Luxury Train Journeys: Slow Travel With Five-Star Comfort on the Rails

There’s something undeniably romantic about hearing the whistle of a train and knowing the next stop could be Venice, the Highlands, or the edge of the Andes. In an era obsessed with instant gratification, luxury train journeys invite us to slow down, sip champagne, and savor the view—one elegantly plated course at a time.

As a personal vacation planner with a luxury travel agency that partners directly with icons like Belmond and Orient Express, I can tell you: train travel is no longer just transportation—it’s transformation. These rolling hotels offer the best of both worlds—five-star comfort and unforgettable adventure—all without the stress of airports or unpacking every night.

From Italy’s brand-new Orient Express La Dolce Vita to the timeless Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, luxury rail experiences are redefining what it means to travel in comfort. So grab your passport (and perhaps your silk pajamas), because the golden age of rail is back—and better than ever.

How Train Travel Combines Nostalgia, Comfort, and Scenic Exploration

Luxury train journeys are a rare blend of nostalgia and innovation. They recall the elegance of 1920s rail travel—mahogany paneling, crystal glassware, white-gloved service—but with every modern indulgence discreetly added. Picture this: you board your private cabin, greeted by your steward with a flute of champagne. The train glides away, the scenery unfolds, and suddenly, you remember what slow travel feels like.

Each rail experience is designed to immerse travelers in both landscape and story. You wake up to snow-capped Alps, dine beside a passing castle, and fall asleep to the rhythm of the rails. The comfort level rivals the finest hotels—think marble bathrooms, plush bedding, and Michelin-inspired menus.

And for travelers who crave connection over commotion, these exclusive train trips deliver. No baggage claim. No chaos. Just panoramic windows, attentive service, and the delicious sense that time itself has paused for you.

Iconic Luxury Train Routes & Their Amenities Around the World

Europe: The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Belmond)

The grand dame of rail travel—and perhaps the most iconic train journey on earth—the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express evokes old-world glamour like nothing else. Operated by Belmond, this Art Deco masterpiece travels routes from Paris to Venice, Budapest, Florence, Istanbul, and beyond.

Each carriage is a piece of living history, featuring polished wood, Lalique glass, and intimate cabins that transform into cozy suites by night. Guests dine in restaurant cars like Côte d’Azur and L’Oriental, where Chef Jean Imbert crafts seasonal menus worthy of Michelin stars. For 2025, Belmond introduces L’Observatoire Suite by JR—a full-carriage suite designed by the renowned artist, complete with its own fireplace, library, and record player.

This is train travel at its most cinematic—think Agatha Christie with better wine and Wi-Fi.

Scotland: The Royal Scotsman (Belmond)

If tartan, whisky, and the sound of bagpipes stir your heart, board the Royal Scotsman. This luxury rail journey through the Scottish Highlands redefines comfort on the move. Inside its carriages, 20 sumptuous suites include Grand Suites and twin cabins, while the Dior Spa Car—yes, that Dior—offers facials and massages with Highland views.

Routes like “Taste of the Highlands” and “Clans, Castles and Isles” blend adventure with indulgence, combining distillery tours, castle visits, and on-board fine dining. It’s part rail experience, part storybook—luxury in plaid and polished brass.

Asia: The Eastern & Oriental Express (Belmond)

From Singapore to Malaysia, this jewel-toned train glides past jungles, coastlines, and temples. The newly relaunched Eastern & Oriental Express (returning in 2024–2025) features Presidential Suites, a Dior Spa, and restaurant cars serving menus by acclaimed chef André Chiang.

Its itineraries—Wild Malaysia and Essence of Malaysia—offer wildlife excursions in Taman Negara National Park, art walks in Penang, and open-air cocktails in the Observation Car. The design celebrates Southeast Asia’s cultural vibrancy, marrying teak finishes with contemporary art.

If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping a Pisco Sour while gliding through a rainforest, this is your train.

South America: The Andean Explorer (Belmond)

Crossing the Peruvian Andes from Cusco to Arequipa, the Andean Explorer is South America’s only luxury overnight train. Its interiors channel Peruvian artistry with handwoven textiles and soft, Andean-inspired color palettes. Expect spa treatments between panoramic views of Lake Titicaca, elegant dining cars (Muña and Llama), and live music in the Observatory Bar.

It’s a moving boutique hotel—complete with open-air decks and itineraries like Spirit of the Andes and Peruvian Highlands. Few trips offer this blend of cultural depth, natural wonder, and rail comfort.

Italy: La Dolce Vita Orient Express

Launching soon, La Dolce Vita Orient Express brings Italy’s golden era back to life. With only 48 guests and 24 en-suite cabins, this intimate rail experience captures the romance of 1960s cinema with Michelin-level dining, curated off-board excursions, and interiors by award-winning designers.

Routes explore iconic destinations like Rome, Venice, and Sicily, allowing guests to pair their rail journey with stays at Orient Express Hotels—like the brand’s forthcoming palazzi in Rome and Venice.

If the original Venice Simplon represents timeless grandeur, La Dolce Vita is its chic, modern heir—perfect for travelers who want luxury and a little sprezzatura.

The British Pullman (Belmond, U.K.)

A love letter to the golden age of steam, the British Pullman offers day trips through the English countryside in restored 1920s carriages. Sip afternoon tea, enjoy Wes Anderson-designed interiors (yes, really), and choose from themed journeys like The Golden Age of Travel by Steam or Murder Mystery Lunch.

It’s ideal for travelers seeking luxury rail experiences without crossing continents—proof that train travel in comfort doesn’t have to be long-haul.

Conclusion

Luxury train journeys are the epitome of refined exploration—slow, soulful, and endlessly romantic. They transform travel into an experience rather than an itinerary, offering comfort and connection that few modern trips can match.

Whether you’re tracing the Alps on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, watching mist rise over Loch Lomond on the Royal Scotsman, or dining at 12,000 feet aboard Peru’s Andean Explorer, one truth holds: luxury rail experiences make the journey the destination.

As your personal vacation planner, I’ll handle every booking, cabin selection, and off-board experience—partnering with the world’s most exclusive rail lines to ensure your trip runs as smoothly as the tracks themselves.

Because in the end, the best luxury travel isn’t about how fast you move—it’s about how beautifully you get there.