The 7 Most Luxurious Train Journeys to Take in 2025

In an era of fast-paced air travel, there’s an undeniable allure to slow, elegant journeys by rail – especially when they’re wrapped in vintage glamour, Michelin-starred dining, and panoramic views that stretch beyond the horizon. These seven luxurious train journeys promise an experience that is as much about the journey as the destination itself.

 

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express | Europe

Route: London – Paris – Venice – Istanbul

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the ultimate in luxury train travel, a rolling masterpiece of Art Deco interiors, fine dining, and unparalleled service. From the moment you step aboard, it’s like being transported to the Roaring Twenties. Each carriage tells a story, some dating back to the golden age of train travel.

Luxury Highlight: The Grand Suites, where crystal chandeliers, marble bathrooms, and 24-hour butler service redefine travel indulgence.

Experience: Dress in your finest for an intimate dinner in the Côte d’Azur dining car, where white-gloved waiters serve lobster soufflé and truffle-infused risotto as a pianist plays in the background.

 

2. The Maharajas’ Express | India

Route: Delhi – Jaipur – Udaipur – Mumbai

Dubbed the “Orient Express of India,” the Maharajas’ Express is a five-star palace on wheels, complete with gold-trimmed carriages, silk-lined suites, and curated excursions to some of India’s most breathtaking landmarks.

Luxury Highlight: The Presidential Suite, a full-carriage suite with two bedrooms, a living room, and a private butler.

Experience: Enjoy a sunset champagne toast overlooking the Taj Mahal, followed by a royal dinner inside a historic palace.

 

3. The Ghan | Australia

Route: Adelaide – Alice Springs – Darwin

Crossing the rugged Outback in ultimate style, The Ghan is one of the world’s most iconic train journeys. Watch the landscape shift from red desert plains to tropical rainforests, all while sipping on a glass of Australia’s finest Shiraz.

Luxury Highlight: The Platinum Service Suites, featuring panoramic windows, a curated wine list, and chef-prepared meals sourced from Australia’s best produce.

Experience: Step off the train for an exclusive dinner under the stars in the heart of the MacDonnell Ranges, surrounded by ancient rock formations and the sounds of the desert.

 

4. Rovos Rail | South Africa

Route: Pretoria – Cape Town – Victoria Falls

For those seeking an old-world African adventure, Rovos Rail delivers in spades. Dubbed “the Pride of Africa,” this vintage-style train exudes Edwardian elegance, rolling past safari reserves, vineyards, and coastal cliffs.

Luxury Highlight: The Royal Suite, spanning half a carriage, featuring a private lounge and freestanding Victorian bathtub.

Experience: Take a break from the train for a private game drive in Kruger National Park, then return for a lavish five-course dinner in the observation car.

 

5. Belmond Andean Explorer | Peru

Route: Cusco – Lake Titicaca – Arequipa

The first luxury sleeper train in South America, the Belmond Andean Explorer glides through the Peruvian Andes, offering jaw-dropping views of snow-capped peaks, ancient Incan ruins, and the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca.

Luxury Highlight: The Observatory Car, where guests sip on pisco sours while gazing at the stars over the Andes.

Experience: Wake up to a gourmet breakfast in your suite as you watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu, followed by an afternoon soaking in a private spa at Lake Titicaca.

 

6. The Royal Scotsman | Scotland

Route: Edinburgh – Highlands – Inverness

This quintessentially British experience is like stepping into a Wes Anderson film – except with whiskey tastings, tartan-clad interiors, and the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands at every turn.

Luxury Highlight: The Balmoral Suite, complete with handcrafted mahogany beds, a private bar, and the finest Scottish cashmere blankets.

Experience: Disembark for an exclusive whisky tasting at a private Highland distillery, before returning for a fine-dining experience featuring Scottish salmon, venison, and haggis soufflé.

 

7. The Eastern & Oriental Express | Southeast Asia

Route: Bangkok – Kuala Lumpur – Singapore

For a taste of exotic grandeur, the Eastern & Oriental Express takes guests on a journey through the lush landscapes of Thailand and Malaysia, where golden temples, rice paddies, and mist-covered mountains serve as the ever-changing backdrop.

Luxury Highlight: The Piano Bar Car, where guests sip on handcrafted cocktails while a pianist plays jazz into the night.

Experience: A gourmet dinner onboard, followed by a private guided tour of the legendary River Kwai, complete with a floating champagne bar.