Luxury Train Journey: Exploring the World in Rail
When I think about trains, I often define them as the world’s slowest mode of transport. But when I think deeper, the more I realise that slowness is exactly what makes a luxury train journey one of the most iconic and adventurous ways to travel.
Trains are slow yes, but they give time to notice and feel the landscapes, cities, and wildlife adventure that may flash past if in a plane or car.
Luxury train journey offers an adventurous, slow-travel experience, blending old-fashioned with modern amenities to explore the scenic landscapes.
How a Luxury Train Journey Works
Luxury train travel is a slow-paced, all-inclusive hotel, offering a curated travel experience with private, luxury cabins, gourmet dining, and personalised steward service.
Luxury train travel is much like cruise travel which allow passengers onboard travel to multiple destinations with just one unpacking. The crucial aspects include:
- Booking and payment: Choose a desired route, pay the fare and book in advance, as popular trains can fill up quickly.
- Documentation: Digital or printed tickets presented while boarding.
- Packing: Pack for comfort and style, (a mix of formal evenings and casual, comfortable day wear, and dress code for adventures or excursions). Also pack essentials like, chargers, medicine and a camera.
- Daily life onboard: Passengers spent days in lounges and observation cars, while evenings may feature socialising and entertainment. Personalised steward service from staff offers a quality experience.
- Itinerary: Scheduled off-train tours are well planned and passengers are to strictly adhere to them.
Life Onboard a Luxury Train
The luxury train life onboard offers a vintage and nostalgic experience combined with modern comfort. The key features of a luxury train voyage include:
- Accommodation: Private, well-established suites with en-suite bathroom, and often offer 24-hour service.
- Dining: Multi-course meals prepared in traditional style and international by top chefs and served in elegant dining cars.
- Excursion: carefully, organised off-train excursions to wildlife adventure, historic sites, or scenic spots.
- Unique Atmosphere: Vintage and nostalgic restored carriage with modern amenities, creating an adventurous and enjoyable travel experience.
Top Iconic Luxury Trains
Top luxury train voyage is determined by the adventurous experience and activities offered by the train.
Madaraka Express (SGR, Kenya)
SGR is a luxurious train experience in Kenya, offering a high-end 6-hour service between Nairobi and Mombasa. Even though, SGR don’t have private sleeping cabins, it does qualify to be a luxury train.
The key features in SGR include:
- Luxurious experience: SGR offers spacious, rotating seats with ample legroom, foot rests and charging ports. The voyage offers scenic, elevated views,(Tsavo National Park), the wildlife sightseeing from the window.
- Dining: SGR, offers personalised, high-quality catering services, (beverages and meals) brought directly to the passenger seats.
- Unique Atmosphere: SGR ticket holders have access to premium lounges at both station terminals for a private, and comfortable boarding experience.
Rovos Rail (Africa)
Rovos rail Rail, known as “Pride of Africa” offers an iconic old-world elegance and luxury across Southern Africa, including routes to Cape Town, Victoria Falls and Dar es Salaam.
The Rovos Rail provides a unique, and scenic way to explore the continent. The key features that make the train iconic include:
- Luxurious experience: The Rail offers 5-star services, with a 48-hour to 15-night traversing South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Tanzania.The train has a smoking lounge, gift shop and an observation car with a famous open-air balcony for amazing scenic viewing. The coaches have traditional furnishings and period decor that are comfortable and cosy for the travellers.
- Accommodation: The rail has luxurious spacious suites that accommodate a maximum of 72 passengers. All cabins are equipped with a writing surface, a personal safe for valuables, and USB charging ports.
- Pullman Suites: Approximately 76 square feet, are significantly more comfortable and have a split one double bed, converted to sofa seats during the day. Have a full en-suite bathroom and a fold-up writing desk.
- Deluxe Suites: Approximately 108 square feet, there are three in each train carriage. They have either side-by-side twin beds or a large double-size bed, en-suite toilet, sink and shower, a small lounge area with a writing desk and two chairs.
- Royal Suite: Approximately 172 square feet, has either a king or side-by-side twin bed, an en-suite bathroom with a Victorian bathtub and shower, and a separate, private lounge with a desk and two armchairs.
- Dining: Two 42-seat dining cars in tables of two or four and 26 26-seat lounge car. Formal dinners require jackets and ties for gentlemen and dressy outfits for ladies. Meals include four-course (traditional dishes), fine dining and South African wines.
