Top Ten Luxury Trains in the World

Ever wondered about greatest rail journeys in the world. It's not that many people and travelers are acquainted with the concept of luxury train traveling. What are they and where do they operate. The term ‘luxury’ is associated with those people who enjoys the perks of having born into a wealthy family or have achieved a high stature in the society. Luxury train travel suites the personality of such people if they have a penchant for train traveling. The luxury trains running in different parts of the world are famous for an exciting mix of elegance of a bygone era of train traveling and modern refinement. Mentioned below are top 10 luxury trains in the world according to their popularity.

Venice-Simplon Orient Express has been the all time favorite of the connoisseurs of luxury train traveling around the world and has set benchmarks for several other such trains. A perfect example of Art-Deco style, the Orient Express takes guests on an enchanting ride across various European cities which include Venice, Rome, Istanbul, Bucharest, Prague, Budapest, Paris and London.

This one was voted world’s leading luxury train at World Travel Awards 2012 and is unarguably one of the best luxury trains in the world in terms of service and packages offered. Designed as India’s answer to the famous Venice Simplon Orient Express, Maharajas’ Express, launched in 2010, is owned and managed by the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). The train has 5 journeys on offer which include 3 pan-India journeys and 2 golden triangle tours that speak volumes about the rich culture and heritage of India. For all connoisseurs of luxury travel, the journey aboard Maharajas’ Express is a must do thing for its avant garde amenities, plush interiors and exclusive insider experiences.

Embark on a mesmerizing trip through the most rugged terrains in North America through Rocky Mountaineer that offer journeys on 4 rail routes between British Columbia and Alberta. The train has 45 exotic rail tour packages on offer ranging between 25 minutes to 2 days that make for a peerless experience.

Weaving through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand is the Eastern & Oriental Express. The train chugs its way through undulating mountains, lush gardens, vegetated forests and historic landmarks in South Asia. Beginning from Tanjong Pagar Railway Station in Singapore, the journey on board Eastern & Oriental Express spanning over 2nights and 3 days offers gourmet dining, cocktails in the open-air lounge and impeccable hospitality.

One of the top luxury trains in the world, Rovos Rail offers a spectacular journey across some of the best destinations in Africa. The train features décor and furnishings dating back to the Edwardian era and the modern comforts that money can buy and technology can offer to make your journey mesmerizing to the hilt. The luxury train journey lasting between 24 hours and 2 weeks takes you on a whirlwind tour from Cape Town to Victoria Fall.

One cannot begin the history of luxury train traveling in India without mentioning the famous Palace on Wheels train owned by Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC). The train embarked on its maiden voyage on 26^th January, 1982 and has paved way for several other luxury trains in India. The train offer journey to erstwhile princely state of Rajasthan including Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra.

A luxury train with a capacity to accommodate 36 passengers, Royal Scotsman will straight away take you to the Scottish highlands. Savor the mesmerizing countryside views spooling by, gorge upon the lip-smacking cuisines and feel the comforts of the state of the art amenities while traveling on board this luxury tourist train.

Two time winner of the “Africa’s leading luxury train” award, Blue train offers a majestic ride to the varied landscapes of South Africa in an ambience complemented by five star luxuries. The luxury train is outfitted with modern facilities such as restaurant, lounge bar and plush sleeping cabins.

One of the shortest luxury trains in the world, Hiram Bingham offers a spectacular journey across from Cuzco to the legendary to the World Heritage Site of Machu Pichu. The train crisscrosses verdant mountains, densely vegetated forests and the valleys. Comprising of two restaurants, a pantry car and an observation car and offering passenger capacity of 84, Hiram Bingham is a running five star hotel and a worthy candidate for top ten luxury trains in the world.

Built on the lines of the Palace on Wheels train, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels takes guests on a roller coaster ride across erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan along with a halt in Khajuraho, Varanasi and Agra. The train will bring you face to face with the three important aspects of the Indian history- Rajputana splendor, spiritual enlightenment and Mughal heritage. A journey on board this train is complemented by modern comforts and impeccable hospitality.