Opulence on Wheels: The 8 Most Luxurious Train Journeys Around the World

For a truly immersive slow travel experience, how you get there is just as important as where you’re going, and luxury train travel does exactly that. As one of the earliest pioneers of luxury travel, these rail journeys have revolutionised how we move between places, investing in design, cuisine, and impeccable service. Imagine waking up to a scrumptious breakfast in your cabin as stunning views reveal themselves to you even before leaving your bed. With world-renowned chefs helming the kitchens on board, drinks that pour endlessly to the score of live music, spa treatments that leave you pampered, and thoughtfully curated excursions that punctuate your days — when it comes to luxury train travel, the journey in fact is the destination — and a grander one at that. Here are eight railway journeys around the world that perfectly capture this essence of luxury travel.

With its grand interiors and nightly galas, the Venice Simplon-Orient Express heralded a new era of luxury train travel in Europe. Over the last four decades, their guestlist has comprised celebrities, writers, royalty, and spies — including Agatha Christie’s most renowned fictional character, Hercule Poirot. You can choose between the flagship itinerary from London or Paris down to Venice or take the annual trip from Paris to Istanbul, along with additional seasonal routes. On board, the Grand Suites come with spacious living quarters, marbled en-suite bathrooms and luxe vanity sets, while regular suites come decked in Art Deco decor. Then there’s L’Observatoire, an entire carriage for exclusive use. Meals are prepared by world-famous chefs and dinners are a lavish affair as the champagne begins to flow to the accompaniment of the resident pianist.

Prices start from Rs. 24,72,000.

Sounds of bagpipes and glasses of whisky welcome you to the Royal Scotsman at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station. Over several nights and multiple routes, the luxury sleeper train takes you past the Scottish Highlands's dramatic peaks, glassy lochs and towering castles. With a dedicated butler on call, the Heron and Magpie Grand Suites blend Scottish tradition with contemporary luxury, while the twin and double cabins are just as cosy and well-equipped. What’s more, local flavours take centre stage at Raven and Swift, the train’s two dining cars, while the Observation Car and Dior Spa are the perfect spots to unwind. Come evening, you are treated to live entertainment and ceilidh folk performances shaped around Scotland’s rich repertoire of myths and fables.

Prices start from Rs. 7,26,000.

Rovos Rail is the most luxurious way to experience Africa on wheels. Itineraries ranging between two to sixteen nights take you through South Africa, eSwatini, Namibia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Hosting 72 passengers at most, the wood-panelled trains come with 36 suites of three types: Pullman, Deluxe, and Royal, each equipped with double or twin beds and en-suite showers, among other amenities. While breakfast is made hot to order, lunch and dinner are an elaborate four-course affair, paired with homegrown South African wines. Additionally, a lounge car, smoking lounge, gift shop, and an observation car with an open-air balcony make the train a perfect way to explore Africa in style.

Prices available on request.

The Maharajas’ Express has been known to offer an extravagant experience fit for kings. Across four itineraries, the luxury train takes you through some of Central and Northwestern India’s most historically and culturally rich destinations, including Udaipur, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Agra, Orchha and Khajuraho. Bathed in antique-inspired drapes and decor, the 23 train carriages come with 5 deluxe cabin cars, 6 junior suite cars, 2 suite cars, and the exclusive Presidential Suite 'Navratna,' Rang Mahal and Mayur Mahal, the two fine dining restaurants on board, serve both Indian and international cuisines, while the Rajah Club and Safari Bar make sure you can lounge in style with a fix of international wines and spirits.

Prices start from Rs. 5,16,000.

Departing from Singapore, uncover the gems of Western Malaysia with the opulent Eastern & Oriental Express. As the train charts its course past small towns and lush rice fields, experience Penang’s UNESCO site of Georgetown, Taman Negara’s tropical rainforests, and Langkawi’s quiet beaches. Thoughtfully designed with intricate marquetry, natural fabrics and vintage accents, the Eastern & Oriental Express is a visual feast. While the ultra-luxurious Presidential Suite comes with free-flowing champagne and caviar and a complimentary treatment at the Dior Spa, the State and Pullman cabins also come elegantly furnished. Dining on board is taken seriously, with a menu curated by Chef André Chiang, whose modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine is as innovative as it is diverse.

Prices start from Rs. 7,78,000.

Sporting a royal wine red livery, Seven Stars in Kyushu was launched in 2013 as Japan’s first luxury sleeper train. Offering an immersive experience in Kyushu — the southernmost of Japan’s big four islands — the train journey is a portal into the region’s unique traditions and cultures. The 7-car passenger train comprises only 10 all-suite compartments, accommodating 20 guests at most. Split between suite rooms and deluxe suites, each cabin is a fusion of Japanese craftsmanship and Western design, crafted with fine wood and local textiles. You can attend a traditional tea ceremony in the Tea Room, and come together with other passengers at Jupiter, the salon. Come nightfall, gather at the Blue Moon lounge car, to enjoy a drink or two with live piano performances.

Prices available on request.

The Andean Explorer is South America’s first luxury train. With 20 carriages painted a silky midnight blue, the train takes you through rural Peru, from the floating islands of Islas Uros to the stunning Lake Titicaca and the vibrant artisan markets of La Raya, before arriving in the colourful city of Arequipa. Inside the Andean Explorer, earthen-toned interiors are juxtaposed with textured leather, alpaca wool and timber finishes. Choose between the plush double-bed suite cabins, or the twin-bed or bunk-bed cabins, each sufficiently equipped for your stay. Explore a range of Peruvian flavours at Muna, the in-house restaurant and stop by the Picaflor Spa Car for an aromatherapy session to help acclimatise to the altitude.

Prices start from Rs. 6,68,000.

For 97 years, The Ghan has been travelling through the Australian Outback, between Darwin, Adelaide and Alice Springs. Ferrying Afghan cameleers in its early days, The Ghan is now a luxurious train with only two suites on each train: the Australis and Aurora Suites, with dedicated butler service, curated private bar, premium Jurlique amenities, and endless Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année. Meanwhile, the Platinum, Gold Premium, and Gold cabins are spacious and stylishly appointed. Additionally, the culinary team collaborates with local farmers and suppliers, serving an innovative regionally-inspired menu for the daily breakfast, two-course lunches and five-course dinners.

Prices start from Rs. 1,42,000