There’s a timeless allure to the rhythmic clatter of train wheels and the glamour of vintage travel. These luxury trains capture the spirit of a bygone era when journeys were as enchanting as the destinations themselves. Combining exquisite craftsmanship, world-class dining, and scenic landscapes, they let passengers relive the sophistication of the golden age of rail travel. Each one offers its own story, steeped in nostalgia, comfort, and elegance.
1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express remains the epitome of luxury train travel, transporting guests through Europe’s most captivating cities in pure 1920s style. Inside, art deco details, crystal glassware, and polished brass evoke the romance of old-world glamour. Travelers enjoy gourmet meals and champagne service while gliding past the snowcapped Alps, rolling French countryside, and glittering canals of Venice, a truly cinematic experience that never loses its charm.
2. The Royal Scotsman, Scotland
A journey aboard The Royal Scotsman feels like stepping into an elegant private residence on rails. Limited to just a few lavishly appointed carriages, this train explores Scotland’s dramatic Highlands in unmatched comfort. Guests can indulge in spa treatments, whisky tastings, and castle excursions, all while savoring gourmet cuisine. From misty lochs to rugged cliffs, every window reveals another breathtaking view steeped in Scottish history and natural beauty.
3. Maharajas’ Express, India
The Maharajas’ Express is India’s crowning jewel of luxury travel, designed to make passengers feel like royalty. Lavish décor, gold-accented furnishings, and attentive butlers ensure a regal experience throughout the journey. Traversing Rajasthan’s deserts, Mughal cities, and palace-filled landscapes, guests can dine on exquisite Indian cuisine while gazing out at ancient forts. It’s more than a train ride, it’s a royal parade through India’s vibrant cultural heritage.
4. Rovos Rail, South Africa
Rovos Rail, often called The Pride of Africa, is the ultimate blend of adventure and old-world charm. Its beautifully restored Edwardian coaches and polished wood interiors create a sense of timeless grandeur. The journey offers more than luxury; it’s an immersive passage through Africa’s diverse landscapes, from savannas dotted with wildlife to rolling vineyards and desert dunes. Onboard, passengers savor gourmet meals, fine wines, and impeccable service while reliving the romance of classic rail travel.
5. The Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru
The Belmond Andean Explorer carries passengers on one of the world’s highest rail routes, traveling through Peru’s majestic Andes in five-star comfort. Its sleek interiors blend modern design with local craftsmanship, featuring soft alpaca textures and Andean-inspired décor. As the train glides from Cusco to Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, travelers enjoy panoramic views of ancient ruins, snowcapped peaks, and quiet villages. Gourmet Peruvian cuisine and live music complete this extraordinary high-altitude experience.
6. The Ghan, Australia
Spanning the vast Australian continent from Adelaide to Darwin, The Ghan is a legendary train synonymous with adventure. Guests are treated to spacious cabins, gourmet dining, and immersive off-train excursions. As the landscape transforms from fertile vineyards to red deserts and tropical forests, passengers experience the soul of Australia in comfort. It’s a journey that combines rugged exploration with refined hospitality and endless horizons.
7. The Canadian, Canada
The Canadian by VIA Rail is more than a cross-country journey; it’s a nostalgic passage through Canada’s breathtaking diversity. Stretching from Toronto to Vancouver, this vintage train offers glass-domed cars, cozy sleeper cabins, and regional cuisine that captures the country’s spirit. Travelers watch the rugged Rockies rise in the west, forests stretch endlessly, and prairies glow under golden light. Every moment celebrates the country’s vastness, history, and timeless charm aboard this iconic train.
8. Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia
The Eastern & Oriental Express captures the romance of colonial-era Asia with teakwood interiors, silk furnishings, and flawless service. Linking Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, it offers a seamless blend of culture, cuisine, and scenery. Guests savor gourmet meals as the train glides past rice paddies, temples, and rainforests. It’s an immersive journey where old-world refinement meets the vibrant allure of Southeast Asia’s landscapes and traditions.
9. The Blue Train, South Africa
South Africa’s Blue Train has long been a symbol of prestige, offering a five-star experience on rails. Traveling between Pretoria and Cape Town, this train combines sophisticated interiors with world-class hospitality. Passengers enjoy marble bathrooms, butler service, and gourmet meals while gazing at dramatic mountain ranges and endless vineyards. The Blue Train isn’t just transportation, it’s a moving boutique hotel that captures Africa’s luxury, culture, and awe-inspiring natural beauty in unforgettable style.
10. Glacier Express, Switzerland
The Glacier Express may be the slowest express train in the world, but it’s also among the most scenic. Traversing from Zermatt to St. Moritz, it crosses 291 bridges and passes snowcapped peaks, deep valleys, and storybook villages. Panoramic windows frame Switzerland’s alpine splendor, while guests enjoy fine dining and quiet comfort. Every twist of the track is a reminder that luxury isn’t about speed; it’s about savoring the beauty of the journey.
11. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, India
The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels invites travelers to experience India’s royal heritage from the comfort of luxurious carriages. Inspired by palace architecture, the interiors glow with vibrant silks, intricate carvings, and regal décor. Guests dine on rich Indian delicacies and explore Jaipur’s forts, Udaipur’s lakes, and Jodhpur’s blue streets through exclusive guided tours. Every mile feels like a journey through history, tradition, and timeless grandeur.
