Top 25 luxurious trains in the world

Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa Region: Africa Train Type: Luxury Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa offers an old-world elegance and luxury to a degree that was never equaled in the 1920s. Many seasoned IRT Society travelers consider it the world’s finest train. Celebrated not only for its fabulous equipment, the train is rightfully proud of its stellar dining and on-board service. In short, the entire experience is consistent in meeting the highest luxury standards.
Maharajas' Express Region: Asia Train Type: Luxury The Maharajas' Express was custom-built to be the most luxurious train in India––and perhaps the world––offering state-of-the-art facilities and amenities. All cabins have large windows, LCD televisions, wi-fi access, individual temperature control and full en-suite bathroom. There is one Presidential Suite which comprises a full train car—the largest suite available on any train in the world. The two elegantly decorated dining cars serve a choice of multi-course Indian and continental cuisine. Two lounge cars provide cool drinks and comfortable seating. The train is 23 cars long, taking a maximum of 84 passengers, with a staff of 56.  Just announced: The Maharajas' Express is the newest in The Society of IRT's World's Top 25 Trains list!
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Region: Europe Train Type: Luxury The Venice Simplon Orient Express (VSOE), with its restored, 1920s vintage cars, is the world’s most authentic luxury train. Made famous in the Agatha Christie story, the train still runs on the legendary route from Paris to Istanbul. Many other itineraries are also available. They include Istanbul to Venice, and many itineraries including Venice, Krakow, Dresden, Prague, Paris.
Royal Scotsman Region: Europe Train Type: Luxury The Royal Scotsman is a standout train. A small venue—just 36 passengers—it’s great for those who wish for a more intimate, luxury setting with gourmet, five-star dining, wine-pairing and superior service. Simply put, it is one of our favorite hotel trains. All the train’s cars, save the 1928-era diner, are of 1960s vintage equipment, but they have been recast into an Edwardian confection of varnished woods, polished brass and fine fabrics.
Royal Canadian Pacific Region: North America Train Type: Luxury Just 30 persons can pretend to be royalty and come aboard to sample this train’s five-star dining, open-platform observation areas, several small salons, and large compartments with private, ensuite shower, toilet and sink. The train and its superb staff combine outstanding scenery, exclusive visits and elegant musical events with the top-notch service and cuisine. It all results in one word: “Wow!” The total RCP package is matched by just a few trains in the world.  It's tops in the Western Hemisphere. Many of the cars for the Royal Canadian Pacific (RCP) train were built between 1917 and 1931 and were used as business cars for the Canadian Pacific Railroad (CPR).
Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express Region: Europe Train Type: First-Class There is simply no better way to see Siberia. The all-ensuite Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express was launched in April, 2007 to much fanfare in Moscow. The train has Gold and Silver Class accommodations, both with en-suite bathroom, as well as two dining cars and a lounge car. The train plies the famous Trans-Siberian route between Moscow and Vladivostok, as well as special tours of the Silk Road, Russia's Arctic, and the Crimean. New for 2011: One New Heritage sleeping car, with only four compartments available to travelers, has been added to all Golden Eagle departures for 2011. Most itineraries using this train have many days of "Freedom of Choice" touring at no extra cost. This train will be used for four new journeys in 2011.
Danube Express Region: Europe Train Type: First-Class When we first experienced the new Danube Express private train, we knew it would jump to IRT's World’s Top 25 Trains list.  The train started service with its gorgeous deluxe carriages in 2008. All itineraries either start or go through Budapest, Hungary, where the train is headquartered. The train runs as far north as Gdansk and as far  east as Istanbul. Journeys include Krakow and Warsaw in Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Romania. Journeys can be combined; one example is Warsaw to Budapest to Istanbul. New for 2011: the Danube Express wishes a more intimate and deluxe experience, and plans to invite just 42 passengers on board, a significant reduction from last year. This will greatly improve the quality of the on-board experience and off-train sightseeing.
Deccan Odyssey Region: Asia Train Type: Luxury The Deccan Odyssey is one of the subcontinent’s most luxurious trains; its cars, built in 2003, have been upgraded with new carpet and bedspreads recently, according to our ground suppliers. These improvements, which we recommended last year, bring this train up to “luxury” status, because its staff, service, amenities and food were already superb.
Shangri-La Express Region: Asia Train Type: First-Class The private Shangri-La Express is not a luxury train, despite its name, but it is the best way to see this fascinating country and much of its spectacular scenery. It is at this writing the most modern hotel train in China and far surpasses regular train service in every aspect. The Shangri-La Express is modern, air-conditioned and has first-class sleeping compartments with two bunk-style twin beds.
Eastern & Oriental Express Region: Asia Train Type: Luxury In 1991, the Orient-Express company acquired New Zealand’s famed Silver Star, transported it to Southeast Asia and, following refurbishment, re-christened it the Eastern & Oriental Express (E&O). The train runs 1,262 miles between Singapore, Malaysia and Bangkok, Thailand.
Glacier Express Region: Europe Train Type: First-Class The Swiss proudly hail the Glacier Express as the world’s slowest express. The train takes almost eight hours and the services of two private, narrow-gauge railroads to traverse the 168 mountainous miles between two posh resorts—Zermatt and St. Moritz. The Alpine route of the Glacier Express is what makes this train so marvelous.
Bergen Railway Region: Europe Train Type: First-Class The complete Oslo-Bergen line was opened in 1909 as the only year-round land transport between Norway’s two largest cities. The 300-mile length of track passes through 200 tunnels and 18 miles of snowsheds in addition to crossing more than 300 bridges. The scenery on the 7-hour Bergen Railway trip across the Hardanger plateau, the largest wilderness area in Europe, is breathtaking.
Flam Railway Region: Europe Train Type: First-Class With the Flåm Railway, it’s what you see outside that counts. In about an hour, the line climbs some 2,833 feet from Flåm station, nestled in the innermost corner of the Aurlandfjord, to the mountain station at Myrdal on the Bergen Railway. On the 12.4-mile-long ride, you’ll see rivers that cut through deep ravines, waterfalls cascading down the sides of steep, snow-capped mountains and farms clinging dizzily to sheer slopes. The Flåm Railway is one of the world’s steepest standard-gauge railways, with a gradient of 5.5%. The railway recently underwent a facelift; its new fleet of trains, in forest green livery, comprises five engines and 12 cars. It also boasts new interiors and a unique guide and loudspeaker service.
Bernina Express Region: Europe Train Type: First-Class The spectacular Bernina line was completed in 1910 and is run by Rhaetian Railways. Beginning in Chur, St. Moritz or Davos, it passes the glaciers of Piz Bernina, making this the highest railway crossing in all of the Alps. It travels over 38 miles, climbing grades of up to 7%––without rack and pinion––to more than 7,391 feet at the Bernina Pass summit, and drops down to just 1,408 feet at Tirano, Italy.
Hiram Bingham Region: South America Train Type: Luxury The gleaming blue-and-gold cars of the Hiram Bingham makes the 3.5-hour trip between Cusco and Machu Picchu every day but Sunday. The train has two 42-seat dining cars serving excellent Peruvian specialties for brunch on the journey to Machu Picchu, and for dinner on the evening return to Cusco. The train also has a gorgeous bar/observation car.
Andean Explorer Region: South America Train Type: First-Class The Andean Explorer makes the 9.5-hour trek from Cusco to Puno and Lake Titicaca. You depart Cusco at 8 a.m., arriving Puno about 5:30 p.m. This addition covers one of the highest standard-gauge rail routes in the world, reaching altitudes up to 14,150 feet. A highlight is riding at sunset the few miles before Puno alongside Lake Titicaca.  The views are nothing short of spectacular.
El Transcantábrico Region: Europe Train Type: Luxury The 52-passenger Clásico El Transcantábrico train, which traverses Northern Spain, started in 1983.  Its launching was one of the first stories in The International Railway Traveler, also founded in 1983. Each train set has six sleepers, each with four double compartments with ensuite facilities. The train is operated by Ferrocarriles Españoles de Vía Estrecha (FEVE), which means Narrow-Gauge Spanish Railways. In April 2011, FEVE recently announced, it plans to offer a brand-new Transcantábrico on one of its routes. This train will be called Gran Lujo, and it will feature all Preferente Suites, which are each half a train car. This will make a huge difference to some travelers who require more space and private lounge area. The Preferente Suites have double bed, long sofa, flat-screen DVD, computer for your private use (wifi when in stations) and lots of storage in closets, under the bed, and under the sofa. The Grand Lujo train will only take 26 passengers, and thereby be able to offer a much more intimate (and pricey) travel experience for discriminating travelers.
Blue Train Region: Africa Train Type: Luxury The Blue Train is one of the world’s great luxury trains, and runs six to ten times a month between Pretoria and Cape Town. The route is a 27-hour journey of 994 miles and includes a sightseeing stop in each direction. The Blue Train is operated by the state-run Spoornet.
