8 of the most breathtaking train journeys across the world

By Editor On Jan 20, 2025

For more like this, check out the best day trips from London by train and European city breaks by train.

Belmond British Pullman, UK

Stepping onto the Belmond British Pullman is like being transported back to the 1920s, a time when travel was as much about style as it was about the destination. All 11 restored vintage carriages are decorated with art deco details like plush textiles, mahogany fittings and intricate marquetry work. Even before departure, the glamour begins in the Belmond waiting lounge at London’s Victoria Station, where The Spitfire Sisters, a vocal harmony trio dressed in vintage attire, set the scene with a performance straight out of the roaring twenties.

The Dinner is a culinary series on the British Pullman that sees acclaimed guest chefs, Michel Roux Jr and Skye Gyngell to name a few, creating a five-course tasting menu using seasonal and sustainably sourced ingredients. English sparkling wine flows while the train chugs along the rolling countryside. For its standard service, Belmond has also partnered with Luminary Bakery, a social enterprise bakery that supports disadvantaged women, for its damson baba.

Departs from London Victoria Station. See journeys at belmond.com.

Where to eat in Victoria:

Market Halls Victoria is a food hall just a minute walk from Victoria Station where you can grab a quick bite from one of the many vendors serving distinctive cuisines from around the world. Also a great place to grab a drink, particularly on the rooftop bar on a sunny day.
Wild by Tart, a spacious neighbourhood restaurant in a former power station serving relaxed Mediterranean-inspired meals cooked from its wood-burning ovens and charcoal grills.
Chestnut Bakery for an exciting selection of sweet and savoury bakes ranging from Moroccan breads to white chocolate and raspberry stuffed danishes.

Where to stay:

Artist Residence in Pimlico is a quirky townhouse hotel with 10 rooms that offer cosy comforts. Breakfast is served at the hotel’s Cambridge Street Restaurant with classics including a full english breakfast and brioche french toast.

Doubles from £220, check rates and availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com.

Train Suite Shiki-shima, Japan

Step onboard the design-led Train Suite Shiki-shima for a unique journey through eastern Japan. This is a train that is modern in design but with interiors that pay homage to nature and furnishings from the regions it travels through. As with most things in Japan, the level of creative engineering and attention to detail on the aesthetics add to the overall luxurious ambience of the experience. Where else would you find a train fitted with a cedar wood bath or a two-level suite?

One of the standout features of Train Suite Shiki-shima is its ever-changing dining experience. Each meal on board the train is prepared by a different guest chef from top-tier restaurants specialising in different cuisines. Food showcases seasonal ingredients from the eastern regions of Japan, whether it is in the style of French, Chinese, Italian or Japanese cuisine. While the train is speeding along the Japanese coastline, dine on squid and salmon roe caught off the waters in Hakodate or local wagyu beef.

Expect a welcoming party at each station the train stops at as the Shiki-shima has a big fan following. Excursions from the train change with the seasons but can include a visit to Hokkaido’s hot springs, workshops on traditional crafts or historic gems such as the Sannai-Maruyama Site ruins from the Jomon Period 5,000 years ago.

The Train Suite Shiki-shima departs from Ueno Station in Tokyo on its own private platform. Be sure to stop by Lawsons near the station for train snacks. See journeys at jreast.co.jp.

Where to eat in Ueno:

Where to stay in Ueno:

Nohga Hotel in Ueno is a contemporary hotel just minutes away from Ueno Station. It is a modern hotel with a spacious lobby and kitted with artwork and crafts from local artists.

Doubles from £200, check rates and availability at booking.com.

The Ghan, Australia

A three-day, two-night transcontinental crossing from Adelaide to Darwin aboard The Ghan, through the vastness of Australia’s Red Centre, provides a real sense of adventure. Once a vital WWII transport for servicemen in the 1940s, The Ghan has since been redesigned for leisure travel in the rugged outback. Onboard, there is an emphasis on food and wine with a a menu that looks to tell the story of the land it travels through and a preference for using local ingredients such as quandong, a native fruit of the Australian desert.

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There are different classes of cabins and lounges on The Ghan. The top-tier Platinum lounge has sleek interiors with leather banquette seating, while the mid-tier Gold Premium communal and dining space has a touch of art deco glamour. Two-course lunches and four-course dinners, including dishes like kangaroo steak or barramundi, are served in these lounges and the Restaurant carriage.

