The 5-Star Hotel Experience on Rails
There’s something undeniably historic and beautiful about train travel. But recently, train travel has gone through a major glow-up. Around the world, new luxury rail lines are bringing five-star hotel experiences onto the tracks, complete with fine dining, elegant suites, curated excursions, and Instagram-worthy interiors that rival the best boutique resorts.
For travelers who want the journey to be just as magical as the destination, luxury trains are having a moment.
Why Luxury Train Travel is Trending
- The Rise of Experiential Travel – Travelers are seeking experiences that feel once-in-a-lifetime, not just another hotel stay. A luxury train creates that blend of movement, scenery, and exclusivity.
- Slow Travel Appeal – Unlike flying, trains encourage savoring the journey. Think long meals with wine pairings, spa treatments, and waking up to mountain vistas.
- Sustainable Edge – Compared to air travel, trains are often more eco-conscious, aligning with the growing demand for greener ways to see the world.
Luxury Train Brands and Experiences Leading the Way
Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe)
- Seasonality: April–November (routes vary).
- Cost: From about $3,500 per person (one night, twin cabin) to over $30,000 for a Grand Suite.
- Why Go: The most famous name in luxury trains. Routes include London–Venice and new journeys into the Alps and Tuscany.
The Royal Scotsman (Scotland)
- Seasonality: April–October.
- Cost: Around $6,500+ per person for a 2-night journey.
- Why Go: Whisky tastings, spa car, and intimate countryside stops make it feel like a rolling country estate.
Rovos Rail (South Africa)
- Seasonality: Year-round.
- Cost: From about $1,500 per person (shorter 2-night trips) to $8,000+ for extended journeys like Pretoria to Cape Town.
- Why Go: The “Pride of Africa” combines safari excursions, fine dining, and Old World glamour.
The Maharajas’ Express (India)
- Seasonality: September–April (avoiding monsoon heat).
- Cost: From around $4,500 per person (3-night journey) to $23,000+ for weeklong presidential suites.
- Why Go: Palace-inspired luxury with cultural stops in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Varanasi.
Seven Stars in Kyushu (Japan)
- Seasonality: September–February (select departures).
- Cost: Roughly $6,000–$12,000 per person depending on cabin and itinerary.
- Why Go: Only 14 suites, blending Japanese craftsmanship with world-class service. Almost impossible to book unless you apply far in advance.
Rocky Mountaineer (Canada & U.S.)
- Seasonality: April–October.
- Cost: From about $1,600 per person (2-day route) to $6,000+ for premium packages.
- Why Go: A daylight-only journey with domed glass coaches—perfect for photography in the Rockies or Red Rock landscapes.
El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo (Spain)
- Seasonality: April–October.
- Cost: Around $8,000 per person for an 8-day journey.
- Why Go: Explore northern Spain’s food, wine, and coastline in luxury, with daily guided excursions.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express (Italy)
- Seasonality: Launched in 2025, offering select routes year-round.
- Cost: From $2,000–$6,000 per person, depending on route and suite type.
- Why Go: Modern Italian glamour with 1960s design flair, Michelin-level dining, and curated cultural stops.
What to Expect Onboard a Luxury Train
- Design: Art Deco, Edwardian, or sleek modern—each train has its own aesthetic.
- Dining: Multi-course meals rival Michelin-starred restaurants. Many menus are tied to the region you’re traveling through.
- Suites: Spacious cabins with plush beds, en-suite bathrooms, and big windows. Some trains even have private balconies.
- Excursions: From guided city tours to wine tastings and game drives, itineraries mix on-train relaxation with curated stops.
Traveler’s Note: Status of Luxury Trains in 2025
- Venice Simplon-Orient-Express → Active with expanded routes and brand-new suites.
- Rovos Rail → Running strong with bookings into 2026.
- Maharajas’ Express → Operating full 2025–26 season.
- Seven Stars in Kyushu → Resumes September 2025 after seasonal pause.
- La Dolce Vita Orient Express → New in 2025, quickly gaining prestige.
All continue to be highly rated, widely respected, and in demand among luxury travelers.
Who Luxury Train Travel is For
- Romantics: The old-world charm is perfect for couples.
- Solo Travelers: Many luxury trains foster community in dining and lounge cars, making it easy to connect.
- Adventurers at Heart: If you’ve already “done” hotels and cruises, luxury trains are the next bucket list splurge.
Luxury train travel is more than transportation, it’s an event, an experience. As one guest put it, “It feels like living inside a moving boutique hotel.” Whether winding through the Alps, rolling across Africa, or savoring sushi between Japanese stops, these journeys prove that sometimes the best destination is the journey itself. Just Go…solo or social…and by train.
