Whether you’re dealing with traffic on road trips or a flight airport, it’s easy to put stress on when traveling from Point A to Point B. However, on the train, time between departure and arrival becomes the point of your journey. On a luxurious train, the idle moments are nothing but waste. Because there’s nothing but waste, including the gorgeous interiors of vintage Pullman, meals made in Michelin, and of course, the scenic scenery outside the panoramic windows. If you really want to enjoy every moment of your trip, leave the chaos of modern transport and instead relax on one of these luxurious train trips.
Train Island, Japan
Book Now: from $3,713 of a Overnight package
Japan is best known for its bullet trains, but the country’s national railway, JR Group, operates a series of specialized trains for tourism called Joyful Trains. The offerings feature Pokemon themed cars, a line with a car for foot buses, cars exclusively for luxury restaurants, and an astronomical library. The finest glory of Joyful Trains is the ultra-modern and luxurious train suite Shiki-Shiki Island. Shiki Island (meaning “Island of the Four Seasons”) travels from Tokyo through eastern Japan, visiting culturally important sites (villages, museums, temples, markets, restaurants, natural wonders) on a one-night, three-night excursion.
The walls of the observation car (called the terrace) on the front and back of the train are cut out in an abstract pattern, leaving windows that stretch the view from hand-woven carpets to curved shapes of the ceiling. The 15 bedrooms on board range from elegant, simple accommodations to elegant, simple accommodations with en-suite bathrooms to two-level cleaned suites with cypress-covered soaking tubs, traditional tartami mat flooring and working fireplaces.
As you would expect from such a luxurious train, the dining car offers exceptional seasonal meals prepared by a team of chefs traveling throughout the entire trip. Additionally, guest chefs are on trains to prepare special dishes from areas visited along the itinerary. The crew wears smart uniforms designed by former creative director of Issey Miyake.
Belmond Venice Simpun Orient – Express, Europe
Book Now: Starting at $5,219 for One night from Venice to Pariss
The legendary Belmond Venice Simple Orient – Express requires little introduction. Its sparkly wood panelled interior, dining tables set in crisp linen and crystals, and luxurious bedrooms have made the trip refined and symbolized when passengers first came.
The train, made up of vintage horse carriages from the 1920s and 30s, is a revival of modern amenities, running regular itineraries to a wide range of European destinations, including intentionally five nights of transport between Paris and Istanbul. The berths of these classic runs sold out quickly, and the Belmond added six grand suites to make the ride even more comfortable.
These grand suites feature private bathrooms in the living area, double beds and underfloor heating. Considering private stewards (in shiny buttoned uniforms) and free champagne on demand, this train doesn’t even have to leave the platform to qualify as a lifelong trip. Other accommodation classes are not over-top, but offer comfort and design details to lift the sleeper into something like a dream state. In short, this icon from the golden age of travel shows no signs of discoloration.
Rocky Mountaineer, USA
Book Now: Starting from $2,886 per night for 2 days Rockies to Red Rocks Package
One of the very few drawbacks that go through the spectacular scenery is that once the sun sets, it loses all the views, and the windows reveal only the reflections of the bright interior of the train. Rocky climbers will solve this problem and plan a scenic route to include overnight stops at luxury hotels along the way.
Historically, the train was only on Canadian rails following mountain routes that ended in Vancouver and either Jasper or Banff. However, in August 2021, the company began its journey between Denver, Utah and Moab, and stopped overnight in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Built for landscape viewing, the gorgeous train offers unparalleled views of the Rockies (see Bighorn Sheep on High Pass), offering sandblasted canyons and surreal rock formations of the Utah Desert. While looking out the panoramic windows, the staff’s focus is on serving fine wines and newly prepared foods (apologies in advance to fans of Amtrak’s pre-wrapped tuna sandwiches). In Glenwood Springs, passengers got off and spent the night choosing one of three hotels before reboarding in the morning to finish their trip to Mauve.
