10 most luxurious train journeys in the world

When you think of luxury in travel, what comes to mind? Expensive flights or very popular trendy and post destinations? How about train journeys? Think polished wood interiors, white-glove service, gourmet dining and landscapes unfolding slowly beyond panoramic windows, yes, all these in some of the most luxurious train journeys in the world. These trains turn rail travel into a moving five-star hotel, where heritage, craftsmanship and comfort come together on some of the world’s most scenic routes. From crossing deserts and mountains to gliding past vineyards, jungles and coastlines, the world’s most luxurious trains offer a way to see destinations with unmatched elegance and intimacy. Here are ten of the most iconic luxury trains in the world, where the journey is every bit as extraordinary as the places they pass through.

This is arguably the most famous luxury train in the world. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express gives the elegance of the Golden Age of rail travel. Here, passengers step into restored art-deco carriages, dine on gourmet cuisine and sail through Europe’s landscapes in comfort that's rare to find elsewhere. Its classic routes include Paris to Venice and London to Venice. Cabins range from plush twin compartments to ultra-luxurious grand suites complete with private bathrooms and 24-hour butler service.

Described by some as the world’s most luxurious train, Pride of Africa offers an old-world safari experience with Edwardian-style carriages and rich teak interiors. Operating across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania, its journeys take in dramatic landscapes, from the Cape’s vineyards to the Victoria Falls, all with attentive service and fine dining on board.

Often called the “Orient Express of the East,” the Maharajas’ Express blends Indian opulence with world-class service. It has been voted World’s Leading Luxury Train multiple times, and traverses heritage routes across Rajasthan and northern India, offering curated excursions, fine dining and lavish suites onboard. It is one of the most expensive train journeys in India, and the world.

One of Australia’s most iconic luxury journeys, The Ghan crosses the vast Red Centre from Adelaide to Darwin. Known for its spacious private suites, panoramic views and relaxed yet elegant dining, it provides a unique way to see Australia’s Outback landscapes, from deserts to tropical wetlands.

Belmond Royal Scotsman is often described as a country house on wheels, and is known for the intimate journeys it offers through the Scottish Highlands. Usually, there aren't many passengers on board, add to that the cosy wood-panelled interiors, whisky tastings, castle visits and spectacular loch and glen scenery, all served with warm hospitality and gourmet meals, and you have a perfect holiday on wheels.

Traversing three countries, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, the Eastern & Oriental Express pairs elegant teak interiors with panoramic views of rice paddies, jungle and rivers. Fine dining, live music and cultural excursions make this one of Asia’s most compelling luxury rail experiences, recalling the romance of classic rail travel with a tropical twist.

Japan’s most exclusive luxury train, Seven Stars in Kyushu, delivers an exquisite travel experience limited to very small groups. With tatami-inspired suites, refined Japanese cuisine and routes through Kyushu’s volcanic landscapes, hot springs and coastal towns, it blends traditional hospitality with stunning scenery and cultural immersion.

Running between Pretoria and Cape Town, The Blue Train is an icon of South African luxury travel. Expect gourmet dining, panoramic windows, personalised butler service and luxurious cabins, all against the backdrop of highveld plains, desert escarpments and the Cape’s dramatic landscapes.

At over 3,800 metres above sea level, Belmond Andean Explorer is one of the world’s highest luxury sleeper trains. The journey across the Andes means plenty of breathtaking high-altitude views, tastefully designed interiors reflecting local culture, and experiences such as lake crossings and mountain vistas that feel straight out of a grand adventure. Are you up for it?

Is it a hotel? Is it a train? Hard to say, because, winding along Spain’s northern coast, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo feels more like a boutique hotel than a train. With gourmet Basque cuisine, live music, elegant wood interiors and curated stops in medieval towns and vineyards, the train offers a cultural journey through Asturias, Galicia and Cantabria.