In an age of rapid transit, a renaissance of slow travel is captivating discerning travelers. Luxury train journeys offer a unique blend of timeless elegance, unparalleled comfort, and breathtaking scenery, allowing passengers to truly immerse themselves in the landscapes they traverse. For 2025, the allure of the rails is stronger than ever, with operators around the globe elevating the onboard experience to new heights. From opulent carriages steeped in history to panoramic dome cars showcasing nature's grandeur, these journeys are more than just transportation; they are an escape, a curated adventure for the senses.

the-5-best-luxury-trains-in-the-world-for-2025
Canadian landscapes with Rocky Mountaineer (Picture: entiretravel.com.au)

This year, while many iconic trains continue to deliver exceptional experiences, one North American gem stands out, offering a truly incomparable voyage through majestic mountain ranges and alongside shimmering glacial waters. But before we reveal our top pick, let's embark on a global tour of the world's most exquisite luxury trains.

The Allure of Luxury Rail Travel in 2025

The appeal of luxury train travel in 2025 is multifaceted. It caters to a growing desire for experiential and sustainable travel, offering a more mindful and less rushed way to explore. Passengers seek depth, meaning, and memorability in their journeys, and luxury trains deliver precisely that. Imagine waking up to ever-changing vistas, savoring gourmet meals prepared by world-class chefs, and indulging in impeccable service—all while the world glides by outside your window. This segment of the travel industry is booming, driven by a blend of post-pandemic wanderlust, environmental consciousness, and a yearning for curated, immersive experiences that harken back to a more glamorous era of travel.

Beyond the aesthetics, these trains offer meticulously planned itineraries that include off-train excursions to iconic landmarks, cultural sites, and hidden gems. From wine tastings in picturesque valleys to guided tours through ancient ruins, every detail is meticulously arranged to provide a seamless and enriching adventure.

Our Picks for the 5 Best Luxury Trains in the World for 2025

Choosing just five among the many magnificent luxury trains operating globally is a delightful challenge. Our selection prioritizes a combination of unparalleled luxury, unique routes, exceptional service, and unforgettable experiences for the discerning traveler.

5. The Blue Train, South Africa: A Journey Through Diverse Landscapes

Often hailed as a "moving five-star hotel," South Africa's Blue Train offers an extraordinary journey between Pretoria and Cape Town. This legendary train provides an intimate and exclusive experience, showcasing the diverse beauty of South Africa.

  • The Experience: Step aboard a world of understated elegance, where every detail is meticulously crafted for comfort and sophistication. Private suites feature en-suite bathrooms, and personal butlers cater to every whim. The train's two lounge cars provide inviting spaces for relaxation and socializing, while the dining car serves exquisite South African cuisine, paired with fine wines.
  • The Route: The 2-night journey traverses spectacular scenery, from the golden grasslands of the Highveld to the dramatic mountains and vineyards of the Western Cape. Wildlife spotting is a possibility, adding to the adventurous spirit of the trip.
  • Why it's a Top Pick for 2025: The Blue Train consistently delivers a world-class experience, blending classic railway charm with modern luxuries. Its route offers a unique perspective on South Africa's stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, making it a truly immersive African adventure.

4. The Maharajas' Express, India: A Palace on Wheels

For those seeking unparalleled opulence and a deep dive into India's royal past, the Maharajas' Express is the ultimate choice. This "palace on wheels" is a testament to the grandeur of a bygone era, offering an unforgettable journey through some of India's most iconic destinations.

  • The Experience: The Maharajas' Express boasts lavish interiors, inspired by the private carriages of Indian royalty. Each spacious cabin and suite offers a blend of traditional Indian décor and modern amenities, complete with butler service. Guests can enjoy fine dining in two exquisite restaurants, relax in the sophisticated bar cars, and even indulge in a spa treatment on board.
  • The Route: With several itineraries ranging from 3 to 7 nights, the Maharajas' Express explores various regions of India, including Rajasthan's vibrant cities, the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, and the spiritual heartland of Varanasi. Off-train excursions include visits to historic forts, palaces, and wildlife reserves.
  • Why it's a Top Pick for 2025: Regularly awarded as the World's Leading Luxury Train, the Maharajas' Express provides an unparalleled cultural immersion. It's an extraordinary way to experience the vibrancy and history of India in absolute comfort and style.

3. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe: A Timeless Icon

The legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) continues to embody the romance and glamour of luxury rail travel. This iconic train transports guests back to the Golden Age of travel, offering a journey steeped in history and sophistication across Europe.

  • The Experience: From the moment you step onto its gleaming, restored 1920s carriages, you are transported to an era of unparalleled elegance. Each cabin is a masterpiece of art deco design, featuring intricate marquetry and plush furnishings. Fine dining is a cornerstone of the VSOE experience, with exquisite meals prepared on board and served in ornate dining cars. Live entertainment and impeccable service further enhance the nostalgic ambiance.
  • The Route: While the classic route between London and Venice remains a popular choice, the VSOE also offers journeys to other European cities, including Paris, Prague, and Istanbul. Each itinerary is carefully curated to offer breathtaking scenery and cultural highlights.
  • Why it's a Top Pick for 2025: The VSOE is more than a train; it's a living legend. Its timeless appeal, combined with meticulous restoration and an unwavering commitment to luxury, ensures a truly unforgettable and iconic European adventure. New for 2025, look for potential new routes and enhanced experiences as the demand for slow, luxurious travel continues to soar.

2. The Royal Scotsman, Scotland: Highlands Grandeur

Belmond's Royal Scotsman offers an intimate and truly immersive journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. With a capacity for only 36 guests, it provides an exceptionally personalized and exclusive experience.

  • The Experience: Passengers are accommodated in beautifully appointed en-suite cabins, each exuding a warm and inviting Scottish charm. The observation car, with its open-air veranda, is the perfect spot to take in the breathtaking scenery. Dining on board is a culinary delight, featuring the finest Scottish produce and whiskies. Off-train excursions include visits to ancient castles, renowned distilleries, and picturesque lochs, often accompanied by local guides.
  • The Route: Various itineraries are available, such as "Wild Scotland" and "Taste of the Highlands," each designed to showcase the best of Scotland's natural beauty and rich heritage. The train often pauses for photo opportunities and guided walks, allowing guests to truly connect with the landscape.
  • Why it's a Top Pick for 2025: The Royal Scotsman offers a unique blend of rugged Scottish beauty and refined luxury. Its smaller capacity creates a convivial atmosphere, and the tailored excursions provide authentic insights into Scottish culture and history, making it a standout choice for those seeking a truly immersive and intimate journey.

And No. 1 Is in North America: The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada – Where Mountain Views Meet Glacial Waters

Without a doubt, for 2025, the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada claims the top spot for its unparalleled access to some of the world's most spectacular mountain scenery and shimmering glacial waters. This daylight-only luxury train journey is designed entirely for sightseeing, offering panoramic views from its custom-designed dome cars that are simply unrivaled.

  • The Experience: The Rocky Mountaineer is not a sleeper train; instead, it focuses on maximizing daylight viewing. Guests stay in carefully selected hotels each night, allowing for full appreciation of the majestic landscapes during the day. The GoldLeaf Service is the epitome of luxury, featuring bi-level dome coaches with panoramic windows on the upper level and a dedicated dining room on the lower level. Passengers enjoy a gourmet breakfast and lunch served onboard, with complimentary beverages and snacks throughout the journey. The open-air observation platforms provide an exhilarating way to breathe in the crisp mountain air and capture breathtaking photographs. SilverLeaf Service also offers large, oversized windows and delicious meals served at your seat.
  • The Route: The Rocky Mountaineer offers several iconic routes through the Canadian Rockies, each showcasing a unique facet of this incredible region:

    1. First Passage to the West: This classic route travels between Vancouver and Banff/Lake Louise, tracing the historic path of Canada's first transcontinental railway. It traverses dramatic canyons, follows powerful rivers, and offers views of iconic landmarks like Hell's Gate and the Spiral Tunnels.
    2. Journey Through the Clouds: Connecting Vancouver and Jasper, this route offers stunning vistas of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and follows the Fraser River with its salmon runs.
    3. Rainforest to Gold Rush: This journey from Vancouver to Jasper via Whistler and Quesnel delves into a diverse range of landscapes, from coastal rainforests to the rugged Fraser Canyon and the historic Cariboo gold rush region.

