25 Luxury Train Rides 2025 That You Must Not Miss

Do you know that we never wanted the journey to end whenever we took one of the best scenic train rides in 2025 as kids? Do you know why we used to think like that?

We were not introduced to the absolute joy of life and didn't know what luxury felt like back then. As we were growing up, the situation was a little different. Now, we just wanted the journey to end so that we could reach our destination. It is because we became these boring adults who lost interest in everything that once made us scream joyfully while on luxury train travel experiences. If you wish to awaken the kid who used to be so excited at the thought of train journeys, you should take one of the train rides that take luxury up a notch. What? Did you think flights were the only way to travel in luxury?

Let's introduce you to exclusive train journeys you didn't know existed. The luxury they offer is beyond words. You need to experience every ounce of something in life to understand what it's like, honestly, and we're sure you can't just grasp it all by reading this blog.

The train journey provides unmatched luxury, scenic landscapes, and personalised service. From lavish cabins to gourmet dining, every detail is crafted for comfort. It's a timeless experience transforming rail travel into a memorable, elegant adventure across iconic routes. Read on, select your favourite destination, and book your next luxury train vacation. 

What are the Best Luxury Train Journeys 2025?

There is something wonderful and romantic about train journeys that one cannot even explain using mere words. Everybody loves a window seat on a train, and it doesnt matter how old you are, you would always yearn for a window seat to observe the pleasant countryside through which your train is speeding, wild to its destination, while you are on your luxury train vacations. Talking about the routes of Indian railways move through the grassy lands and greenish fields, where you wave at farmers working hard.

Some routes run through pleasant and scenic landscapes, waterfalls, valleys, and more. It makes you wonder how Mother Nature can be so beautiful and relaxing. If you compare trains to other modes of transportation, you will find that exclusive train journeys always win. We not only believe that trains are the best, but we also love travelling in trains. 

Here are six reasons why you should consider travelling by train next time you are headed for a destination

1. Money Saving

If you compare airfare to train fare, you will notice that trains are always cheaper and more comfortable. Trains are fast and frequent. You do not have to wait in lines or for hours to check out. You need not empty your pockets for a luxury train ride in 2025. They are cost-effective and contented. Besides, airline tickets are comparatively too exotic and exasperating. Even their one-way ticket is so they would hardly think of getting another one. Trains, however, provide a stable ride for a particular distance. Train tickets are usually stable, with a greater chance of some discounts. So, an exclusive train journey will save you a lot of money, which you can spend on anything else. 

2. Flexibility

If you want to go on a long train journey, you would need reservations, as it's obvious. You do not want the administration to catch you without a ticket. You would have to book your train ticket a few days before the departure date due to the availability of seats for the best scenic train rides in 2025. However, this isn't the same when you are up for a short trip; you can even show up at the station and buy a ticket for the train you want to hop on. The best part about this is that you don't need to pay an inflated last-minute ticket price, as your trip will be short and you'll get off after a few stops. Some of the best luxury train journeys in 2025 do not need a reservation, which shows that you can show up before your train leaves, buy your ticket and start your journey. 

3. Luggage

You do not need to worry about how your luggage must weigh, as this case is only concerned when travelling by flight, and not during luxury train holidays. Airlines charge a particular amount. Some airlines charge passengers for their carry-on bags, which can be a frustrating experience. You pay for your ticket, and then you pay for your luggage, too. This is why people would refrain from carrying extra luggage even if they need to take relevant items. Well, this is not the case with railways. Anyway, railways in India do not charge for luggage. You can bring one or three bags on your luxury rail routes in 2025. You can get as much of your luggage as possible, but take care of it properly.

4. Hassle-Free Trips

How about taking a trip where you do not have to arrive 2-3 hours early, wait for your turn in a security line, or get embarrassed? In contrast, inspection removes every item from your bag for security, which can dampen your excitement for your luxury train rides in 2025. It's a good thing that you have trains for this generation. You know the exact departure time, so you must arrive 30 minutes prior and proceed to your platform. If your train is already here, find your seat. If not, wait just a few minutes while munching on some snacks. You do not have to stand in the security line and wait for hours while on your luxury train vacations. 

