury train, Seven Stars is an intimate celebration of Japanese craftsmanship, culture and hospitality.