Travel
Written by
Hugo Cannon
Discover the most luxurious train experiences on Earth. From Europe to Asia, here are the finest rail journeys that redefine travel in 2025.
Table of Contents:
Why Luxury Train Travel is Back in Vogue
In a world of red-eye flights and crowded terminals, luxury train journeys offer something truly rare: unhurried elegance.
Luxury train travel isn't just about the destination—it's about the experience in between. Think handcrafted cabins, white-gloved service, multi-course dining, and ever-changing landscapes outside your window. It's romance, nostalgia, and opulence in motion.
If you're seeking an unforgettable way to see the world in style, these are the top rail journeys that deliver on every front.
The Best Luxury Train Journeys in 2025
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – Best Overall Experience

The legend. The icon. The gold standard. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is pure 1920s glamour brought to life.
Route: Venice to Paris (and extended journeys to Istanbul, Prague, and beyond)
Duration: 1–6 nights
Highlights:
Restored Art Deco carriages
Michelin-quality dining onboard
Personal stewards and cocktail bar with baby grand piano
Pros:
Ultimate elegance and historical charm
Exceptional service and interiors
Famous routes with stunning views
Cons:
Premium pricing
Limited availability due to high demand
Rating: Comfort: 5/5 – Service: 5/5 – Dining: 5/5 – Value: 4/5
Belmond Royal Scotsman – Best Scenic Journey Through the Highlands

Intimate and majestic, this is one of the most beautiful ways to experience Scotland.
Route: Edinburgh through the Highlands
Duration: 2–7 nights
Highlights:
Off-train excursions to castles and whisky distilleries
Outdoor spa carriage overlooking rugged scenery
Kilted hosts and traditional Scottish fare
Pros:
Wild, dramatic views of the Highlands
Immersive cultural experiences
Smaller number of passengers = personalized service
Cons:
Weather can be unpredictable
Fewer journey options than larger operators
Rating: Scenery: 5/5 – Comfort: 4.5/5 – Dining: 4.5/5 – Value: 4/5
Maharajas' Express – Best for Regal Indian Splendour

Live like a maharaja as you journey through India in extraordinary opulence.
Route: Delhi to Mumbai (via Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi)
Duration: 4–7 nights
Highlights:
Lavish decor inspired by royal palaces
Private guided tours of the Taj Mahal and other landmarks
Fine Indian and international cuisine onboard
Pros:
Exceptional cultural immersion
Royal treatment and rich interiors
UNESCO World Heritage Sites en route
Cons:
Hot season can be intense
Long journey times can be tiring for some
Rating: Culture: 5/5 – Comfort: 4.5/5 – Dining: 4/5 – Value: 4/5
The Ghan – Best Outback Experience in Australia

Cross Australia’s wild heart with The Ghan—a legendary journey through red desert and endless skies.
Route: Darwin to Adelaide
Duration: 2–3 nights
Highlights:
Remote landscapes and Aboriginal experiences
Off-train excursions in Katherine and Alice Springs
Gold and Platinum service with gourmet meals
Pros:
Once-in-a-lifetime views
Seamless logistics and comfort
Iconic Australian experience
Cons:
Remote itinerary not suited to all
Wi-Fi and connectivity are limited
Rating: Adventure: 5/5 – Comfort: 4/5 – Dining: 4/5 – Value: 4/5
Rocky Mountaineer – Best Panoramic Views in Canada

All-glass dome coaches and snow-capped peaks? Welcome to Canada's most scenic rail ride.
Route: Vancouver to Banff or Jasper
Duration: 2–4 nights
Highlights:
Daytime-only travel for optimal sightseeing
Open-air viewing platforms
Gourmet meals served at your seat
Pros:
Incredible photo ops
Comfortable, slow-paced travel
No overnight rides means better rest
Cons:
No sleeping cars (hotels provided instead)
Seasonal schedule only (spring to autumn)
Rating: Scenery: 5/5 – Comfort: 4/5 – Dining: 4/5 – Value: 4.5/5
Rovos Rail – Best African Safari by Rail

A time capsule on tracks, Rovos Rail blends Edwardian elegance with big game views.
Route: Pretoria to Victoria Falls or Cape Town
Duration: 3–14 nights
Highlights:
Game drives in private reserves
Vintage wood-paneled carriages
Open lounge and observation decks
Pros:
Luxury meets adventure
Authentic African experience
Larger suites than most rail journeys
Cons:
Journeys can be long and slow
Not all suites have air conditioning
Rating: Adventure: 5/5 – Comfort: 4/5 – Dining: 4.5/5 – Value: 4.5/5
Seven Stars in Kyushu – Most Exclusive Journey in Japan

Japan’s most elite train, combining art, craftsmanship, and Zen-level tranquility.
Route: Fukuoka around Kyushu Island
Duration: 2–4 nights
Highlights:
Only 7 luxurious cabins
Seasonal gourmet Japanese menus
Onboard music performances and tea ceremonies
Pros:
Design marvel
Michelin-worthy dining
Serene, culturally rich experience
Cons:
Extremely limited availability
High price tag
Rating: Design: 5/5 – Service: 5/5 – Dining: 5/5 – Value: 3.5/5
Ready to Board?

Luxury rail travel is about more than the journey, it’s about stepping into another world.
Whether you're sipping champagne as Swiss Alps glide by or dining by candlelight in the Australian Outback, these trains promise memories that last a lifetime.
For bespoke itineraries and exclusive perks, Velloy Private Travel Club members can book many of these journeys with special privileges.
Join Velloy today and elevate how you explore the world.