10 Most Luxurious Trains in the World (2024)

No matter how comfortable and fast other modes of transport become, nothing beats the luxury of a train ride. Today we will reveal the top 10 luxurious trains in the world. So get ready as we hop on a train journey to exotic destinations. 10. The Bellman British Pullman The Bellman British Pullman is a luxury vintage train offering themed day trips and weekend breaks across Britain, featuring castles, gardens, historic houses, romance and even Christmas. The train features 11 restored 1920s and 1930s cars in an elegant cream and burnt umber. With a total capacity of 226, each car seats 20 to 26 passengers at tables for two or four. One car offers single and three-person tables. This is a daytime-only train with no sleeping accommodations. The breathtaking interior includes modern facilities such as electric heating and toughened glass, as well as Art Deco-style table lamps and armchairs. The carriage interiors are lined with wooden panels decorated with antique-style marquetry and vintage lighting. With 11 whimsically named authentic carriages, each unique in decor and with different stories to tell, the British Pullman takes all its passengers back to the golden age of travel with its heritage upholstery and fine dining experience, where each meal is accompanied by the finest wines and champagnes. The sumptuous array of dishes during the afternoon tea and dinnertime are prepared by Michelin star chefs sure to dazzle your taste buds. Did you know that Bellman British Pullman carriages once transported Queen Elizabeth II and Winston Churchill? Offering a luxurious glimpse into Britain's past, a ticket costs as much as £200 to get aboard this luxurious Pullman, depending on your destination. 9. Maharaja's Express If you're dreaming of a train journey like no other, the Maharaja's Express in India is a top contender for the world's most luxurious train ride. This isn't just a trip, it's an opulent experience fit for royalty. With exquisite dining, lavish accommodations, and impeccable service, you'll feel like a king. Of course, this level of luxury comes at a price, over $3,000 per night. But for railway lovers, it's a splurge that promises unforgettable memories. Each guest cabin on the Maharaja's Express is equipped with a spacious wardrobe, individual climate control, under-bed luggage storage, and 24-7 paramedics on board. You'll also enjoy electronic smoke detection, free Wi-Fi, live TV, CCTV in public areas, and international dial telephones. The cabins feature attached washrooms, a mini bar, and a spacious sitting area. Guests can unwind in the Raja Club, lounge car, which boasts a well-stocked library, board and card games, a bar, and the treasure chest souvenir shop for mementos of this royal journey. Even gourmet dining aboard the Maharaja's Express is a lavish affair in two elegant dining cars, the Color Palace and the Peacock Palace. Guests dine on fine limoge plates edged in gold, sip from Swarovski hand-cut crystal glasses, and use cutlery monogrammed with the letter M. Talk about a dream getaway indeed. 8. Seven Stars in Kyushu The Seven Stars in Kyushu is a luxurious excursion train operated by Kyushu Railway Company in Japan since October 2013. Seven Stars in Kyushu showcases the island of Kyushu, Japan, allowing travelers to enjoy the best of the onboard experience as well as the scenery outside the train. It's not just a luxury train but features the best of Japanese artistry, where even the wash basins are a limited edition. This luxury salon consists of the DF-200 7,000 locomotive and seven coaches, five sleeping cars, a lounge car, and a dining car, with a total capacity of 28 passengers. The suite carriages have just three bedrooms per car, and each suite accommodates up to two passengers with 10 square meters of space capacity. At one end of the carriage, two exclusive deluxe suites offer a touch of luxury with a lounge and private bathroom. Each accommodating three guests, deluxe suite A, 21 square meters, 226 square feet, features twin beds and a full rear window, while deluxe suite B, 17 square meters, 183 square feet, has convertible twin beds. The Blue Moon lounge car is a highlight, offering a relaxing space with a fully attended bar, comfortable sofas, and panoramic views. By day, it's perfect for unwinding. By night, it comes alive with live musical entertainment in a contemporary Japanese setting. This two-day journey from Hakata through Nagasaki and Yufuin, with its radiant sun, mountains, and beautiful oceans, is absolutely luxurious. 