Top 10 Luxury Train Journeys for an Elegant Getaway
Posh style is all about elegance, exclusivity, and a touch of sophistication. You can see it in decor, fashion, and even how people carry themselves. One of the best ways to experience this level of luxury is through high-end train journeys. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 most luxurious trains in the world, celebrated for their stunning designs, premium materials, and unmatched comfort. These trains are more than just a ride—they’re the ultimate way to travel in style.
- SJourney – Vietnam’s First Luxury Train
SJourney is Vietnam’s first luxury train, blending 1930s Indochine charm with modern comforts. The interiors feature hand-woven silk, polished wood, and marble finishes, adorned with lotus embroidery and handcrafted pottery. The train offers Twin and Double Cabins that combine traditional Vietnamese aesthetics with contemporary amenities. Dining cars boast polished wood paneling and elegant table settings, while the bar provides a relaxing ambiance with large windows and soft lighting. The route spans from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (or vice versa). Pricing is $7,320 per person for December 2024 and $8,610 per person from January 2025.
- The Belmond British Pullman – United Kingdom
The Belmond British Pullman is a perfect example of vintage charm and elegance. With its Art Deco interiors, this train takes you back to the golden age of British rail travel. The carriages are beautifully restored, showcasing plush velvet seats, polished brass accents, and rich wood paneling. Each carriage has its own unique story, adding a personal touch to this luxurious experience.
- Cabins: Offers day trips with royal-like seating arrangements, perfect for comfort and style.
- Dining: Indulge in a classic British afternoon tea served in exquisitely designed dining cars.
- Routes: Travels from London to iconic destinations like Canterbury or Bath.
- Price: Ranges between $400 and $700 per person.
3The Blue Train – South Africa
Since the 1920s, the Blue Train has set the standard for luxury travel in South Africa. It combines classic sophistication with modern amenities, featuring interiors crafted from rich mahogany wood and marble that exude timeless elegance.
- Cabins: Choose between Deluxe and Presidential suites, both equipped with en-suite bathrooms. During the day, the cozy seating areas transform into plush beds for a comfortable night’s rest.
- Dining: Relish gourmet meals served in opulent dining cars, complemented by breathtaking views of South Africa’s diverse landscapes.
- Routes: Travels from Pretoria to Cape Town or Pretoria to Kruger National Park, offering an unforgettable journey through South Africa’s stunning terrain.
- Price: Prices range from $3,000 to $5,000 per person.
- The Seven Stars in Kyushu – Japan
The Seven Stars in Kyushu is a masterpiece of Japanese design, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary luxury. Every detail reflects the culture and artistry of Japan, from the polished brass and lacquered wood to silk fabrics and intricate marquetry. Stained glass accents add to its refined beauty.
- Cabins: Choose between Deluxe and Standard Suites, both featuring natural wood interiors, soft cushions, and handmade furnishings that create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Dining: Enjoy an elegant dining experience with fine porcelain, crystal glassware, and silverware, paired with gourmet dishes that showcase the flavors of Kyushu.
- Routes: The train journeys through the scenic landscapes of Kyushu Island, offering an unforgettable glimpse into Japan’s natural beauty.
- Price: Prices range from $6,000 to $14,000 per person.
- Maharajas’ Express – India
The Maharajas’ Express offers a royal travel experience that embodies India’s rich heritage. With opulent interiors featuring gold accents, silk upholstery, and traditional Indian decor, this train is designed to make you feel like royalty. Every detail, from the handcrafted furniture to the lavish ambiance, reflects India’s regal past.
- Cabins: Choose from Presidential Suites, Junior Suites, and Deluxe Cabins, each adorned with rich fabrics, intricate artwork, and modern amenities for ultimate comfort.
- Dining: The dining cars, inspired by peacock motifs, provide an elegant atmosphere for savoring regional Indian cuisine, crafted with authentic flavors and spices.
- Routes: Explore iconic destinations like Rajasthan, Agra, Varanasi, and Mumbai on carefully curated itineraries.
- Price: Ranges from $3,000 to $24,000 per person, depending on the chosen route and suite.
