The Top 10 Train Routes for Luxurious Vacations Worldwide

• Endless African plains, where wildlife might casually appear as you pass
• Towering mountains, rising like ancient giants along the horizon
• The Cape Winelands, with lush, green vineyards stretching over golden hills

• Spacious, elegant suites with large windows and marble bathrooms that make you forget you're on a train
• Fine dining with South African flair—from fresh local ingredients to perfectly paired wines
• Personalized, warm service that reflects the soul of South African hospitality

Rocky Mountaineer – Canada’s Window to the Wild

   

 

Belmond Andean Explorer – A Journey Through Peru’s Soul

 

 

• Route: Cusco to Arequipa via Lake Titicaca
•  Where: Peru, South America

Step onto the Belmond Andean Explorer, and you’ll quickly realize you’re not just on any train. It’s like entering a moving five-star sanctuary, winding through some of Peru’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. One moment, you’ll be wandering the cobbled streets of Cusco, soaking in its rich history, and the next, you’re gliding past the serene waters of Lake Titicaca, before eventually arriving at the colonial beauty of Arequipa.

 

But what truly sets this journey apart isn’t just the stunning destinations—it’s the experience along the way. As you gaze out the window, you’ll be mesmerized by snow-capped peaks, wild llamas grazing in the distance, and tiny villages that seem to belong to a different era. Inside, your suite is your personal retreat—cozy and luxurious. You can enjoy exquisite Peruvian meals, unwind in the spa car for a soothing massage, or just relax and take it all in.

 

And then, when the day draws to a close and the sun sets behind the towering Andes, there’s nothing quite like sipping a cocktail while watching the mountains glow in the fading light. It’s the kind of moment that stays with you long after the journey ends.

 

This isn’t just travel; it’s a chance to slow down, truly appreciate the beauty of Peru, and feel completely immersed in every breathtaking mile.

 

Eastern & Oriental Express – Tropical Elegance on Rails

 

 

• Route: Bangkok to Singapore
•  Where: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore

Step aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, and you’ll immediately feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook, where the rich elegance of another era meets the vibrant beauty of Southeast Asia. This isn’t just any train ride—it’s a journey that invites you to pause, breathe, and soak in the wonders of this enchanting region at your own pace.

 

As the train takes you from Bangkok to Singapore, you’ll pass by golden rice paddies, awe-inspiring Thai temples, and charming colonial Malaysian towns that seem to have been preserved in time. The lush landscapes outside are like something from a dream, while inside, the atmosphere is cozy, warm, and timeless—think polished wood, vintage charm, and service that makes you feel like royalty.

 

Each day feels like a series of small indulgences. Picture yourself sipping afternoon tea, enjoying the bold flavors of Asia over dinner, or curling up in the observation car with a cocktail, watching as tropical jungles and vibrant villages drift by. As the sun begins to set, the piano lounge creates the perfect ambiance to relax and unwind, with golden light casting a soft glow over everything.

 

But what truly makes this journey special isn’t just the stunning views or elegant interiors—it’s the chance to fully immerse yourself in the heart of Southeast Asia, experiencing its beauty, culture, and charm in a way that only the Eastern & Oriental Express can offer. It’s about slowing down, taking it all in, and letting the magic of the journey envelop you.

 

Rovos Rail – Step Back in Time Through Africa

 

 

• Route: Pretoria to Victoria Falls (also travels to Namibia & Cape Town)
•  Where: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia

Rovos Rail isn’t just a train—it’s a journey back in time. With no Wi-Fi and no rush, it invites you to unplug and truly soak in Africa’s untamed beauty. Think golden savannas with grazing giraffes, vast deserts that stretch forever, and the thunderous majesty of Victoria Falls appearing outside your window.

 

Inside, it’s all about vintage luxury—polished wood, soft lighting, and elegant touches that make every moment feel special. Meals are fine-dining experiences paired with South African wine, and the off-train safaris and cultural stops give you a deep, personal taste of the land.

 

The Glacier Express – A Peaceful Ride Through the Heart of the Swiss Alps

 

• Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz 
• Duration: 8 hours 
• Where: Swiss Alps, Europe

If you’re craving a journey where the views take center stage and time seems to slow down, the Glacier Express is calling your name. This legendary train ride through the Swiss Alps is less about the destination and more about the magic in between—from snowy peaks to storybook villages.

 

From the moment you step on board, you’ll feel it: this isn’t your typical train ride. Plush seats, panoramic windows, and a sense of calm wrap around you as the train gently glides through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.

 

What You’ll See:

Snow-Capped Mountains:

 No matter the season, the Alps are a masterpiece. Towering peaks, draped in white or blooming with alpine flowers, stretch endlessly on both sides. It’s nature putting on its best show.

