The Ultimate Guide to the Best Train Trips in the World: 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards

The Best Train Trips in the World: Top Luxury Rail Journeys for 2026

Rail travel has experienced a dramatic resurgence, evolving from a simple mode of transportation into one of the most rewarding and immersive travel experiences available today. Traversing dramatic landscapes, majestic mountain ranges, and historic countryside in total comfort, luxury trains allow travelers to slow down and savor the journey as much as the destination.

Picture: The Rocky Mountaineer | timeout.com

Recognizing the top rail experiences across the globe, Condé Nast Traveller magazine has officially unveiled the winners of the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. Marking the 29th edition of this prestigious annual event, the awards are determined entirely by the authentic votes and real-world experiences of travel enthusiasts and magazine readers worldwide.

From hyper-luxury sleeper trains with private spa facilities to panoramic glass-domed cars navigating wild mountain passes, this year’s definitive list highlights fifteen exceptional rail routes that define modern luxury travel.

Ranking the 15 Best Train Journeys in the World

Here are the top fifteen luxury rail itineraries across Scotland, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, as chosen by CN Traveller readers in 2026:

Royal Scotsman, Scotland
Rovos Rail, Africa
Britannic Explorer, United Kingdom
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
The Maharaja Express, India
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
British Pullman, England
Golden Eagle Danube Express, Europe
The Ghan, Australia
Northern Belle, United Kingdom
Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia
Glacier Express, Switzerland
La Dolce Vita Orient Express, Italy
Andean Explorer, Peru
Indian Pacific, Australia

Spotlight on the Champion: Scotland's Royal Scotsman

Claiming the top spot in the 2026 rankings, the Royal Scotsman offers an unmatched rail journey through the majestic Scottish Highlands. Blending traditional Scottish hospitality with modern opulence, this iconic train delivers an intimate luxury experience.

Unrivaled Comfort and Luxury Amenities

Intimate Accommodations: Features 18 elegantly appointed sleeping cabins designed to convey the warmth and sophistication of a country house.
Fine Dining: Two exquisite dining carriages serve locally sourced gourmet cuisine paired with fine wines and rare whiskies.
Onboard Wellness: A custom-designed Dior Spa car offers tailored beauty and wellness treatments, providing complete relaxation against the backdrop of rolling Scottish hills.

Unforgettable Highland Routes

The Highland Journey: A signature three-night circuit winding through Edinburgh, Keith, Kyle of Lochalsh, and Boat of Garten.
Grand Tour of Scotland: An expansive seven-night itinerary exploring ancient castles, secluded lochs, and coastal scenery.

New for 2026: 'Taste of Scotland Culinary Series'

Elevating the culinary journey, the Royal Scotsman is launching the 'Taste of Scotland Culinary Series' in 2026. This limited three-trip culinary celebration showcases world-renowned guest chefs, rare single-malt scotch tastings, and hyper-local farm-to-table dining experiences tailored specifically for food and wine connoisseurs.

Iconic European Rail Experiences

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

The pinnacle of vintage rail travel, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express transports guests back to the golden age of travel. Restored 1920s Art Deco carriages feature polished wood paneling, fine crystal, and world-class culinary art as the train glides past European capitals, alpine peaks, and romantic valleys.

La Dolce Vita Orient Express, Italy

A newer arrival to the European rail scene, Italy's La Dolce Vita Orient Express combines glamorous 1960s and 70s Italian design with breathtaking regional routes. Passengers enjoy curated itineraries through Tuscany, the coast of southern Italy, and historic art capitals, highlighting authentic Italian gastronomy and culture.

Glacier Express, Switzerland

Known as the world's slowest express train, Switzerland's Glacier Express provides an incredible panoramic journey connecting St. Moritz and Zermatt. Sliding past soaring alpine ridges, deep gorges, and charming mountain villages, large glass dome windows ensure sweeping Views of the Swiss Alps throughout the day.

Spectacular Train Expeditions Across Africa and Asia

Rovos Rail, Africa

Widely recognized as the "Pride of Africa," Rovos Rail delivers classic luxury through the African continent. Route options span from short weekend getaways through South Africa to multi-day transcontinental journeys crossing Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania, complete with safari excursions and period-accurate wood-paneled suites.

The Maharaja Express, India

Redefining luxury travel across the Indian subcontinent, The Maharaja Express offers regal itineraries visiting iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal, Jaipur's palaces, and Varanasi's sacred ghats. Guests experience opulent suite cabins, butler services, private off-train cultural tours, and royal dining rooms.

Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia

Sweeping through lush tropical landscapes, palm plantations, and historic cities between Singapore and Malaysia, the Eastern & Oriental Express blends colonial elegance with Asian hospitality. An open-air observation car allows passengers to take in equatorial breezes and vibrant rainforest views.

Transcontinental Adventures: Australia and the Americas

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

Navigating the majestic Canadian Rockies, the Rocky Mountaineer is famous for its custom glass-domed GoldLeaf service. Travelers enjoy unobstructed views of snow-capped mountain peaks, river canyons, and wilderness wildlife while enjoying gourmet chef-prepared meals on the lower level.

The Ghan & Indian Pacific, Australia

Australia's legendary long-distance trains offer expansive continental journeys:

The Ghan: Cuts through the red center of Australia from Adelaide to Darwin, offering unforgettable desert excursions in Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge.
Indian Pacific: Spans the continent coast-to-coast between Sydney and Perth, crossing the Nullarbor Plain and historic mining towns.

Andean Explorer, Peru

As South America's first luxury sleeper train, Peru's Andean Explorer travels along high-altitude routes connecting Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Arequipa. Guests can unwind in stylish modern suites while taking in breathtaking views of the high Andean plains.

Why Luxury Train Travel Is Dominating Global Travel Trends

The Evolution of Slow Travel

Modern travelers increasingly value meaningful travel experiences over fast-paced itineraries. Slow travel allows guests to engage deeply with changing landscapes, historic rail routes, and regional traditions without the stress of frequent flights, airport security, or hotel transfers.

Sustainable and Conscious Travel

Rail travel offers a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to domestic air travel. For eco-conscious luxury travelers, luxury trains represent an environmentally responsible way to explore remote, pristine wilderness areas without sacrificing comfort or luxury.

Key Considerations when Booking a Luxury Train Vacation

Choosing the Right Itinerary and Duration

Day Trips & Short Circuits: Options like the British Pullman or Northern Belle offer daytime dining excursions perfect for celebrations.
Multi-Day Expeditions: Longer journeys on Rovos Rail or The Ghan span several days to over a week, serving as complete, all-inclusive vacation experiences.

Understanding Inclusions and Seasons

Most luxury train packages operate on an all-inclusive basis, covering fine dining, premium beverages, private sleeping quarters, guided off-train excursions, and onboard entertainment. Peak operational seasons vary by region, making early reservations essential—often 9 to 12 months in advance—due to limited cabin capacity on popular lines.

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