Travelling by train is a slower way to travel but it allows to you to experience a more scenic adventure. Whether zooming along a coastline, through tunnels, on top of mountains or crossing rivers there is always amazing things to see from a train. There are many amazing luxury train routes around the world, but let’s have a look at the top ten train journeys for 2018.
10. Maharajas’ Express
One of many trains that run through the vast Indian subcontinent, with this route running between Delhi and Mumbai. Taking 7 nights and 8 days to make the journey, there are many historical sights to see in the two cities and along the way. Probably one the most expensive trains in the world, prices range form $12,000 USD up to $47,400 USD for the “Presidential Suite”.
9. Shongololo Express
The route taken by this train from Pretoria to Victoria Falls is amazing with stops in Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Over 11 nights and 12 days you experience the varying landscapes as you travel from South Africa up through to the Victoria Falls. Prices for this African Adventure are between 57,000 rand and 93,000 rand depending on the class of travel and the season.
8. Belmond Royal Scotsman
The first Belmond run service on this list, but not the last as they do run many trains all around the world. The classic route this train leaves from Edinburgh and goes all throughout Scotland visiting the various lochs, castles and distilleries. The train covers 720 miles (1158 kilometres) over the 4 night journey. Travelling on the Royal Scotsman costs 5,200 euros per person, and if you are lucky you might even see the Loch Ness monster!
7. Seven Stars in Kyushu
The only Japanese service on this list, even though Japan has a great train network, it doesn’t have many luxury trains. This route goes around the Japanese island of Kyushu, hence the name of the trip. Guests will get to experience the mind blowing scenery and cuisine of Kyushu on this journey. It costs 655,000 yen for the basic suite on this 4 days and 3 nights Japanese adventure!
6. Indian Pacific
The first Australian train route on this list, goes all the way from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean thus earning its name. It is one of the only proper transcontinental train routes in the world. Going between Sydney and Perth, with various stops in famous places depending on the route. Reaching speeds on up to 115 km/h the trip takes around 75 hours to complete one way. Prices range from $2,259 AUD to $4,719 AUD, depending on the class and the season.
5. Imperial Russia
One the of the longest routes in the world, the Imperial Russia goes all the way from Moscow to Beijing. This route takes 14 days /13 nights including a number of nights off the train. There are many stops along the way in Russia and Mongolia. Another very expensive route costing between 5,230 euros and 10,070 euros depending on season, class and number of passengers.
4. The Ghan
Another famous Australian train route, this one however goes from the far north to the south. Travelling between Darwin and Adelaide the goes through the heart of Australia with many magnificent views of the desert. With a top speed of 115km/h, the route takes around 54 hours one way which includes a 4 hour stopover in Alice Springs. The journey costs between $1,959 AUD and $4,139 AUD, depending on the season and class chosen.
3. Rocky Mountaineer
Probably Canada’s most famous train, running along routes in the country’s beautiful south western corner. A common route for this train take is from Vancouver to Banff, seeing beautiful along the tracks. In Banff, you have the chance to stay at the famous Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. Prices for this route range between $2,800 CAD and $4,750 CAD depending on the class of travel and dates chosen.
2. Belmond Andean Explorer
The newest train on our list, the first luxury sleeper train of South American runs through the Andes of Peru. The route rusn between Cusco through Puno to Arequipa. At the stop in Puno, guests have the opportunity to do activities and see the sunrise at Lake Titicaca. The full route between Cusco and Arequipa or vice versa takes 3 days and two nights to complete. Prices range from $1,915 US and $4,576 US, again depending on the class.
1. Orient Express
Likely the most famous train route in the world with a novel and many movie adaptations featuring the route. While no train regularly runs this route anymore, once a year the VSOE runs from London and Paris all the way to Istanbul. The whole package takes 6 days and 5 nights with 3 of those nights being on the train. This route is very expensive ranging from 7,200 euros up to 11,200 euros and more.
Do you have a luxury train route you dream to go on? Let me know in the comments, as well as if I have missed any amazing train routes from around the world.
Alche is a passionate writer about many topics and wants to share knowledge in a simple way so all readers can enjoy and learn.