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Luxury train travel is one of the rarest ways to see the world. It combines the romance of slow travel with fine dining, private suites, and curated experiences that immerse travellers in the culture and scenery of each destination. For those who value elegance and time, the journey itself becomes the highlight, where every detail – from the table settings to the off-train excursions – is designed with refinement in mind.
The following are the most exclusive luxury train journeys across the globe, chosen for their exceptional service, distinctive routes, and the unique sense of occasion they create. Each one offers something different, whether it’s Michelin-level dining through Portugal’s Douro Valley, spa treatments while passing through the Scottish Highlands, or starlit dinners in Australia’s Red Centre.
1. Glacier Express Excellence Class, Switzerland
The Glacier Express links Zermatt and St. Moritz across valleys, viaducts, and Alpine peaks. Excellence Class ensures every passenger a window seat at a private leather armchair, Champagne on arrival, and a five-course menu paired with Swiss wines. A dedicated concierge adds to the sense of ease, while panoramic glass walls make the scenery as much a part of the journey as the dining.
2. El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, Spain
Running from San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela, this eight-day journey combines Belle Époque carriages with daily excursions. Guests visit the Guggenheim in Bilbao, medieval towns, and Galicia’s cathedral city. Meals reflect northern Spain’s celebrated cuisine, with seafood from the Cantabrian coast and wines from Rioja. In the evenings, the lounge car comes alive with music, lending the train a convivial atmosphere.
3. Rovos Rail, Southern Africa
Rovos Rail journeys range from Pretoria to Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and even Dar es Salaam. Off-train excursions include vineyard tastings in the Cape, safaris in Hwange National Park, and tours of Namibia’s desert landscapes. On board, the Edwardian-style carriages feature mahogany panelling and an open-air observation car. Formal four-course dinners are served with South African wines, giving the train the feel of a private club.
4. The Blue Train, South Africa
The Blue Train offers a 31-hour journey between Pretoria and Cape Town, with silver-service dining that includes Karoo lamb, oysters, and Cape vintages. Suites come with marble bathrooms and dedicated butler service. A stop at Kimberley includes a visit to the Big Hole diamond mine, while on board, guests can enjoy cigars and cognac in the Club Car after dinner.
5. Eastern & Oriental Express, Singapore–Malaysia
This Belmond service travels from Singapore through Malaysia to Penang or Langkawi. Excursions range from exploring Peranakan mansions to guided tastings of Penang’s street food. On board, the dining cars serve refined pan-Asian menus, while the Piano Bar offers evening cocktails. The suites, styled with colonial touches, provide a comfortable retreat after days of cultural exploration.
6. Train Suite Shiki-Shima, Japan
Train Suite Shiki-Shima carries just 34 passengers on three- and four-day itineraries through Tohoku and Hokkaido. Suites blend Japanese craftsmanship with modern design, some with tatami mats and private cypress baths. Dining reflects the seasons, with menus curated by leading chefs and paired with sake. Observation lounges with striking glass walls frame mountain ranges, forests, and cherry blossoms.
7. Andean Explorer, Peru
The Andean Explorer links Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Arequipa, offering South America’s first luxury sleeper train. Cabins feature Andean textiles, while the dining car serves contemporary Peruvian dishes. Excursions include boat trips to floating reed islands and visits to Colca Canyon. A spa car offers treatments, making the experience as restorative as it is scenic.
8. The Ghan, Australia
Crossing Australia from Darwin to Adelaide, The Ghan offers a blend of comfort and adventure. Platinum Service suites include private bathrooms and butler service. Menus highlight regional produce such as barramundi and kangaroo, paired with Barossa wines. Off-train excursions include boat cruises through Nitmiluk Gorge, dining under the stars in Alice Springs, and exploring Coober Pedy’s opal mines.
9. Indian Pacific, Australia
The Indian Pacific spans three time zones between Sydney and Perth. Excursions include wine tasting in the Barossa Valley, cultural tours in Adelaide, and a stop in the remote ghost town of Cook. Dining features Australian ingredients paired with regional wines, while panoramic lounge cars provide uninterrupted views of the Blue Mountains and the Nullarbor Plain.
A Journey in Itself
Each of these trains offers more than a way to travel: they provide a chance to see the world at a different pace, where the rhythm of the rails is matched by fine dining, thoughtful service, and landscapes that change with every hour. From Portugal’s wine valleys to Japan’s cherry blossoms and the heart of the Australian Outback, they stand as some of the most exclusive experiences in global travel.