Off-train experiences are part of the offering and vary from a boat cruise along the Nitmiluk Gorge or off-road mountain bike adventures. Helicopter flights over ancient sites are available as an upgraded add-on for those looking for a bird’s eye view of the remote landscape.

The Ghan Adelaide to Darwin excursion departs from Adelaide Parklands Terminal. See journeys at journeybeyondrail.com.au.

Where to eat in Adelaide:

Nothing beats a market atmosphere. Head to Adelaide Central Market for local produce and snacks for the train. There are over 70 traders at the market including a wide range of cafés and restaurants for dining.
Part Time Lover, a casual restaurant with a fun menu categorised into Plant, Seafood and Meat sections that take inspiration from Asian flavours. It also offers a Feed Me option which allows the waitstaff to choose for you.

Where to stay

The Franklin is a gastropub and boutique hotel with industrial-chic vibes and bold colours throughout. Located just a 25-minute walk to the train station or a quick taxi ride.

Doubles from £101, check availability at booking.com.

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Maharajas’ Express, India

Widely celebrated as India’s top luxury train, the Maharajas’ Express transports passengers to a bygone era and offers hospitality and dining that is fit for royalty. The Heritage of India seven-day journey charts the terrain of western India with a cultural and architectural focus, which includes four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a game drive for tiger spotting at the Ranthambore National Park.

Dining aboard the Maharajas’ Express is an experience in itself, with menus offering Indian and international dishes. For a true taste of the journey, try a thali that is offered daily, which features local specialities from each region the train passes through. Helpfully, the spice level can be adjusted to individual tastes. Some lunches take place at the destinations, like a BBQ set against the backdrop in the sand dunes of Bikaner.

The train departs from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai. See journeys at the-maharajas.com.

Where to eat in Mumbai:

Kyani & Co, an Irani cafe where time seems to have stood still. Go for breakfast and chai.
Trishna, an unassuming seafood restaurant with legions of fans for its butter pepper garlic crab.
Manish Market, a bazaar near the train station in Mumbai that sells a variety of goods including train snacks.

Where to stay:

Abode Bombay is a boutique hotel housed in a colonial building with spacious rooms dressed with Indian vintage furniture. Take advantage of the café, spa and shop on site.

Doubles from £57, check rates and availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com.

Rovos Rail, South Africa

Connecting some of Southern Africa’s most alluring destinations on the railway is Rovos Rail. The vintage carriages have been restored to revive the old glamour and rekindle the romance of rail travel. With polished mahogany walls contrasting against deep green diamond patterned carpeting, the interior of the carriages could be mistaken for a movie set backdrop. Victorian-era clawfoot bathtubs can be found on board for lucky passengers in the Royal Suites.

Rovos Rail offers a few journeys ranging from a two-night safari to a 15-day east to west crossing. A four-day journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls at the Zimbabwe-Zambia border passes into Hwange National Park for a game drive for wildlife spotting, through Warmbaths (Bela-Bela), known for its hot springs, before ending at one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Along the way in the open-air balcony of the observation car grab glimpses of the distinctive baobab trees and take in the African vista.

Mealtimes are another highlight of the experience. The option for in-cabin breakfast is an alluring offer, otherwise breakfast, lunch and dinner is served on board the train dining carriage. Expect local fresh ingredients and traditional South African dishes such as bobotie, springbok loin and kudu carpaccio all paired with a range of South African wines. There is a dress code to adhere to on Rovos Rail. Formal wear is expected for dinner, which allows guests to take part in the allure of rail travel of a different era.

The train departs from Capital Park at Rovos Rail Station. See journeys at rovos.com.

Where to eat in Pretoria:

Coffee@Capital, an unassuming neighbourhood café and restaurant with a bohemian atmosphere and outdoor dining.
Stef’s Table for South African and international fare in an intimate setting and an emphasis on local wine.

Where to stay:

Palm View Guest House is a bed and breakfast with an outdoor swimming pool overlooking Capital Park and mountain views.

Doubles from £40, check availability at booking.com.

Northern Belle, UK

Step back into time on board the Northern Belle, a restored 1930s luxury train with nine Pullman carriages that offers rail experiences around the UK. Take the Settle & Carlisle Steam Special journey, which is considered England’s most scenic rail route, for serene northern English countryside views of the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines. Approaching the grand Grade II listed 24-arch Ribblehead Viaduct to cross is also sure to be a thrill.