7. Rocky Mountaineer You can't beat Rocky Mountaineer, also recognized as the world's leading travel experience by train, at the World Travel Awards seven times for its Gold Leaf service, as well as the world's leading luxury train award three times. Canada's Rocky Mountaineer train is uber luxurious, with each ticket costing up to $2,757 to $4,499 Canadian dollars. Allow yourself this top-notch two-night experience offering gorgeous panoramic views, opening up the wonder of the route between Vancouver and Banff. There are two levels of services offered, Gold Leaf and Silver Leaf. Gold Leaf guests enjoy stunning bi-level dome coaches with full-length windows and air conditioning, perfect for groups of four. The real highlight? Exclusive access to spacious, open-air observation decks. Plus, the gourmet dining experience in the lower-level dining room is a treat. Another perk is the convenient luggage delivery service to your hotel in Kamloops or Questnal. Whether you take the spiral staircase or elevator, the dining room, seating 36, offers remarkable multi-course breakfasts and lunches prepared in a full-galley kitchen. Isn't that a luxurious way to travel? 6. The Eastern and Oriental Express The world-famous Orient Express is a stunner, making stops in three of Asia's most glittering destinations – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Bangkok, and Singapore. The interior of the Eastern and Oriental Express is a delightful surprise. Inspired by the 1932 Marlene Dietrich film, Shanghai Express, and comes with high-end details such as Thai silk, Malaysian embroidery, and cherry wood panelling, the train offers three types of accommodation – presidential, state, and Pullman cabins – with a total capacity of 64 guests. All cabins are air-conditioned with complimentary Wi-Fi and include a private bathroom with sink, shower, and toilet. All are panelled with beautiful cherry wood and elm burr, and adorned with decorative marquetry and intricate inlays. Each cabin has 24-hour service, called by a bell. The two presidential cabins, each a spacious 125 square feet, feature a couch, table with chairs, and a large bathroom. At night, they convert to twin berths. Enjoy private station transfers, a complimentary minibar, a hot breakfast in your cabin, and a Bluetooth speaker. The lounge area located at the end of the train also serves as a smoking area and offers luxury amenities like a boutique and reading lounge with a library, in addition to the dining area and live pianist entertainment. The luxury ride is enhanced by the views when the train passes through lush rainforests or ancient temples, giving a chance to experience the cultural history of Southeast Asia. Each ticket can cost up to $3,200, but trust me, it's worth the ride. 5. Belmond Royal Scotsman A journey aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman is a unique way to see the magnificent Scottish countryside in a Downton Abbey atmosphere. An absolute knockout where travelers can choose from several round trips from Edinburgh, lasting between two and seven days. But the classic voyage is the four-night passage to the Scottish Highlands. It includes visits to distilleries and sightseeing excursions to castles. The UK's only luxury train that has a bar stocked with more than 50 kinds of whiskey and a Dior spa. Yes, that's right ladies. In 2025, the train will introduce two new Grand Suites, which means it will no longer have dedicated single cabins. Reducing the train capacity from 38 to 36. That's Grand Suites offer a fixed double bed, a large and sweet bathroom, a living area with a dressing table, a wardrobe, a sofa, and a table with chairs. Guests enjoy private in-cabin dining, complimentary spa treatments and private arrival and departure services. That's not all. At the end of the train is a favorite spot, the open-air observation platform for wind-in-the-face viewing of the lovely Scottish scenery. For two nights in this sleeper, you need about 4,500 pounds. 4. The Gahn. The Gahn has rightfully earned its spot among the top 10 luxury trains in the world with a route between Adelaide and Darwin. Offering platinum and gold services including dining, beverages, and off-train excursions. Each platinum class cabin is 82.5 square feet, including a private suite that converts to a lounge area by day with a movable table and two ottomans. The luxurious interior is finished in Tasmanian myrtle wood. Each compartment has a full-size shower, vanity with storage space, mirror, and oversized panoramic window. The outback explorer lounge is the social hub of the train with wide picture windows, bar service, and snacks served throughout the day, while the platinum club is exclusive for platinum service guests. A platinum host serves cocktails, barista coffee, and snacks. 