Traveling by luxury train offers an exceptional experience that goes beyond reaching your destination. With these long-distance rides, the journey itself becomes the highlight. Each train showcases a mix of breathtaking scenery, world-class service, and cultural immersion, giving travelers a unique way to explore the world. Here’s an in-depth guide to 15 of the world’s longest luxury train journeys, offering detailed insights into each route.

1. Rovos Rail, Africa

• Distance: 5,800 km
• Route: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania
• Duration: 3 to 15 days
• About the Train: Rovos Rail is celebrated as the “Pride of Africa,” combining the opulence of yesteryears with modern luxury. The train features meticulously restored vintage coaches with elegant interiors, showcasing Africa’s diverse landscapes from savannas to majestic mountains. Passengers can enjoy panoramic views from observation cars, while indulging in gourmet meals and fine South African wines.
• Accommodations: Luxurious suites include Royal, Deluxe, and Pullman, all with en-suite bathrooms.
• Dining: Seasonal dishes are prepared using locally sourced ingredients, complemented by fine wines.

2. The Canadian, Canada

• Distance: 4,466 km
• Route: Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto
• Duration: 4 to 5 days
• About the Train: This iconic train crosses Canada’s diverse terrains, featuring scenic dome cars with panoramic windows. Guests can enjoy comfortable seating and engaging conversations, while marveling at stunning views of the Rockies, prairies, and forests.
• Accommodations: Spacious sleeper cars with lounges and dome cars for panoramic views.
• Dining: Dishes include Canadian specialties like Alberta beef and BC salmon, prepared with local ingredients.

3. The Indian Pacific, Australia

• Distance: 4,352 km
• Route: Sydney, Perth, Adelaide
• Duration: 2 to 4 days
• About the Train: The Indian Pacific spans three time zones, traversing lush Blue Mountains, the rugged Nullarbor Plain, and the diverse landscapes of Australia’s west coast. The train offers luxurious suites, gourmet dining, and off-train excursions to sites like Broken Hill and Barossa Valley.
• Accommodations: Gold and Platinum service cabins, with private showers and fine furnishings.
• Dining: Features Australian cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients paired with regional wines.

4. Shongololo Express, Southern Africa

• Distance: Up to 4,000 km
• Route: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique
• Duration: 12 to 15 days
• About the Train: Shongololo Express offers a comprehensive journey through Southern Africa’s iconic sites, from Namibia’s deserts to Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls. It’s known for spacious observation cars and culinary experiences showcasing regional flavors.
• Accommodations: Comfortable sleeper cars with en-suite bathrooms.
• Dining: Gourmet meals highlight the flavors of Southern Africa.

5. Maharajas’ Express, India

• Distance: Approximately 3,000 km
• Route: Rajasthan, Agra, Varanasi, Mumbai
• Duration: 7 days
• About the Train: The Maharajas’ Express offers a regal journey through India’s historic landmarks, palaces, and forts. It provides luxurious cabins, fine dining, and curated excursions to sites like the Taj Mahal and Jaipur’s palaces.
• Accommodations: Deluxe cabins and presidential suites, with modern amenities.
• Dining: Indian and continental dishes served in lavish dining cars.

6. The Ghan, Australia

• Distance: 2,979 km
• Route: Adelaide, Darwin, Alice Springs
• Duration: 4 days
• About the Train: The Ghan offers a cross-continental adventure from Australia’s lush north to the arid Red Centre, allowing travelers to explore iconic sites like Uluru and Katherine Gorge.
• Accommodations: Gold and Platinum cabins with luxury amenities.
• Dining: Gourmet meals featuring Australian delicacies, from fresh seafood to bush tucker.

7. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

• Distance: 2,740 km
• Route: Venice, Paris, Istanbul
• Duration: 2 days
• About the Train: This legendary train is renowned for its Art Deco interiors, luxurious compartments, and world-class service as it winds through Europe’s romantic landscapes.
• Accommodations: Vintage-style suites and grand suites.
• Dining: Three-course meals served in elegant dining cars, inspired by European cuisines.

8. Golden Eagle Danube Express, Europe

• Distance: 2,500 km
• Route: Central and Eastern Europe
• Duration: 8 to 12 days
• About the Train: The Golden Eagle Danube Express offers a luxurious journey through Europe, complete with elegantly restored vintage carriages, gourmet dining, and cultural excursions.
• Accommodations: Elegant sleeper cabins with modern amenities.
• Dining: Local dishes from each region visited.

9. Deccan Odyssey, India

• Distance: 2,300 km
• Route: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai
• Duration: 7 to 8 days
• About the Train: The Deccan Odyssey explores India’s cultural landmarks, forts, and UNESCO sites. It blends modern comforts with traditional Indian aesthetics.
• Accommodations: Deluxe cabins with en-suite bathrooms.
• Dining: Indian and international cuisines served in two dining cars.

10. Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia

• Distance: Around 2,030 km
• Route: Singapore, Bangkok, Malaysia
• Duration: 4 days
• About the Train: The Eastern & Oriental Express offers a luxurious journey through Southeast Asia, with stops at tropical landscapes, bustling markets, and vibrant cultures.
• Accommodations: Elegant compartments with modern amenities.
• Dining: Southeast Asian specialties, from Thai curries to Malaysian delights.

11. The SJourney, Vietnam

• Distance: 1,720 km
• Route: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Quang Binh, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Ho Chi Minh City
• Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
• About the Train: The SJourney traverses Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, from lush mountains to bustling cities, with cultural excursions at every stop.
• Accommodations: Luxurious double or twin cabins with premium amenities.
• Dining: Vietnamese specialties and international dishes.

12. The Royal Scotsman, Scotland

• Distance: Approximately 1,500 km
• Route: Across Scotland’s Highlands
• Duration: 3 to 7 days
• About the Train: The Royal Scotsman is a luxury journey through Scotland’s scenic Highlands, complete with castle tours and whisky tastings.
• Accommodations: Signature tartan-design amenities.
• Dining: Scottish dishes and fine whiskies.

13. The Blue Train, South Africa

• Distance: 1,600 km
• Route: Pretoria, Cape Town, Kruger National Park
• Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
• About the Train: The Blue Train offers luxurious interiors and fine dining as it winds through South Africa’s scenic landscapes.
• Accommodations: Deluxe and luxury suites.
• Dining: South African specialties like Karoo lamb and oysters.

14. Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan

• Distance: 1,200 km
• Route: Kyushu Island
• Duration: 4 days
• About the Train: This luxury train journey blends modern comfort with traditional Japanese aesthetics, offering panoramic views of Kyushu’s landscapes.
• Accommodations: Luxurious cabins with traditional decor.
• Dining: Japanese gourmet cuisine featuring regional delicacies.

15. Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru

• Distance: 700 km
• Route: Cusco, Puno, Arequipa
• Duration: 2 to 3 days
• About the Train: The Belmond Andean Explorer traverses Peru’s scenic landscapes, including Lake Titicaca and the Colca Canyon.
• Accommodations: Plush cabins with panoramic views.
• Dining: Peruvian cuisine with local flavors, from ceviche to quinoa salads.

Endless adventures with the world’s longest luxury train rides

These luxury train experiences offer not only some of the longest journeys in terms of distance but also combine high-end comfort with breathtaking views, cultural experiences, and the romance of classic rail travel. Leisure enthusiasts or adventurous spirits are treated to a divine environment that features cozy but expensive cabins decked with elegant furnishings, ensuring a serene retreat after a day of exploration. Every moment becomes a highlight with the ever-changing scenery outside combined with the timeless designed interiors inside, creating a seamless experience of relaxation and discovery.