The best luxury rail trips in the world for 2026 are the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Europe, the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, and The Ghan in Australia. These journeys lead global travel rankings because they combine historic prestige with modern high-end amenities like private suites and fine dining. Other top-rated expeditions include the Maharajas' Express in India, Rovos Rail in South Africa, and the high-altitude Belmond Andean Explorer in Peru.
Top Ranked Luxury Train Routes for 2026
Modern rail travel has shifted toward immersive "slow luxury" experiences. Based on current search volume and traveler demand, the following ten routes are the most prestigious rail expeditions globally.
1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE)
Launched in 1883, the VSOE remains the definitive symbol of golden-age travel. It features meticulously restored 1920s carriages and Michelin-standard dining.
- Country of Origin: France and Italy
- Point to Point: Paris to Venice
- Distance & Duration: 1,118 km over 24 hours
- Price: From $5,100 per person
- Link to Book: Belmond - Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
2. Rocky Mountaineer: First Passage to the West
This service is world-renowned for its custom-designed glass-domed coaches that offer 180-degree views of the Canadian Rockies during daylight hours.
- Country of Origin: Canada
- Point to Point: Vancouver to Banff
- Distance & Duration: ~900 km over 2 days
- Price: From $3,780 per person
- Link to Book: Rocky Mountaineer Official Site
3. The Ghan Expedition
Named after Afghan camel drivers, The Ghan is Australia's premier transcontinental journey, traversing the red heart of the Outback.
- Country of Origin: Australia
- Point to Point: Darwin to Adelaide
- Distance & Duration: 2,979 km over 4 days
- Price: From $2,400 per person
- Link to Book: Journey Beyond - The Ghan
4. The Maharajas' Express
This train recreates the personal carriages of Indian royalty. It offers 24/7 butler service and off-train excursions to iconic sites like the Taj Mahal.
- Country of Origin: India
- Point to Point: Delhi to Mumbai
- Distance & Duration: ~2,771 km over 7 days
- Price: From $8,800 per person
- Link to Book: The Maharajas' Express
5. Rovos Rail: Pride of Africa
Rovos Rail maintains a strictly vintage atmosphere with open-air observation cars and wood-paneled suites, traveling through the diverse landscapes of Southern Africa.
- Country of Origin: South Africa
- Point to Point: Pretoria to Cape Town
- Distance & Duration: 1,600 km over 3 to 4 days
- Price: From $2,450 per person
- Link to Book: Rovos Rail Official Site
6. Seven Stars in Kyushu
Japan's most exclusive cruise train accommodates only 28 guests. It focuses on the refined craftsmanship, traditional woodwork, and seasonal cuisine of the Kyushu region.
- Country of Origin: Japan
- Point to Point: Fukuoka (Circular route)
- Distance & Duration: 4 days and 3 nights
- Price: From $8,400 per person
- Link to Book: Seven Stars Kyushu
7. Al Andalus
This train uses luxury carriages built for the British Royal Family in the early 20th century, now restored to carry passengers through historic Spanish cities.
- Country of Origin: Spain
- Point to Point: Seville to Madrid
- Distance & Duration: ~1,250 km over 7 days
- Price: From $7,100 per person
- Link to Book: Tren Al Andalus
8. Belmond Andean Explorer
This is one of the world's highest rail routes. It travels across the Peruvian Altiplano and features an open-air observation car for viewing the Andes.
- Country of Origin: Peru
- Point to Point: Cusco to Arequipa
- Distance & Duration: ~680 km over 3 days
- Price: From $1,200 per person
- Link to Book: Belmond - Andean Explorer
9. Eastern & Oriental Express
Relaunched with a focus on Southeast Asian heritage, this train travels through the Malaysian rainforest and includes a specialized Dior Spa carriage.
- Country of Origin: Singapore and Malaysia
- Point to Point: Singapore to Singapore (Circular)
- Distance & Duration: ~1,200 km over 4 days
- Price: From $3,140 per person
- Link to Book: Belmond - Eastern & Oriental Express
10. Glacier Express: Excellence Class
Known as the slowest express train in the world, the Excellence Class offers a five-star experience through the Swiss Alps with a private bar and seven-course meals.
- Country of Origin: Switzerland
- Point to Point: Zermatt to St. Moritz
- Distance & Duration: 291 km over 8 hours
- Price: From $540 per person
- Link to Book: Glacier Express Official Site
Stay Connected on Your Global Rail Journey
Maintaining a reliable internet connection is a common challenge when traversing remote landscapes or crossing multiple international borders by rail. To avoid the hassle of local SIM swaps or expensive roaming fees, an eSIM from Eskimo offers a seamless way to stay online throughout your trip.
For multi-country routes like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, an Eskimo eSIM ensures continuous data coverage as you transition between France, Switzerland, and Italy. Eskimo’s universal eSIM is designed for the modern traveler with several key benefits:
- 2-Year Validity: All fixed data plans remain valid for two years at no extra cost.
- Data Rollover: Extend any leftover data for another two years simply by purchasing a new plan.
- Universal eSIM: Install the eSIM once and enjoy connectivity across all destinations without swapping SIMs.
- Instant Data Transfer: Easily send or receive data to other Eskimo members using just a mobile number.
- Flexible Activation: Your plan only begins when you connect to a supported network at your destination.
- Unlimited Speeds: Experience full 4G/5G speeds with no daily throttling or limits on fixed plans.
New users can get started with a free 500MB global data trial to test the service before committing to a larger plan. It is a practical way to ensure you can navigate, translate, and share your rail adventure without interruption.
FAQs
What is the best luxury train for views?
The Rocky Mountaineer and the Glacier Express are the best for views due to their specialized glass-domed carriages designed for 180-degree panoramic sightseeing.
Can I book a private suite on these trains?
Yes, most luxury trains like The Maharajas' Express and Rovos Rail offer various suite levels, including Presidential Suites with private living areas and en-suite bathrooms.
Do luxury trains have Wi-Fi?
Most modern luxury trains like the Rocky Mountaineer offer Wi-Fi. Vintage services such as Rovos Rail intentionally lack Wi-Fi in cabins. To stay connected during off-train excursions, using a global eSIM from Eskimo is recommended.
Are meals and drinks included in the price?
On premier journeys like The Ghan and The Maharajas' Express, the fare is typically all-inclusive, covering fine dining, premium beverages, and guided off-train tours.
What is the best time of year for a luxury rail trip?
The ideal timing depends on the region. May to September is best for the Rocky Mountaineer and European routes, while September to November is the peak season for Rovos Rail and The Ghan.
