If you mainly associate train travel with commuting, you might be surprised to discover there's an entirely different side of riding the rails: luxury train rides. An upscale rail vacation isn't just a way to get from point A to point B. It's a chance to sit back, enjoy the journey, and meet like-minded folks who appreciate the simple pleasures of slow travel and scenic views.
If you’re thinking a luxury train ride could be the ticket to your next great vacation, keep reading. I’m sharing some of the most iconic rail journeys around the world, from the Rocky Mountaineer through Western Canada to The Royal Scotsman in Scotland's dramatic countryside and beyond.
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Rocky Mountaineer through Western Canada
One of North America’s most beloved luxury train rides is the Rocky Mountaineer, which takes travelers on three different routes through Canada and the Rocky Mountains. Route options include starting in Vancouver and heading west to Banff over two days or starting in Vancouver and heading west to Jasper over two days. Each route also offers extended trip options where you can get off the train and visit a few other locations the following days by motor coach.
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No matter which route or extended package you choose, you’ll also need to select your level of service. The first is SilverLeaf, where you’ll enjoy the scenery from a single-level glass-domed train and an outdoor viewing area. Complimentary drinks and snacks, plus breakfast and lunch, are served at your seat. Then there’s the GoldLeaf service, which offers a bi-level glass-dome coach, an exclusive outdoor viewing platform, meals served in a dining room, and complimentary snacks and drinks.
One particularly interesting route is the First Passage to the West, which starts in Vancouver. Day one ends in Kamloops. On day two, you’ll continue your journey to Banff. Along the way, you’ll see Spiral Tunnels, the Continental Divide, and Castle Mountain, all of which are photo-ready no matter what time of year you take the train.
Canyon Spirit through the American Southwest
Travelers looking for a train ride closer to home may want to consider Canyon Spirit, the sister line to the Rocky Mountaineer. On the elevated journey through the American Southwest, guests can choose a two-day train ride that starts in Denver, Colorado, and ends in Moab, Utah, or you can extend the ride to three days, starting in Denver and ending in Salt Lake City, Utah. Both routes offer overnight hotel stays, though the three-day option is better for those who want an equal amount of time enjoying the passing desert scenery and outdoor adventure.
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Throughout the ride, you’ll pass by iconic natural landmarks, including Ruby Canyon, Mount Garfield, Glenwood Canyon, and Burns Canyon. You’ll also go through the six-mile Moffat Tunnel as you cross over the Continental Divide.
The glass-domed train offers two different service levels. The Signature experience is included with every booking and includes exceptional service, regionally inspired meals served at your seat, an outdoor viewing area, luggage handling and transfers, and more. You can upgrade to the Premier experience, which includes all the same amenities from Signature, plus extra space in an exclusive lounge car, premium beverages and snacks, plus an additional outdoor viewing area.
Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train through Southeast Asia
One of the most interesting ways to explore Southeast Asia is by train, and the Eastern & Oriental Express is one of the most opulent options. The trains depart from Singapore and go into Malaysia on a variety of routes and lengths. The stunning train features 32 sleeper cabins, dining curated by André Chiang, a Dior spa, a piano bar, curated excursions, and more.
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The train offers six different itineraries, ranging from three to six nights. Each itinerary is also themed, with options dedicated to wintertime holidays, the culinary arts, and animal conservation. One itinerary that’s especially exciting is Wild Malaysia, a three-night journey taking passengers from Singapore into the Malaysian jungle. Guests can experience one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests and a cooking class in Penang.
The Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train through Scotland
If you’re like me and can’t get enough of the TV show The Traitors and its stunning filming locations in Scotland, then The Royal Scotsman may be an ideal train trip for you. The luxury train features journeys as short as two nights and as long as weeklong rides.
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One itinerary that’s of particular interest is the five-night Scotland: The West and the Highlights route. The train picks you up in Edinburgh, then travels north through Cairngorms National Park, Leith, and Fort William, before continuing to the Isle of Bute and back to Edinburgh. Along the way, you can indulge in afternoon tea, a foraging lesson, and visit the Victorian Gothic home of the Marquess of Bute.
The train itself is a lesson in luxury travel with 18 sleeper cars, two dining cars, a spa, an observation car, and a bar. Of course, the train has plenty of Scottish flourishes, from tartan pillows and furnishings in cabins to hyper-local Scottish ingredients used in each meal service.
The Alaska Railroad through Alaska (Denali Star Train)
One of the most beautiful day trains is the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Fairbanks. The Denali Star Train is the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train and operates only during the summer months. Those doing the full route from Anchorage to Fairbanks are in for a treat. You pass through two of Alaska’s five geographic regions, and sometimes even spot Mount Denali right from the train.
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A few summers ago, I was lucky enough to take the Denali Star Train from Anchorage to Denali National Park, where I spent a few nights, then continued to Fairbanks. I opted for the Goldstar service, which offered panoramic views thanks to glass-domed ceilings, in-car tour guides who shared stories and insights into the region, outdoor viewing platforms, and meals in a beautiful dining car. I was particularly excited about the lunch menu in the dining car, which featured regional specialties like reindeer sausage. As a very adventurous eater, it was fun to try something I couldn’t really get in the lower 48.
Glacier Express through Switzerland
Another luxury day trip is on the Glacier Express through Switzerland. While you can opt for a first- or second-class ticket, the best seats on the railway are in the Excellence Class. The luxury train carriages offer reclining, all-window seats in a beautiful glass-domed car. Every seat has headphones and a tablet for information and education as you pass by picturesque landscapes.
Besides the incredible views, the Excellence Class is also known for its high level of service and gastronomy. Your luxury train ride starts with a concierge team meeting you at the train platform. Plus, they handle all luggage transfers too. After you get settled into one of the 20 Excellence Class seats, you’ll enjoy a glass of champagne and an aperitif platter. As the eight-hour journey continues, a five-course meal made with Alpine ingredients is prepared and delivered right to your seat. Of course, the exclusive Glacier Bar is always open for you to enjoy cocktails and wine as you wish.
6 of the world's most luxurious train journeys originally appeared on LuxuryVacationist.com.
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The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com, LuxuryVacationist.com, and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: These luxury train journeys are worth traveling for all by themselves
