15 Extravagant Train Journeys That Redefine Luxury

Luxury on rails isn’t just about plush cabins and gourmet meals. It’s also about the experience where traveling feels effortless and indulgent. Some trains evoke the golden age of glamour, while others redefine modern opulence. These 15 extraordinary railway journeys prove that first-class flights have nothing on the right set of tracks.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

A one-way ticket on this Art Deco masterpiece costs more than the most significant economy flights combined, but who’s counting? It operates from mid-March to December. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express drips with 1920s glamor—four-course meals, crystal chandeliers, and a champagne bar that never runs dry!

Belmond Royal Scotsman

If luxury had a speed limit, the Belmond Royal Scotsman would break it slowly because this is more than a train. It’s like a five-star hotel. Think about delicate dining and whiskey tasting, where they display the finest whisky of Scotland. Plus, the Highland views are so stunning that they make your WiFi-free existence worth it.

Al Andalus

If the Alhambra had a long-lost, rail-riding cousin, it’d be Al Andalus. Why settle for only Spain when you can glide through it in pure opulence? This Andalusian beauty rolls through Seville, Granada, and Cordoba, serving top-tier cuisine between flamenco shows. Once a playground for Spanish royalty, it now offers a taste of that luxury to all.

El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo

Grandiose doesn’t concern speed, and this particular northern Spanish beauty proves it. The train covers 600 miles between San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela in eight days. There are exclusive lounges, posh cars, and guided detours inside medieval villages. It’s less about getting to the destination and more about indulging here.

The Presidential Train 

Portugal’s most exclusive railway journey runs just a few times a year, and there’s a reason for this. Every trip is a big feast where Michelin-starred chefs take over the kitchen. You’d love the regional delicacies paired with Douro Valley’s finest wines. Skip it, and you’ll miss out on one of the best culinary experiences of your life.

The Deccan Odyssey

This is one of India’s premier luxury trains. Hop on to get a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage and diversity. The Deccan Odyssey has comfortable private cabins, elegant dining cars, lounges, and even a luxurious spa car. Everything here makes for a royal experience, which is reminiscent of India’s rich past. Journeys often include visits to historic sites and vibrant markets. 

Glacier Express

They call it the “slowest express railway journey in the world,” but who’s complaining when the scenery is just breathtaking? This ride will make you forget speed is a factor because you’ll be glad to savor every snow-capped peak. Feel free to picture panoramic window seats and a glass of wine that tastes better at high altitudes.

Rovos Rail

If the 1920s and safari adventures had a love child, it would be the Rovos Rail. Rovos Rail has it all: wood-paneled compartments, luxurious interiors, butler service, and cigar lounges that appear like a scene from “The Great Gatsby.” For this reason, it is unique to most African voyages and rivals Western regions’. Why limit elegance to one continent?

The Blue Train

South Africa’s Blue Train makes Europe’s “rich” trains resemble budget commuter rides. With king-size suites and impeccable service, you might wonder if you’ve suddenly become royalty. Rolling from Pretoria to Cape Town, it serves up gourmet feasts and an experience that, much like diamonds, is forever.

Kyushu

Japan’s most exclusive railway journey carries just 20 lucky passengers at a time. This means that your chances of snagging a ticket are about as good as scoring a last-minute table at Noma. This masterpiece blends modern minimalism with classic Japanese design, all while whisking you through jaw-dropping volcanic backdrops on bespoke excursions.

The Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer delivers an exceptional experience through the Canadian Rockies. It features spacious, glass-domed coaches that allow for panoramic sightseeing, complemented by gourmet cuisine inspired by the regions traversed. One notable route is the “First Passage to the West,” which connects Vancouver and Banff. Another? It’s the “Journey Through the Clouds,” which travels between Vancouver and Jasper.

The Eastern & Oriental Express

A jungle-clad route across  Malaysia and Singapore meets colonial charm on this remarkable Southeast Asian gem. Imagine sipping cocktails inside a mahogany-lined bar compartment while passing through scenic areas. The Eastern & Oriental Express experience is similar to the ‘Grand Budapest Hotel’—except it’s on tracks and surrounded by a tropical paradise.

Royal Canadian Pacific

Forget ancient castles. The Royal Canadian Pacific beauty snakes through the Canadian Rockies, offering jaw-dropping mountain views. Personal chefs plate five-star meals like it’s no big deal because they enjoy it. Then, there are the open-platform observation areas that ensure you don’t miss a glacial lake or snow-capped peak.

Maharajas’ Express

The Maharajas’ Express offers a regal journey through India’s iconic scenery. Passengers enjoy luxurious suites and refined dining in the Rang Mahal and Mayur Mahal restaurants. Here, the traditional ambiance is adorned with elegant tapestries and themes inspired by Indian culture. The train’s itineraries include destinations like Rajasthan’s deserts and the Taj Mahal.

The Ghan

Traversing the heart of Australia from Darwin to Adelaide, The Ghan offers an unforgettable voyage through diverse vistas. This three-night, four-day expedition provides luxurious cabins and fine dining with regionally inspired cuisine. Off-train excursions include guided tours of Katherine Gorge and Alice Springs. The Ghan really exemplifies outback luxury by combining comfort with adventure.

The Canadian

The Canadian, operated by VIA Rail, travels between Toronto and Vancouver.  Passengers can relax in luxurious and nostalgic dome sleeper cars. From here, you enjoy panoramic views and dine on gourmet meals that emphasize Canadian ingredients. The journey offers glimpses of boreal forests and the stunning Rocky Mountains, all from the comfort of a world-class train.