  • Mountain Views and Glacial Waters: The Rocky Mountaineer's routes are specifically designed to immerse passengers in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Imagine gazing out at colossal, snow-capped peaks that pierce the sky, their jagged forms reflected in turquoise glacial lakes and powerful, crystal-clear rivers. You'll witness the mesmerizing spectacle of ancient glaciers, their icy forms slowly carving out the landscape, and see the vibrant blue and emerald hues of glacial-fed waters, a testament to the pristine wilderness. The train's carefully chosen pathways hug canyons, skirt serene valleys, and navigate through dense forests, providing continuous, unobstructed views of this awe-inspiring natural masterpiece. Wildlife sightings, from majestic elk to black bears, are also a common delight.
  • Why it's the No. 1 Luxury Train for 2025: The Rocky Mountaineer's commitment to showcasing the natural splendor of the Canadian Rockies is unmatched. Its daylight-only operation ensures no spectacular view is missed, and the panoramic dome cars truly bring the outside in. The combination of world-class service, gourmet cuisine, and the sheer majesty of the scenery, particularly the direct access to incredible mountain views and the stunning glacial waters, solidifies its position as the ultimate luxury train journey for 2025, especially for those seeking an unforgettable North American adventure. It's not just a ride; it's an immersive expedition into the heart of one of the planet's most beautiful and untamed landscapes.

Planning Your Luxury Train Adventure in 2025

Luxury train travel is experiencing a significant surge in popularity, and for good reason. The slow, immersive pace, combined with exceptional service and unparalleled views, offers a truly unique way to explore. As you consider your 2025 travel plans, keep these tips in mind:

  • Book Early: Demand for these exclusive journeys is high, with many itineraries selling out well in advance. Booking as early as possible ensures you secure your desired dates and cabin class.
  • Consider the Season: Each season offers a different charm. Spring brings lush greenery and blossoming landscapes, summer offers long daylight hours for maximum viewing, and fall transforms the scenery with vibrant autumn colors.
  • Understand the Service Levels: Most luxury trains offer different service levels (e.g., GoldLeaf vs. SilverLeaf on the Rocky Mountaineer). Familiarize yourself with the inclusions and amenities of each to choose the experience that best suits your preferences and budget.
  • Embrace the Journey: Luxury train travel is about slowing down and savoring every moment. Disconnect from the digital world and fully immerse yourself in the evolving scenery, the gourmet meals, and the camaraderie with fellow travelers.
  • Extend Your Trip: Many luxury train operators partner with high-end hotels and tour companies, allowing you to seamlessly extend your rail journey with pre- or post-train excursions. This is particularly appealing for maximizing your experience in a region, especially when traveling to destinations like the Canadian Rockies, where further exploration of national parks like Banff and Jasper is highly recommended.

The Future of Luxury Train Travel

The future of luxury train travel looks brighter than ever. Operators are continuously innovating, introducing new routes, enhancing onboard amenities, and focusing on even more personalized experiences. There's a growing emphasis on sustainability, with many companies working to reduce their environmental footprint. As travelers increasingly seek meaningful and responsible ways to explore the world, luxury trains are perfectly positioned to meet this demand, offering an elegant and eco-conscious alternative to traditional modes of transport.

In 2025, the world's best luxury trains are not just taking you from point A to point B; they are offering a transformative journey, a chance to reconnect with the romance of travel, and an opportunity to witness the planet's most spectacular landscapes in unparalleled style. And for those seeking the ultimate combination of majestic mountain views and access to pristine glacial waters, the Rocky Mountaineer in North America stands ready to deliver an unforgettable adventure. All aboard for the journey of a lifetime!