5. Comfort Zone

If you have travelled in an aeroplane, you know how badly you must shrink to fit in your seat. You may experience backache or headaches if you have a long flight. The same happens when you travel by road and have to sit while looking sideways at road signs to check if you are travelling in the right direction. Then there are the most beautiful train rides you do not need to do anything for, and you can relax. You can even book a sleeper berth and spend your journey lying on your berth, sleeping or reading your favourite novel. Travelling by railway is the best thing to do when someone else drives, and you have the least to worry about. 

6. Enjoyment

Travelling by rail is just fun, especially during romantic train vacations. You can enjoy the world passing by you while travelling on the train. This gives a pleasant feeling that only a traveller could tell. Aeroplanes are great, but you cannot enjoy a nostalgic feeling. You can see nature calling out to you. The lush landscapes, waterfalls, and large bodies of water make the countryside an ideal setting for luxury train travel for couples. We love train travel and the fun it brings along. Everyone must travel on a train at least once in their life. This leaves an unforgettable memory that is so pleasant and magnificent that it stays with you forever.

Top Luxury Trains In The World That You Must Experience In 2025 

Bucket list train journeys offer a distinctive blend of elegance, nostalgia and adventure, redefining how we explore the world. From the opulent Venice Simplon Orient Express carriages to the stunning luxury of South Africa’s Blue Train, these iconic rail experiences transport travellers through breathtaking landscapes with five-star comfort and personalised service. Each journey is about reaching a destination, but about savouring every moment in style, fine dining, plush cabins, and curated excursions rich in experience. As Train Travel itineraries 2025 reveal exciting new routes and revamped experiences, there has never been a better time to tick these exquisite adventures off your travel bucket list. Indulge in the romance of rail and let these journeys become the highlight of your global explorations.  

1. Africa: Rovos Rail

Pass over the African continent and witness the beautiful landscapes, passing through stunning views. The best scenic train rides in 2025 start from Durban to Namibia, and the Copper Trail navigates through Zimbabwe and Zambia. The interior is crafted with wood-structured panels, lending it a classic, vintage touch, and the relaxing armchairs encourage you to prolong this train journey for as long as possible. They serve the finest wines of South Africa in elegant Chinese glassware. This luxury rail tour 2025 ranges from 2 to 14 days and is a ride worth having. 

2. Vietnam: The Vintage

The Vintage traverses the pristine landscapes of the Vietnamese countryside, including destinations such as Hoi An and Quy Nhon, connecting two five-star resorts in the area. The six-hour journey with 12 chairs will allow travellers to indulge in comfort and luxury, enjoying the modern interiors with huge windows to view on their most beautiful train rides. Besides, there is a bar stocked with beer and snacks and just in case you get too tired of all the luxury you are getting, you can pamper yourself with a spa treatment right there on the train. Suspend? Well, that is what this entire exclusive train journey is all about. You will be surprised by everything that happens here. Not only that, but you also get to enjoy a three-course Vietnamese meal with names that are very difficult to pronounce. Is your mouth watering already? So what are you waiting for? Just take a Vietnam Tour Package and get on board. 

3. Europe: The Venice Simplon Orient Express

While discussing luxury train travel experiences, and the name of the Orient Express doesn't pop into your mind, you would either be lying or have terrible general knowledge; no offence, though, because we are all in the same boat regarding general knowledge. Well, let us not pull that thread. So, returning to our topic, the Orient Express has its name etched in the history of luxury trains for taking luxury to the next level. Enjoy the 24-hour butler service and the unlimited flow of champagne to keep you a little high on ecstasy. The suites scream luxury, and if you can pull yourself from your cabin, you can even enjoy the piano music and craft cocktails. Munch on the midnight lobster rolls and extravagant meals at your service. Food in Luxury trains with fine dining is served to your palate. 

4. Canada: The Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountain is a haven for mountain lovers. You can take a train route and enjoy the ride, but the stunning views are expensive. Enjoy the mesmerising views of the mountains from your glass-domed windows and feel them calling out to you as if they are trying to speak. As the name suggests, the Rocky Mountain Rambler is a luxury sleeper train that traverses the Western Canadian Rockies. It serves a gourmet breakfast and treats your taste buds with complimentary snacks and beverages. The drool-worthy food, the comfy seats and the stunning views are a part of this luxury ride. 

