India is a great treasure for tourists who are interested in world heritage sites, enchanting mountains, Hill stations, honeymoon destinations, ancient monuments, transport, trains, culture, festivals, health care, Indian System of Medicines, medical tourism, education tourism etc.
No question about it: there is no better way to see Siberia. The all-ensuite Golden Eagle was launched in 2007 to much fanfare in Moscow. The UK operators of this train have made a huge push to up the ante on with a new Imperial Suite, as well as Gold and Silver Class accommodations, all with en-suite bathroom. The train also has two dining cars and a lounge car. It plies the famous Trans-Siberian route between Moscow and Vladivostok, as well as special tours of the Silk Road, Russia's Arctic and the Caspian.
Two Imperial Suites will continue to be available on all Golden Eagle departures. This type of compartment, the most spacious at 120 square feet, has been a huge success for luxury travelers. It offers a fixed king-sized bed, a dedicated dressing table and lounge area. All passengers will enjoy the upgraded service, presence of a quality control manager and improved food and beverage service throughout the Golden Eagle.
Latest News: Click here for owner Owen Hardy's blog on improvements in 2012 on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE)
Region:Europe Tour Type:Luxury
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), with its restored, 1920s vintage cars, is the world’s most authentic luxury train. Made famous in the Agatha Christie story, the train still runs on the legendary route from Paris to Istanbul. Many other itineraries are also available. They include Istanbul to Venice, and many itineraries including Venice, Krakow, Dresden, Prague and Paris. This train is operated by Belmond (formerly Orient-Express).
Rovos Rail Pride of Africa
Region:Africa Tour Type:Luxury
Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa offers an old-world elegance and luxury to a degree that was never equaled in the 1920s. Many seasoned IRT Society travelers consider it their favorite rail experience. Celebrated not only for its fabulous equipment, the train is rightfully proud of its stellar dining and on-board service. In short, the entire experience is an exciting luxury rail adventure.
Golden Eagle Danube Express
Region:Europe Tour Type:Luxury
The newly dubbed Golden Eagle Danube Express has a capacity of 56 passengers and comprises five sleeping cars, a lounge car and two dining cars. Four of the sleeping cars contain Deluxe cabins; one car carries Heritage class cabins. Deluxe cabins are spacious and offer some of the best sleeping accommodations in mainland Europe.
Well-planned itineraries on the Golden Eagle Danube Express take in highlights of Eastern and Western Europe, such as Budapest, Prague and Sarajevo. The train also ventures to Turkey and Iran on the fasicnating Jewels of Persia Heart of Persia tours.
Tours on the Golden Eagle Danube Express are fully inclusive (food, drinks, gratuties, touring, transfers), making it a truly worry-free adventure.
Belmond Royal Scotsman
Region:Europe Tour Type:Luxury
The Royal Scotsman is a standout train and one of our favorites in the world. A small venue—just 36 passengers—it’s great for those who wish for a more intimate, luxury setting with gourmet, five-star dining, wine-pairing and superior service. Simply put, it is one of our favorite hotel trains. All the train’s cars, save the 1928-era diner, are of 1960s vintage equipment, but they have been recast into an Edwardian confection of varnished woods, polished brass and fine fabrics. This train is operated by Belmond (formerly Orient-Express).
Latest News: Click here to see our video of Society President Eleanor Hardy's May, 2012 trip on the Royal Scotsman.
El Transcantábrico
Region:Europe Tour Type:Luxury
The 52-passenger Clásico El Transcantábrico train, which traverses Northern Spain, started in 1983. Its launching was one of the first stories in The International Railway Traveler, founded the same year. The train set has six sleepers, each with four double compartments with ensuite facilities.
In May, 2011, a new luxury service, called Gran Lujo, was inaugurated. It features all Preferente Suites, which are each half a train car. These cabins are about 129 square feet. This will make a huge difference to some travelers who require more space and private lounge area.
