Nicole Luxury train travel combines comfort, elegance, and stunning scenery, offering a way to experience the world without the rush of airports or crowded highways. These journeys go beyond transportation, turning travel itself into an event. From Africa’s untamed landscapes to Europe’s historic cities, each train ride presents an experience shaped by fine dining, personalized service, and breathtaking views. Here are some of the finest luxury train journeys across the globe.
1. Rovos Rail – Pride of Africa
Route: South Africa – Botswana – Zimbabwe – Zambia – Tanzania
Duration: 3 to 15 days
Distance: 5,800 km
Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa is one of the most lavish train experiences, traveling through some of the continent’s most spectacular landscapes. Restored vintage carriages exude old-world charm, complete with mahogany paneling, plush seating, and elegant lounges. Guests can watch the African wilderness roll by while enjoying high tea and fresh pastries. The journey includes game drives, Victoria Falls excursions, and time to absorb the continent’s diverse scenery, from the savannas to the Cape Winelands.
2. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE)
Route: Venice – Paris – Istanbul (with additional routes to Verona, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Prague)
Duration: Varies
Distance: 2,740 km
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is synonymous with 1920s glamour. Polished wood, Art Deco details, and white-gloved service bring back the golden age of rail travel. Gourmet dining, curated wines, and impeccably decorated sleeper cars make this journey feel like stepping into another era. The route winds through the Alps and historic European cities, offering postcard-perfect views and an experience steeped in romance and nostalgia.
3. Golden Eagle Danube Express
Route: Central & Eastern Europe
Duration: 8 to 12 days
Distance: 2,500 km
This journey takes passengers through the heart of Central and Eastern Europe, with stops in Budapest, Vienna, Kraków, and Istanbul. The train’s carriages are fitted with elegant interiors and spacious suites, offering a level of comfort rarely found in rail travel. Guests can savor regionally inspired cuisine while passing through the scenic landscapes of the Danube River and historic capitals.
4. Belmond Royal Scotsman
Route: Scottish Highlands
Duration: 3 to 7 days
Distance: 1,500 km
The Belmond Royal Scotsman is a rolling country house, complete with tartan-clad furnishings, wood-paneled lounges, and a spa carriage. The journey includes stops at historic castles, whisky distilleries, and remote Scottish landscapes. Evenings bring traditional storytelling, fine dining, and live music, making this a true immersion into Scotland’s rich heritage.
5. Maharajas’ Express
Route: Various routes across India
Duration: 4 to 7 days
The Maharajas’ Express is India’s most luxurious train, recreating the opulence of royal travel. Each suite is richly decorated, featuring traditional Indian motifs and modern comforts. Guests can visit Jaipur’s palaces, marvel at the Taj Mahal, and explore the vibrant streets of Delhi. Fine dining includes regional specialties prepared by expert chefs, making every meal an experience in itself.
6. Eastern & Oriental Express
Route: Singapore – Malaysia – Bangkok, Thailand
Duration: Varies
Distance: 1,262 miles
The Eastern & Oriental Express blends luxury with Southeast Asia’s lush landscapes. From tropical rainforests to bustling cityscapes, the journey offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. The train features elegant Pullman cabins, a piano bar, and gourmet cuisine inspired by local flavors. One of its most scenic routes, “Wild Malaysia,” takes passengers deep into remote areas, revealing stunning natural beauty along the way.
7. The Ghan
Route: Adelaide – Alice Springs – Darwin, Australia
Duration: 2 to 4 days
Distance: 2,979 km
The Ghan crosses Australia’s vast outback, offering a journey through deserts, rugged mountain ranges, and iconic landscapes. Originally named after Afghan cameleers who explored the region, the train provides a blend of history, culture, and modern comfort. Off-train excursions include visits to Uluru, Katherine Gorge, and Aboriginal cultural sites, creating a well-rounded travel experience.
8. Rocky Mountaineer
Route: Canada (Various routes through the Rockies)
Duration: 2 to 4 days
The Rocky Mountaineer is all about panoramic views. Glass-domed coaches provide unobstructed sights of Canada’s snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and sprawling forests. The train runs exclusively during daylight hours, ensuring guests never miss a moment of the breathtaking scenery. Onboard service includes regionally inspired meals and expert storytelling about the landscapes and wildlife.
9. The Blue Train
Route: Pretoria – Cape Town, South Africa
Duration: 2 days
Distance: 1,600 km
The Blue Train is South Africa’s answer to luxury rail travel, connecting Pretoria and Cape Town in an experience that combines elegance with scenic grandeur. Spacious suites, marble-tiled bathrooms, and butler service make the journey feel like a five-star hotel on wheels. As the train winds through vineyards, mountain passes, and rolling plains, guests enjoy gourmet dining and South African wines.
10. The Transcantábrico Gran Lujo
Route: Spain (San Sebastián – Santiago de Compostela)
Duration: 8 days
This Spanish train journey travels along the northern coast, passing through lush countryside, medieval villages, and coastal cliffs. Inspired by the grand trains of the past, the Transcantábrico Gran Lujo offers luxurious cabins, fine dining, and cultural excursions. Guests can visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, sample fresh seafood in Galicia, and experience the region’s unique blend of history and modern charm.
Choosing the Right Journey
Selecting a luxury train journey depends on the kind of experience you seek:
- For wildlife and nature: Rovos Rail, The Ghan, Rocky Mountaineer
- For European charm: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Golden Eagle Danube Express, Belmond Royal Scotsman
- For cultural immersion: Maharajas’ Express, Eastern & Oriental Express, The Transcantábrico Gran Lujo
- For classic elegance: The Blue Train, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Each of these trains offers more than just transportation. They create an experience where every meal, view, and moment onboard adds to the journey itself.