5. Japan: Seven Stars

Seven Stars offers a lifetime experience; who would have thought you could have the ultimate luxury of a five-star train experience? Well, it's true, and since we are lucky enough to have all this luxury worldwide, why not go for it as long as you can? The rooms here are exclusive and accommodate up to 20 passengers, with 10 suites available. Besides, there is a lottery system for the cabin, so you can imagine how exquisite and exclusive it must be that you have to win the lottery to get to the cabin when you are even going on a romantic train vacation. 

6. India: Maharaja Express

You must have heard it growing up or maybe even now, but do you know what that means? Does it mean that when you have all the money you need to afford luxury, why not spend it? And what better way is there to pay your money than by travelling? The Maharaja Express is one of the best luxury train journeys in 2025 in India, with its three-week-long journey taking you on an Indian Splendour and a four-day Indian Heritage Tour, depending solely on your preference. The trip consists of halts at Varanasi, a peaceful and holy city in Uttar Pradesh, and the train also takes you to one of the world's wonders, the epitome of love and beauty, like the Taj Mahal in Agra. Live like a Maharaja on very comfy beds with cabins decorated lavishly on one of the best luxury sleeper trains. Butler service and a lounge with books, board games, and cocktails- the best way to experience utter luxury.

7. Peru: The Andean Explorer

If you are a fan of anything vintage, just like us, you are in for a treat because the Andean Explorer has the highest rail network in Peru and is the first and top luxury train in the world. Experience the vivacious hues of the Alpaca woods on the interiors of this luxury train full of vintage decor, making you fall in love with every second you spend here. Connecting Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, this train offers elegant cabins, fine dining, and panoramic views. Guests enjoy a blend of cultural immersion and comfort with stops at ancient ruins and high-altitude wonders. The Andean Explorer redefines rail travel with its memorable mix of nature, heritage, and opulence. 

8. Australia: The Ghan

This luxury rail tour 2025 in the land down under takes you to some unexplored lands of Australia, with panoramic views from the North to the South, from Darwin to Adelaide, to the remotest areas. The spacious cabins, modern interiors, and mind-blowing views will make the journey worth every penny you spend on this ride. Passengers enjoy spacious, private cabins with en-suite facilities, comfortable seating, and dedicated steward service. Luxury trains with fine dining are a highlight; regional cuisine from local Australian ingredients is served with skill and flair. The experience emphasises comfort, refinement and storytelling, with hosts sharing tales of the landscapes and their history. 

9. India: Himalayan Queen

A UNESCO World Heritage route, this narrow-gauge train winds through the scenic Shivalik Hills. With over 102 tunnels, 800 bridges, and panoramic views of pine forests, valleys, and snow-capped peaks, the Kalka Shimla luxury train travel experience is romantic and nostalgic. The top train's slow pace allows travellers to soak in every picture-friendly turn, especially during monsoon or snowfall—a true gem for nature lovers and photographers. The Himalayan Queen is a charming train journey through the picture-friendly Himalayan foothills. It links Shimla and Kalka, offering cosy heritage carriages, lush green views and crisp mountain air. This delightful route combines timeless colonial-era elegance with serene landscapes, perfect for travellers seeking a scenic rail adventure. 

10. India: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

It is known as the Toy Train. This charming ride travels from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, climbing to over 2000 metres. The exclusive train journey passes through tea gardens, misty hills, and small mountain villages. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a vintage steam engine experience, complete with iconic sights like the Batasia Loop. It is ideal for a peaceful, heritage-rich ride through the Eastern Himalayas. Its charming steam locomotive heritage, hairpin turns, and panoramic views of the tea gardens offer a nostalgic and captivating ride into the heart of Darjeeling’s scenic beauty. 