The Preferente Suites have a double bed, long sofa, flat-screen DVD, computer for your private use (wifi when in stations) and lots of storage in closets, under the bed, and under the sofa. The Gran Lujo train will only take 28 passengers, and thereby be able to offer a much more intimate travel experience for discriminating travelers. However, these cabins can also accommodate three persons.
Eastern & Oriental Express
Region:Asia Tour Type:Luxury
In 1991, the Orient-Express company acquired New Zealand’s famed Silver Star, transported it to Southeast Asia and, following refurbishment, re-christened it the Eastern & Oriental Express (E&O). The train runs 1,262 miles between Singapore, Malaysia and Bangkok, Thailand. This train is operated by Belmond (formerly Orient-Express).
Debuting summer 2016, the Grand Hibernian will be the first luxury overnight rail experience of its kind in Ireland.
The train “will tour the magnificent open countryside, dramatic coastal scenery and fascinating cities of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland,” Belmond says.
Deccan Odyssey
Region:Asia Tour Type:Luxury
The Deccan Odyssey is one of the subcontinent’s most luxurious trains; its cars, built in 2003, have been upgraded with new carpet and bedspreads recently, according to our ground suppliers. These improvements, which we recommended last year, bring this train up to “luxury” status, because its staff, service, amenities and food were already superb.
Shangri-La Express
Region:Asia Tour Type:First-Class
The private Shangri-La Express is not a luxury train, but it is at this writing the most modern hotel train in China. It far surpasses regular train service. During our fall 2013 trip, we (Eleanor and Owen Hardy) were pleasantly surprised by the train’s comfort. The commodious shower cars feature ample space for changing and water pressure as vigorous as that in a good hotel. The glass-like Chinese rails made for one of the smoothest rides we’ve had anywhere. The train is modern, air-conditioned and has first-class sleeping compartments with two bunk-style twin beds.
Al-Andalus
Region:Europe Tour Type:Luxury
Southern Spain’s opulent, broad-gauge Al-Andalus returned to the rails May, 2012, with its 1920s-era cars newly renovated. The Al-Andalus includes bar, lounge and two dining cars, as well as all-en suite cabins. The train combines stellar service, exquisite Art Deco styling and excellent cuisine for a unique tour of Andalusia. Please see IRT's review of Al-Andalus in our Track 25 blog from spring, 2012.
Glacier Express
Region:Europe Tour Type:First-Class
The Swiss proudly hail the Glacier Express as the world’s slowest express. The train takes almost eight hours and the services of two private, narrow-gauge railroads to traverse the 168 mountainous miles between two posh resorts—Zermatt and St. Moritz. The Alpine route of the Glacier Express is what makes this train so marvelous.A serious quibble: we long for the old, second-class equipment which allowed us to open windows and photograph the fantastic scenery.
Bergen Railway
Region:Europe Tour Type:First-Class
The complete Oslo-Bergen line was opened in 1909 as the only year-round land transport between Norway’s two largest cities. The 300-mile length of track passes through 200 tunnels and 18 miles of snowsheds in addition to crossing more than 300 bridges. The scenery on the 7-hour Bergen Railway trip across the Hardanger plateau, the largest wilderness area in Europe, is breathtaking.
Maharajas' Express
Region:Asia Tour Type:Luxury
The Maharajas' Express was custom-built to be the most luxurious train in India––and perhaps the world––offering state-of-the-art facilities and amenities. All cabins have large windows, LCD televisions, wi-fi access, individual temperature controls and full en-suite bathrooms. There is one Presidential Suite which comprises a full train car—the largest suite available on any train in the world. The two elegantly decorated dining cars serve a choice of multi-course Indian and continental cuisine. Two lounge cars provide cool drinks and comfortable seating. The train is 22 cars long, taking a maximum of 84 passengers. The Maharajas' Express is the newest in The Society of IRT's World's Top 25 Trains list!