Hiram Bingham, Peru
Book Now: Starting at $504 One-way journey from Cusco to Aguascalianz (Excluding Machu Picchu admission fee) (Note: Prices from the Machu Picchu Train Ticket website)
Some hike for hours or even days to reach Machu Picchu, while others are well-retained and others take a style on the Hyrum Bingham train in Belmond. The high-end day train takes guests from the historic Cusco to the heart of Peru’s sacred valleys, on a round-trip (approximately seven hours) scenic voyage from the historic Cusco, and ends at the Aguascalianz station to the gateway town of Machu Picchu.
Guests embark on the Hiram Bingham train at Poloi Station in Cusco. There, you will be greeted with a traditional Peruvian blessing ceremony, dance performance and a welcome glass of champagne before boarding. On board, live music continues on the observation vehicle, and passengers can serve Pisco Sesas and other signature cocktails to the Barker. A multi-course lunch will be served on the way to the Inca Citadel, but afternoon tea services with luxurious sandwiches and biscuits are offered after a visit to the historic site.
Rovosrail, South Africa
Book Now: Starting at $1,916 for 3 days and 2 nights Durban Safari Package
Bush planes are fine, but they travel on luxurious air-conditioned trains on a zigzag route across a third of the southern south of the vast African continent. A relaxed schedule means time is considered to stop at siding for wildlife viewing, vineyards for wine tasting, and reserves for game drives. Various Rovos itineraries follow the quarantine of the Great Lift Valley or cross the Red Desert of Namibia.
Depending on what you choose (or what you create, and the company plans a custom trip, the trip includes staying at golf courses, luxury lodges and safari camps, or excursions around Victoria Falls. The package includes 14 nights of Copper Trail voyages, including 14 nights of Copper Trail voyages, including 14 nights of Copper Trail voyages, including Zimbabwe, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola, with elephant sanctuaries visiting copper mines).
Not only is the trip exciting, but the train itself is quite dreamy. Vintage passenger carriages have been restored and upgraded with modern plumbing and air conditioning (but still have work windows). In addition to the private suites, the train’s public spaces include observation cars with sofas and open balcony platforms, lounges, club cars and dining cars. Sleek wooden panels, tufted leather chairs and painting windows create visual styles that evoke the era when travelers pack formal wear and hats on a variety of occasions. You can’t get a sense of African life and culture you are passing by, but you will never forget to ride.
Maharajas Express, India
Book Now: Starting from $4,890 for 4 days and 3 nights Treasures of the Indian Package
The 23 horse-drawn carriages on these gorgeous trains travel almost by night and allow enough time for passengers to visit UNESCO World Heritage Landmarks, take a game drive and disembark to dine at great hotels and palaces while waking up. Of course, the price tag matches the right experience, but short trips like the three night treasure in India are inexpensive and attractive.
The itinerary includes excursions to the iconic locations of the Golden Triangle, Rajasthan’s Lantamboa National Park, Taj Mahal in Lantamboa National Park in Jaipur’s Amber Fort, and Amber Fort, Jaipur. The train features two restaurants and a barker, and modern EN suites accommodations range from deluxe double cabins to presidential suites.
Brittannic Explorer, England & Wales
Book Now: Starting at $8,463 3 night itinerary to Wales Starting at $16,926 (£12,600) 6 night itinerary to Cornwall and Wales.
The UK’s first gorgeous sleeper finally arrived, offering travelers front row seats to the wonders of the idyllic British countryside. The new Brittannic Explorer, a Belmond train launched in the summer of 2025, has launched a 3-night, 3- and 6-night itinerary that visits the Lake District, Cornwall and Wales, with many stops in the scenic town in between.
Curated experiences both onboard and off-train, aim to showcase the art of slow travel. Guests on the 3-night Lake District itinerary will begin their journey with afternoon tea and a multi-course dinner from Michelin star chef Simon Logan and executive chef Sven Hanson Brittt. The next day, it unfolds upon arrival at Workington, the gateway to the Lake District. Guests will meet friendly alpacas with the option of canoeing and paddleboarding at Lake Derwentwater, and play classic lawn games at the Linholm Estate, which is open exclusively for guests at the UK Explorer. After a relaxing morning and a dining car brunch, the third day passes through the idyllic countryside and the famous Ribhead viaduct, visiting a gala dinner at the 2 Michelin Star Restaurant at the Le Manoir aux quat’saisons hotel in Oxford.