- Excursion: The voyage includes off-train, supervised excursions to game reserves, historic sites and a golf course.
- Unique Atmosphere: Rovos Express offers a nostalgic, romantic, and adventurous experience and is designed for a slower travel pace.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe)
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the world’s most luxurious train that offers a vintage travel experience across Europe. It connects cities like London, Paris, Venice and Istanbul. It operates mainly from March to November.
The luxury train, key features including:
- Luxurious experience: The train offers seasonal trips to Istanbul, Prague and Vienna and famous routes include; London to Venice, and Paris to Venice.
- Accommodation:
- Historic Twins Cabin: Approximately 30 square feet, has upper/ lower beds that fold into a seat during the day and a sink fitted into a corner.
- Suites: It has an en-suite bathroom and shower, either double or twin beds that can be converted into a seating area during the day. Also has bath amenities, a kimono, and slippers.
- Grand Suites: Are comfortable and expensive, approximately 115 square feet. It has 6 grand suites,(Paris, Istanbul, Venice, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest), with a double bed, a separate living area with a table, chair and sofa, and an en-suite bathroom with a shower, sink and toilet.
- Dining: 3 dining cars,(Étoile du Nord, L’Oriental and Côte d’Azur). Offer 5-star food experience, champagne bar and 24-hour steward service.
- Excursions: It offers private rides to Venice and Rome. Walking tours of Venice and visits to the Doge’s Palace.
- Unique Atmosphere: The train offers 1920s art deco design, with restored woodwork and Lalique glass.
Maharajas’ Express (India)
Maharajas’ Express is a custom-built luxurious train in India offering an iconic and adventurous trip. It has state-of-the-art facilities and amenities. It offers all- all-inclusive voyage across North and Central India.
The train key features include:
- Luxurious experience: The Rajah Club welcomes guests back from excursions with drinks, and the bartender is always on 24-hour service. There is also a Safari Bar, and an onboard gift shop.
- Accommodation: All cabins have large picture windows, DVD players, LCD television, telephone, digital climate control and Wi-Fi, en-suite bathroom with sink, shower and toilets and a full-time butler.
- Deluxe Cabin: About 112 square feet, one double bed or two twin beds, a small writing desk and a chair.
- Junior Suite: About 150 square feet, either a double bed or twin beds, a table and two chairs, a seating area and a viewing window.
- Suite: Has two suites, each about 220 square feet, with a double bed and a larger seating area separate from the bedroom, two windows and a larger bathroom,(with shower and bathtub).
- Presidential Suite: About 448 square feet, with two bedrooms (1 with a double bed and 1 with twin beds), two bathrooms (the master includes a bathtub), and a large seating area with a couch, table and chairs and a desk.
- Dining: 42-seat passengers each at the Rang Mahal (Colour Palace) and Mayur Mahal (Peacock Palace) dining cars.
Offer Indian and Continental multi-course cuisine and vegetarian options. - Excursions: Offer guided tours of forts, palaces, and cultural landmarks,(Fatehpur Sikri and Amber Fort). Safaris in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve and tours of cities, (Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaipur).
- Unique Atmosphere: The train is blended in royal historic Indian opulence and modern luxury which makes it feel like a palace on the rail.
Eastern and Oriental Express (Asia)
Eastern and Oriental Express is one of the most beautiful trains in the world. The train travels between Singapore, Malaysia and Bangkok. The crucial features include:
- Luxurious experience: The train has a lounge area with complimentary Wi-Fi, an outdoor is located with teak wood and smoking is permitted.
- Accommodation: Total capacity of guests is estimated at 64 travellers. All cabins are air-conditioned, including private bathroom with sink, shower and toilets, complimentary Wi-Fi and 24-hour bell service. Also, they are all decorated with beautiful cherry wood and elm burr and adorned with marquetry and inlays.
- Presidential Cabin: Has two Presidential Cabins, about 125 square feet of space, with a couch, a long table and two chairs, and a spacious bathroom. Also has complimentary mini bars and hot breakfast, private transfer to/from train station and docking station and a bluetooth speaker in the cabin.
- State Cabin: 20 state cabins on the train, about 84 square feet, with a couch, fixed chair and desk chair. At night, the seat converts to two lower sleeping berths.