 

Charming Villages:

 Tiny alpine towns peek out from valleys below—colorful wooden houses, flower boxes bursting with color, and church steeples that look like they’re out of a postcard. It’s pure Swiss charm at every turn.

 

The Rhine Gorge:

 Dubbed Switzerland’s Grand Canyon, the Rhine Gorge is a dramatic stretch of twisting cliffs and wild rivers. The train hugs the edge, offering views so stunning they’ll leave you speechless.

 

Why It’s So Special:

Panoramic Views, All Around:

 Thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, the Glacier Express makes sure you don’t miss a single snowy peak or winding river. Whether you're sipping coffee or enjoying lunch, the views are always front and center.

 

Swiss Dining at Its Finest:

 Meals on board are as delightful as the scenery. Think creamy cheese fondue, local trout, or rich chocolate desserts—all made with fresh Alpine ingredients and served with a view.

 

A Cozy, Rolling Retreat:

 It’s not just the landscape that’s relaxing. With warm interiors, smooth service, and plenty of space to unwind, the Glacier Express feels like a luxury mountain lodge—on rails.

 

The Iconic Landwasser Viaduct:

 One moment you’ll never forget? Gliding across the Landwasser Viaduct, suspended 65 meters in the air with mountains surrounding you. It’s a pinch-me travel memory.

 

Grand Canyon Railway – A Ride into the Wild Beauty of the American West

 

 

• Route: Williams, Arizona to Grand Canyon South Rim 
• Where: USA (Southwest)

Climbing aboard the Grand Canyon Railway feels like stepping back in time—with a touch of the Wild West and a whole lot of scenic wonder. Departing from the charming town of Williams, Arizona, this isn’t just a train ride—it’s an experience full of storytelling, stunning landscapes, and that electric anticipation of seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time.

 

What You’ll See:

Whispers Through the Pines

 As the train rolls out of Williams, tall pine trees line the tracks, casting dappled shadows across the windows. The cool forest air, the rustle of branches—it’s a calm, grounding start to an epic adventure.

 

Desert Plains that Stretch for Days

 Soon, the scenery opens up to Arizona’s high desert. Think wide-open spaces, endless skies, and that quiet, rugged beauty that makes you want to pause and just breathe it in. It’s the Southwest in all its raw, sunlit glory.

 

The Grand Canyon—A Moment That Stays With You

 And then, there it is. The South Rim comes into view and suddenly, everything else fades. The canyon stretches endlessly—layers of red, orange, and gold carved into the Earth. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, that view always stirs something deep.

 

What Makes It Special:

Vintage Vibes and Retro Charm

 From the polished wood interiors to the old-school train bells, the vintage coaches set the perfect nostalgic tone. It feels less like a commute and more like a celebration of classic American rail travel.

 

Dome Views and First-Class Comfort

 Want the best seat in the house? Upgrade to the dome or luxury parlor car, where wraparound windows bring the scenery to life in every direction. Sip a drink, lean back, and watch the Southwest unfold like a living postcard.

 

Live Music and Wild West Fun

 The ride’s got personality, too. Cowboy musicians wander through the aisles, strumming guitars and sharing stories. Sometimes, there's even a playful “train robbery” skit that adds a burst of fun for all ages.

 

 

Why a Luxury Train Vacation Is the Trip You Didn’t Know You Needed

Imagine sipping your morning coffee while watching snow-capped peaks or golden deserts glide by outside your window. No rushing, no stress—just the soothing rhythm of the rails and the comfort of a beautifully crafted space. That’s what a luxury train vacation is all about.

 

1. Views That Stay With You

You’re not just seeing landscapes—you’re living them. From glassy lakes and thick forests to mountain ranges that feel like they touch the sky, every view feels personal when you’re watching it all roll by at the perfect pace.

 

2. Stress-Free Comfort

No airport chaos. No unpacking every night. Onboard a luxury train, everything you need travels with you. Cozy beds, gourmet food, and warm service—it’s like being in a moving boutique hotel where the journey is the main event.

 

3. Real Cultural Moments

Luxury trains let you go deeper than just snapping photos. With curated stops, local stories, and chances to truly connect, you don’t just visit new places—you experience them. It’s travel with heart and meaning.

 

4. Perfect for Life’s Big Moments

Celebrating something special? Whether it’s a honeymoon, milestone birthday, or bucket-list trip, luxury train travel wraps your memories in elegance and magic. Every detail is designed to make you feel like the star of your own adventure.

 

4. Ticket Reservations in the Luxury Trains

Just like when you've chosen your ideal train trip and the places you want to visit. It comes with the difficulty of making a reservation for tickets, including how to purchase them, where to purchase them, all the factors to take into account, particularly when traveling by train in Europe, and numerous other small and significant factors to take into account.

 

Here, we have compiled a list of the top five train ticket booking portals where you may easily purchase tickets for your upcoming train journey. 

