Everything You Need to Know About Luxury Train Travel
There’s something undeniably romantic about luxury train travel—the rhythmic sway of the carriage, the soft clink of crystal glasses, and the ever-changing scenery unfurling outside your window like a living painting. It’s travel the way it used to be—unhurried, elegant, and deeply immersive. Instead of rushing from airport to airport, you settle into a sumptuously appointed carriage, where time seems to slow and every detail is designed for indulgence.
Why Luxury Train Travel?
Luxury trains are not just about getting from one place to another—they are experiences in their own right, a return to an era when travel was as much about the journey as the destination. Picture yourself gliding through snow-dusted Alpine peaks, crossing the golden plains of Africa, or winding past ancient Incan landscapes in Peru, all while savoring a multi-course meal served on fine china.
There’s an old-world charm here that modern travel often lacks—the kind where train stewards greet you by name, where plush armchairs replace cramped airplane seats, and where you can sip your morning coffee while watching mist rise over Scottish lochs or the sun dip below the Serengeti horizon. It’s slow, sophisticated, and undeniably magical—the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and adventure for those who believe the journey should be just as extraordinary as the destination.
6 Luxury Train Journeys We’re Completely Captivated By…
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express by Belmond – The Pinnacle of Glamour
Route: London – Paris – Venice – Istanbul (seasonal)
Why Go: Step into the golden age of travel aboard Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. With its Art Deco interiors, exquisite cuisine, and impeccable service, this train redefines European luxury travel. Picture yourself savoring a candlelit dinner while rolling past the French countryside—pure magic.
Travel Tip: The Grand Suites are worth the splurge, offering butler service, marble bathrooms, and panoramic windows.
Route: Edinburgh – Scottish Highlands
Why Go: Imagine a high-end Scottish country house on rails, complete with fine whisky tastings, outdoor excursions, and spa treatments. The Royal Scotsman takes you deep into the Highlands, past mystical lochs, ancient castles, and rolling heather-clad hills.
Unmissable Moment: Enjoy a private whisky tasting onboard, or unwind in the Bamford Spa Car, the only luxury train in Europe with a full spa.
Route: Pretoria – Cape Town – Victoria Falls – Dar es Salaam
Why Go: Often called "the most luxurious train in the world," Rovos Rail blends classic elegance with African adventure. Think vintage wood-paneled cabins, gourmet dining, and stopovers at some of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes—from the Namib Desert to Victoria Falls.
Exclusive Experience: Book the Cape Town to Victoria Falls route for a safari-meets-luxury-train experience.
Route: Vancouver – Banff – Jasper – Lake Louise
Why Go: If you dream of luxury train travel through the Canadian Rockies, Rocky Mountaineer delivers. This daylight-only train ride offers glass-domed coaches, five-star service, and unparalleled views of glacial lakes, towering peaks, and wildlife.
GoldLeaf Service Perk: A two-level glass-dome car with an open-air viewing platform, gourmet meals, and complimentary local wines.
Route: Zermatt – St. Moritz
Why Go: Known as the "world’s slowest express train," Glacier Express is all about the journey. This eight-hour scenic ride takes you through 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and some of Switzerland’s most dramatic landscapes. Expect pristine Alpine villages, deep gorges, and the iconic Landwasser Viaduct.
Luxury Upgrade: The Excellence Class offers gourmet multi-course meals, a private lounge, and guaranteed window seats.
Route: Cusco – Lake Titicaca – Arequipa
Why Go: South America’s first luxury sleeper train, the Andean Explorer, whisks travelers through Peru’s breathtaking landscapes, from the Inca heartland to the high-altitude beauty of Lake Titicaca. Think plush cabins, open-air observatory cars, and live Andean music as you sip pisco sours under the stars.
Bucket List Moment: Watch the sunrise over Lake Titicaca, one of the world’s highest navigable lakes, from the comfort of your luxury suite.
Luxury Train Travel: Worth It? Absolutely.
Luxury train travel isn’t just about getting from point A to B—it’s about slowing down and savoring the journey. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone anniversary, planning an unforgettable honeymoon, or simply looking to experience the world in a unique way, these iconic trains promise a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth.