Trains used to be a first class method of travel, though now people prefer to board a plane and arrive at their destination in just a few hours time. Trains today are more commonly used to transport goods than they are people, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any truly luxurious passenger trains around anymore. Some of the world’s most luxe travel accommodations are found aboard these truly elegant trains. You can travel in more style aboard a few particular trains than you can on board a plane. Read on to find out which 10 luxury trains are among the most luxurious, high-end methods of travel in the world.
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Royal Canadian Pacific
This is one of the most luxurious trains in the entire world. It travels through North America, carrying only 30 passengers at one time. This gorgeous passenger train features open observation areas, several salons, a first-class restaurant, cocktails, and personal service. The compartments are large and spacious, and each one features its own in-suite bathroom with a large shower and sink. You’ll experience musical events and some of the best views in the world aboard the Royal Canadian Pacific when you book a ticket.
Photo Courtesy of: IRT Society
Palace on Wheels
This train tours Asia, treating passengers to truly luxurious accommodations for the entire length of the trip. It’s been in business since 1982, when it became the very first train in Asia to host luxury trips and upscale passengers. The train tours India. It’s the most luxurious passenger train in the Indian region and most of Asia, but it’s not necessarily as luxurious as some of the other trains on this list when you compare it to international elegance standards. However, the views aboard this train as it tours India are breathtaking, which do make up for its not-quite-palace like atmosphere.
Photo Courtesy of: IRT Society
Rocky Mountaineer
This is one of the most popular passenger trains in the world. When it began its tours, it was strictly located in Canada. However, it now makes a stop in Seattle, which makes it one of the only international train tours in the world. This luxe train was featured on the Bachelorette at one point, and it hosts some of the most romantic trips in the world. You get to stay in custom-built glass coaches, sample local wines, and even experience the wind in your hair as you stand aboard the open-air observation deck at the back of the train.
Photo Courtesy of: IRT Society
Blue Train
This African train is one of the most luxurious in the world. The train takes a 27-hour trip to and from Cape Town 8 times each month. The train makes one stop to sightsee along its route, departing on Mondays and Wednesdays for its intended destination. This elegant train feels like a mansion as you sit inside the luxury library, eat the magnificent fare and enjoy the scenic views. It’s been said that this train has some of the best service in the world, and the line focuses solely on first-class luxury during each trip the train takes.
Photo Courtesy of: IRT Society
Bernina Express
The Bernina Express is one of the most scenic and beautiful train trips you could ever hope to make. This luxury train features some of the most upgraded features in all the world, including first class service and high-end upgrades. The train travels through the Alps, at a high altitude. This altitude makes the Bernina Express the highest traveling passenger train in the world. It also makes the views the most spectacular. In addition to touring the Alps, you’ll also pass through Italian the Italian countryside and some of the most beautiful towns and cities in all of Europe.
Photo Courtesy of: IRT Society
Flam Railway
Each of the trains in the Flam Railway family recently underwent extensive renovations. What this means for passengers is twice the luxury and more upgraded options. The entire interior of each train has been remodeled and upgraded, making them even more stunning than they were before. The train travels through Europe, and it has some of the most diverse views in the world. During your ride on the Flam, you will get to experience snow-capped mountains, deep gauges, rivers cutting straight through rock and even beautiful waterfalls.
Photo Courtesy of: IRT Society
Glacier Express
This European train is another one of the most luxurious in the world. It’s got a reputation from the Swiss as being the world’s slowest passenger train, but it’s not a bad thing. The reason people take this train is not to get where they’re going, it’s to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way as it glides slowly through Europe. This train features beautiful passenger cabins, a first-class restaurant and service that is top-notch. You’d be hard pressed to find a passenger train with a staff as courteous and accommodating as this one.
Photo Courtesy of: IRT Society
Danube Express
The Danube Express travels through gorgeous cities in Europe, and it can accommodate up to 50 passengers at a time. Imagine traveling through the European country side as you sit in the upscale dining car, complete with fresh flowers on each white linen-draped table and enjoying a romantic glass of wine with the one you love in your private compartment with the lights dimmed to your liking. Each compartment offers large windows with breathtaking views and a private bath with heated towel rails and upscale amenities.
Photo Courtesy of: IRT Society
Royal Scotsman
It’s a smaller luxe train, carrying only 36 passengers at a time, but it’s one of the most luxurious. Each of the spacious luxury compartments comes complete with a dressing room, private bath and upscale amenities. Each one also has a call button for service as well as ceiling fans, and windows that offer spectacular views of the passing scenery. Each meal is provided as a multicourse experience complete with romantic candlelight and the freshest seafood, meat and poultry in the region. It’s a first-class experience all the way.
Photo Courtesy of: IRT Society
Rovos Rail Pride of Africa
Rounding out ten of the most luxurious passengers trains in the world is the Rovos Rail Pride of Africa. This luxury passenger train offers one of the most accommodating tours in the world, holding up to 72 passengers at a time. Each of the compartments comes with private bathrooms and windows that are capable of being opened so that you can enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful views of South Africa. There are even royal suites that take up a total of half a car each, featuring private lounges and Victorian baths. The dining experience is second to none, and each meal is a production complete with the best service and attention to detail.
Photo Courtesy of: IRT Society
