Train travel has always held a certain romantic allure, but luxury trains elevate this experience to an entirely new level. Combining opulent décor, exceptional service, and breathtaking scenic routes, luxury trains offer travelers an unparalleled journey. Here, we explore the top 10 luxury trains from around the globe, each offering a unique blend of comfort, elegance, and adventure.
1. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe)
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is synonymous with luxury and glamour. This legendary train journey allows passengers to relive the elegance of the 1920s and 1930s, with its beautifully restored carriages and top-notch service. From the moment you step aboard, you are transported to a world of refined sophistication. The train’s route takes you through some of Europe’s most picturesque landscapes, offering a visual feast at every turn.
Accommodations and Amenities: The train features three types of cabins – Historic Cabins, Grand Suites, and Twin Cabins. Each is exquisitely furnished with intricate marquetry, plush fabrics, and vintage fixtures. The Grand Suites, in particular, offer a spacious and opulent retreat with private bathrooms and living areas.
Dining Experience: Dining on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a highlight of the journey. The menus are crafted by top chefs and feature a mix of French cuisine and local specialties from the regions through which the train passes. The elegant dining cars, with their Lalique glass panels and plush seating, provide the perfect setting for a culinary adventure.
2. The Maharajas’ Express (India)
The Maharajas’ Express is the epitome of luxury travel in India. This train offers several itineraries, each designed to showcase the rich cultural heritage of India. From the forts and palaces of Rajasthan to the ghats of Varanasi, the Maharajas’ Express provides an immersive experience in India’s diverse history and culture.
Accommodations and Amenities: The train offers four types of cabins – Deluxe Cabin, Junior Suite, Suite, and Presidential Suite. Each cabin is decorated with rich fabrics, intricate woodwork, and modern amenities. The Presidential Suite spans an entire carriage and includes a living room, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms.
Dining Experience: The train has two fine dining restaurants – Mayur Mahal and Rang Mahal – which serve a variety of cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. The chefs use the freshest ingredients to create dishes that are both flavorful and elegantly presented.
3. The Blue Train (South Africa)
The Blue Train offers a journey through South Africa’s most stunning landscapes, from the savannahs of the Highveld to the vineyards of the Cape Winelands. This train is known for its impeccable service and luxurious accommodations.
Accommodations and Amenities: The train offers two types of suites – Luxury Suite and De Luxe Suite. Both types of suites feature private bathrooms with gold fittings, plush bedding, and large windows for taking in the views. The Luxury Suites also include a bath.
Dining Experience: The Blue Train’s dining cars offer an elegant setting for enjoying gourmet meals. The chefs prepare a variety of dishes using the finest local ingredients. The menu includes South African specialties as well as international cuisine, all paired with the best South African wines.
4. The Royal Scotsman (Scotland)
The Royal Scotsman takes travelers on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. The train’s interiors reflect the elegance of a country house, with rich wood paneling, plush seating, and traditional Scottish decor.
Accommodations and Amenities: The train offers four types of cabins – Single, Twin, Double, and Interconnecting. Each cabin is equipped with a private bathroom, luxurious bedding, and large windows. The train also features a spa car offering a range of treatments.
Dining Experience: The Royal Scotsman’s dining cars serve a variety of Scottish dishes made with the freshest local ingredients. The menus change with the seasons and include specialties such as haggis, smoked salmon, and venison. The train also has an extensive selection of fine wines and whiskies.
5. The Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)
The Rocky Mountaineer offers a unique way to experience the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies. The train’s routes take travelers through some of Canada’s most spectacular landscapes, including mountain ranges, forests, and rivers.
Accommodations and Amenities: The train offers two levels of service – GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf. GoldLeaf Service includes bi-level dome coaches with panoramic windows, gourmet meals served in a dining car, and access to an outdoor viewing platform. SilverLeaf Service features single-level dome coaches with large windows and meals served at your seat.
Dining Experience: The Rocky Mountaineer’s culinary offerings are inspired by the regions through which the train travels. The menus feature a variety of dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, including Pacific salmon, Alberta beef, and British Columbia wines.
6. The Eastern & Oriental Express (Southeast Asia)
The Eastern & Oriental Express offers a journey through the heart of Southeast Asia, from the bustling city of Singapore to the vibrant capital of Thailand, Bangkok. This train combines the romance of a bygone era with the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.
