Ranked: The World's 10 Most Luxurious Train Journeys
Time Out has unveiled a new list showcasing the most opulent train journeys across six continents. Among the highlights are Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer, which features glass-domed carriages on a two-night route from Vancouver to Banff; India's Deccan Odyssey, with prices beginning at $8,330; and Australia's Ghan, which travels from Darwin to Adelaide. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express brings back the elegance of the 1920s. Japan’s Seven Stars in Kyushu provides a circular experience via a lottery ticket system. The Eastern & Oriental Express runs between Bangkok and Singapore, while Rovos Rail in Africa offers excursions lasting from 48 hours to 15 days. The Blue Train in South Africa spans 1,600 kilometers with butler service, and the Royal Scotsman includes whisky tastings. Due to limited seats, early booking is recommended.
Key facts
- The list was compiled by Time Out and covers trains on six continents.
- Rocky Mountaineer travels between Vancouver and Banff with glass-domed carriages and a two-night journey.
- Deccan Odyssey offers six routes in India, with tickets starting at approximately $8,330.
- The Ghan runs from Darwin to Adelaide, with a stopover in Alice Springs.
- Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has restored seven historic cars from the 1920s.
- Seven Stars in Kyushu operates a two-day loop from Hakata via Nagasaki and Yufuin, with tickets allocated by lottery.
- The Blue Train covers 1,600 kilometers between Pretoria and Cape Town in about 27 hours.
- Rovos Rail offers journeys ranging from 48 hours to 15 days across southern and eastern Africa.
Entities
Institutions
- Time Out
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Deccan Odyssey
- The Ghan
- Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- Seven Stars in Kyushu
- Eastern & Oriental Express
- Rovos Rail
- Heritage Palace on Wheels
- Palace on Wheels
- The Blue Train
- Royal Scotsman
- Orient Express
- Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
- Journey Beyond Rail
- Japan Rail Pass
Locations
- Canada
- Vancouver
- Banff
- Indian
- Gujarat
- Maharashtra
- Australia
- Darwin
- Adelaide
- Alice Springs
- Japan
- Hakata
- Nagasaki
- Yufuin
- Kyushu
- Bangkok
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- River Kwai
- Victoria Falls
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Pretoria
- Cape Town
- Kimberley
- Scottish Highlands
- Scotland
- Paris
- Istanbul
- London
- Venice
- Europe
- North America
- Outback
- Canadian Rockies
- Africa
- Southeast Asia
Sources
- Quartz —