11. India: Goa Express

This lush green luxury train route 2025 moves through the Western Ghats and offers views of waterfalls, tunnels, and dense forests. The main highlight is Dudhsagar Falls, which seems brilliant during the monsoon. The winding road through the pristine natural landscape makes it one of India's most beautiful and fresh trips. It is a comfortable, long-distance train connecting Mumbai and Goa through scenic Konkan landscapes. It offers air-conditioned and sleeper coaches, panoramic coastal views and reliable service. Perfect for travellers seeking an accessible, budget-friendly route to Goa’s beaches and culture. 

12. India: Island Express

Connecting India's southern tip with the lush capital of Kerala, this short but stunning best scenic train ride in 2025 offers views of backwaters, coconut palms, and coastal villages. As the train glides through water-bordered tracks and green fields, passengers can witness a serene sight of South Indian beauty. Sunrises and sunsets from this route are stunningly memorable. This train ride connects Kanyakumari to Bengaluru, travelling through Tamil Nadu and Kerala’s scenic landscapes. It passes through lush backwaters, palm-lined villages, and vivacious, affordable, culturally rich southern towns. This long-distance train journey offers a deep glimpse into South India’s diversity, warmth, and rhythmic charm.  

13. India: Mandovi Express

The train journey is renowned for its stunning coastal views and picturesque waterfalls. The Mandovi Express, one of the best luxury train journeys in 2025, is filled with vivacious sights from the Arabian Sea to the Sahyadri Hills. The train travels through 92 tunnels and 200+ bridges, especially charming during the monsoon. Onboard, you can even enjoy authentic Goan snacks from the IRCTC pantry staff. The journey offers a stunning coastal view and a unique glimpse into local culture. Known for its scenic beauty, including lush greenery, rivers, and tunnels. It is also famous for onboard local snacks. It is a comfortable, affordable way to reach Goa with a taste of Konkan charm.

14. Switzerland: Glacier Express

The Glacier Express, which is known as the slowest express train worldwide, travels between Zermatt and St Moritz in the Swiss Alps. Over an 8-hour journey, you cross 291 bridges and pass through 91 tunnels. You climb the Oberalp Pass at 20033 m and traverse breathtaking viaducts like Landwasser, with panoramic windows and onboard luxury trains with fine dining. It provides a unique alpine view. Daily departures are available seasonally, offering a wonderful mix of engineering, luxury, and scenery, perfect for nature lovers seeking a quiet yet magnificent railway experience. 

15. Italy: Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is a four-hour UNESCO World Heritage-listed luxury train journey, departing in 2025, that connects Chur to Tirano. The route winds through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, cresting the Bernina Pass at 2328m. With large panoramic windows and quaint mountain villages, this memorable traverse through the Swiss-Italian highlands immerses passengers in pure alpine beauty and expert rail engineering in the top luxury trains in the world. This UNESCO-listed route features spiralling viaducts, glaciers and alpine villages. With panoramic coaches and unmatched scenery, it's one of Europe’s most beautiful train journeys, offering a smooth mix of nature and engineering marvels. 

16. Scotland: West Highland Line

From Glasgow to Mallaig via Fort William, this 264 km route crosses rugged Highlands, lochs, mountains and moors. Famous for the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Wanderlust readers voted it the world's best scenic train ride in 2025. Travel in standard ScotRail or special Jacobite steam trains, relish the raw wilderness, river valleys, and coastal views - a wild, atmospheric Scottish experience. It is a legendary journey from Glasgow to Mallaig, passing lochs, glens and moors. It crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous from the Harry Potter films—wild, remote and visually stunning, it's one of the most scenic rail adventures in the United Kingdom. 

17. Norway: Flam Railway/ Bergen Line

Norway's Bergen Line from Oslo to Bergen passes fjords, glaciers, and Europe's highest mountain plateau, Hardangervidda. While on a luxury train vacation, take the Flam Railway from Myrdal down to Flam, a 20-kilometre rack railway dropping through steep valleys to the fjords, including a stop at Kjosfossen waterfall. These iconic Scandinavian journeys are dramatic indulgences and memorable. It is one of the world’s steepest and most scenic train routes. Traversing fjords, waterfalls, and mountains. It links Flama and Myrdal, as this iconic Norwegian route offers breathtaking natural beauty, dramatic landscapes, and a thrilling experience through tunnels and winding valleys.

