The Best Train Journeys! (Worldwide)

Welcome back, dearest travelers!

See, one of our favorite types of trips is a long, slow train journey, allowing us to enjoy the scenery from the comfort of a train carriage, with a fresh drink in hand. Ordinarily, this is scenery we wouldn't get to see or admire. We hope you enjoy something similar. We present some of our top train journeys in the world. There isn't "one best journey," as it all depends on the traveler in question. All these journeys bring something particular to the table. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference.

The Golden Eagle Silk Road Express – Central Asia

Featuring: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan

There's no journey that marries adventure and romance quite like the ancient and venerated Silk Road. On The Golden Eagle's route through Central Asia, passengers are able to glide along the world's most iconic trade route. From an Uzbek palace once occupied by Tamerlane to the leafy streets of Almaty, Kazakhstan, antiquity and modernity braid together on this journey along a historic path. When it comes to interiors, expect unfailingly kind service in dining cars decked with white tablecloths, gold-rimmed cups, and tasseled drapes. Should you choose to spring for the Imperial Suites, take in the passing mountain views from a king-sized bed.

The Indian Pacific – West and East Australia

Featuring: Bi-coastal train journey, Sydney to Perth

Spanning an extraordinary 2,700 miles between Sydney and Perth, the Indian Pacific is one of Journey Beyond's flagship journeys. The four-day, three-night experience crosses the Blue Mountains, the goldfields of Western Australia, and the endless expanse of the Nullarbor. Stops in Adelaide and tiny towns such as Cook (population: four) round out the experience, as does the all-inclusive service, complete with fantastic food and Australian wines. Complete this journey, and you'll have an all-new appreciation for the vastness of Australia as you cross the continent horizontally.

Canyon Spirit – US

Featuring: Colorado, Utah, Arizona

Formerly under the Rocky Mountaineer umbrella, Canyon Spirit has since spun off into its own brand, although the ownership remains the same. The Rockies to the Red Rocks journey carries passengers through some of the American West's most spectacular terrain, covering a lot of ground in a single trip. The two-day journey travels alongside the Colorado River, through Glenwood Canyon and the dramatic red landscape of Ruby Canyon, with an overnight stop in Glenwood Springs. There are no sleeping berths onboard, and your one night is spent in a hotel, but the seamless service gets you on and off the carriages efficiently.

The Canadian

Cross-country: Vancouver to Toronto

It takes a full four days and three nights to cross Canada from Toronto to Vancouver aboard The Canadian, a transcontinental service operated by VIA Rail. During that time, you'll soak up all the grandeur and scale of the country—from the lakes and forests of the Canadian Shield to the wide-open prairies and the dramatic peaks of the Rockies and the Coastal Range—before pulling into Vancouver. Sleeper Plus cabins offer private accommodations, while Prestige Class offers larger cabins with private bathrooms and showers, along with concierge service and elevated dining.

Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train

Featuring: Edinburgh, Wales, London, Scottish Highlands

It's about the journey, not the destination, right? Nowhere is train travel more indulgent—or convenient!—than on Belmond's Royal Scotsman, which departs from and arrives at Edinburgh's Waverley Station. With only 36 guests onboard, the train circumnavigates the heart of the Scottish Highlands, passing such landmarks as the Kyle of Lochalsh and Cairngorms National Park. There's even a dedicated spa carriage outfitted by Dior, where the specialists are trained to synchronize their motions with the natural lilts and tilts of the train.

Napa Valley Wine Train – California, USA

Stops: Napa, Sonoma, St. Helena, Oakville, Rutherford

What better way to savor all the wines of Napa Valley than from the comfort of a train, with someone else at the wheel? This century-old Pullman carriage is one of Napa's most enduring and charming attractions. It travels thirty-six miles round-trip between downtown Napa and St. Helena, winding its way through vineyards along the way. The restored cars date to the early 20th century and retain their polished wood, plush seating, and old-world details, while the onboard service turns the journey into a proper dining experience. Book the six-hour Legacy Experience for three wine-tasting stops, a four-course meal, and even some spirited dancing onboard. It's a quintessential way to experience Napa Valley without worrying about how you're getting around.

