If you’re a fan of train travel over driving or flying, you’ll already be aware that this type of travel has a lot going for it. Not only can you sit back and relax from having to drive long distances, you can enjoy stunning views from your seat through landscapes you wouldn’t otherwise see. You’ll also be lowering your carbon footprint by not flying to your destination. So, where in the world can you mix train travel with a bit of luxury and the best views?
The answer is there are plenty of luxury trains around the globe to choose from, some having been meticulously restored and modernised, offering you a unique way to experience some of the world’s most spectacular destinations.
Here we’ll show you some of the most iconic train journeys available, what to expect while on board, and tips to make your train travel experience truly unforgettable.
Tips for Planning Your Luxury Train Trip
Before we reveal some of the best rail journeys, when planning a luxury train trip, you’ll need a bit of preparation first. Depending on the destination, you may need to fly or drive before beginning your train adventure, so to enhance your experience, consider the following:
- Research the best times of year to travel on your chosen route, considering the weather and when peak tourist seasons are. You don’t want to travel during poor visibility, for example, or when the days are shorter if you want to see the best views.
- Early booking is always crucial as luxury trains often have limited capacity and can fill up months in advance, especially for popular routes.
- Look for package deals or promotions that include hotel stays and tours as part of the train journey, to get the most value from your trip.
- Don’t forget to check the entry requirements for each destination, especially if travelling on routes across countries. You’ll need your passport at all times.
- Ensure you have coverage with suitable travel insurance that will cover the duration of your trip. This will ensure you can claim back any costs if for any reason you have issues whilst away.
- Packing is also key. Bring comfortable attire for lounging on the train and smart-casual outfits for any dining experiences.
- Don’t forget adaptors and chargers for your devices, as well as any necessary medications and toiletries for the duration of your journey.
So, What Makes Train Travel Unique?
Train travel has always been popular as it offers a unique vantage point that no other mode of transportation can match. From starting in an urban area before opening up into more rural landscapes, passengers experience the unfolding scenery in a way that is both intimate and panoramic. Unlike the confines of a plane that is high in the sky or the focus demanded by car travel on long, boring roads, trains allow you to relax, unwind, and immerse yourself. When choosing some of the more unique journeys in the world on the most premium carriages, you start to get the idea there really is no other way to travel.
Some train journeys often use historic routes that are not accessible by other means, offering a glimpse into remote areas and a bygone era. This form of travel not only connects diverse landscapes and cultures but is ultimately much more interesting and far more relaxing.
Top Luxury Trains Around the World
Luxury train travel is all about how the journey can be just as spectacular as the destination. So, with that in mind, here are some of the world’s top luxury trains that will turn travelling by train into your new favourite way to travel.
Orient Express – Europe
Probably the most famous example of luxury train travel since 1883, the Venice Simplon-Orient Express is an extension of the original Orient Express that ceased in 2009, and travels through the heart of Europe from London to Venice, passing through romantic cities such as Paris, Budapest, and Prague. Restored vintage cabins, gourmet dining, and the finest service recreate the golden age of rail travel and offer stunning views across Europe.
Rocky Mountaineer – Canada
Known for its glass-domed coaches, the Rocky Mountaineer offers expansive views of the Canadian Rockies unattainable by any other means. You can choose from several routes in both Canada and the US, but all promise stunning scenery, outstanding service, and exquisite local cuisine. The most popular route is the “First Passage of the West” which starts in Vancouver and ends in Banff, or vice versa if you prefer, with one of the highlights being Castle Mountain in Banff National Park.
Blue Train – South Africa
If you’re looking to experience the stunning scenery of South Africa, the Blue Train journeys from Pretoria to Cape Town and has been running since 1946. Luxury suites, a personalised butler service, and panoramic views make it a moving five-star hotel. The 2 night route covers some of the most diverse and spectacular landscapes on the continent and you can choose to add excursions including Kruger National Park and The Big Hole in Kimberley which is the largest hand-dug excavation in the world.
Palace on Wheels – India
Reflecting royal Indian heritage, the Palace on Wheels tours Rajasthan with stops at iconic sites like Jaipur, Udaipur, and the Taj Mahal in Agra. The interiors boast opulent traditional décor, and the service echoes the treatment once reserved for royalty. With the journey taking 7 nights across North India, it’s the most luxurious way to discover many of the must-see sites since it began service in 1982.
Ghan – Australia
Crossing the vast expanse of the Australian continent from Darwin to Adelaide, the Ghan offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of Australia. As one of the world’s best train journeys, it features luxurious cabins, gourmet meals, and off-train excursions to explore the remote Outback. What better way to visit sites like Alice Springs and Desert Park than having a bit of luxury along the way, with Platinum and Gold packages to choose from providing more spacious cabins and expansive window views.
Belmond Andean Explorer – Peru
South America’s first luxury sleeper train, the Belmond Andean Explorer travels along one of the highest rail routes in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Peruvian Andes. You can enjoy refined Andean cuisine onboard the dining cars and off-train excursions to Lake Titicaca and Cusco along the way, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Arequipa.
Sustainable Travel and Train Journeys
One of the main benefits of choosing train travel is that it helps sustainable tourism. Trains are significantly more energy-efficient than travelling by other means, and they produce fewer greenhouse gases. Luxury trains often enhance this benefit by restoring and repurposing historic carriages and using modern technologies to reduce energy consumption whilst also reducing plastic and paper usage.
They also offer journeys that focus on experiencing culture and nature without the rush, helping travellers have a deeper appreciation of destinations and encouraging responsible tourism. Whether you seek relaxation, scenic beauty, or historical intrigue, a trip on one of the world’s iconic train journeys promises an unforgettable experience where you can travel in style.
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