18. Italy: Cinque Terre Express

A short coastline linking the five pastel villages of Cinque Terre: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. In under 30 minutes, it features high cliffs and an azure Mediterranean coastline. The train ride is scheduled in every 15 minutes. This journey combines convenience, charm, and postcard-perfect seaside beauty, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed and scenic ride. This connects the colourful villages of Italy’s Ligurian coast. It runs between La Spezia and Levanto, offering quick and scenic access to the five picture-perfect towns. With its coastal views, tunnels, and proximity to beaches and trails, it's ideal for easy exploration of this UNESCO-listed region.

19. Switzerland: Golden Pass Line

The Golden Pass is the best scenic train route 2025 from Lucerne to Montreux via Interlaken and Gstaad. Panoramic car coaches glide through the Brung Pass, alpine lakes and charming Swiss towns. With multi-class services, it's a classic Alpine experience full of elegance, stunning mountain panoramas, and cultural diversity, from German-speaking Lucerne to French-speaking Montreux. It is a breathtaking rail journey connecting Lucerne to Montreaux through the heart of the Swiss Alps. With lovely windows, charming vintage-style coaches, and spectacular views of lakes, valleys, and snow-capped peaks, this scenic route offers a memorable blend of comfort, beauty and Swiss precision in motion. 

20. Switzerland: Gotthard Panorama Express

This combined paddle steamer and panorama is the best luxury train journey of 2025. It takes approximately 5.5 hours to travel from Lucerne to Lugano. You cruise Lake Lucerne on a historic steamer, then board a panoramic train through spiral tunnels, Wassen's loops, and the Gotthard crest tunnel winding into Ticino's lined valleys. The train journey provides a scenic mix of boat and train travel through the heart of Switzerland. Journeying from Lucerne to Lugano, it passes alpine villages, historic tunnels and stunning lakes. Panoramic windows reveal breathtaking Swiss landscapes, delivering a serene, comfortable, and visually captivating Alpine experience. 

21. Singapore- Malaysia- Thailand: Eastern and Oriental Express

This exclusive train journey offers a glamorous journey through Southeast Asia's tropical landscape. It runs from Singapore to Bangkok via Malaysia, passing through rice fields, historical cities, and rain. The Art Deco cabin, excellent food, and observation salon make it an unforgettable experience for those seeking elegance and adventure. It is a luxurious train journey that glides through Southeast Asia’s lush landscapes, linking Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. With its vintage legacy, gourmet cuisine, and opulent cabins, it offers a romantic journey through rice paddies, temples, and vibrant cities, combining luxury with rich cultural immersion. 

22. Sri Lanka: Kandy To Ella

The best scenic train rides in Sri Lanka's hill country for 2025 are renowned for their vibrant scenery, lush tea plantations, misty mountains, and stunning waterfalls. The slow pace, along with open doors and windows, allows you to soak in the beauty. It's an Instagrammable soul-soothing journey that often ranks among the most scenic in the world. It's an immersive, soul-soothing journey that connects two of Sri Lanka's most picturesque towns. Whether riding in economy or observation class, the visual splendour makes this a must-do for nature lovers and fans of slow luxury sleeper trains. 

23. Russia- Mongolia-China: Trans Mongolian Railway

The Trans-Mongolian Railway is an epic train journey over 7,600 km from Moscow to Beijing via Mongolia's vast steppe. Over nearly a week, the traveller witnesses dramatic shifts in landscape from Russian forests and Siberian plains to the Gobi Desert and the Great Wall of China. This is one of the best bucket list train journeys that offers a deep cultural experience, with stops in Ulaanbaatar and Irkutsk, near Lake Baikal. It is a legendary journey crossing vast steppes, deserts, and mountains. Linking Moscow to Beijing via Ulaanbaatar offers cultural immersion, dramatic landscapes, historic charm, and an unforgettable rail adventure across three distinct nations and their stunning terrains.

