World’s Top 20 Luxury Trains, Equipped With Decadence In Every Corner That Is Bringing Train Travel Back In Vogue

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 20 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.

* 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.

* 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.

* 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.

* Eastern & Oriental Express

Enjoy an awe inspiring tour of the landscape of Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia aboard this unique luxury train of the east. The train travels through the enchanting green forests of the land, with guided tours to golden temples, pagodas and mountains.

The train offers 6 itineraries with the special New Year itinerary being one of the most sought after one. With luxurious carriages, two on board restaurants and a special observation car to watch the wildlife in their habitat, the train offers a unique experience to its passengers.

* Deccan Odyssey

The Deccan Odyssey is another one of the luxury train’s in India offering a glimpse of the southern parts of the country. The train is equipped with private carriages and cabins, lounge spaces with regal interior decor inspired by the southern art and even a luxurious spa and restaurants and bar on board. The train offers a unique journey unlike other luxury trains running in the country with special itinerary that travels through the southern states like Hyderabad, Gujarat through Nasik and other popular Konkan cities.

* Rocky Mountaineer

This is one of the few luxury train services in North America offered by the Golden Leaf Service of the Rocky Mountaineers. This was the last, grueling leg of the great rail expansion westwards that united Canada in the late 1880’s and offers a unique experience of exploring the Rockies. There are several routes to the Rockies but by far the most famous one is the Banff to Vancouver ride that still captures the imagination of travelers with the promise of green panoramic views of the mountains.

* Golden Chariot

A new addition to India’s suite of luxury trains takes its passengers on a ride around the popular tourist spots of southern Indian states of Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. Several itinerary options are available.

The Golden Chariot train started its journey from the recent 2008 and has already been a success with those that have a special place in their hearts for the romance of train journeys. Fit with all modern amenities, a royal interior decor, round the clock attendants, climate controlled interiors, guided tours and sightseeing trips, spas and luxury restaurants the train is equipped to tantalize all your senses.

* Rovos Rail Pride of Africa

Those in search of the thrill of wilderness coupled with the unique combination of luxury. This is a trip not to be missed by the photographers and artists. The train runs from the early April to May which is the best season to venture through the African wilderness. The train offers passengers to explore some of Africa’s famous spots like, diamond mines, the exciting cosmopolitan city of Namibia, National park giving sights of wild animals in their natural habitat, and the famous Kalhari desert and more.

* The Blue Train

The train gets its name from its iconic blue and cream exterior color. If you are looking for a perfect way to explore Africa, this is the best option. Covering routes between Cape Town and Cairo, this train glides along the shorelines of Atlantic Ocean. Introduced to the world in 1997, this train provides eight itineraries; Pretoria to Cape Town and vice versa, Pretoria to Durban and vice versa, Pretoria to Hoedspruit and vice versa, Pretoria to Kruger National Park and, Circle Route. Starting from 24-hour butler service to five-course meals served in silverware, this luxury train experience starts from R23050 onwards.

* The Canadian

The Canadian is a transcontinental luxury train running between Toronto and Vancouver. This train used stainless steel cars post WWII. In 1955, it started its transcontinental route. Currently, The Canadian operates twice a week from each destination. The entire journey takes four nights and three days, covering prairie fields, waterfalls, colorful town and much more. The train provides six different itineraries to choose.

* Seven Stars in Kyushu

This timeless burgundy train is the modern Japanese luxury train covering exclusive destinations of the Kyushu Island. Launched in 2013, this luxury palace was introduced by Kyushu Rail Company. With luxury of seven-star hotel and the speed of a bullet train, this exclusive train has detailed artistic beauty in every element. Each destination in the route is explored to grasp the natural and cultural beauty of the land. The train provides two itineraries, one spanning for two days and the other for four days long. The itinerary starts from 480,000 Yen per passenger, onwards.

* The Ghan

The Ghan is an Australian luxury passenger train running between Adelaide and Darwin. The history runs back to 1929 when it started as a narrow gauge train. In 1980, the train was immensely modified to accommodate luxury travelers. In 2001, the Ghan was re-introduced as a modern tourism element serving one of the greatest train journeys of all times.

Marking its 90th anniversary in 2019, this train provides three unique itineraries; Adelaide to Darwin, Adelaide to Alice Springs and, Darwin to Alice Springs. Ghan focuses on providing a holistic vacation rather than just a luxury train ride. Starting from amenities to exclusive scenic routes, Ghan provides the perfect comfort vacation starting from $2,889.

* The Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Spain

This five-star cruise train covering the northern Spain is one of the most demanding journeys for avid luxury travelers from around the world. This grand train provides almost all 21st century comforts as it runs along the glamour landscapes of Spain. The train keeps a nostalgic décor of 1920s to create a legendary look and feel. The train still runs on the coaches introduced in 1923, adding more juice to the heritage value. This vintage train provides one signature itinerary starting in Santiago de Compostela and ending at San Sebastian or vice-versa. The itinerary runs for eight days and seven nights at 2,100 Euro onwards.

* The Chepe

The famous El Chepe took a renovation of the century to become The Chepe. This luxury tourist train runs along the northern part of Mexico, covering the Copper Canyon of Chihuahua. Started just in 2018, this train runs between Chihuahua capital to Los Mochia. Since its maiden journey in 1961, this train is famous for its luxury element, astonishing entertainment and exclusive scenic beauties. The train makes just two stops in its route, at Sinaloa and Divisadero. The train runs for nine hours and is packed with entertainment elements. One-way ticket starts at the cost of 3,743 pesos per head, onwards.

* Belmond Hiram Bingham

Covering the route between Machu Picchu and Cusco, the main motto of the train is to dine and dance. The train holds the 1920 look with wooden carriages, brass finish and artistic ornamentation. The train provides two itineraries, from Cusco to M.Picchu and vice versa. Starting from the vintage observation deck to the exclusive dining options, the train takes you on a heart-felt train journey for $1802 per head, onwards.

* Royal Canadian Pacific

The train includes ten 1920-era cars and two 1950-era business cars. The splendor brass ornamentation, silver décor and the walnut paneling brings out the heritage look of the train. With the beauty of the bygone era, this royal train runs two itineraries namely, the Rockies Experience and Royal Fly-Fishing Adventure. The cost of a ticket starts from 8,000 Canadian Dollars per traveler.

* El Transcantabrico Clasico Luxury Train

This heritage train is the original 1923 Pullman cars. The cars are specifically renovated to accommodate luxury travelers. The train covers the evocative landscapes of northern Span from Galicia to Biscay. The train provides five different itineraries focusing on the less-traveled routes of Europe, with the all-amenities luxury train environment. This exclusive vacation starts at the price of 180 Euro. Starting from writing desk to individually controlled lighting, the cabins are provided with many cream amenities for pampering the travelers.

* Belmond Andean Explorer

Travel with the finest selected amenities filled cabins, across Peru in Belmond Andean. This is one of the first luxury sleeper trains of South America launched in May 2017. The train runs between Cusco and Arequipa, covering Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon and others. The train provides one-day and two-day itineraries covering heritage sites of Peru. Every inch of the train and every km covering by the train is etched in beauty. This exclusive journey starts from 5,105$ .