The Coolest Luxury Trains You Can Ride Around the World
🚂 All aboard! Train travel is back! The view from a hotel window can be stunning, but what if that view was constantly changing? Imagine sipping your coffee as you glide through the Alps, or paging through a book as the rugged Outback passes by through panoramic windows. Luxury train travel is making a comeback—and it’s easy to see why.
✨ Scenic Views: Unlike other modes of travel, trains offer uninterrupted, ever-changing scenery right outside your window. From mountain ranges to coastal cliffs, you’ll have front-row seats to some of the most spectacular sights, all from the comfort of observation cars, many with glass roofs, full size windows, or open-air observation balconies.
✨ Comfort & Space: Think train travel is limited to standard commuter rides? Think again. Luxury trains feature private cabins, spacious seating, immersive experiences, and plenty of room to stretch out, making for a journey that’s as comfortable as it is memorable.
✨ Timeless & Unique: Few travel experiences are as iconic as a journey by rail. Luxury trains allow you to enjoy fine dining, elegant lounges, and an ambiance no plane or car can offer. Dare we say it... not even first class can compete with the luxury of an upscale train trip.
If you’re looking to travel differently, there are train trips around the world for every season and every interest. Some of these trains are incredibly popular and do require booking far in advance to snag one of the coveted seats.
All aboard! Which one will you choo-choo-choose? (Had to say it! 🚂)
EUROPE TRAIN TRAVEL
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
📍 Route: Venice/Paris and vice versa, but also Vienna, Brussels, Geneva, Amsterdam, Budapest, Prague, Cannes, Istanbul, and Florence
📍 Duration: 1 - 5 Nights
Perks My Bessties Receive When They Book Through Me:
✨ US$100 per person per journey in flexible on board credit
If you're looking for iconic elegance and history, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is it. This route travels through some of Europe’s most picturesque landscapes, including Paris, the Alps, and northern Italy. Spring’s mild temperatures and blooming landscapes add charm to the journey, complementing the opulent Art Deco interiors and fine dining experience aboard this classic train. Start in London with visits to classic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, and afternoon tea at Claridge’s. After your journey, spend a few days in Venice exploring the city’s romantic canals, St. Mark's Basilica, and local Venetian cuisine along the Grand Canal.
PERU TRAIN TRAVEL
Belmond Andean Explorer
📍 Route: Cusco to Arequipa, Peru
📍 Duration: 2 Nights
Perks My Bessties Receive When They Book Through Me:
✨ US$100 per cabin per journey in flexible on board credit
The Belmond Andean Explorer offers an unforgettable passage through the Peruvian Andes, passing by Lake Titicaca and the breathtaking Colca Canyon. Summer’s clear skies provide the best conditions for panoramic views, and the luxury cabins, inspired by local textiles and culture, offers a warm contrast to the mountain air. Begin with a few days in Cusco, exploring the Sacred Valley and ancient Inca sites like Machu Picchu. After disembarking in Arequipa, unwind by exploring the "White City" with visits to the Santa Catalina Monastery and the dramatic landscapes of Colca Canyon, where Andean condors soar overhead.
AUSTRALIA TRAIN TRAVEL
The Ghan
📍 Route: Darwin to Adelaide, Australia
📍 Duration: 3 Nights
The Ghan is a legendary journey through the heart of Australia, crossing through the rugged landscapes of the Northern Territory and South Australia. Early autumn’s cooler temperatures are ideal for this trip, as you pass by red deserts, remote towns, and Outback scenery. Onboard, you’ll enjoy spacious cabins, fine dining, and off-train excursions. Begin in Darwin with a few days to explore Kakadu National Park, where waterfalls, Aboriginal rock art, and wildlife abound. After reaching Adelaide, head to the Barossa Valley for wine tasting and gourmet dining, completing your journey with a taste of Australia’s best wines.
JAPAN TRAIN TRAVEL
Seven Stars in Kyushu
📍 Route: Fukuoka to Fukuoka, Japan
📍 Duration: 3 Nights
This luxurious train circles the island of Kyushu, showcasing Japan’s beautiful southern landscapes, cultural treasures, and hot springs. Winter enhances the cozy ambiance onboard and offers serene views of snow-dusted mountains and serene temples. With only 14 suites, the Seven Stars promises an intimate and exclusive experience. In Fukuoka pre or post departure, explore the city’s temples, shopping districts, and famous yatai food stalls.
ENGLAND TRAIN TRAVEL
The British Pullman
📍 Route: Round-trip from London
📍 Duration: Day Trips
Perks My Bessties Receive When They Book Through Me:
✨ US$50 per person for day trips
A vintage train with authentic art deco interiors to the stewards’ iconic uniforms, the British Pullman departs from London for various day trips throughout the English countryside. Glide through Kent on the Garden of England route, celebrate local wine with the English Wine journeys, stroll on the sands with the British Seaside sojourns, explore grand British manor houses, partake in a CChampagne Afternoon Tea, enjoy immersive entertainment such as a Moving Murder Mystery or the newly launched Carriage Club, the first ever cabaret dinner on the rails, or go on a festive seasonal journey during the holidays.
