Trains > Planes: 7 Luxury Train Journeys That Put First Class to Shame

Forget tiny airplane seats and bland in-flight meals—luxury train travel is in a league of its own. Think vintage glamour, five-star dining, and jaw-dropping scenery right outside your window. These 7 incredible luxury train journeys don’t just get you to your destination—they make the journey unforgettable.

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

If train travel had a crown jewel, this would be it. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is pure 1920s glamour, with Art Deco interiors, fine dining, and white-gloved service. Every detail, from the polished wood paneling to the vintage sleeper cabins, transports passengers to the golden age of travel. 

Live piano music in the bar car adds to the atmosphere, making it feel like something straight out of a classic novel—minus the mystery. The train’s most famous route connects Paris and Venice, offering journeys to Vienna, Prague, Budapest, and Istanbul. 

With a focus on slow, indulgent travel, it gives passengers the freedom to fully savor every moment of the journey. Gourmet meals, elegant afternoon teas, and impeccable service make this one of the most exclusive train journeys in the world.

For an even more unforgettable experience, travelers can upgrade to a Grand Suite, which features private en-suite bathrooms, plush seating areas, and unlimited champagne.

2. The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

Forget airplane window views—the Rocky Mountaineer takes scenic travel to the next level with its glass-domed coaches, gourmet dining, and first-class service. Running through the Canadian Rockies, this luxury train offers panoramic views of glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife—all without the hassle of turbulence or seatbelts. 

The GoldLeaf Service features bi-level dome coaches with an open-air viewing platform, while SilverLeaf Service provides oversized windows in a single-level cabin for uninterrupted views.

Dining on board is just as breathtaking as the scenery. Chefs prepare locally inspired gourmet meals, featuring regional ingredients like wild salmon and Alberta beef. And while there’s no Wi-Fi, you won’t miss it—nature provides all the entertainment you need.

Unlike overnight trains, the Rocky Mountaineer only runs during daylight hours, ensuring you don’t miss a single moment of the journey. Passengers stay in hand-selected hotels along the route, adding a touch of comfort to this unique experience.

3. The Ghan, Australia

Spanning nearly 3,000 kilometers, The Ghan offers an unforgettable journey between Adelaide and Darwin, cutting through the heart of the Australian Outback. Instead of flying over the vast red deserts, passengers travel in style with private cabins, fine dining, and immersive off-train excursions. 

Want to watch the sunrise over the MacDonnell Ranges or explore the underground opal town of Coober Pedy? This train makes it happen. The Gold Service and Platinum Service cabins offer elegant accommodations with en-suite bathrooms. 

At the same time, the Queen Adelaide Restaurant serves regionally inspired gourmet meals, from Australian barramundi to premium Outback beef. Off-train excursions include a river cruise in Katherine Gorge, camel riding in Alice Springs, and guided walks through historic Outback towns.

For those wanting the ultimate luxury experience, The Ghan Expedition is a four-day, all-inclusive journey featuring exclusive excursions, fine wines, and extended stops for deeper exploration.

4. The Maharajas’ Express, India

If royalty had a preferred way to travel, this would be it. The Maharajas Express is India’s answer to the Orient Express, offering an experience steeped in grandeur, heritage, and world-class service. 

With lavish suites, personal butlers, and curated itineraries, this luxury train takes passengers through some of India’s most breathtaking destinations, from the Taj Mahal to Jaipur’s grand palaces. 

Expect interiors adorned with fine silk upholstery, hand-carved wooden furniture, and opulent décor that blends old-world charm with modern five-star comforts. 

The train offers four distinct itineraries covering iconic sites across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, with exclusive off-train excursions such as private cultural performances, tiger safaris in Ranthambore, and champagne breakfasts overlooking the Taj Mahal. 

One of the most unique experiences onboard is the Presidential Suite—an entire carriage dedicated to one guest, featuring a spacious living area, two bedrooms, and a luxurious en-suite bathroom. With a private butler and round-the-clock concierge service, it’s one of the most exclusive train accommodations in the world.

5. The Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru

Imagine gliding through the Andes in a luxury train, sipping pisco sours as snow-capped peaks and ancient landscapes unfold. The Belmond Andean Explorer takes you through some of Peru’s most breathtaking scenery in pure luxury, featuring soft alpaca wools, Peruvian art, and world-class cuisine. 

Connecting Cusco to Arequipa, this train winds through remote highlands, Lake Titicaca, and deep canyons, offering unforgettable views and immersive cultural experiences. Enjoy spa treatments, gourmet dining, and an open-air observation deck to enjoy the crisp mountain air.

More than just a scenic ride, the Andean Explorer offers off-train excursions that bring Peru’s heritage to life. Passengers can visit the Uros Floating Islands, where the Indigenous Uros people have built their homes on artificial reed islands, or explore Sillustani, a pre-Incan burial ground with towering stone tombs.

For the ultimate indulgence, the train’s en-suite cabins offer a five-star hotel experience on wheels. With 24-hour personal service, plush bedding, and panoramic windows, each cabin is designed for comfort and elegance.

6. Rovos Rail, South Africa

Dubbed the Pride of Africa, Rovos Rail offers a slow, luxurious journey through South Africa, Namibia, and beyond. This Victorian-era train is outfitted with wood-paneled suites, private bathrooms, and an elegant dining car where meals are served on fine china with silverware. 

With no Wi-Fi or modern distractions, the experience is designed for travelers who want to fully disconnect and soak in Africa’s breathtaking landscapes. Routes range from Cape Town to Pretoria and Pretoria to Victoria Falls, with extended itineraries reaching Namibia and Dar es Salaam. 

Along the way, passengers enjoy off-train excursions to wildlife reserves, historic towns, and natural wonders. For the ultimate indulgence, Rovos Rail offers Royal Suites—spacious accommodations covering half a train car, complete with a full-size bathtub. 

The train’s Observation Car at the rear features an open-air balcony, allowing guests to enjoy uninterrupted views of Africa’s diverse landscapes, from rolling vineyards to dramatic savannahs.

7. The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia

Picture yourself sipping cocktails in a teakwood-paneled bar car as you glide past lush jungles, rice paddies, and golden temples—that’s the Eastern & Oriental Express. This luxury train blends colonial-era charm with modern comfort, offering sumptuous suites, five-star service, and dining experiences crafted by world-class chefs. 

The observation car at the rear provides unparalleled views of Southeast Asia’s breathtaking landscapes, making every moment onboard feel like a scene from a classic travel novel.

As of 2024, the Eastern & Oriental Express now operates exclusively within Malaysia, running seasonal journeys that start and end in Singapore. New routes take passengers to Langkawi, Penang, and Taman Negara National Park, offering off-train excursions like island hopping, wildlife safaris, and cultural experiences. 

With a resident pianist in the bar car, elegant dining, and a focus on slow, immersive travel, this train is perfect for those who want to rediscover the romance of rail travel.

All Aboard for the Ultimate Luxury Experience

Forget cramped airplane seats and jet lag—luxury train travel is all about slow, immersive journeys where the ride is just as incredible as the destination. Which one’s on your bucket list?