Luxury Train Journeys: What Is the Most Beautiful Train Ride in the World?
Apr, 30 2025
Most people never get a chance to ride a luxury train through jaw-dropping landscapes. If you’re hoping for more than just pretty views through a dusty window, you’re in the right place. Luxury train journeys like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express aren’t just about the scenery; they’re about old-school comfort, attentive service, and feeling like you’ve slipped into a different era.
Think about this: you wake up to rolling green hills, sip real coffee while mountain peaks slide by, and your biggest decision is whether to explore the bar car or spend another hour staring out the window. Sure, you could fly or drive, but trains let you slow down and really soak up the world. And unlike road trips, you won’t have to wrangle a cranky GPS or argue about bathroom stops with your kids—my son Thaddeus still talks about the endless card games, the hidden snack trays, and the feeling of getting rocked to sleep while Italy sped by outside.
If you’re planning your first luxury trip or just curious, here’s what you need to know to choose, book, and enjoy the world’s most beautiful train ride. Ready to figure out which route actually deserves that crown?
- What Makes a Train Ride Truly Beautiful?
- Top Contenders: The Routes Everyone Talks About
- Spotlight: The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- Highlights and Experiences Onboard
- Tips for Booking and Preparing
- Beyond Photos: Making the Most of Your Luxury Journey
What Makes a Train Ride Truly Beautiful?
Scenery gets all the hype, and for good reason. A luxury train journey is supposed to take you through landscapes you’d never pull off the highway to see. Take the Swiss Alps: some trains in Switzerland pass through more than 90 tunnels and over 291 bridges in just a few hours, which makes regular road trips seem boring by comparison.
But here’s the deal—scenery isn’t the only factor. The best train travel pairs those dramatic views with a ton of thoughtful details. The window size and seat layout make a huge difference. Panoramic windows (with seats facing the action) mean you won’t be fighting for a peek. A lot of the top luxury trains have observation cars, which are like moving glass lounges designed just for sightseeing. Even the classic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express puts a ton of effort into window views, serving breakfast in your cabin for that very reason.
Comfort is next. Fancy beds, fresh linens, and private bathrooms in a moving train feel straight-up magical. Ever tried to brush your teeth in a cramped airplane bathroom? Yeah, luxury trains squash that sort of travel misery.
It’s also about what you do off the train. A route that lines up with cool stopovers or off-train excursions—think wine tastings in the Douro Valley or tiger spotting in Rajasthan—takes the experience to another level. Onboard dining deserves a shout, too. Trains like the Royal Scotsman or the Blue Train in South Africa serve restaurant-quality meals using fresh local ingredients. You actually look forward to dinner, and it’s not just reheated pasta.
To sum it up, the most beautiful train journeys in the world combine all these features:
- Killer scenery, not just fields for hours
- Big windows and lounge cars for soaking it all in
- Actual comfort—think proper beds and showers
- Stops that turn the ride into an adventure
- Memorable food and drinks onboard
If you only focus on one piece (say, the prettiest route), you’ll probably miss out on the bigger magic—because it’s the mix that turns a trip from just pretty to unforgettable.
Top Contenders: The Routes Everyone Talks About
Let’s get to brass tacks—when folks talk about the most beautiful train rides on the planet, a few names come up every time. They’re not just Instagram-famous; they land on real travel bucket lists because of their wild scenery, crazy engineering, or pure class. Here’s the honest rundown of the top luxury train journeys getting all the hype lately:
- Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe): This train is legend. It connects cities like London, Paris, and Venice, gliding past the Alps and through sleepy European towns. The carriages are restored from the 1920s and 30s—a rolling piece of history. A one-way trip from Venice to Paris usually takes about 24 hours and the route is packed with dramatic mountain views and fancy multi-course meals.
- Belmond Royal Scotsman (Scotland): We’re talking polished wood interiors and a whisky bar rolling through the Scottish Highlands. This route is famous for moody glens, lochs, and even private visits to ancient castles. It usually runs from Edinburgh and loops through the best scenery in the Highlands.
- The Ghan (Australia): This one's huge—4,352 kilometers from Adelaide to Darwin, right through Australia’s color-soaked outback. Expect red deserts, quirky towns and wild landscapes you just won’t see on any normal holiday.
- Rocky Mountaineer (Canada): Chugging from Vancouver into the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this one’s all glass-domed train cars and wild scenery. Waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife are regulars out the window. Different routes dip into Jasper, Banff, or even the US border.
- Blue Train (South Africa): Going between Cape Town and Pretoria, this train cuts across vineyards, rugged mountains, and the open savannah. It’s got real beds, a butler, and a reputation for some of the best views you can get anywhere in Africa.