Bernina Express
Region:Europe Tour Type:Luxury
The spectacular Bernina line was completed in 1910 and is run by Rhaetian Railways. Beginning in Chur, St. Moritz or Davos, it passes the glaciers of Piz Bernina, making this the highest railway crossing in all of the Alps. It travels over 38 miles, climbing grades of up to 7%––without rack and pinion––to more than 7,391 feet at the Bernina Pass summit, and drops down to just 1,408 feet at Tirano, Italy.
Golden Pass Panoramic Express
Region:Europe Tour Type:First-Class
Switzerland's Panoramic Express trains boast vista-dome cars for maximum viewing of the spectacular mountain scenery between Montreux and Zweisimmen. Super Panoramic Express trains also have a special, eight-passenger viewing area in the front of the train, above the driver, for the ultimate in ringside seats.
Belmond Hiram Bingham
Region:South America Tour Type:Luxury
The gleaming blue-and-gold cars of the Hiram Bingham makes the 3.5-hour trip between Cusco and Machu Picchu every day but Sunday. The train has two 42-seat dining cars serving excellent Peruvian specialties for brunch on the journey to Machu Picchu, and for dinner on the evening return to Cusco. The train also has a gorgeous bar/observation car.
Andean Explorer
Region:South America Tour Type:First-Class
The Andean Explorer makes the 9.5-hour trek from Cusco to Puno and Lake Titicaca. You depart Cusco at 8 a.m., arriving Puno about 5:30 p.m. This addition covers one of the highest standard-gauge rail routes in the world, reaching altitudes up to 14,150 feet. A highlight is riding at sunset the few miles before Puno alongside Lake Titicaca. The views are nothing short of spectacular.
Blue Train
Region:Africa Tour Type:Luxury
The Blue Train is one of the world’s great luxury trains, and runs eight times a month between Pretoria and Cape Town. The current schedule is southbound on Mondays and the northbound on Wednesdays. The route is a 27-hour journey of 994 miles and includes a sightseeing stop in each direction. The Blue Train is operated by the state-run Spoornet.
Belmond British Pullman
Region:Europe Tour Type:Luxury
The British Pullman is a luxury, vintage day train that completes the British leg of Orient-Express journeys between Paris and London. Passengers from the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express debark in Calais, France, and board a special bus for the short "piggyback" train ride through the Eurotunnel to Folkestone. There, they board the British Pullman for the ride to London's Victoria station. What's not to love about this experience? Fabulous food, lovely scenery and riding on such a gorgeous and historic train. This train is operated by Belmond (formerly Orient-Express).
Rocky Mountaineer
Region:North America Tour Type:First-Class
The Rocky Mountaineer has graduated to international status, as it has added Seattle, Washington to its well-explored repertoire in Western Canada. The train is comfortable and classy. Its luxury GoldLeaf Service, with custom-built glass dome coaches, offers fine dining on the lower level, including local wines, plus wind-in-the-face, outdoor viewing at the rear platform. There are four routes offered by this train: Vancouver to Banff and Calgary; Vancouver to Jasper, Whistler to Jasper via Quesneland Vancouver to Seattle.
To enjoy the cross-border link, board in Seattle, have a half-day trip that ends in Vancouver. You'd then spend one to two nights in Vancouver and continue on to any of the itineraries. You can't purchase the Coastal Passage by itself - always with two additional days of rail. You can take this service in Silver or GoldLeaf. It usually leaves on selected Saturdays during the season.
Canadian
Region:North America Tour Type:First-Class
The Canadian is VIA Rail Canada’s flagship train. It runs between Toronto and Vancouver three times a week, traveling 2,775 miles.
IRT recommends VIA’s new Prestige Class, introduced in 2015, with large bedroom with double bed, full en suite bathroom, plus a host of amenities including flat-screen TV (for videos only), unlimited free drinks, including alcoholic drinks, 24-hour butler service and first choice for meals (included in your fare). A major delight is exclusive access to the great dome cars for seeing the sights day or night.