BONUS OPTION: The Britannic Explorer, England and Wales' first luxury sleeper train, launches in July 2025. It will offer three night journeys through the gorgeous landscapes of Cornwall, The Lake District, and Wales.
SCOTLAND TRAIN TRAVEL
The Royal Scotsman
📍 Route: Roundtrip journeys from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands
📍 Duration: 2 - 7 Nights
Perks My Bessties Receive When They Book Through Me:
✨ US$100 per person per journey in flexible on board credit
Why yes, this is the famous train in Scotland that inspired the train in Harry Potter.
More a boutique country house on rails than a mode of transportation, these fully inclusive & guided journeys departing between April and October allow you to explore the highlands of Scotland in the utmost of comfort and luxury. Life on board the train is relaxed and indulgent, accompanied by fabulous entertainment, exceptional cuisine featuring local suppliers & over 60 different whiskies, and exclusive experiences off the train.
MALAYSIA TRAIN TRAVEL
The Eastern & Oriental Express
📍 Route: Roundtrip From Singapore through Malaysia
📍 Duration: 3 Nights
Perks My Bessties Receive When They Book Through Me:
✨ US$100 per person per journey in flexible on board credit
Venture into Malaysia to explore islands, royal towns, rice plantations, hidden beach spots, and one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world to search for water buffaloes, macaques, tapirs, hornbills, and the Malayan tiger. Onboard, enjoy a Bar Car serving champagne and signature cocktails with a jazz-club ambience, all-included fine dining from two-star Michelin Chef, an open air Observation Car, a piano bar, and a Dior Spa.
AFRICA TRAIN TRAVEL
Rovos Rail
📍 Route: Numerous journeys all over Africa, with the most popular being the Victoria Falls journeys
📍 Duration: 2 - 14 Nights
In existence for over 35 years, Rovos Rail has earned its international reputation for truly world class travel experiences and offers ten captivating journeys across Southern, East- and West- Africa lasting from 48 hours to two weeks and some are themed by interest, such as their Golf Safari. The train safaris combine magnificent scenery of Africa with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of luxury train travel. With discreet and friendly service, five-star cuisine, and a selection of South Africa's finest wines, Rovos Rail embodies an elegant era of grand African exploration by train.
MONGOLIA TRAIN TRAVEL
Trans-Mongolian Railway
📍 Route: Start in Beijing to journey from China to Mongolia
📍 Duration: Variable depending on number of overnight stops, but typically 10 - 14 days
The Trans-Mongolian Railway traces the path of ancient tea caravans and was constructed in the 1940s and 1950s. The train will allow you to visit the lesser-visited parts of Mongolia – from the dunes of the Gobi Desert to the spiritual wonders of Sainshand. Stop at the capital for historic sites and bustling markets, visit traditional ger (yurt) camps and interact with local nomadic families, search for wild horses, camels, and eagles in Khustai National Park, explore ancient monasteries, savor traditional Mongolian dishes, such as buuz (dumplings) and khuushuur (fried meat pies), during your stops.
SWITZERLAND TRAIN TRAVEL
Glacier Express
📍 Route: Between Zermatt and St Moritz in the Swiss Alps
📍 Duration: 8 Hours
Affectionately nicknamed the “world’s slowest express train,” the Glacier Express train provides a 8 hour journey without the stops made by local trains, passing through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges on the 291 kilometer journey. With its oversized panoramic windows, the Glacier Express offers riders unobstructed views of the Matterhorn and French, Italian and Swiss Alps. A rail journey through the Swiss Alps has never been so luxurious. With guaranteed window seats, an exclusive bar, on-board entertainment, a concierge service, and personal travel guides, followed by a five course meal with wine, you won’t want the journey to end!
NORTH AMERICA TRAIN TRAVEL
Rocky Mountaineer
📍 Route: Canadian Rockies and American Southwest
📍 Duration: 2 to 14 Nights
Perks My Bessties Receive When They Book Through Me:
✨ $150 off per couple on Canadian route packages or $100 off per couple on Rocky Mountaineer’s US route packages of 5 days or longer. Canadian Circle Journeys receive double the value at $300 off per couple.
The Rocky Mountaineer offers four distinctive rail routes through the Canadian Rockies and American Southwest. The world-renowned train travels by daylight through the stunning scenery and is a novel way to experience iconic destinations, such as the Continental Divide and Banff. Since it travels by day, there is no need for sleeper cars and you will stay in comfortable accommodations in each destination. With fantastic onboard service, gourmet cuisine, and glass dome coaches, the experience is sure to be memorable.
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