- Pullman Cabin: 10 double Pullman Cabins, about 62 square feet each, have a couch that converts to one upper/lower sleeping berth.
- Dining: There are three dining cars, (Adisorn, Rosaline, and Malaya), with about 28 guests each. The food blends Western and Eastern international culinary styles. Breakfast and afternoon tea are served in the cabin while lunch and dinner are served in the dining cars. Also has a Saloon car which can accommodate 16 guests.
- Excursion: Exploring the beach relaxation, snorkelling and cultural experiences in, (Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi Island, and Penang), the wildlife experience and boat trip in, (Taman Negara National Park in Malaysia).
- Unique Atmosphere: It offers relaxing treatment, (massages and facials) as the train travels through scenic wonders, perfect for unwinding.
The Ghan (Australia &New Zealand)
The Ghan is a premier Australian luxury train offering all-inclusive, transcontinental travel. It travels about 3000km between Adelaide and Darwin over 3 days/nights.
Ghan’s important features include:
- Accommodation:
- Australis and Aurora Suites: It has a large queen bed, separate sitting areas, expansive wardrobes and an en-suite bathroom with Jurlique toiletries. It also includes exclusive off-train experiences, champagne Bollinger La Grande Année, personalised in-suite bars, and an exclusive unpacking service.
- Platinum Cabin: 24 Platinum class cabins, approximately 82.5 square feet. The interior is furnished in Tasmanian Myrtle wood. Private en-suite shower, sink and toilet. Double or twin beds that can be converted lounge area by day.
- Gold Suites: It offers 3 cabin service,(Gold Suite, Gold Twin and Gold Single), with en-suite bathroom, toilet and shower.
- Dining: Non-Platinum guests have their all-inclusive meals in the Queen Adelaide restaurant cars, breakfast, two-course lunch and three-course dinner. While Platinum guests dine in the exclusive Platinum Club car.
- Excursions: Travel experiences through the heart of the continent stopping in Katherine, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy.
- Unique Atmosphere: The slow pace and elegant decor offer a romantic and adventurous experience.
Other Luxury Train Travel
Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)
Golden Eagle Silk Road Express (Asia)
Glacier Express (Europe)
Choosing the Right Luxury Train Journey
Choosing a suitable luxury train journey is important for an adventurous and enjoyable trip. The determination of luxury travel matters a lot, either as a solo traveller, family or group of friends.
The most important factor to consider includes:
- Itinerary and Route: Decide the type of scenery you prefer, African savannah experience, (Rovos Rail) dramatic mountain range, (Rocky Mountaineer) or romantic European cities (Venice Simplon-Orient-Express).
- Budget: Select a luxury train journey that is budget-friendly, book earlier, and travel off-season for a less expensive journey. Decide depending on route length, cabin type, and season.
- Duration: Depending on either a quick getaway or a long vacation. The distance and time matter.
- Logistics: Consider earlier planning, packing and arriving earlier.
- Selecting the right cabin: Consider a budget-friendly cabin, location and amenities offered.
- Train activities: Consider the different activities offered on the train and choose depending on the most incredible adventurous and enjoyable activities of your liking.
- Book in advance: Premium cabins on popular routes fill up quickly, often requiring booking six to twelve months in advance.
- Pack wisely: Ensure to include essential and personal necessities in the journey.
- Travel insurance: A Travel insurance policy is a smart budget tip as it may pay for your voyage. It also opts to offers medical insurance and accident-based insurance.
Final Thoughts
A luxury train journey is a rewarding all-inclusive experience and it gives you an opportunity to travel multiple destinations in one single journey and with just one unpacking.
Just remember, if you want an enjoyable and exciting experience, a little preparation goes a long way. Plan smart, pack smart and stay flexible. With the tips and knowledge above, you’re well-equipped to navigate the Luxury train voyage.
Make a decision, pack smart and travel in luxury this year!
FAQs
Is there Internet access?
Yes, there is Wi-Fi onboard. Majority of luxury trains have computers in their lounges allowing passengers to access the Internet and browse.
What types of payment are acceptable?
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted methods of payment. Wire transfer and PayPal are also accepted by major luxury trains.
How much should I budget for a luxury train journey?
Budgeting varies by destination and type of luxury train.
Do research on the different prices offered by each luxury train and plan a budget depending on the Itinerary and services provided.
