As rail travel reclaims its place at the heart of global tourism, luxury trains are leading a renaissance where the journey itself is the destination. Blending heritage, immersive landscapes, fine dining, and five-star hospitality, these trains transform slow travel into one of the world’s most compelling high-value tourism products.
From European icons steeped in glamour to remote mountain crossings and royal Indian routes, these ten journeys represent the pinnacle of experiential rail travel — and some of the most desirable itineraries on the planet.
- Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe)
The World’s Most Iconic Luxury Train
Few travel experiences carry the mystique of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. With meticulously restored Art Deco carriages, white-glove service, and routes connecting London, Paris, Venice, and beyond, this legendary train defines classic European glamour.
Elegant cabins, Michelin-level dining, and a timeless sense of romance make it a perennial favourite for honeymooners, luxury travellers, and milestone celebrations.
- Maharajas’ Express (India)
Royal Travel Through India’s Golden Triangle
Often ranked among the world’s most luxurious trains, the Maharajas’ Express offers palace-style interiors and curated journeys through Rajasthan, Agra, Jaipur, and beyond. Guests enjoy guided excursions to forts, palaces, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, paired with fine Indian cuisine and impeccable service.
This is heritage travel at its most opulent — ideal for culturally curious, high-yield travellers.
- Royal Scotsman (Scotland, United Kingdom)
An Intimate Journey Through the Highlands
Belmond’s Royal Scotsman delivers a uniquely intimate luxury rail experience, winding through the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. With limited cabins, personalised service, castle visits, whisky tastings, and gourmet dining, it feels more like a private country house on rails.
Perfect for travellers seeking exclusivity, storytelling, and a deep sense of place.
- Eastern & Oriental Express (Southeast Asia)
Slow Travel Through the Heart of Asia
Running between Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, the Eastern & Oriental Express combines colonial-era elegance with tropical scenery and cultural immersion. Guests enjoy open-air observation cars, refined regional cuisine, and carefully curated off-train experiences.
A masterclass in slow travel, this journey appeals strongly to experiential and culturally focused luxury travellers.
- The Blue Train (South Africa)
Africa’s Palace on Wheels
Linking Pretoria and Cape Town, The Blue Train is synonymous with refined African luxury. Spacious suites, marble bathrooms, panoramic windows, and fine dining showcase South Africa’s landscapes in extraordinary comfort.
This journey is a natural fit for long-haul luxury itineraries and pairs seamlessly with safaris, wine regions, and coastal stays.
- Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)
Daylight Luxury Through the Canadian Rockies
Unlike traditional sleeper trains, Rocky Mountaineer focuses on daylight journeys that maximise scenic impact. Glass-domed coaches reveal towering mountains, turquoise lakes, and dramatic canyons, accompanied by high-end service and regionally inspired cuisine.
It’s one of the world’s most commercially successful luxury rail products and a proven favourite with North American and international travellers alike.
- Belmond Andean Explorer (Peru)
High-Altitude Luxury Across the Andes
South America’s first luxury sleeper train, the Andean Explorer travels from Cusco to Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, crossing vast Andean plains and remote highlands. Contemporary design, Peruvian cuisine, and expertly guided excursions elevate this journey into a true cultural expedition.
An exceptional option for travellers seeking adventure without sacrificing comfort.
- Seven Stars in Kyushu (Japan)
Japan’s Most Exclusive Rail Experience
Seven Stars in Kyushu represents the pinnacle of Japanese luxury rail. With exquisite craftsmanship, refined minimalism, and legendary service standards, this train offers intimate journeys through Kyushu’s countryside, hot springs, and cultural landmarks.
Demand far exceeds supply, making it one of the most coveted and exclusive rail journeys in the world.
- Belmond Hiram Bingham (Peru)
Luxury Rail to Machu Picchu
Operating between Cusco and Aguas Calientes, the Hiram Bingham transforms a simple transfer into a celebratory experience. Guests enjoy gourmet Peruvian cuisine, live music, and panoramic views en route to one of the world’s most iconic sites.
Ideal for high-end travellers seeking seamless, premium access to Machu Picchu.
- The Vietage (Vietnam)
Boutique Rail Luxury Along Vietnam’s Coast
The Vietage offers a modern, intimate take on luxury rail, travelling between Da Nang, Quy Nhon, and Nha Trang. With spacious seating, fine dining, and coastal views, it blends contemporary comfort with slow-travel appeal.
This experience resonates strongly with younger luxury travellers and those seeking “affordable luxury” without compromising on quality.
For today’s travellers, luxury rail delivers what increasingly matters most: unhurried, immersive journeys where the experience itself takes centre stage. Thoughtfully designed itineraries, regional cuisine, and curated excursions offer cultural depth that goes far beyond simple point-to-point travel, while five-star service rivals the world’s finest hotels. Crucially, rail’s lower environmental impact positions it as a more responsible alternative to short-haul flights. For the travel trade, luxury rail combines strong margins with rich storytelling and effortless integration alongside hotels, cruises, and bespoke experiences—making it one of the most attractive growth opportunities in experiential tourism.