What puts these luxury train journeys in a league of their own? It’s the full package—vintage decor, top-notch food, and landscapes that make you drop your phone and just stare. A travel editor from National Geographic put it bluntly:
“You could fly over these places in an hour, but you’d miss the way the light hits the mountains at dawn, or the feeling of sipping coffee as a glacier rolls by. It’s pure travel nostalgia—modern comfort, old-world class.”
If you’re curious how these stack up, check out this quick comparison of what riders notice most:
| Train | Key Scenery | Unique Perk |
|---|---|---|
| Venice Simplon-Orient-Express | Alps, French countryside | Restored 1920s carriages |
| Royal Scotsman | Scottish Highlands | Onboard spa and whisky tastings |
| The Ghan | Outback, Katherine Gorge | All-inclusive off-train excursions |
| Rocky Mountaineer | Canadian Rockies, rivers | Glass-domed viewing cars |
| Blue Train | Vineyards, savannah | Personal butler service |
What’s wild is that many of these trips book out months in advance, and prices range from luxury treat to “maybe after my next promotion” territory. If you want that classic, Instagrammable train journey, these are the gold standard options to consider first.
Spotlight: The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Nothing says luxury train journeys quite like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. This isn’t just a train ride from point A to B; it’s a moving museum with polished wood, art deco details, and the kind of service that’s gone missing on most forms of travel. The main route runs from London to Venice, passing through Paris and the Swiss Alps, but special journeys go as far as Istanbul or even Berlin. The carriages themselves are originals from the 1920s and 1930s, each one restored so well you’d think Hercule Poirot really might pop in for tea.
Here’s what stands out about this scenic train: the sense of time travel isn’t a gimmick. Instead of wifi and modern tech, you get real linens, silver cutlery, and fine dining that rivals top restaurants. Meals are served in dedicated dining cars, with dishes changing as the scenery changes—beef fillet in France, risotto in Italy. Plus, the staff? Always on point. If you need anything, from a midnight snack to a shirt ironing, someone’s already thought of it.
Curious about the price and timing? It’s a splurge, no doubt. The classic London to Venice journey, for example, generally takes about 24 hours. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Route | Duration | Average Price (Per Person) |
|---|---|---|
| London-Venice | 24 hours | €3,700 - €6,000 |
| Paris-Istanbul | 6 days | €15,000+ |
Train travel here is all about the experience off the beaten path. Fancy cabins range from classic single and double compartments to new Grand Suites with their own en suite bathrooms and hotel-level coziness. The bar car becomes the heart of the train every evening, with a live pianist and cocktails that take you back decades. It’s smart to dress up in the evenings—a jacket and tie still matter here, which honestly makes it feel even more special. My kid Thaddeus secretly loved putting on his little blazer, way more than he let on at first.
If you’re after luxury travel that’s unique, this train checks every box. It’s not about getting there fast; it’s about savoring every little detail as Europe rolls by outside your window.
Highlights and Experiences Onboard
If you think luxury train journeys are all about staring through glass, you’re missing half the story. Take the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, for example. Every detail on board is designed to make you feel like you’re in a movie—from art deco cabins to crisp white tablecloths in the dining cars. Staff members know your name, greet you with a smile, and somehow remember if you like your coffee black or sweet.
Meals are a big part of the experience and a serious highlight. Michelin-level chefs whip up fresh dishes using local ingredients picked up along the route. You might be served wild salmon on crystal plates while the Alps are flashing by. Dress codes still matter on these trains—it’s not unusual to find yourself brushing off a sports coat or helping your kid tie his first real tie before dinner.
If you want to know what makes these luxury train journeys stand out, here’s what you can expect:
- Private cabins that convert from sitting rooms by day to cozy bedrooms at night. Many cabins on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express have real wood paneling, brass fittings, and even secret compartments for your shoes.
- Shared spaces like lounges and bar cars, often with live piano music in the evenings. It’s not just for show—you really can order a cocktail and chat with other travelers until late.
- Impressive attention to detail. From the soap in the bathrooms to the pattern on your napkin, everything is picked to match the old-school luxury vibe.
- Special events like murder mystery dinners or themed journeys. These aren’t corny cruise-ship games—they’re well executed and make for great stories later.
