The 10 most luxurious train rides in the world

There is something special about train rides. Taking your time to travel, enjoying the landscapes and scenery in a way that you can’t experience in any other way. And as Paul Theroux wrote: “If a train is large and comfortable you don't even need a destination. A corner seat is enough, and you can be one of those travelers who stay in motion, straddling the tracks, and never arrive or feel they ought to."

Dream away with these glamorous train rides, from Japan to Italy, and Vietnam to Canada.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

The iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers routes to and from various cities in Europe. For example, you can go from Amsterdam to Venice, Venice to Paris and Paris to Budapest. The timeless glamour on the train can be felt in the 1920´s Art Deco interior, and the impeccable service on board. During the day you can enjoy the amazing scenery passing you by, while at night you can dress up in your best suit or dress and head on to the ´Bar car 3674´ for cocktails, bubbles and the fine tunes of the resident pianist. Food is sourced along the way and served in amazingly beautiful carriages like the Étoile du Nord and the l´Oriental.

The Venice Simplon OE also offers Suites and Grand Suites with en-suite bathrooms. The suites have been hand-restored by expert European craftsmen and designers . Be ready to expect the best in luxury experiences you can imagine.

Rovos Rail, Africa

When boarding the luxury Rovos train in Pretoria, passengers are welcomed in a private lounge, complete with canapés and champagne. The three-day classic journey to Cape Town takes you through the grasslands of Highveld to the desert of Great Karoo. If you have more time, go for the fifteen-day Trail of Two Oceans journey, which starts in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, going through Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and ends in Lobito, Angola.

All Rovos Rail rides include off-train cultural, historical and safari excursions. The trains offer Royal Suites, Deluxe Suites and Pullman Suites/Pullman Gold Suites, all with a dedicated host/ess and en-suite bathroom.

Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express, Asia

The classic Eastern & Oriental Express, with an interior inspired by the 1932 Marlene Dietrich film "Shanghai Express," stops in three cities in Asia: Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Singapore. The cabins are furnished with polished wood panels and silken fabrics with a hint of classic Asian design.In the Bar Car you can enjoy champagne, wine and cocktails in a jazz-club ambience while lush jungles roll on by.

In 2023 Belmond will announce when journeys will recommence, which will probably be in 2024.

The Vietage, Vietnam

The Vietage is a luxurious railway adventure through the lush landscapes and spectacular coastlines of Central Vietnam that takes you from Da Nang Railway Station near Hoi An each morning, and makes the return journey from Quy Nhon every evening (you can choose to stay in either one place to explore). The journey takes about 6 hours and includes three-course gourmet dining, snacks, selected free-flow wines, cocktails, mocktails, beers, soft drinks, tea and coffee, and head and shoulder treatments. The train counts with 12 luxurious seats only.

Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland

Belmond’s Royal Scotsman departs from and arrives at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station and can carry 40 guests onboard, making it an exclusive ride, which takes you through the Scottish Highlands, passing Kyle of Lochalsh and Cairngorms National Park. There is an onboard spa where you can book a facial, massage, or manicure while enjoying the spectacular scenery.

Cruise Train Seven Stars, Japan

The Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan, is the epitome of luxury. Everything onboard - the beds, the bathroom sinks, the woodwork, the porcelain - is handmade by Japanese artisans. Service is impeccable, as can be expected.

The 4-day, 3-night journey (or 2-day, 1-night) takes guests around the island of Kyushu, stopping at the region’s best shrines, onsens and more, so you truly feel like you’re exploring an authentic side of Japan. There is only room for 20 passengers and demand is high so it is very hard to obtain a ticket. You must apply which then puts you on the list of the lottery to get a ticket. Needless to say that this is an experience of a lifetime!

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

Onboard the Rocky Mountaineer no scenery is left unseen thanks to the glass-dome ceilings. Take in the breathtaking views of waterfalls, mountains and rivers while enjoying storytelling by the friendly staff and a delicious lunch or snack is being served. The journeys take you from Vancouver to Banff or Jasper, or from Moab to Denver - and the other way around.

Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, Russia

You can choose between the Eastbound and the Westbound journey, both of which cover the same route but in opposite directions. The Eastbound will take you from Moscow over the Urals, across the magnificent and endless steppe and alongside the shore of the world's largest freshwater lake (Lake Baikal), and ends in Vladivostok. In Moscow the journey starts already with a private viewing of the Kremlin armour. On board you are welcomed with a glass of champagne and a Russian brass band, and during your journey freshly prepared meals are served.

Along the way you can do more than enjoy the amazing scenery: passengers can take Russian language lessons or dance to a live pianist. The journey takes 15 days to complete and starts at USD 19,825 per person.

The Ghan, Australia

The Ghan, which was completed in 1929, runs through Australia´s outback from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north. The journey takes 3 or 4 days (depending on which way you´re going) and takes you through the expansive ridges of the MacDonnell Ranges, the Simpsons Gap, and the opal town of Coober Pedy.

Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru

The 2-night Peruvian Highlands journey starts at the ancient capital of Cusco and goes through the Andean Plains, up to Lake Titicaca. At a height of 14,000 feet, it is one of the highest train rides in the world. The interior is decorated with local elements, such as Peruvian tapestries (made from alpaca wool) and handwoven frabrics. The train has 35 cabins, two dining cars and two bar cars, where you can enjoy champagne or a pisco sour.

Are you ready to hop aboard any of these iconic trains? Send me a message to arlette.diederiks@fora.travel and I´ll help you plan your next unforgettable trip!

All photos are taken from the respective trains´ websites.