Luxury is the new norm and travelling via a luxurious train is indeed the classiest way to travel overland distances. It is a great way to see beautiful sceneries without the inconvenience of moving luggage from one destination to another.
Luxury train rides harks back to the golden age of travel. Sometimes, it is the decors, style and level of personal service that feels like it is from another time.
Every one of these luxury trains offer bars, fine dinning and private cabins with spacious facilities, several even proffer en-suite cabins, personal stewards and butlers.
Top 10 Most Luxurious Trains In The World
1. Maharajas’ Express, India
This train was custom built to be the most luxirious train in India, offering state of the art facilities and amenities. Launched in 2010, it was voted the ”World’s Leading Luxury Train” at the World Travel Awards no less than seven times.
2. Venice Simplon Orient Express, Europe
Run by Belmond company, its starting point is London, though a popular kick-off is also Venice. From there, it visits Prague, Budapest, and Vienna before returning to Paris or London.
Featuring restored cabins from the 1920s, this train is a great combination of traditional features and modern amenities.
3. Palace on Wheels, India
Referred to as Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, the train focuses on space. Each carriage only has three cabins, making its passenger quarters more spacious. There is also a library, bar and a Rejuvenation Spa Car.
4. Eastern & Oriental Express, South East Asia
The sister train of Venice Simplon Orient Express operates through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Laos. It feature 2 restaurant cars which serve lunch and dinner, a bar, boutique and a saloon car.
5. The Blue Train, South Africa
Blue Train connects two of South Africa’s most important cities, Cape Town and Pretoria, covering a total distance of around 1,600 km. It provides butler service, two charming lounge cars (one for smokers the other for non-smokers), an observation car, plus fully carpeted soundproof compartments, with a personal en-suite.
6. Pride of Africa
Run by a family-owned company called Rovos Rail, the Pride of Africa moves from Pretoria to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania, covering a total distance of 2,000 mile in about 9 days.
The Pride of Africa train has a capacity of 72 passengers and it will cost you $2,075 per night.
7. Golden Eagle Trans-Siberia Express, Russia
The vastness of Russia unfurls before passengers on a 15-day journey as they move from the east to the west. It showcases all of the country’s signature settings.
8. The Deccan Odyssey
Built in Chennai in 2003 and launched in 2004, the Deccan Odyssey offers an unmatched way to see some of India’s top tourist destinations by way of luxury train. Aside from top class private cabins, the train also features a sauna, restaurants, a business center and bar.
9. Royal Canadian Pacific
The luxury train is operated by Canadian Pacific Railway and accommodates passengers in luxurious staterooms privately. The luxury rail cruise for 6 days cost $1,442 per person.
10. Royal Scotsman, Scotland
Carrying just 36 guests, the Scotman features are five state room cars, two dining cars, one observation car and a crewcar. The Scottish luxury train collects an average charge of $2,126 a night per person for its 8 days/7 nights Grand Tour of Great Britain.
