Planes are fast. Trains are fabulous.

Luxury rail journeys are the ultimate in luxury travel — and here are a few I’m dreaming of myself

Luxury rail journeys hit different. Maybe it’s the slow pace, the cinematic views, or the fact you can sip wine while gliding through postcard-perfect landscapes without once opening Google Maps. For me, trains aren’t just transport — they’re an experience. A little indulgent, a little old-world, and oh-so underrated.

As part of my June Destination of the Month campaign, I’ll be shining the spotlight on the world’s best luxury rail journeys — from our own backyard in NZ, to the snow-covered peaks of Switzerland. Here’s a taste of what’s to come (and a few I’ve added to my personal bucket list).

Close to Home: Rail That’s Right On Your Doorstep

You don’t have to go far to find a five-star view.

• The Ghan (Australia) – Three nights of outback luxury with all the bells and whistles (and possibly a few kangaroos).
• TranzAlpine (NZ) – This is one of those “yep, I live in a postcard” moments.
• West Coast Wilderness Railway (Tasmania) – Historic charm meets wild rainforest — and you can even shovel coal if you fancy it!
• Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer (NZ) – A rebranded classic, showcasing New Zealand’s rugged beauty from Auckland to Wellington.
• Indian Pacific (Australia) – Sydney to Perth in serious style. Think: silver service, desert sunsets, and zero airport queues.

Iconic Journeys That Deserve the Hype

If trains could win Oscars, these would clean up.

• Rocky Mountaineer (Canada) – Snow-capped peaks, sparkling lakes, and glass-domed carriages.
• West Highland Line (Scotland) – Hogwarts Express vibes through the wild, dramatic Scottish Highlands.
• Shinkansen (Japan) – Smooth, fast, and impeccably polite — just like the country itself.
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (India) – Charming chaos, colonial history, and hairpin turns with a view.
• Glacier Express (Switzerland) – “Express” is generous — but who’s rushing through the Alps anyway?

Luxury Rail: All Aboard the Bucket List

We’re talking velvet seats, champagne flutes, and personal porters. One of these is firmly on my bucket list.

• Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – The grand dame of train travel. If you’re going to go glam, go all in.
• Belmond Royal Scotsman – Like stepping into a tweed-scented dream — whiskey tastings included.
• Rovos Rail – Africa’s most elegant rail safari, complete with claw-foot tubs and open-air viewing cars.
• Andean Explorer – High-altitude luxury through the Andes. Yes, altitude headaches are included — but so are hot tubs and pisco sours.
• La Dolce Vita (Italy) – This beauty launches in 2025 and is absolutely on my wish list. Stylish cabins, Italian countryside, and la dolce vita done right.

Europe by Train: Why Pick One Country When You Can See Them All?

Trains and Europe go together like croissants and coffee. Here are a few routes that make me want to pack immediately:

• Bernina Express (Switzerland–Italy) – Snowy peaks one minute, palm trees the next.
• Cinque Terre Local Train (Italy) – Five seaside villages, one unforgettable coastline.
• Barcelona to San Sebastián (Spain) – Tapas, wine, and world-class scenery — you’ll be off the train before you want to be.
• Rhine Valley Line (Germany) – Castles, vineyards, river views… and probably schnitzel.

Why I recommend a Eurail Pass

If you’ve ever wanted to criss-cross Europe without the stress of airports, the Eurail Pass might just be your new best friend.

It’s not just for students or backpackers (though they do love it too). Many of my clients use it for first-class, seamless, flexible rail journeys across multiple countries — whether they’re pairing it with a river cruise, a foodie adventure, or a bucket-list city hop.

Think:
Paris to Lyon, then cruise the Rhône.
Amsterdam to Cologne, then cruise the Rhine.
Florence to Venice, then train up to Switzerland for a mountain finale.

The Eurail Pass comes with:

• Access to 33 countries
• Easy-to-use mobile app for planning and boarding
• Eurostar access (yes, London to Paris in style!)
• Optional 1st class travel
• Discounts on ferries, museums, and some hotels
• Great value for travellers who like a little wiggle room

Heads up: Some trains (like high-speed routes & Eurostar) require seat reservations — but I’ll walk you through what to book and when.

It’s a brilliant way to build your luxury adventure, especially if you’re already eyeing up a river cruise. Want to know if it’s right for you? Message me and I’ll help map out a route you’ll love.

Keen to plan your own rail adventure?

Whether you’re dreaming of scenic views or vintage luxury, there’s a rail journey out there with your name on it. I can help you pair rail with river cruising (they go together beautifully — especially in Europe), create a custom itinerary, or just point you toward the best onboard wine lists. 🍷

📩 Message me for personalised suggestions
📱 Stay tuned to my socials this month for rail inspo, reels, and a bit of cheeky trivia
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I’ll leave you with this: slow travel isn’t just trendy — it’s timeless. And honestly, I think that’s the most luxurious thing of all.

Thank you to World Journeys, Railbookers & Rocky Mountaineer for the use of images used in this blog.  If you would like to know more about luxury rail travel please contact TS Travel.