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THE MILESOPEDIA COLLECTION

Best Luxury Trains in the World

8 legendary journeys across 5 continents

From the Orient-Express to the Coast Starlight, discover the world's most extraordinary rail journeys.

Find your next experience

LET THE CALENDAR INSPIRE YOU

When will you go?

A month. A season. Somewhere new.

8 luxury trains

Destination
Category

The experiences

  • scenic

Bernina Express

Price range
$80 - $250
From
$80
Best months
May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
  • UNESCO World Heritage route
  • Bernina Pass (7,391 ft)
  • Brusio spiral viaduct
  • scenic

Coast Starlight

Price range
$100 - $600
From
$100
Best months
May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep
  • Pacific Ocean coastline
  • Mt. Shasta views
  • Cascade Range
  • scenic

Glacier Express

Price range
$200 - $500
From
$200
Best months
May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
  • 291 bridges
  • 91 tunnels
  • Oberalp Pass (6,670 ft)
  • luxury

Palace on Wheels

Price range
$3,500 - $7,000
From
$3,500
Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Oct · Nov · Dec
  • Rajasthan palaces and forts
  • Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur
  • Ranthambore tiger safari
  • scenic

Rocky Mountaineer

Price range
$1,800 - $5,000
From
$1,800
Best months
Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
  • Glass dome cars
  • Canadian Rockies scenery
  • Spiral Tunnels
  • ultra-luxury

Rovos Rail

Price range
$2,200 - $6,500
From
$2,200
Best months
Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
  • Most luxurious train in the world
  • All-inclusive fine dining
  • Victorian-era restored carriages
  • luxury

The Ghan

Price range
$2,500 - $8,000
From
$2,500
Best months
Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep
  • North-south Australian crossing
  • Alice Springs excursion
  • Katherine Gorge
  • ultra-luxury

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Price range
$3,500 - $12,000
From
$3,500
Best months
Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
  • Restored Art Deco carriages
  • French gastronomy
  • Alpine crossing

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A CLOSER LOOK

A little planning. A better experience.

The context and practical tips to plan your next trip.

Luxury Train Travel: The World's Most Extraordinary Rail Journeys

Luxury train travel offers a uniquely romantic and immersive way to experience the world's most spectacular landscapes. From the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express crossing the Alps to the Rocky Mountaineer winding through British Columbia, from the Blue Train traversing South Africa to Japan's Seven Stars in Kyushu, these rail journeys combine five-star hospitality with breathtaking scenery that no other mode of travel can match.

North American Luxury Rail

The Rocky Mountaineer is the premier luxury train experience accessible to Americans, offering routes through the Canadian Rockies between Vancouver, Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise. Amtrak's Coast Starlight (Seattle to Los Angeles) provides scenic Pacific Coast views at a fraction of the cost. The Grand Canyon Railway offers a historic experience, while Alaska Railroad's Goldstar Service delivers glacier and mountain views. Private luxury rail cars are also available for charter on Amtrak routes.

The World's Iconic Rail Journeys

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express remains the gold standard of luxury rail, connecting London to Venice through the Alps. Belmond's collection also includes the Andean Explorer (Peru) and the Eastern & Oriental Express (Southeast Asia). Rovos Rail and the Blue Train traverse South Africa in supreme comfort. Japan's luxury trains (Seven Stars, Shiki-shima) combine cutting-edge design with traditional hospitality. The Trans-Siberian Railway offers the world's longest continuous rail journey.

Booking Luxury Trains with Points Strategy

While most luxury trains require cash bookings, smart points strategy can reduce the total trip cost significantly. Use Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards for flights to departure cities (London, Vancouver, Cape Town). Transfer points to hotel programs for pre- and post-rail stays. The Amex Platinum's Fine Hotels + Resorts program covers luxury hotels at many rail journey endpoints.

Planning Tips for Luxury Rail Travel

Book 6-12 months in advance as luxury trains have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Peak season varies by route: summer for European and Canadian trains, spring and fall for African and Asian journeys. Pack smart: cabin space is limited, and dress codes (especially on the Orient-Express) may require formal evening attire.

YOUR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury Train Travel

A few answers before you book.

How much does a luxury train journey cost?

The Rocky Mountaineer starts at $1,500-$2,500 per person for a two-day journey. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express costs $3,000-$10,000+ depending on cabin class and route. African luxury trains (Rovos Rail, Blue Train) range from $1,500-$5,000 per person. Prices typically include meals, beverages, and in some cases, excursions.

What is the best luxury train experience for Americans?

The Rocky Mountaineer is the most accessible, departing from Vancouver (easily reached from Seattle or with a short flight). For a European experience, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the gold standard. The Belmond Andean Explorer in Peru combines luxury rail with Machu Picchu visits.

Can I use points for luxury train tickets?

Luxury train tickets are generally cash-only, but you can strategically use points for flights to departure cities and hotels before and after the journey. The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3x on the travel component, and some trains accept credit cards that earn standard rewards. Use points for positioning flights to save significantly on the overall trip cost.

How far in advance should I book a luxury train?

Book 6-12 months ahead for popular routes. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express summer departures often sell out a year in advance. The Rocky Mountaineer's peak season (June-September) fills quickly. For unique departures like holiday-themed journeys or inaugural routes, book as soon as tickets become available.

What should I pack for a luxury train journey?

Pack light but include smart casual and formal evening wear if required (check your train's dress code). Bring layers as temperatures vary between the train and station stops. A good camera is essential for the scenic views. Most luxury trains provide amenities (robes, toiletries) in cabins, so you can minimize personal care items.

WHERE TO NEXT?

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