It’s not the destination, it’s the journey, as the saying famously goes. If you’re jetting off on a luxury holiday to Africa, India or beyond, you may as well travel in style. Long popular as a slow, scenic way of turning a necessary journey into an unforgettable experience, the world’s most luxurious train journeys are so lavish that travelling onboard is often as incredible as the destinations you’ll end up in.

Taking travellers back to a bygone era, these trains offer lavish dining cars, onboard bars and suites to match any five-star hotel. Add to this private butlers, marble-tiled bathrooms and guided excursions to landmarks along the way and it’s easy to see why luxury train journeys are more than worth their price tag. From a restored locomotive that still offers African safaris, to a traditional route into the misty Andean mountains, as well as journeys closer to home, these incredible train journeys will put even the most seasoned first-class explorer off travelling by plane ever again. 

Plus, as Belmond launches its first UK sleeper train and the Orient Express debuts Italy’s first luxury locomotive this year, 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for adventures by rail. Here are the world’s most beautiful train journeys to book now.

Britannic Explorer, UK

One of the most highly-anticipated launches in the world of luxury travel this year is Belmond’s brand-new Britannic Explorer: its first luxury sleeper train touring the rolling countryside of England and Wales. Having kicked off its first tour earlier this month, book now to secure one of three gorgeous Grand Suites – named Elder, Valerian and Juniper and designed to reflect the fauna and flora of the British countryside – which feature plush double beds, marble ensuite, lounge area that comes with personal butler service and one complimentary spa treatment. 

A rarity in the world of rail is onboard spas, but the Wellness Suite here is an exception. Having partnered with Wildsmith Skin, the treatment menu is extensive, offering calming facials and 75-minute muscle recovery massages. Food is courtesy of farm-to-fork pioneer and Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, so expect dishes of St Ives spider crab and Devon duck roasted with fennel, before indulging in cocktail hour at the Observation Car. 

Britannic Explorer will depart from London, offering three-night and six-night journeys through the landscapes of Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales. By day, optional off-train excursions have been designed to showcase each destination, from boat tours of Fowey in Cornwall to exploring Lingholm Estate – a Grade II listed Victorian mansion where author Beatrix Potter holidayed – in the Lake District. If Britannic Explorer is here to prove anything, it’s that luxury train travel is anything but boring. 

From £11,000 for a three-night itinerary.

La Dolce Vita Orient Express, Italy

Another new train for 2025 is La Dolce Vita Orient Express. Having debuted on the railways in April, it has been crafted to evoke the glamour of 1960s Italy – think geometric echoes reminiscent of architect Gio Ponti, the modernism of Gae Aulenti, and touches of Osvaldo Borsani – across 31 cabins, 18 suites, 12 deluxe cabins and the signature La Dolce Vita suite. As the first Italian-made luxury train created by Arsenale and Orient Express, it marks the inaugural model of Italy’s first private luxury rail fleet, which will ultimately comprise six bespoke trains in years to come. 

Traversing 14 Italian regions, La Dolce Vita Orient Express offers eight itineraries, from the canals of Venice to the coves of Portofino, the medieval charm of Siena to the sun-drenched stones of Matera. Onboard, guests can relax at the tangerine-hued Orient Express Lounge for an Italian aperitivo or two, before enjoying menus by world-renowned chef Heinz Beck, all inspired by the regions they traverse. Bellissimo. 

The two-night Venice to Portofino journey starts from £6,450 per person. 

British Pullman, UK

Image: Pia Riverol

Cygnus carriage by Wes Anderson. Image: Oli Douglas

Ideal for those who love the idea of train travel but are sceptical of the sleepers, Belmond’s British Pullman offers an array of journeys all departing and returning from London Victoria station in the same day. Offering curated itineraries to cities such as Oxford and Bath, famous sites like Blenheim Palace and Downton Abbey’s Highclere Castle, and signature sojourns to the Kentish countryside and Surrey, the train operates almost daily from February to December, inviting guests to sit back and relax among the Art Deco opulence of its eight, lovingly-restored 1920s carriages. 

Following in similar footsteps to its sister, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, British Pullman embodies a contemporary golden age of travel look and feel, where each carriage bears its own name and history, with antique-style marquetry, vintage lighting and plush upholstery. Top-notch gastronomy and white-glove service is at the beating heart of the experience, featuring menus of British fare devised by chef Jon Freeman. New for 2025 are three new journeys, each with a new menu curated by Michelin-starred chefs Andrew Wong, Atul Kochhar and Phil Howard, each bringing their own distinctive vision to the Pullman’s iconic dining experience – a must for foodies. 

Leaning into its Roaring Twenties heritage, British Pullman also hosts regular immersive theatre journeys with the Moving Murder Mystery lunches and The Carriage Club cabaret dinners. And for film fanatics, the train is home to the new Cygnus carriage, entirely designed by pioneering filmmaker Wes Anderson, and where bold modern design meets timeless craftmanship. You won’t want to miss it. 

From £485 per person. 

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

L’Observatoire

Belmond’s Venice-Simplon Orient Express may be the most famous train in the world, frequented by celebrities and a fictional murder or two. Its routes take passengers across France, Switzerland, Turkey and Italy, with its namesake signature journey connecting two of Europe's most romantic cities: Paris and Venice. Interiors are reminiscent of the golden age of rail travel, from the wood and gold-clad private cabins to three carefully restored 1920s dining cars and the romantically-lit Bar Car 3674, complete with a pianist.

