Trains have a special charm that neither airplanes nor cars can replicate. The rhythmic hum of the wheels, the ever-changing scenery rolling past the windows, and the romantic charm of the journey itself make trains one of the most exquisite ways to explore the world.

Even better, why limit yourself to just any old train ride when you can enjoy white-tablecloth dining, plush amenities, and personalized butler service? That’s exactly the allure of luxury trains.

From the gilded carriages of Europe to the refined elegance of luxury trains in Japan, these rides redefine what it means to travel in style.

Whether you’re gliding past the Alps, crossing the Australian Outback, or sipping tea while winding through the Scottish Highlands, these seven train rides promise a front-row seat to some of the world’s most exclusive experiences.

The Most Luxurious Train Rides in the World

Orient Express (Europe)

Of course, no list of luxury train rides is complete without the legendary Orient Express. In fact, traveling on the Orient Express isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s an event in itself. Agatha Christie wrote about it, filmmakers used it as a backdrop, and for decades, it’s been romanticized as the ultimate rail journey.

The original train once connected Paris and Istanbul via cities like Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, Budapest, and Bucharest, and the journey would take about 80 hours or so.

Today, its spirit lives on in the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which travels various routes across Europe. However, the most iconic route remains Istanbul to Paris (and vice versa). Onboard, guests are treated to Art Deco interiors, white-glove service, gourmet cuisine, and private cabins—all wrapped in the glamour of a bygone era.

Maharajas’ Express (India)

Want to travel like royalty? Then the Maharajas’ Express is calling. This ultra-luxurious Indian train pulls out all the stops, including private butlers in every carriage, lavish décor, and even a two-bedroom Presidential Suite for those who want the full regal treatment.

One of the most popular itineraries on the Maharajas’ Express is the “Heritage of India,” an eight-day journey through iconic cities like Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra (where the Taj Mahal awaits!), and Delhi. From gourmet meals to handpicked excursions, every moment is designed to make you feel like a real Maharaja.

Seven Stars in Kyushu (Japan)

Japan is known for its fantastic rail system (there are more than 8,500 stations nationwide), but if you’re looking to take things up a notch, the Seven Stars in Kyushu offers a train experience unlike any other.

Launched in 2013, this was Japan’s first luxury sleeper train and remains an unforgettable experience. There are 4-day/3-night and 2-day/1-night tours, and prices start around 1.3 million Japanese yen.

Its name represents both the seven prefectures of Kyushu—Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Oita, and Saga—and seven defining elements of the region: nature, food, onsen (hot springs), culture, history, “places of power,” and, of course, trains.

Likewise, the Seven Stars is extremely exclusive—only 20 guests can ride at a time, and demand is so high that travelers must apply and be selected to participate. Inside, expect polished wood interiors, plush fabrics, panoramic windows, and even live music in the lounge car.

The Ghan (Australia)

Dreaming of crossing an entire continent in style? Then The Ghan awaits! This legendary Australian train offers a four-day journey between the southern city of Adelaide to the northern tip of Darwin, cutting right through the heart of the Outback via cities like Manguri, Alice Springs, and Katherine.

Although the route has been running since 1929, over time it has turned into a true oasis on wheels with private cabins, gourmet dining (featuring local ingredients, of course) and off-train excursions that let visitors explore everything from desert landscapes to ancient rock art.

The Royal Scotsman (Scotland)

What could be more romantic than traveling through the misty highlands of Scotland on a luxury train?

You can figure out the answer by stepping aboard The Royal Scotsman. This intimate train holds just 40 passengers and is decorated in rich mahogany, tartan fabrics, and cozy cabins.

To fully relax, there’s even a full-service spa on board—and a bar that boasts over 50 varieties of Scotch whisky! Some itineraries include private castle tours, distillery visits, and exclusive performances of traditional Scottish music.

Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)

Snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and deep river canyons—Canada’s landscapes are a masterpiece of nature, and there’s no better way to see them than on the Rocky Mountaineer.

Unlike other luxury trains, this one only runs during the day, so passengers can enjoy every last view through the massive glass-domed windows. One of the most popular routes is “First Passage to the West,” which runs from Vancouver to Banff.

Glacier Express (Switzerland)

If the Canadian Rockies aren’t for you, perhaps the Swiss Alps are. The Glacier Express has been nicknamed “the slowest express train in the world,” and that’s exactly its charm.

Running between Zermatt and St. Moritz, this train crosses 291 bridges, goes through 91 tunnels, and chugs past some of Switzerland’s most breathtaking landscapes, like green alpine valleys and snow-dusted peaks.

Panoramic windows make it easy to take it all in, while the onboard cuisine showcases regional Swiss specialties. For those in Excellence Class, concierge service and local wine pairings are also part of the journey.