 

Trainline - One of the top websites for booking train tickets, and when you make small reservations in advance, you may save at least 61%. Trainline makes it easy to travel throughout Europe by booking tickets on more than 100 trains inside the continent.

 

Compare affordable bus and train ticket rates. Explore thousands of places in 45 different countries. Come use us with millions of others every day. Customer support is available at every stage.

 

 

 

Eurostar - Eurostar is another highly regarded train service in Europe that offers hassle-free, fast travel. Reasons to use Eurostar: It saves time by connecting city centers without requiring shuttles from the airport.

 

Go greener with Eurostar: Reduce your carbon footprint by using the train.

 

Enjoy meals and beverages from the Eurostar Café while unwinding and rejuvenating in cozy seats.

 

Eurostar for Business: Sign up for our special business site to take advantage of cooperation opportunities and other incentives.

 

If plans change, you can reschedule or cancel your trip with flexible tickets.

 

Train + Hotel: Use Eurostar rail and hotel packages to arrange your journey from destination to accommodation. Make all of your reservations in one location to save time, money, and hassle.

 

Popular destinations connected by Eurostar - Paris, Amsterdam, London, Brussels, Disneyland® Paris, Cologne, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Lille

 

 

Omio - Travel that makes you feel something Purchase tickets for flights, trains, buses, and ferries. All of your alternatives for travel in one location. More than 1,000 reliable travel partners for flights, ferries, buses, trains, and airport transfers so you can concentrate on the trip.

 

If you want to book tickets for Eurostar, Amtrak, Alsa, Greyhound, Flixbus, Italo, Refne and others and that too with discounted prices and exclusive deals then do consider Omio and save more money for your next trip.

 

Rail Europe - RailEurope as the name itself defines is all about having the great deals on European trains. The simplest method for purchasing rail passes and tickets in Europe. Compare and get discounts on rail travel in 35 different countries.

 

Why we recommend booking train tickets with RailEurope is because of different aspects like - 

 

• Create the ideal journey for yourself - Access more than 25,000 locations in Europe with a single search.
• Compare and Save - Save money by easily comparing the finest train operators to find the best route and price.
• Book with Ease - Make a safe reservation and pay in the USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, or CAD of your choice.

 

Enjoy every destination in Europe. Rail Europe sells tickets throughout Europe, and they are constantly expanding our reach.

 

For train and bus companies in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, RailEurope is the official agents.

 

Eurail - Eurail is committed to helping its clients save more money on all of their travels, and in order to do so, they provide a single rail pass that allows you to travel at your own speed through up to 33 countries.

 

Eurail - Eurail is committed to helping its clients save more money on all of their travels, and in order to do so, they provide a single rail pass that allows you to travel at your own speed through up to 33 countries.

 

Create your Eurail vacation in just four simple steps - 

 

Create your Eurail vacation in just four simple steps - 

 

Step 1 - Plan your route: We'll make it happen if you plan your route, including where you're going and which trains will get you there.

 

Step 2 - Get your Pass: It is entirely up to the consumer to choose whether to use a global pass or a one-country-one pass, and Eurail supports and assists with both options.

 

Step 3 - Ticket Reservation: Making reservations for your tickets in advance is advised because doing so is essential if you want to get the most out of your exciting train trip.

 

Step 4 - Rail Pass Activation: After purchasing a rail pass, you must use the Eurail mobile application to activate it in order to receive all of its benefits. Don't forget to do this.

 

Couple of recommendations from Eurail to make your journey perfect:-

 

1. Verify whether you need to make reservations in order to board your trains. Reserve in advance since popular trains fill up quickly!
2. Are you trying to find some flexibility? Travel off-peak or look at our reservation-free routes.

Do check the most popular rail passes at Eurail

 

 

Luxury train travel is so much more than just getting from one place to another. It’s about taking a step back, letting go of the rush, and soaking in the world around you like never before. Imagine having a champagne breakfast as you watch the Alps slowly come to life, or catching that magical moment when the sun sets over the golden Indian desert. Picture the vibrant jungles of Southeast Asia unfolding from your window as you glide along. These are the moments that make each journey unforgettable.

 

Luxury train travel is so much more than just getting from one place to another. It’s about taking a step back, letting go of the rush, and soaking in the world around you like never before. Imagine having a champagne breakfast as you watch the Alps slowly come to life, or catching that magical moment when the sun sets over the golden Indian desert. Picture the vibrant jungles of Southeast Asia unfolding from your window as you glide along. These are the moments that make each journey unforgettable.

 

These trains aren’t just about moving from A to B—they’re a chance to truly unwind, indulge, and let the stunning landscapes come to you. So pack light, slip into something comfortable yet elegant, and let the journey take you to places that will stay with you long after the train ride ends.