Traveling isn’t just about reaching a destination—it’s about the experience along the way. And what better way to immerse yourself in a journey than aboard a luxury train, where elegance, comfort, and breathtaking landscapes unfold right outside your window?
In 2025, I’ve carefully selected five of the world’s most extraordinary train journeys, each offering a unique combination of stunning scenery, five-star service, and an unforgettable cultural experience. These trains aren’t just modes of transportation; they are moving palaces that redefine what it means to travel in style.
Whether you dream of rolling past European castles, crossing the vast African savanna, delving into South America’s rugged landscapes, or experiencing the exotic allure of Asia, this guide will help you choose the ultimate luxury train experience.
Let’s embark on these once-in-a-lifetime rail journeys!
1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: A Journey Through Time Across Europe
- Route: Paris – Venice (or London – Venice)
- Duration: 1–2 days, depending on departure city
- Highlights: Vintage 1920s luxury, Michelin-star dining, breathtaking European landscapes
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is, without a doubt, the most legendary luxury train in the world. Steeped in history, this train brings the Golden Age of Travel back to life, offering passengers an elegant journey through Europe’s most scenic landscapes.
The most iconic route runs from Paris to Venice, but you can also board in London. The train’s art-deco interiors, complete with hand-carved wood panels, gleaming chandeliers, and plush velvet seating, transport passengers straight into the opulence of the 1920s.
What makes it special?
✔ Timeless elegance – Each carriage has been meticulously restored to reflect the glamour of the original 1920s train.
✔ Michelin-level dining – Renowned French chef Jean Imbert crafts exquisite meals, using seasonal ingredients from stops along the way.
✔ Iconic scenery – The journey offers unparalleled views of the Swiss Alps, rolling Italian countryside, and the sparkling waters of the Venetian Lagoon.
Price: From €3,500 (around $3,800) per person in a standard cabin, up to €8,000+ ($8,700) per person for a Grand Suite.
Booking: Official website
2. The Blue Train: A Royal Safari Across South Africa
- Route: Pretoria – Cape Town
- Duration: 2 days, 1 night
- Highlights: South African landscapes, five-star service, personal butlers
Known as “A Five-Star Hotel on Wheels,” The Blue Train offers a luxurious and immersive South African experience, traveling across the stunning landscapes of the country. Originally built for royalty and presidents, it’s now open to elite travelers seeking unparalleled comfort on rails.
What makes it special?
✔ Personal butlers – Every suite comes with a private butler, ensuring an effortless and indulgent journey.
✔ Panoramic windows – Watch as giraffes, zebras, and elephants roam freely in the distance while you sip champagne in your suite.
✔ Gourmet cuisine & fine wines – Enjoy a five-course meal, paired with South Africa’s award-winning wines.
Price: Ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 per person, depending on suite selection.
Booking: Official website
3. The Golden Eagle: The Ultimate Trans-Siberian Adventure
- Route: Moscow – Vladivostok (Trans-Siberian Railway)
- Duration: 15 days
- Highlights: The world’s longest train journey, Russian culture, luxury private cabins
The Golden Eagle is the ultimate way to experience the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, traveling across 8 time zones and covering over 9,200 kilometers (5,700 miles). This route is *not just a train ride—it’s an epic adventure through the heart of Russia, complete with palatial suites, fine dining, and cultural excursions.
What makes it special?
✔ Luxury suites with heated floors – The Imperial Suites come with a private en-suite bathroom, plush king-sized beds, and 24-hour concierge service.
✔ Baikal Lake Excursion – Enjoy a gourmet picnic on the shores of the world’s deepest lake.
✔ Russian cultural experiences – Join vodka tastings, learn about Russian tea ceremonies, and explore historic Siberian towns.
Price: From $15,000 to $40,000 per person, depending on cabin class.
Booking: Official website
4. Belmond Andean Explorer: A High-Altitude Luxury Train Through the Peruvian Andes
- Route: Cusco – Puno – Arequipa
- Duration: 2–3 days
- Highlights: The Andes Mountains, Incan heritage, Peruvian cuisine
As South America’s first luxury sleeper train, the Belmond Andean Explorer takes travelers on an unforgettable journey through the Peruvian highlands, passing Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and the Colca Canyon.
What makes it special?
✔ The highest luxury train in the world – Traveling at over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level.
✔ Elegant cabins – Beautifully designed Peruvian-inspired interiors with wood-paneled luxury.
✔ Peruvian fine dining – Dishes crafted by top chefs, featuring locally sourced Andean ingredients.
Price: From $3,500 to $5,500 per person.
Booking: Official website
5. Seven Stars in Kyushu: Japan’s Most Luxurious Train Journey
- Route: A grand tour around Kyushu, Japan
- Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
- Highlights: Japanese hot springs, traditional culture, gourmet cuisine
Seven Stars in Kyushu is Japan’s most exclusive luxury train, blending modern elegance with traditional Japanese aesthetics. With only 14 suites, it offers one of the most intimate and exclusive train journeys in the world.
What makes it special?
✔ Luxury meets tradition – Each carriage is handcrafted by Japanese artisans, featuring shoji screens and intricate woodwork.
✔ Michelin-starred dining – Savor seasonal Japanese delicacies, prepared by award-winning chefs.
✔ Exclusive hot spring experiences – Stay overnight at luxurious ryokan inns, complete with private onsen baths.
Price: From $8,000 to $12,000 per person.
Booking: Official website
A Journey Unlike Any Other
Luxury train travel is not just about getting from one place to another—it’s about celebrating the journey itself. Whether you’re gliding past European landmarks aboard the Orient Express, exploring African landscapes on the Blue Train, or indulging in Japanese elegance on Seven Stars in Kyushu, these train journeys promise *the adventure of a lifetime.
