Taking the Scenic Route: A Guide to the World's Best Luxury Train Rides

Trains are a great way to budget travel – where would thousands of young travellers be without the interrail pass, eh? – but they’re great for getting around luxuriously, too, and sometimes the train journey is the holiday itself. 

But which luxury train journeys are the cream of the crop? Japan Rail Pass has done some digging and analysed Tripadvisor reviews, Instagram hashtags and global search volumes to create an index score and rank the world’s best luxury train rides. 

Steaming ahead into first place is the Rocky Mountaineer which has a staggering 54,029 Instagram hashtags and is searched 368,000 per month. The operator runs four rail routes in British Columbia, Alberta, Colorado and Utah, and with that epic mountain scenery, it does sound pretty ‘gram-worthy. 

In second place is the GoldenPass Express in Montreux, Switzerland which connects with Interlaken, a beautiful lakeside town in the Bernese Oberland. Tripadvisor reviews of this service are a healthy 4.4 on average, and overall the train has an index score of 8.39. Check out the rest of the list below. Oh, and here’s our roundup of the world’s best luxury train rides – there’s plenty of overlap!

Rail Tourism: A Sustainable and Romantic Way to Travel

Whether it’s the Eurostar between Great Britain and Europe or the Shinkansen of Japan, train travel is attracting voyageurs as a relaxing, scenic and sustainable alternative to flying. And as luxury hospitality brands continue to invest in heritage trains, they’re becoming destinations in their own right. At a time when the world feels increasingly like a whirlwind, slowing down to indulge in the romance of train travel has never been more appealing.

Iconic train routes around the world top many bucket lists, from the Rocky Mountaineer’s winding path that runs from Banff to Vancouver and canyon country in the U.S. to The Ghan’s traverse across Australia and, of course, the famed Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE). Under the guidance of the LVMH-owned Belmond, the world’s most famous train journey continues to evolve to delight today’s traveller, with some of its individual carriages having been transformed into suites that rival any five-star hotel. Next year, the VSOE will unveil l’Observatoire, a sleeper carriage with interiors conceptualized and designed by the French photographer and artist JR that will feature a bedroom with a double bed, ensuite and wardrobe, a lounge area, library and secret tea room with a fireplace.

Luxury Train Experiences: More Than Just a Ride

Accor, the hospitality group behind Raffles and Fairmont properties, is betting big on train travel as well with the introduction of its own Orient Express portfolio. Launching next year, this collection of trains, hotels and sailing ships is aimed at bringing the myth and spirit of the Orient Express to life for the 21st century.

But make no mistake – these are more than just hotels on wheels. Climb aboard and it’s evident that there are plenty of special touches that turn the accommodations and amenities into an unforgettable experience.

“It’s something that really shows a certain level of luxury in a different light and it’s not necessarily this Toto-toilet experience that we’re seeing at the modern hotels,” says Jamsheed Pocha, co-founder of The Pelican Club, a membership-based club specializing in bespoke travel and lifestyle planning. “It’s really focused on slowing down and immersing yourself into what was really the original immersive travel experience. It’s not about getting from one place to another as fast as possible but about taking the time to enjoy the journey.”

Culinary Delights and Partnership Collaborations

To further augment the journey, some trains are introducing partnerships on board that span the culinary, fine wine and beauty worlds. In 2017, The Andean Explorer, another Belmond option, became the first luxury sleeper train in South America, opening up a new way to experience areas of Peru that are not as accessible by car or plane. Earlier this year, chef Jorge Muñoz took the culinary helm onboard Andean Explorer, introducing new menus that pay homage to the different regions of Peru. They also partnered with Veuve Clicquot on this journey to offer guests Champagne tastings under the expert guidance of their cellar master. “Trains are not just a way to transport, trains are the best way to feel the country,” says Javier Carlavilla, general manager of the Andean Explorer.

The Allure of Luxury Train Travel: An Unforgettable Escape

It’s this vision of creating a world to escape into that transforms the train from means of transportation to an unforgettable holiday. Pocha, who has made a career out of the best luxury travel around the world, says that nothing beats his journey aboard the VSOE. “It’s not an affordable experience but, when you do it, it’s a bucket-list trip.”

The Tazara Railway: A Unique African Adventure

From slicing through the rural landscape to linking a nation's grand cities, the world's top train journeys offer a fresh viewpoint on any destination. Trains navigate through the scenery providing an adventure, an experience and a glimpse into the heart of a country.

Lonely Planet has compiled a list of some of the finest train journeys globally, with the Tazara Railway securing the seventh spot. The Tazara Railway (Tanzania and Zambia Railway Authority) offers its passengers the unique chance of spotting wildlife from the comfort of their seats.

This remarkable single-track railway spans 1,860km and has been operational since 1975. The Tazara Railway also has an intriguing history. Funded by China, the line was constructed to boost Zambia's economy, which had previously depended on Zimbabwe and South Africa. The line enabled Zambia to transport its goods to Dar es Salaam for global shipment.

However, the real highlight is the chance to spend two days observing everyday life through the window, and relishing the hustle and bustle when the train comes to a stop. While they may not be as fast as your average bus, they're a safer way to travel. Over recent years, these trains have become a major draw for tourists looking to soak up the authentic African train experience.

A Train Journey is More Than Just a Destination

The world of luxury train travel is evolving, offering travelers a unique blend of comfort, adventure, and cultural immersion. From the iconic routes of Europe to the breathtaking landscapes of South America and the unique experiences in Africa, there’s a journey for every discerning traveler. So, pack your bags, grab a glass of champagne, and prepare to embark on a journey that is as memorable as the destination itself.