Passengers can choose to rest their heads in a variety of rooms, starting with the Historic Cabins (eight per carriage) featuring banquette sofas to watch the landscape unfold and comfortable convertible sleeping berths. The most exclusive retreat onboard, however, is L’Observatoire: a 23-metre carriage, designed by French artist and photographer JR and in keeping with the Art Deco theme to include a 24-hour butler, ensuite marble bathroom with free-standing bathtub, and secret tearoom with a fireplace. Meal times, which also encompass afternoon tea, aperitifs and a caviar menu, are currently helmed by chef Jean Imbert. Don't forget to return to Bar Car 3674 after dark to indulge on the Midnight Brunch, featuring lobster rolls, truffled club sandwiches and champagne. Chin, chin.

A one-night trip from Venice to Paris starts from £3,530.

Maharaja’s Express, India

India is home to a variety of heritage-style train journeys, but the Maharaja’s Express – also known as the Palace on Wheels – takes the top prize year after year. Journeys last a minimum of three nights, with four routes covering India’s most famous sites, including the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort and Varanasi, meaning choosing the right room is paramount. Luckily, the train’s incredible suites provide double beds, bathrooms with boutique toiletries and a private butler on call. At the top end of the scale, the expansive Presidential Suite measures 448 sq ft, with a living room and two bedrooms, as well as a private guide for excursions and all meals included.

The two dining cars have hand-painted frescoed ceilings and can seat 42 guests each, both of which serve Indian and international cuisine to a backdrop of unforgettable panoramic views. For a light aperitif or late-night cocktail, the Rajah Club and Safari Bar both have dedicated bartenders offering a range of fine wines, spirits and classic serves.

The three-night Treasures of India journey, which is a round-trip from Delhi via Agra, Ranthambore and Jaipur, starts from $4,900 per person (approx £3,620).

Rovos Rail, South Africa

Deep mahogany carriages, plush carpeting, spacious suites and even free-standing bathtubs ensure the Rovos Rail locomotives feel like luxury hotels on wheels. The company’s journeys last between two days and 16 nights, visiting spectacular locations such as Cape Town, Victoria Falls and Namibia. Suites come complete with top-of-the-line double beds and living spaces, as well as enormous private bathrooms so there’s no sacrificing on comfort.

Rovos Rail also has arguably the most beautiful dining cars of any train, decorated with delicately carved wooden pillars, linen tablecloths and leather-backed chairs. Each evening’s four-course meal is made with fresh, local ingredients and accompanied by carefully selected South African wines. As well as excursions, including guided city tours and safari game drives, guests are well-advised to use their time to explore the train itself.

The lounge car hosts afternoon tea and historical lectures, while the observation car has elegantly upholstered sofas, a wood-panelled bar and an open-air balcony for soaking in views of the African plains.

A two-night journey from Pretoria to Durban starts from £1,440 per person.

The Blue Train, South Africa

Daubed in its iconic sapphire blue, the Blue Train’s classic route runs from Pretoria to Cape Town over 31 hours, and has welcomed Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and Elton John onboard. In the Luxury and DeLuxe Suites, guests are greeted by goose-down bedding in the bedroom, which adjoins a gold and marble-trimmed bathroom equipped with monogrammed towels and underfloor heating. Each suite also has a personal butler on hand to cater to your every whim.

Each afternoon high tea is served in the main lounge car while, at dinner, you can expect to sample seasonal South African ingredients, such as ostrich, venison and oysters, accompanied by the relaxing sounds of the Soweto String Quartet. Naturally, there are no jeans and trainers here: tuxedos, evening gowns and fine jewellery are required at night, whether in the dining car, drinking at the bar or enjoying a Cuban cigar and game of backgammon in the ambient Club Car.

The Pretoria to Cape Town one-way trip starts from £1,700.

The Ghan, Australia

The Australian outback is one of the most unique landscapes in the world, and The Ghan is the perfect way to explore it, with routes between Darwin and Adelaide passing deserts, salt pans and the majestic Uluru along the way. The Ghan Expedition is the train’s original route, travelling directly through the heart of the country from south to north over four days, including an off-train dinner under the stars.

For maximum space and comfort, the Platinum Service offers full-sized beds and en suites, Bollinger champagne and private transfers at the start and end of your trip. Platinum Service guests also have access to their own private lounge car. Designed in a modern style with quartz tables, it has an array of top-shelf spirits and huge windows for watching the world go by.

The Outback Explorer Lounge, meanwhile, is at the heart of the train, where travellers mingle, drinks flow freely and live musicians play into the evening. Elsewhere, onboard chefs work hard behind the scenes for your arrival in the Queen Adelaide restaurant, where guests can sample some of Australia’s best vintages, paired with local dishes such as saltwater barramundi and grilled kangaroo.

The Ghan Expedition starts from £1,990 per person.

Andean Explorer, Peru

Belmond simply knows how to do trains – and the Andean Explorer, which journeys through the deep valleys and verdant green mountains of Peru is hard to beat. Routes start from Cusco and pass Lake Titicaca, the La Raya mountains and Colca Canyon, which guests are free to explore on excursions from the train. Rooms onboard are far removed from the traditional British heritage style, instead featuring Peruvian furnishings and Alpaca linens, while ensuite bathrooms are made with local stone and even feature built-in oxygen tanks for high altitudes. You’ll need them: the views will take your breath away.

The Llama and Muña dining cars are accented with colourful local artwork, where guests enjoy rich Peruvian flavours before moving to the Lounge Car or Piano Bar Car to enjoy pisco sours to the sound of tinkling ivories. The most noteworthy carriage, however, may be the spa – something which is unheard of on even the most luxurious of train journeys. Guests can choose from a whole menu of treatments, including altitude acclimatisation and obsidian massages, as well as pressure therapy and Vitamin C facials.

The two-night Peruvian Highlands journey starts from approx £4,490.

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