The Northern Belle on the outward leg at Lunds

The day-long journey makes a stop at Carlisle for passengers to explore the cathedral city but not before a three-course lunch with dishes such as hot smoked salmon fillet with twice-baked cheese soufflé and chive cream sauce and tomatoes. The head chef and Yorkshire local Matthew Green champions using local seasonal ingredients.

For the return journey, expect a six-course meal of classic British fare with the likes of beetroot terrine or a bubbling potato, celeriac and Yorkshire blue cheese soup. During dinner service the train’s resident musicians and a table magician delight with some revelry throughout the carriages before making the final stop at York.

The Northern Belle Settle & Carlisle Steam Special departs from York Station in York. See journeys at northernbelle.co.uk.

Where to eat in York:

Partisan, an independent bakery, coffee shop, restaurant and art space all wrapped into one.
Skosh is an open-kitchen restaurant offering small plates with notable influences from India and elsewhere in Asia.
Stop for a pint at The Falcon, a former ale house that has been transformed by the Turning Point Brew Company. Craft beers and ales from other local producers are also on offer.

Where to stay:

Minster Walk Guest House is an independently run bed and breakfast with rooms offering views of York Minster and just a 15-minute walk to York Station.

Doubles from £119, check rates and availability at booking.com.

Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru

The Belmond Andean Explorer, with its bold blue and cream carriages, has been operating in Peru and on one of the highest train routes in the world since 2017. Access remote parts of the Andean plains on the Peruvian Highlands journey, a three-day/two-night trip from Cusco to Arequipa. Take in the Andean landscapes from the open-air observation car as you travel through the snowcapped La Raya mountain range. Excursions include a visit to the Sumbay Caves, with ancient rock art that is estimated to be over 6,000 years old, and Lake Titicaca to meet the Uros, an indigenous people that live on floating islands made out of totora reeds.

Food on board the Andean Explorer unsurprisingly focusses on Peruvian cuisine using Andean ingredients. Dishes such as alpaca meat tortellini and sea bass with Andean mint make the most of the country’s particular produce. Pisco sours can be free flowing and afternoon tea is also served on the train.

The train departs from Wanchaq Station in Cusco. See journeys at belmond.com.

Where to eat in Cusco:

Inkazuela Restaurant specialises in Peruvian stews but with an extensive menu that covers South American cuisine.
Kuskay Peruvian Craft Food for excellent ceviche, comfort food and local craft beers.
Mercado Wanchaq for train snacks.

Where to stay:

Antigua Casona San Blas, a boutique hotel with beautiful neutral furnishings located on a cobblestone alley, is a 15-minute walk to Wanchaq Station.

Doubles from £243, check availability at booking.com.

The Golden Eagle Danube Express, Istanbul to Budapest

An interesting offering of the Golden Eagle Danube Express is that the first and last nights of the trips are spent stationary in five-star hotels. For the remaining five days of the Castles of Transylvania journey from Istanbul to Budapest, the train becomes a hotel on wheels and traverses through Eastern Europe with views of Shipka Pass in the Balkan mountains. If travelling in summer, look out for the neverending fields of golden sunflowers from the train when cutting through Bulgaria. Off-train excursions are scheduled on a daily basis to properly explore the ancient towns, castles and world heritage sites of each country.

Dining feels like an elegant affair in the mahogany-walled restaurant car with its white linen tablecloths and floral window dressings. The culinary experience on board the train tends to reflect the countries it travels through but does include international influences. Entertainment is also provided in the dining and bar lounge car which all adds to the timeless romance of rail travel in Europe.

The Golden Eagle Danube Express departs from Istanbul Halkali Station but the meeting point on the first day of the trip is at the Four Seasons Istanbul Sultanahmet. See journeys at goldeneagleluxurytrains.com.

Where to eat in Istanbul:

Where to stay:

The Bank Hotel has plenty going for it, including its central location near the Galata Bridge and ferry hub. Its relaxing interiors and quiet, comfortable rooms in neutral tones make it the perfect retreat in this lively city. A generous breakfast buffet heaves with simit, yogurt, fruit, honey, olives and cheese, or order a cooked dish, such menemen – eggs scrambled with tomato sauce and peppers. The Bank rooftop bar is prized for its view of the Bosphorus and city, which can be enjoyed with a cocktail or raki, making it a hotspot for locals.

Doubles from £147, check availability at booking.com or mrandmrsssmith.com.