24. China: Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Qinghai Tibet Railway is the highest railway in the world, at a height of more than 5000 meters when travelling from Xining to Lhasa. This engineering marvel traverses the vast Tibetan plateau, offering scenes of snow-covered mountains, glaciated lakes, and Yak-dotted grasslands. Oxygen supply systems and a pressurised cabin were attached, ensuring comfort despite high altitude. The 22-hour exclusive train journey is a spiritual and visual experience, granting access to the mystical capital of Lhasa. Ideal for those craving adventure, elevation and enlightenment, this train is a getaway to the Roof of the World and a once-in-a-lifetime ride through Earth's most dramatic terrain.

25. Vietnam: Reunification Express

The Reunification Express must be included in train travel itineraries. In 2025, it will run from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, covering 1726 km along Vietnam’s scenic spine. The 20-hour train journey passes through bustling cities, serene coastlines, misty mountains, and rice paddies. It is a comfortable and culturally rich way to explore the country, offering soft sleeper and hard seat options. The best luxury train journeys of 2025 offer a luxurious experience and provide an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese life, featuring local food suppliers and comfortable accommodations. 

Luxury Train Travel for Couples

Luxury train travel is perfect for couples seeking romance and adventure. With candlelit dinners, scenic routes, and private suites, luxury train travel creates memorable shared memories. Whether gliding through the Swiss Alps or the royal state of Rajasthan, these train travel itineraries for 2025 promise elegance and intimacy on the rails.

Luxury Rail Travel Europe/Asia/India 

Luxury Rail Travel in Europe, Asia, and India offers a timeless and elegant way to explore diverse landscapes and cultures. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express glides through historic European cities with vintage charm. Asia’s Eastern and Oriental Express unveils the exotic beauty of Thailand and Malaysia, blending comfort with culture in India. With train travel itineraries 2025, rail adventures promise memorable memories across continents in pure luxury. 

10 Travel Tips for Luxury Train Rides

Here, we have mentioned some of the most essential travel tips for Luxury Train Rides with fine dining. 

1. Book Early

Luxury trains like the Venice Simplon Orient Express or Sevan Stars in Kyushu sell out months in advance. However, you can easily reserve tickets for high-season or extraordinary theme journeys. 

2. Pack Smart but Light

Space in luxury train cabins can be limited. Bring elegant yet comfortable outfits for dinner, casual wear for day excursions and compact luggage. Use soft-sided bags when possible when on luxury train rides in 2025. 

3. Savour the Cuisine

Most luxury trains offer gourmet multi-course meals using regional ingredients. Try everything. Many trains also accommodate dietary preferences if requested in advance.

4. Expect Limited Wi-Fi

Many luxury routes cut through remote areas, perfect for a digital detox. Download books, podcasts or music beforehand and embrace being offline.

5. Select the Right Cabin

Each luxury train ride in 2025 has various options, from en-suite deluxe suites to shared cabins. If you value privacy, opt for a suite or private cabin with panoramic windows.

6. Bring a good camera

The view of luxurious train routes often leaves the jaw dropping. A high-quality camera or a smartphone with a wide lens will help you capture unforgettable moments.

7. Embrace experience

Luxury Train Travel Vacations is the same as travelling to a destination. Enjoy a slow pace, join other passengers, and take full advantage of the ship's facilities, including a salon, spa, and library. 

8. Learn the Route’s Culture

Many trains offer guided excursions. Learning about the historic luxury trains and traditions of the places you visit enhances the experience and helps you connect more deeply with each region. 

9. Be Punctual

Luxury trains run on a tight schedule. Guests arrive at the boarding station well in advance; sometimes, a welcome ceremony or champagne reception is held before departure.

10. Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is optional but appreciated on many luxury train holidays. Ask your train operator or check guidelines for tipping expectations for porters, stewards and tour guides. 

Conclusion

To sum up, for a five-star train experience, you can hop on one of the luxurious trains mentioned above and have the best experience of a lifetime. With better services, intricate details in the interior, comfortable beds, fine dining, wine from one of the best vineyards, game rooms, panoramic views, and an exclusive train journey full of stunning views, it will sweep you off your feet. These luxurious trains will change your views on travelling by train because your journey will be a lifetime experience.