British Pullman, A Belmond Train

Stops: Cambridge, London, York, Canterbury

The British Pullman's experience is magical, no matter where you're seated. Once you depart London, you'll embark on a journey through the bucolic British countryside, touring cities and towns like Cambridge, York, and Canterbury along the way. The restored carriages date back to the 1920s and 1930s, so expect Art Deco touches, polished interiors, and classically prepared multi-course meals. This is the same train that has served British royalty and government officials for years, after all. In 2026, the British Pullman introduced a "Celia" carriage, designed by visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and his partner, the Oscar-winning costume and production designer Catherine Martin. If that isn't a theatrical approach to luxury, we aren't sure what is.

Glacier Express – Switzerland

Stops: Saint Moritz, Zermatt, Rhine Gorge

It's been said that the Glacier Express is the slowest express in the world (it takes eight hours to traverse the 180-mile journey), but boy, do the views invite a slow journey! Connecting the resort towns of Zermatt and Saint Moritz, the train provides an up-close perspective of some of this mountainous country's most iconic natural features, including the Matterhorn, Piz Bernina, and the Rhine Gorge, dubbed Switzerland's Grand Canyon. Book in Excellence Class, and you'll be served Champagne at your seat, followed by a six-course meal complete with wine pairings.

The Ghan – Australia

Stops: Adelaide, Darwin, Alice Springs

Our second luxury train from Australia on the list! Completed in 1929, The Ghan runs through the heart of the Australian continent, operating between Adelaide in the south and Darwin in the north. It may have only started running its current route in 2004, but its history dates to the 19th century, with its name harking back to the Afghan camel trainers and riders who first helped chart a course through the country's interior. To this day, the all-inclusive journey promises access to parts of Australia's Red Centre that can otherwise be quite challenging to reach, from the expansive ridges of the MacDonnell Ranges to the opal-mining town of Coober Pedy. In 2026, parent company Journey Beyond will refresh The Ghan with the addition of two brand-new luxury suite concepts, "Aurora" and "Australis," designed to embody Art Deco luxury. These suites will include a personalized en-suite bar stocked with a bottle of Champagne Bollinger, in-room dining upon request, butler service, private chauffeur service before and after the train journey, and several exclusive off-train experiences.

Golden Eagle Danube Express – Central and Parts of Western Europe

Featuring: Turkey, Hungary, Romania, Austria, Germany

A pioneer in luxury trains for three decades, Golden Eagle is perhaps best known for its Silk Road and Trans-Siberian routes, as mentioned earlier. However, the Danube Express unlocks an approach to Southern and Eastern Europe that is no less breathtaking or engaging. The Castles of Transylvania route from Istanbul to Budapest is particularly unique. Spend all day learning about Vlad the Impaler's history through guided tours, then spend all night luxuriating in the comfort of the bar car or in the privacy of your room. New for 2027 are some Italy itineraries where guests can cross the Strait of Messina without having to leave the privacy of their cabins—the train is taken apart and placed directly onto the ferry.

Rocky Mountaineer – Canada

Stops: Calgary, British Columbia, Alberta

Traveling in a coach outfitted with picture windows and glass-dome ceilings means that a Rocky Mountaineer journey leaves no sight unseen as you traverse the dramatic scenery between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Banff or Jasper, Alberta. Sample local Canadian beer, wine, and snacks as you kick back and enjoy the ride. The staff's friendly service and animated storytelling help bring the landscape to life. It's personal touches like these that ensure travelers come away from this trip amply satisfied, time and time again. Since its founding in 1990, Rocky Mountaineer has transported more than two million guests, making it the largest privately owned premium tourist train in the world.

And lastly…

Rovos Rail – Southern Africa and Vicinity

Stops: Pretoria, Mozambique, Malawi, Cape Town

This extravagant train has been traveling throughout Africa for over thirty years. The experience starts before you even board: When departing from Pretoria, Rovos Rail travelers are granted exclusive access to a private lounge, where Champagne and canapés greet them—and a strict "no cellphone" rule is maintained for their own good. Enjoy the moments provided by this line, which range from cozy accommodations to formal-attire evenings, as well as full-sized, freestanding clawfoot tubs in the most luxurious compartments. All Rovos Rail journeys include off-train cultural, historical, and safari excursions, allowing guests to experience all the wonders that Southern Africa has to offer. The three- and four-night Victoria Falls journeys are classics, but if you're feeling extra adventurous and have a few more nights to spare, opt for the 16-night "Malawi Meander," a mesmerizing trip through Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and South Africa.

This rounds out our list of the top luxury train trips in the world today! These are not THE very best, but they are among the best and definitely the top in our book. We hope you enjoyed this article, and remember to plan your itinerary with us at brookeintheairtravel.net!