- The Royal Scotsman – Scotland
The Royal Scotsman captures the spirit of Scotland with its mahogany paneling, tartan upholstery, and Edwardian-inspired design. The train offers a cozy, private club atmosphere that reflects classic Scottish elegance and charm.
- Cabins: Choose from Single, Twin, and Double cabins, all featuring tartan accents and warm, inviting colors that celebrate Scottish heritage.
- Dining: Dine in style in the two luxurious dining cars, The Raven and The Swift, adorned with mahogany tables and plush fabrics, where gourmet meals are served with the finest Scottish flavors.
- Routes: Journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland’s Highlands, offering views of rolling hills, rugged cliffs, and serene lochs.
- Price: Prices range from $7,000 to $15,000 per person.
- The Belmond Andean Explorer – Peru
The Belmond Andean Explorer is a perfect blend of Andean culture and modern luxury. With soft neutral tones, alpaca wool throws, and polished wood finishes, the interiors create a calm and inviting atmosphere as you journey through Peru’s stunning landscapes.
- Cabins: Choose from Deluxe Double, Junior Double, Twin, or Bunk Bed cabins, all designed for comfort and offering panoramic views of the Andes.
- Dining: Enjoy gourmet meals in the elegant dining cars, which feature large windows and polished wood tables, providing a serene setting to savor local flavors.
- Routes: Travel through iconic destinations such as Cusco, Puno, and Arequipa, experiencing the beauty of the Peruvian Andes.
- Price: Prices range from $3,000 to $9,000 per person.
The Belmond Andean Explorer offers more than just a train ride—it’s an unforgettable journey through the heart of Peru’s breathtaking scenery and rich culture.
- Eastern & Oriental Express – Southeast Asia
The Eastern & Oriental Express combines colonial charm with Asian artistry, creating an elegant and luxurious travel experience. With teakwood interiors, silk wall coverings, and marble bathrooms, the train embodies sophistication and cultural richness.
- Cabins: Offers Presidential, State, and Pullman cabins, each adorned with silk embroidery, lacquered wood, and handcrafted artwork that reflect Southeast Asia’s cultural heritage.
- Dining: The two dining cars serve exquisite Asian cuisine in a beautifully designed colonial-style setting, enhancing the overall experience.
- Routes: Travels between Singapore and Bangkok, with additional routes through Malaysia’s scenic landscapes.
- Price: Prices range from $3,150 to $7,375 per person.
- Rovos Rail – South Africa
Rovos Rail is a celebration of Victorian-era luxury, featuring mahogany paneling, antique fixtures, and spacious suites that exude timeless elegance. As you travel, enjoy uninterrupted views of Southern Africa’s breathtaking landscapes.
- Cabins: Choose from Royal, Deluxe, and Pullman cabins, each offering antique furnishings, fine linens, and a cozy yet luxurious ambiance.
- Dining: Dine in Edwardian-style dining cars, where gourmet meals are served with impeccable attention to detail and flavor.
- Routes: The iconic route from Cape Town to Pretoria takes you through some of Southern Africa’s most stunning scenery.
- Price: Prices range from $3,000 to $20,000 per person, depending on the suite and journey length.
- Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – Europe
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the ultimate symbol of Art Deco luxury. With its rich wood paneling, polished brass fixtures, and plush velvet upholstery, this iconic train transports passengers back to the glamour of the 1920s.
Cabins: Choose from Historic Cabins, Suites, or Grand Suites, all featuring fine linen, antique fittings, and an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
Dining: Indulge in gourmet meals served in three beautifully restored dining cars adorned with vintage art, wood paneling, and sparkling crystal lighting. Relax in the Piano Bar for an added touch of sophistication.
Routes: Experience scenic journeys through iconic European cities, including Paris, Venice, and Verona.
Price: Fares range from £3,000 to £20,000 per person, depending on the suite and route.
Posh and Luxurious Train Journeys
Luxury trains are more than a mode of transportation—they’re an experience. These journeys combine impeccable design, cultural immersion, and unmatched comfort to create unforgettable travel adventures. From the timeless elegance of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to the scenic escapes of other world-class trains, each offers a unique way to explore while surrounded by style and sophistication. Perfect for those who seek both adventure and refinement, these trains redefine travel as a luxurious art form.