Life & Culture

Luxury Trains in the World

Feb 17, 2023 ByAndrew Parker

A luxurious train ride is the best way to travel, from great comfort and impressive mountain climbs to five-star cuisine. Around the world, luxury train journeys offer passengers a unique opportunity for an intimate and unforgettable travel experience. With epic sceneries often found with no distractions of everyday life just outside your window seat, here are some of the best luxury train rides in the world. When you think of luxury trains, the Orient Express jumps right into the discussion. How can you not? This iconic train has been immortalized in literature, cinema, and everything else since its first departure in 1883, covering the distance between Paris and Istanbul (then Constantinople) in less than 76 hours. It is known as the most luxurious train in the world for a reason. All glass panels, exquisite leather seats, and beds provided the kind of sleep travelers could only dream of. Seven historic vehicles have been restored to modern standards, bringing their 1800s splendor into the 21st century.

Japan’s best luxury train experience is undoubtedly the Seven Stars Kyushu, a two-day loop tour from Hakata through Nagasaki and Yufuin. A 4-day option is also available, suitable for those with extra money and wanting a 7-star rail experience. Japan’s trains are phenomenal, but Seven Stars has something that makes them stand out. This is a magnificent celebration of Japanese art, from the walls to the cubicles and washbasins.

There are several reasons why the Maharaja Express Train is consistently ranked as the most luxurious train journey. Each carriage of the Maharajas’ Express train has a personal butler, and for those who want to splurge, there’s an impressive Presidential Suite. The 7-Day Indian Heritage Tour is one of the most famous rail routes and stops in Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra, and Delhi.