Alaska Railroad in the United States
Book Now: Starting at $1,915 for 8 nights Borealis
The Alaska Railroad offers a way to see the beauty of nature from Orca, violating the majestic Denali from Orca in the bay of Ice. One of the railway line’s winter offerings, the eight-night Borealis Package, passes through some of the darkest corners of the final frontier between Anchorage and Fairbanks, looking for the Aurora.
Guests will stay at Borealis Basecamp, an off-grid resort located in a remote forest. There you will find a private “cube” with floor-to-ceiling windows that stay at night in a geodetic dome with see-through ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows for cozy night viewing. The train allows passengers to visit sled dog training facilities and main streets in charming small towns such as Tarketona, take a float trip down a glacial river, or take a guided hike. Aboard the Aurora winter train, travelling the same tracks as Denali Star Train in the summer, passengers can gazed at the snowy winter scenery of Alaska’s pristine backcountry in comfortable seats and onboard dining, from the comfort of the warm railroad cars. A trip to the Aurora Winter Train Run from mid-September to mid-May.
Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, Central Asia
Book Now: Starting at $18,500 12 Days of Ancient China by Train
Aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, tracking the ancient Silk Road (or Silk Route) through Central Asia, as some scholars prefer to invoke the network. The decadent train currently operates one route from Beijing to Lhasa, but has launched three new itineraries in 2026 (including ancient China by train) and two more in 2027.
One of the maiden’s voyages next year is a 22-day trip to the Grand Silk Road. This takes guests on a whirlwind trip from Beijing, across China’s westernmost range and several “stans”, including Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. In April 2026, we will bring a new 14-day treasure on our east itinerary from Vietnam to Shanghai. This will provide the opportunity to sample the famous dim sum of Guangzhou’s historic Shamian Island, with rides that include stops to see the dramatic karst landscapes of Emerald Waters in Ninh Binh and Halong Bay.
The onboard accommodation exudes a luxurious feel. The highest tier Han Dynasty suites, with marble, gold trim and even bathtubs, come with private guides and driver’s automotive services at many destinations you visit on your journey. The barker is decorated with elegant bone que items, but the observation car is filled with natural light from the panoramic windows lined with the carriage.
Swiss Glacier Express
Book Now: Starting at $939 a day Excellence class itinerary
Swiss railway system is widely considered to be one of the best in Europe, so it is not even called the Glacier Express, also known as the best “Window to the Swiss Alps.” With almost completely glass cars, the train makes sightseeing easier. The 8-hour full journey between St. Moritz and Zermatt covers 180 miles, 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, remote valleys, idyllic villages and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are no bad seats at home, but one spring in the Excellence class with access to a 5-course menu with a private bar, a dedicated concierge and a wine pairing included in the reservation.
Southeast Asia, Eastern & Oriental Express
Book Now: Starting at $4,650 3 nights Wild Malaysia voyage
It’s not just the trains worth traveling in Asia, especially if Belmond is concerned. The Eastern and Oriental Express, a Belmond train that rebooted in 2024 after a four-year suspension, will drive travelers away on major travel in the heart of Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Singapore.
Currently, there are five itineraries, with a focus ranging from cooking and health to celebrations during the festive season. The trip begins in Singapore and stops at Malaysian destinations, including the capital Kuala Lumpur, Tamannegara National Park and Penang Island. Each departure includes three nights on a Pullman, State or President’s sleeper. All of these are filled with lacquered wood paneling finishes and colorful silk furniture. Pullman’s cars have bunk-style sleep arrangements, but the state and president’s cabins have twin beds and a more spacious environment, with all bathrooms. There is also a lively piano bar car and an outdoor observation car for a refreshing immersion in the surrounding jungle.
Guests can go on land trips like old quarter tours, with a sound bus at Penang, yoga, Langkawi Beach or adventures at Perlis Geopark.
This article originally appeared online in 2021. Recently, it was updated on August 26, 2025 to include current information.
