All Aboard: The World’s Most Extravagant Train Journeys

Experience the Golden Age of Travel + The Top 10 Luxury Trains

Author

Alex Mustaros
December 18, 2024

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There’s something magical about train travel that no plane or car can replicate.

For me, luxury trains are the ultimate escape, where the journey becomes as unforgettable as the destination itself.

Belmond - Andean Express

Picture this: sipping champagne in a vintage dining car as snow-capped mountains glide by, or watching golden sunsets stretch across endless plains from the comfort of a plush suite.

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It’s travel at its finest: unhurried, elegant, and deeply immersive.

Whether it’s the romance of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express or the wild beauty seen from South Africa’s Rovos Rail, luxury trains remind us that the slow route is sometimes the most rewarding.

All aboard!

Luxury Train Travel

In a world where speed and convenience often take priority, luxury train travel offers something far more precious—time to savor the journey.

It’s a chance to slow down, immerse yourself in stunning landscapes, and enjoy the kind of elegance that feels almost lost in today’s fast-paced world.

Step aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, and you’re instantly transported to the golden age of travel. Polished wood, Art Deco interiors, and white-gloved service make you feel like a character in an old-world novel. As the train glides through the Alps, you sip champagne, enjoy a world-class meal, and soak in views that look like a masterpiece. It’s not just a train ride; it’s a moment in time.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Meanwhile, in India, the Maharajas’ Express rolls through Rajasthan with all the grandeur its name suggests. Each suite feels more like a private hotel room, complete with a personal butler. By day, you visit iconic sites like the Taj Mahal under golden sunsets, and by night, you return to fine dining and plush comfort. It’s royal treatment for modern travelers who want to experience the country in a whole new way.

For those drawn to rugged beauty, Rovos Rail in South Africa takes you on a breathtaking journey from Pretoria to Cape Town. The vintage charm of the train pairs perfectly with the wild landscapes outside—think game reserves, endless savannahs, and dramatic mountain ranges.

Luxury train travel is about the joy of getting somewhere.

It’s a throwback to a time when travel was an experience to be savored, not rushed.

No crowded airports or frantic schedules—just you, the scenery, and the soft hum of the train beneath you.

For today’s travelers, these trains are more than a way to see the world—they’re a way to reconnect with the beauty of the journey itself.

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Top 10 Global Luxury Trains

If you’re as captivated by the elegance of luxury train travel as we are, you’re in for a treat.

While the entire world of luxury trains offers an unparalleled blend of comfort and adventure, some stand out above the rest.

These are the journeys that redefine opulence—where every detail, from the service to the scenery, creates an unforgettable experience.

In this section, we spotlight the Top 10 luxury trains that truly embody the magic of rail travel.

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE)

Renowned as the epitome of luxury train travel, the VSOE offers a nostalgic journey through Europe with its beautifully restored 1920s carriages. Passengers can enjoy exquisite dining and opulent accommodations while traveling between iconic cities like London, Paris, and Venice.

2. Rovos Rail - Pride of Africa

This South African train is celebrated for its vintage elegance and spacious suites. Rovos Rail offers a variety of routes, including journeys to Victoria Falls, showcasing the stunning landscapes of Southern Africa.

3. Belmond Royal Scotsman

Operating through the Scottish Highlands, this train features luxurious cabins and gourmet dining experiences. It provides an intimate setting for exploring Scotland's breathtaking scenery.

4. Golden Eagle Danube Express

This luxury train travels through Central and Eastern Europe, offering comfortable accommodations and fine dining. It is known for its scenic routes and exceptional service.

5. Deccan Odyssey

A luxurious experience in India, the Deccan Odyssey features well-appointed cabins and a spa car. It offers various itineraries that explore the rich cultural heritage of India.

6. Eastern & Oriental Express

Connecting Bangkok to Singapore, this train provides a unique journey through Southeast Asia with luxurious cabins and gourmet cuisine inspired by local flavors.

7. Maharajas' Express

This Indian luxury train is designed to provide an opulent experience with modern amenities and lavish interiors. It covers various routes across India, including visits to major tourist attractions like the Taj Mahal.

8. Al-Andalus

A luxury train in Southern Spain, Al-Andalus features beautifully restored 1920s carriages that offer a unique blend of history and comfort while traversing scenic routes through Andalusia.

Al-Andalus

9. Belmond Andean Explorer

As South America's first luxury sleeper train, it travels through Peru's stunning landscapes, including the Andes mountains, offering passengers a unique cultural experience along with fine dining.

10. Kyushu Seven Stars

Japan's first luxury train offers an exclusive experience with limited availability, featuring beautifully designed interiors and gourmet meals while traversing the picturesque landscapes of Kyushu Island.

Luxury Travel News

Luxury travel is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the latest trends is key to curating unforgettable experiences.

We bring you the most exciting updates from the world of high-end travel—exclusive launches, innovative services, and must-know news from top destinations and brands.

Our goal? To keep you inspired and informed about the opportunities shaping the future of luxury travel.

Belmond

Belmond is set to undergo its largest expansion since being acquired by LVMH, introducing new luxury trains and exclusive properties aimed at wealthy travelers.

The company plans to launch the Britannic Explorer, the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales.

Belmond - Britannic Explorer

Hermès Heir on Luxury Pricing

An heir from the Hermès dynasty has sparked discussion by claiming that $10,000 Birkin bags are not expensive, emphasizing the brand's status as a symbol of luxury.

This statement reflects ongoing conversations about luxury goods and their perceived value in society.

Hotel Danieli, Venezia - A Four Seasons Hotel, Italy

Expected to reopen in 2025 after extensive renovations, this iconic hotel will showcase Venetian Gothic architecture and luxurious accommodations with views of the city.

Nobu Hotel Madrid, Spain

Scheduled to open in 2025, this hotel will feature a tri-level Nobu restaurant and bar along with a rooftop bar offering skyline views in the heart of Madrid's Cortes District.

Waldorf Astoria Tanger, Morocco

Opening in 2025, this luxury hotel will feature 115 guest rooms and 21 villas with private pools, alongside a 3,000-square-meter spa and multiple dining options, all set near the scenic Cape Spartel Reserve.

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