5 Most Luxurious Trains In The World

Trains were the backbone any country’s economy back in the days of industrial revolution and they still are the lifeline of communication for many. Large coaches sitting on tracks traveling long distances for hours even days, equipped with all necessary amenities evoke a sense of romance and adventure unlike any other form of travel!

Here are the world’s top 5 luxury trains, equipped with decadence in every corner that is bringing train travel back in vogue.

* Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

This train is probably the father of the concept of luxury train for the masses! No other luxury voyager would evoke a similar sense of romance and adventure as the infamous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the setting for Agatha Christie’s famous novel “Murder on the Orient Express” that has also inspired several movies on the story.

Apart from being a part of a historic novel, the train also has a rich political and dark history behind it. It is said that Hitler was also one of the fans of the train. The train was French pride and in 1940, the Germans hauled the train to the spot of their previous surrender and took it over. Later, the train narrowly escaped its doom of being exploded by the Nazis when Hitler’s downfall was imminent as he didn’t want this trophy of luxury travel to shine on his enemies’ land.

The legendary train, which is the most popular luxury carriage around the world has more scoop behind it, spies during world wars used it as a secret weapon, a president once tumbled down from it and much more. But perhaps the most understated story of them all is how the train remains the perfect symbol of romance with train rides and classy travel.

* Golden Eagle

Hardcore travel enthusiasts have a saying that many find to ring true – they say that one hasn’t really experienced the beauty of train of travel until they’ve boarded the Trans-Siberian Express. The Golden Eagle has the most intimidating itinerary surpassing eight different time zones with a long tour of two weeks embroidered with lavishness and comfort in every way.

The train features extravagance in its facilities and decor with keen attention to detail like, climate controlled interiors as per the season, TVs in every room, an English speaking doctor on board, laundry services and even a resident pianist on board.

Furthermore, to help their passengers acclimatize to the luxury accommodations, the comfort begins even before boarding the train and thereafter with 5 Star accommodations in Moscow and Vladivostok.

* Palace on Wheels

A regal luxury train that travels around the royal Indian state of Rajasthan, the Palace on Wheels was one of the foremost in India’s pack of luxury trains. The train is fit for kings with state-of-the-art facilities, butler and attendant services round the clock, guided excursions and sight-seeing tours at each stop, delightful cuisine and climate controlled rooms with lavish en-suites.

The train was designed with inspiration borrowed from the bygone days of Rajasthan’s past with kings and princes. The royals would often set out in lavish hunting expeditions with large hunting parties accompanying them. Each coach of the train is designed keeping in mind the local arts and craft of each bygone state or royal province of Rajasthan under rule of legendary rulers.

* Belmond Royal Scotsman

Would you like to explore the Scottish countryside is a complete Downton Abbey style? Then you must board the Royal Scotsman that delivers full justice to its name. While passengers can chose from several different itineraries starting from Edinburgh that ranges from 2 to 7 days, but the classic voyage aboard the express is the 4 day travel that passes into the Scottish highlands.

The train also comes with guided tours to distilleries and excursions to castles around Scotland. This being UK’s only luxury class sleeper express has a famous bar stocked with more than 50 varieties of its very own whisky.

The best time to travel aboard is perhaps fall that offers a unique purple tinted view of the Scottish meadows colored by the blossom of wild heather.

* Maharajas’ Express

Rightfully called “the Orient Express of the Orient”; this award winning luxury train offers unique experience of luxury travel in royal style and lavishness to its passengers. While still being a new entrant in the luxury train travel market, this train has already won the hearts of many and been crowned as one of the best.

As the name suggests the Maharajas’ Express train decor attempts to emulate with success the golden days of the royal raj when Maharajas’ would travel with opulence and pomp in flamboyant carriages.

The colonial charm is carried on throughout the journey with guided excursions to palaces and historic spots in and around Rajasthan, called famously as the Golden triangle of travel in North India. The week long journey also inspires similar royal spirit with gin and tonic sun downers, opulent elephant rides, tea parties on fort balconies and a chance to chat with the erstwhile royal families of Rajasthan.