Here’s a quick look at what you actually get for your ticket on the top scenic trains like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express:
| Feature | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Fine Dining | 3-course lunches, 4-course dinners, all drinks included |
| Cabin Comfort | Private stewards, plush bedding, daily cabin refresh |
| Onboard Entertainment | Live music, themed nights, curated talks about destinations |
| Scenic Views | Panoramic windows, access to observation cars |
One past passenger put it like this:
"Riding the Orient Express felt like living in a high-budget film from the 1920s—with none of the stress. Every moment felt effortless and special." — Rick Jordan, Condé Nast Traveler
If you’ve never traveled this way, it’s hard to picture how relaxed things are. There’s WiFi—sometimes—but most folks ignore it after an hour because the social side and the scenery beat anything on your phone. I’ve even seen (gasp) teenagers voluntarily play board games just because the atmosphere is that contagious.
Tips for Booking and Preparing
Scoring a seat on a luxury train journey like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express isn’t the same as booking a normal train ticket. These rides get booked up quick—sometimes a year out. If you wait until the last minute, you’ll either overpay or miss out completely, especially if you want a double cabin or travel during peak months like spring and early fall.
Start by figuring out your dates. Train companies post schedules online and itineraries can change year to year. The classic Orient-Express runs mostly between March and November, and a Paris to Venice trip can clock in at over $4,000 per person for a basic cabin.
To get the most value, look for shoulder season dates and mid-week departures. That’s when prices sometimes dip, and it’s usually less crowded on board. Subscribing to operator newsletters—Belmond handles the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express—will alert you to sales and new routes.
- Book direct: Use the official website so you get their up-to-date offers and add-ons.
- Double-check inclusions: Not every ticket includes alcohol or excursions. Some have strict dress codes for dinner—nobody wants to get caught without a suit jacket.
- Plan ahead for visas: Some routes cross country lines and you don’t want paperwork headaches at the border.
- Travel insurance: Really—if you’re dropping this much cash, don’t skip it. Trains have had strikes and sudden schedule changes in the past.
Packing is different too. Cabins are charming but tight. Ditch the rolling suitcase for a soft duffel and keep extras small—a power bank and earplugs are lifesavers, and ask if there are outlet adapters on board.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s usually included in a standard luxury train travel fare:
| Included | Not Always Included |
|---|---|
| All meals | Alcoholic drinks |
| Cabin with private washbasin (sometimes shower) | Excursions off-train |
| Concierge service | Tips |
Lastly, prep for spotty WiFi and patchy cell service. Download maps, guidebooks, and playlists in advance. A small deck of cards or a good book (real paper, not just your phone) helps pass the hours between those “I have to take a photo” moments.
Beyond Photos: Making the Most of Your Luxury Journey
Taking a luxury train journey isn’t just about snapping pictures and scrolling through your gallery for Insta updates. Some of the real value shows up when you put your phone down and just experience what’s in front of you. So how do you actually get more out of the world’s most beautiful train rides?
First, join the onboard experiences. Most routes like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express host talks with travel experts, wine tastings, or even small cooking demos featuring local ingredients. On some lines, you’ll get a local historian guiding you through a landscape’s story as you cross it. These workshops aren’t just filler—passengers post reviews of really getting hooked by a cheese or wine pairing they’d never come across at home.
Get to know the staff. They’re not just dressed up in old-school uniforms for photos—most have worked these trains for decades and know all the small details. For example, on the Belmond trains, stewards often share secret tips about the history of a particular bridge or the best spot to catch views. I once got a heads-up about the perfect place to see the Dolomites lit up at sunrise—total game changer.
If you have kids, bring pocket games, but also let them roam. Many luxury train journeys are more family-friendly than people think. Conductors aren’t shy about chatting with kids or letting them peek at the timetable. My Thaddeus spent an entire morning learning how to fold napkins with a steward, and not once did he reach for a screen.
Food is a huge deal on these trains. On the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, chefs switch up menus based on what towns you’re passing—think Alpine trout as you cross Switzerland, or Sicilian cannoli by nightfall. Try the train’s signature dishes even if they sound fancy; these are some of the best-kept food secrets in luxury travel.
- Skip one course at dinner and walk the length of the train—you’ll see little architectural details you’d miss just sitting.
- Take at least one early morning coffee alone in your cabin, no music, no news. Watch the landscape change minute by minute.
- Use the train’s journaling paper (most still offer it) to jot quick notes—favorite meal, a weird fact from a staffer, or how you felt crossing a certain border. Trust me, it makes the trip stick with you way longer than a filtered photo.
For fact lovers: a 2024 Belmond guest survey found that 72% of travelers remembered scenery best, but 68% also said the unscripted chats with fellow passengers made the trip memorable—even more than the food. Turns out, real train travel magic happens between courses and scenery stops.
So, go ahead and take your pictures. But the best part of a luxury train journey? That’s what you experience when you’re not behind the camera.