British Pullman Region: Europe Train Type: Luxury The British Pullman is a luxury, vintage day train that completes the British leg of Orient-Express journeys between Paris and London. Passengers from the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express debark in Calais, France, and board a special Orient-Express bus for the short "piggyback" train ride through the Eurotunnel to Folkestone. There, they board the British Pullman for the ride to London's Victoria station. What's not to love about this experience? Fabulous food, lovely scenery and riding on such a gorgeous and historic train.
Rocky Mountaineer Region: North America Train Type: First-Class The Rocky Mountaineer explores Western Canada in comfort and class. The train’s luxury GoldLeaf Service, with its custom-built glass dome coaches, offers fine dining on the lower level, including local wines, plus wind-in-the-face, outdoor viewing at the rear platform. There are three routes offered by this train: Vancouver to Banff and Calgary; Vancouver to Jasper and Whistler to Jasper via Quesnel.
Canadian Region: North America Train Type: First-Class The Canadian is VIA Rail Canada’s flagship train. It runs between Toronto and Vancouver three times a week, traveling 2,775 miles. IRT recommends Sleeper Touring Class so you can have a private bedroom on board the overnight train and the many perks that come with it—from a special waiting room at the main stations, to priority boarding, “welcome aboard” reception, wine tastings and all delicious meals included. The main delight is exclusive access to the great dome cars for seeing the sites day or night. The schedule from Toronto to Jasper allows three nights on board (10 p.m. departure Vancouver, 1:00 p.m. arrival Jasper.) All the way to Vancouver is four nights (three days, 14 hours and 42 minutes!) Arrival in Vancouver is scheduled for mid-morning.
Palace on Wheels Region: Asia Train Type: First-Class The Palace on Wheels, with its cream-colored livery, is a joint venture of Indian Railways and the state of Rajasthan’s tourism office. Starting service in 1982, it was India’s first hotel train and has been gaining in popularity ever since.  Although it has the name "Palace" in its name, reviews of IRT owners and travelers indicate it is not up to international luxury standards. However, that said, IRT travelers say it is definitely a winning experience and, when compared with the normal trains in India, should definitely be on the World's Top 25 Trains list.
Darjeeling Himalayan Toy Train Region: Asia Train Type: Steam/Railfan The tiny, two-foot-gauge “Toy Train” runs in West Bengal from Siliguri, 400 feet above sea level, to Darjeeling, 7,200 feet above sea level. It was built by the British between 1879 and 1881 to escape the brutal heat of the plains below. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its myriad loops, corkscrews and switchbacks offer passengers incredible views of the Himalayas. Ancient locomotives, the oldest built in 1889, climb through zigzags and loops to gain height. It may be tiny, offer little to no services and uncomfortable seats. But people who take it love it. They agree with this traveler, who wrote:  “It is the most enjoyable day I have spent on earth.” – Mark Twain, after a trip on DHR in 1896 For other great steam train tours around the world, please click here.
Sunlander Region: Australia/New Zealand Train Type: First-Class The Sunlander train offers an overnight service crossing 1,045 miles on the east coast of Queensland, Australia, from Brisbane to Cairns. The scenery is spectacular. It takes 32 hours; the Sunlander with high-end “Queenslander Class” travels twice a week, Sunday and Thursday from Brisbane; it runs Tuesday and Saturday from Cairns. New for 2011: You have just two years to ride this train. In 2013, it will be decommissioned, the Queensland Government announced in October, 2010, and a higher-speed tilt-train put in its place.
Indian Pacific Region: Australia/New Zealand Train Type: First-Class Australia’s transcontinental Indian Pacific offers a twice-weekly service in both directions, from Perth to Sydney via Adelaide across more than 2,704 miles. Almost 300 miles of it is across the longest straight track in the world, the Nullarbor Plain. The journey takes three nights, and our travelers report it’s frequently a very jolly departure, with many Aussies traveling the route, especially around holiday periods.
Ghan Region: Australia/New Zealand Train Type: First-Class The Ghan has a long and wild history, starting in 1878 when construction began on a line from Port Augusta. Until 1929, the last part of the journey to Alice Springs was accomplished by Afghan camel train, and that’s where today’s train gets it name. The Alice to Darwin “Top End” route, dreamed of for more than a century, was started in 2001. The first train arrive in Darwin in 2004. The service has been swamped with travelers. It takes 48 hours—two nights on board—to travel from Adelaide to Darwin over 1,852 miles of track. The Ghan has added Platinum luxury-class service, which is getting excellent reviews.