Accommodations and Amenities: The train offers four types of cabins – Pullman, State, Presidential Suite, and Single Cabin. Each cabin is elegantly decorated with rich wood paneling, brass fittings, and plush fabrics. The Presidential Suite offers a spacious living area and a private bathroom.
Dining Experience: The Eastern & Oriental Express’s dining cars serve a variety of Asian and Western dishes. The menus are crafted by top chefs and feature fresh, local ingredients. The train also has a bar car and an observation car, where passengers can enjoy cocktails and take in the views.
7. The Ghan (Australia)
The Ghan offers a transcontinental journey through Australia’s vast and diverse landscapes, from the tropical north to the temperate south. This train provides a unique way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Australia.
Accommodations and Amenities: The train offers three levels of service – Gold Service, Platinum Service, and Red Service. Platinum Service includes spacious cabins with en-suite bathrooms and double beds, while Gold Service offers comfortable cabins with private bathrooms and single beds. Red Service provides reclining seats and shared facilities.
Dining Experience: The Ghan’s dining cars serve a variety of dishes inspired by the regions through which the train travels. The menus feature fresh, local ingredients, including seafood, meats, and wines. The train also has a lounge car and an observation car, where passengers can relax and take in the views.
8. The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express (Russia)
The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express offers one of the world’s longest and most iconic train journeys, spanning from Moscow to Vladivostok. This train epitomizes luxury, with its lavish interiors and comprehensive service.
The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express offers a journey through the vast and diverse landscapes of Russia, from the historic city of Moscow to the Pacific port of Vladivostok. This train combines the romance of a transcontinental journey with the luxury of a five-star hotel.
Accommodations and Amenities: The train offers three types of cabins – Silver Class, Gold Class, and Imperial Suite. Each cabin is elegantly decorated with rich fabrics and modern amenities. The Imperial Suite offers a spacious living area, a private bathroom, and a lounge.
Dining Experience: The Golden Eagle’s dining cars serve a variety of dishes inspired by the regions through which the train travels. The menus feature fresh, local ingredients, including caviar, salmon, and game. The train also has a bar car and a lounge car, where passengers can relax and take in the views.
9. The Pride of Africa (Rovos Rail, Africa)
Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa is often hailed as the most luxurious train in the world. Traveling through several African countries, this train offers a range of journeys that combine adventure, wildlife, and opulence.
Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa offers a journey through the stunning landscapes and diverse cultures of Africa. This train provides a unique way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the continent.
Accommodations and Amenities: The train offers four types of suites – Royal Suite, Deluxe Suite, Pullman Suite, and Single Suite. Each suite is elegantly decorated with Edwardian-style furnishings and modern amenities. The Royal Suite offers a spacious living area and a private bathroom.
Dining Experience: The Pride of Africa’s dining cars serve a variety of dishes inspired by the regions through which the train travels. The menus feature fresh, local ingredients, including game, seafood, and wines. The train also has an observation car and a lounge car, where passengers can relax and take in the views.
10. The Deccan Odyssey (India)
The Deccan Odyssey offers a journey through the rich cultural heritage of India, from the bustling city of Mumbai to the serene beaches of Goa. This train combines the romance of a royal journey with the luxury of a five-star hotel.
Accommodations and Amenities: The train offers four types of cabins – Deluxe Cabin, Junior Suite, Suite, and Presidential Suite. Each cabin is elegantly decorated with rich fabrics and modern amenities. The Presidential Suite offers a spacious living area and a private bathroom.
Dining Experience: The Deccan Odyssey’s dining cars serve a variety of dishes inspired by the regions through which the train travels. The menus feature fresh, local ingredients, including seafood, meats, and wines. The train also has a bar car and a lounge car, where passengers can relax and take in the views.
Conclusion
Luxury trains offer a unique way to experience the world’s most beautiful landscapes and diverse cultures. From the historic elegance of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to the modern opulence of the Maharajas’ Express, each of these top 10 luxury trains provides an unforgettable journey. Whether you are exploring the Scottish Highlands, the Canadian Rockies, or the Australian Outback, these trains offer a blend of comfort, elegance, and adventure that is unmatched by any other mode of travel.