The Resurgence of Luxury Train Travel

Travelers are rapidly trading stressful airport security lines for the slow, romantic pace of the railways. Luxury train travel is making a massive comeback around the world. If you want to slow down your vacation while reducing your carbon footprint, these scenic and sustainable railway routes offer the perfect escape.

The Shift Toward Slow and Sustainable Travel

The modern vacation is often a blur of connecting flights, rental cars, and crowded terminals. In response, a growing number of travelers are embracing “slow travel.” This movement prioritizes the journey just as much as the destination.

Train travel fits perfectly into this mindset. Instead of looking down at the clouds, you are actively moving through mountains, coastal towns, and deep forests.

Furthermore, sustainability is a driving force behind this resurgence. According to the European Environment Agency, train travel accounts for a fraction of the greenhouse gas emissions produced by commercial aviation. For example, a train journey from London to Paris emits roughly 90 percent less carbon dioxide per passenger than the equivalent flight. By choosing the rails, you are making a direct, positive impact on the environment without sacrificing luxury.

Top Luxury Train Journeys Around the World

If you are ready to trade your boarding pass for a train ticket, several operators are elevating the railway experience to rival five-star hotels. Here are the most notable luxury trains operating today.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe)

Operated by Belmond, this is arguably the most famous train in the world. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express uses fully restored 1920s Art Deco carriages to transport guests back to the golden age of travel.

The classic route runs from London or Paris to Venice. Along the way, you will cross the Swiss Alps while enjoying Michelin-quality dining. Guests dress in formal attire for dinner, enjoying caviar and champagne in the opulent dining cars.

Prices for a one-night journey typically start around $3,500 to $4,500 per passenger. The train has recently added Grand Suites, which include private marble en-suite bathrooms and 24-hour butler service, pushing the price closer to $10,000 per night.

Rocky Mountaineer (North America)

For those who want to experience the rugged beauty of North America, the Rocky Mountaineer is the premier choice. Unlike sleeper trains, this operates strictly during daylight hours. This ensures you never miss a moment of the incredible vistas. Guests spend their days on the train and sleep in high-end partner hotels at night.

The most popular route, “First Passage to the West,” travels between Vancouver and Banff. You can also book their newer American route, “Rockies to the Red Rocks,” which travels from Denver, Colorado, to Moab, Utah.

If you book the premium GoldLeaf Service, you will ride in a bi-level glass-dome coach. This service includes access to an exclusive outdoor viewing platform and gourmet meals prepared by onboard executive chefs. A two-day journey typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 per person depending on the season.

Seven Stars in Kyushu (Japan)

Japan is famous for its hyper-fast bullet trains, but the Seven Stars takes the exact opposite approach. This ultra-luxury sleeper train circles the southern island of Kyushu at a leisurely pace.

The train is a masterpiece of Japanese craftsmanship. The interiors feature intricate “kumiko” woodwork, hand-painted porcelain sinks, and plush fabrics. It is also incredibly exclusive. The train holds a maximum of only 28 passengers across 14 suites. Because demand is so high, tickets are sold through a lottery system. If you are lucky enough to secure a spot, a two-night itinerary generally starts around $5,000 per person.

Rovos Rail (South Africa)

Known as the “Pride of Africa,” Rovos Rail offers a deeply nostalgic travel experience. The classic route runs a thousand miles between Pretoria and Cape Town. You will travel across the vast grasslands of the Highveld and the barren Great Karoo desert.

The Edwardian-style, wood-paneled coaches are spacious and elegant. Unlike many modern luxury trains, the windows on Rovos Rail actually open. This allows you to lean out, feel the fresh air, and take clear photographs of the South African scenery. A two-night journey from Pretoria to Cape Town starts at approximately $1,600 per person in a Pullman Suite.

The Future of Eco-Friendly Luxury

Train operators are continuously looking for ways to improve their environmental footprint. Many European rail networks are already fully electrified. For example, the famous Glacier Express in Switzerland runs almost entirely on hydroelectric power.

Luxury operators are also changing their onboard operations. Belmond has made aggressive moves to eliminate single-use plastics across its entire global fleet. The food served on these high-end trains is increasingly sourced from local farmers located along the train routes, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transport.

A brand new project, the Dolce Vita Orient Express, is scheduled to launch in Italy soon. Backed by the Accor hotel group, this train will focus heavily on sustainable luxury. It will showcase locally sourced Italian materials and regional cuisine while promoting eco-friendly tourism to lesser-known Italian towns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are food and drinks included on luxury trains? Yes, the vast majority of luxury train tickets are all-inclusive. Your fare typically covers all gourmet meals, afternoon teas, and alcoholic beverages, including fine wines and champagne. Premium vintage wines may cost extra depending on the operator.

Do luxury train cabins have private bathrooms? This depends heavily on the specific train and the class of ticket you purchase. Modern luxury trains like the Seven Stars feature private en-suite bathrooms with showers. Historic trains, like the standard cabins on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, have a private washbasin but require guests to share a lavatory at the end of the carriage. Always check the exact cabin layout before booking.

How far in advance should I book a luxury train trip? You should plan to book at least 9 to 12 months in advance. Because these trains hold a very limited number of passengers (often between 30 and 100 people total), popular routes sell out incredibly fast during the peak summer and early autumn seasons.