3. Rovos Rail. Rovos Rail is a slower, chiller version of the Blue Train, featuring an extended network of far-flung destinations in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Tanzania. One of the most luxurious trains in the world adorned with fine teak paneling, traditional furnishings, and period decor. It has the most spacious three types of accommodations including Pullman gold suites, deluxe suites, and royal suites, and accommodates a maximum of 72 passengers. The 76-square-foot Pullman gold suites, updated in 2020, feature split twin beds, or a double bed, that convert to sofa seats by day, a full en suite bathroom, and a fold-up writing desk, while the deluxe suites about 108 square feet feature twin beds, or a large double bed, an en suite bathroom, and a cozy lounge with a writing desk and chairs. The special features in royal suites include an en suite bathroom with a Victorian bathtub and shower, and a separate private lounge with a desk and two armchairs. The observation car at the end of the train features a bar, sitting area, and open-air patio for stunning African wildlife. A separate lounge offers lectures, comfy sofas, a small gift shop, and smoking clubs. Don't be baffled if you see a lion crossing your sights while you sip wine on the train. Wondering about the ticket cost? A four-day Pretoria to Victoria Falls journey in the Pullman suite costs $1,504 per person. 2. Golden Eagle The Golden Eagle is a luxury version of the Trans-Siberian, featuring en suite bathrooms, air con in the summer, and full heat in the winter, laundry services, TVs, a resident pianist, and an English-speaking doctor. The two-week passage feels more like a cruise than a train ride, as it stops for daily excursions along the way. The imperial suites measure 120 square feet and the most luxurious compartments. On the train feature a fixed standard king-size bed, a dedicated sitting area with a dressing table, air conditioning, a wardrobe, a safe, and two large picture windows. The bathroom has a large en suite shower and underfloor heating, and the guests have a private car and driver for off-train touring where possible. Another limelight of this luxurious train is the Romanov suite, a full train car available with its own kitchen, chef, and personal guide, just perfect for families or small groups who prefer privacy. Dining aboard the Golden Eagle is a fabulous affair as the gold diner dazzles with brass, gleaming wood, and elaborate lighting. The white diner, in shades of white and cream, adorned with gold medallions, mirrors, and intricate carvings, resembles a Rococo wedding cake on wheels. Each silver-class ticket costs 15,895 US dollars per person. There's nothing like watching the sun set over Siberia's endless steppes while a pianist plays Rachmaninoff's Prelude in C-sharp minor. 1. Venice Simplon Orient Express The Venice Simplon Orient Express offers iconic luxury train travel through Europe's enchanting landscapes. Reminiscent of a glamorous journey from an Agatha Christie novel, it visits legendary cities like London, Paris, Innsbruck, Verona, and Venice. The 1920s vintage Art Deco cars, sparkling in their navy and gold livery and snowy white roof, is sure to take your breath away. The journey between Paris and Istanbul is perfect for special occasion celebrations. The luxurious Grand Suites offer supreme comfort at a hefty price of 8,400 to 10,000 pounds per person. Each suite measuring approximately 115 square feet includes a double bed, a separate living area with a table, chair, and sofa, and an en-suite bathroom with shower, sink, and toilet. Addition perks include preferential seating and guaranteed dining time for meals, a 24-hour butler service, caviar upon arrival, free-flowing champagne, private transfers to and from railway stations, private guided excursions, and complementary designer Art Deco bathrobes. What's even more luxe is there are three stunning dining cars, Étoile du Nord with marquetry, Oriental featuring Chinese lacquered walls, and Côte d'Azur adorned with Lalique crystal insets. The lounge car is decorated in the Art Nouveau style with a French vibe with fresh flowers and melody tunes filling the cabins.