There are holidays that begin when you arrive, and there are journeys so memorable that the travelling becomes the holiday. Luxury rail belongs firmly in the second camp. With polished carriages, fine dining and magnificent landscapes unfolding beyond the window, these trains turn getting from one place to another into theatre. From the snow-dusted Alps to the red heart of Australia, the finest rail journeys offer more than elegant cabins. They provide time: time to dress for dinner, linger over breakfast and watch entire countries change outside your window. Here are six of the world’s best luxury train journeys.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
Few names evoke the golden age of travel quite like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Its restored 1920s and 1930s carriages are a vision of polished marquetry, velvet upholstery and softly glowing lamps. Guests dine in elegant restaurant cars, gather around the piano in the bar carriage and retire to cabins prepared by attentive stewards.
The classic Paris-to-Venice route remains the headline experience, while other journeys link some of Europe’s most romantic cities, including Rome, Vienna, Prague and Istanbul. The atmosphere is unapologetically glamorous: evening dress is encouraged, Champagne is plentiful and the sense of occasion begins the moment you step aboard. Choose an Orient Express holiday for romance, celebration and old-world elegance.
Rovos Rail, Southern Africa
Rovos Rail combines the mood of a private country-house hotel with the drama of an African rail adventure. Its journeys range from a three-night passage between Pretoria and Cape Town to longer expeditions across several countries, including an epic route to Dar es Salaam.
Inside, vintage-style suites feature wood panelling and en-suite bathrooms, while the observation car has an open-air balcony that brings the landscape thrillingly close. Days may include visits to historic towns, wildlife reserves or Victoria Falls, depending on the itinerary. With no televisions in the suites, travellers are encouraged to disconnect, settle into the rhythm of the rails and give the scenery their full attention.
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
For travellers who want spectacular views without sleeping on the train, Rocky Mountaineer is difficult to beat. Its glass-domed carriages travel through Western Canada by daylight, with guests staying in hotels overnight. Routes connect Vancouver with mountain destinations including Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.
The scenery is the star: glacier-fed rivers, pine forests, steep canyons and the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies. In GoldLeaf service, passengers enjoy panoramic windows, an outdoor viewing platform and meals served in a separate dining room. It is less about vintage nostalgia than contemporary comfort, making it an excellent choice for photographers and first-time luxury rail travellers.
Andean Explorer, Peru
Crossing the high plains between Cusco, Puno and Arequipa, the Andean Explorer offers one of the most extraordinary railway settings on Earth. The midnight-blue train travels through the Peruvian Andes, with itineraries featuring Lake Titicaca and remote landscapes of golden grassland, mountains and immense skies.
The interiors blend contemporary refinement with Peruvian colours and textiles. There are elegant dining cars, a lounge, an observation deck and a spa carriage. At this altitude, the pace feels appropriately gentle: sip a pisco sour, listen to live music and watch the evening light move across the altiplano. This is the journey for travellers seeking cultural depth as well as indulgence.
Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan
Japan’s Seven Stars in Kyushu is intimate, exquisitely crafted and famously exclusive. Carrying only a small number of guests, the train explores the southern island of Kyushu through volcanic landscapes, historic towns, hot springs and regions renowned for ceramics and cuisine.
Its interiors showcase Japanese craftsmanship, from intricate woodwork to delicate screens and bespoke furnishings. Service follows the spirit of ‘omotenashi’, anticipating guests’ needs with warmth and precision. Meals celebrate local produce, while excursions connect passengers with Kyushu’s artisans, traditions and scenery. Seven Stars is not simply a luxury train; it is a carefully curated introduction to a fascinating region.
The Ghan, Australia
The Ghan cuts through Australia’s vast interior between Adelaide and Darwin, linking the temperate south with the tropical Top End. The full expedition takes four days and includes off-train experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy and other remote locations.
On board, all-inclusive dining highlights Australian ingredients and wines, while comfortable cabins provide a private retreat after days of exploration. Outside, the view shifts from farmland to rust-red desert and tropical bush. The scale of the landscape is hypnotic. For travellers who value distance, discovery and a powerful sense of place, The Ghan delivers a genuine cross-continental adventure.
Choosing Your Perfect Journey
The right luxury train holiday depends on what you want from the rails. For timeless glamour, choose the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. For wildlife and wide horizons, consider Rovos Rail. Rocky Mountaineer offers unbeatable daytime views, while the Andean Explorer and Seven Stars provide rich cultural immersion. The Ghan is ideal for travellers drawn to epic landscapes.
Whichever you choose, pack something smart, switch off your phone and leave room for the unexpected. On the world’s greatest luxury trains, arriving is only part of the pleasure.
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