The schedule from Toronto to Jasper allows three nights on board (10 p.m. departure Vancouver, 1:00 p.m. arrival Jasper.) All the way to Vancouver is four nights (three days, 14 hours and 42 minutes!) Arrival in Vancouver is scheduled for mid-morning.
Palace on Wheels
Region:Asia Tour Type:First-Class
The Palace on Wheels, with its cream-colored livery, is a joint venture of Indian Railways and the state of Rajasthan’s tourism office. Starting service in 1982, it was India’s first hotel train and has been gaining in popularity ever since. Although it has the name "Palace" in its name, reviews of IRT owners and travelers indicate it is not up to international luxury standards. However, that said, IRT travelers say it is definitely a winning experience and, when compared with the normal trains in India, should definitely be on the World's Top 25 Trains list because of its unique itinerary.
Indian Pacific
Region:Australia/New Zealand Tour Type:First-Class
Australia’s transcontinental Indian Pacific offers a twice-weekly service in both directions between Perth and Sydney, via Adelaide, across more than 2,704 miles. Almost 300 miles of it is across the longest straight track in the world, the Nullarbor Plain. The journey takes three nights, and our travelers report it’s frequently a very jolly departure, with many Aussies traveling the route, especially around holiday periods.
Ghan
Region:Australia/New Zealand Tour Type:First-Class
The Ghan's wild history started in 1878. That year, construction began on a line from Port Augusta. For about 50 years, until 1929, the last leg to Alice Springs was on Afghan camels, and that’s where today’s train gets it name. The Alice to Darwin “Top End” route, dreamed of for more than a century, started construction in 2001. The first train arrived Darwin in 2004. The service has been swamped with travelers. It takes 48 hours—two nights on board—to travel from Adelaide to Darwin over 1,852 miles of track. The Ghan has added Platinum luxury-class service. Currently it runs twice a week from April to October - but just once a week year round. Urgent to know: do not book your international air until we have confirmed your space on the trains! Schedules subject to change.
Tren Crucero
Region:South America Tour Type:First-Class
The Tren Crucero began service in 2014. The daytime-only train consists of four carriages--two dining cars and two lounge cars, with a capacity for 54 passengers. It operates between Quito and Guayaquil on a 4 day/3 night journey, with touring along the way and overnights in local hotels. A wonderful way to take in the varied landscape of Ecuador!
Flam Railway
Region:Europe Tour Type:First-Class
With the Flåm Railway, it’s what you see outside that counts. In about an hour, the line climbs some 2,833 feet from Flåm station, nestled in the innermost corner of the Aurlandfjord, to the mountain station at Myrdal on the Bergen Railway. On the 12.4-mile-long ride, you’ll see rivers that cut through deep ravines, waterfalls cascading down the sides of steep, snow-capped mountains and farms clinging dizzily to sheer slopes.
The Flåm Railway is one of the world’s steepest standard-gauge railways, with a gradient of 5.5%. The railway recently underwent a facelift; its new fleet of trains, in forest green livery, comprises five engines and 12 cars. It also boasts new interiors and a unique guide and loudspeaker service.
Royal Canadian Pacific
Region:North America Tour Type:Luxury
The most luxurious train in North America is now offered exclusively as a whole-train charter. Up to 30 persons can pretend to be royalty and come aboard to sample this train’s five-star dining, open-platform observation areas, several small salons, and large compartments with private, ensuite shower, toilet and sink. The train and its superb staff combine outstanding scenery, exclusive visits and elegant musical events with the top-notch service and cuisine. It all results in one word: “Wow!” The total RCP package is matched by just a few trains in the world. It's tops in the Western Hemisphere.
Many of the cars for the Royal Canadian Pacific (RCP) train were built between 1917 and 1931 and were used as business cars for the Canadian Pacific Railroad (CPR).
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