Trend Watch: Luxury Train Travel
Slower Travel Is Feeling More Luxurious
In a world obsessed with getting there faster, choosing to slow down has become the ultimate luxury. “Luxury is no longer only about purchasing tangible objects,” says Gary Franklin, senior vice president of trains and cruises at Belmond. “There is increasing demand for unique, experiential travel – journeys that offer depth, meaning and memorability.” That growing appetite for intentional, slower travel is exactly what has put train journeys back in the spotlight. “In a fast-moving world, trains slow things down in the most elegant way,” says Charlotte Wells, director of global tailormade product at Abercrombie & Kent. “You’re immersed in landscapes, seamlessly moving from place to place without the stress of airports or multiple hotel check-ins. There’s a nostalgic glamour to it, paired with modern comforts – it’s experiential travel at its finest.”
Original Travel’s co-founder Tom Barber describes rail as “the epitome of the adage that travel is as much about the journey as the destination.” He adds: “Night trains in particular are becoming a new symbol of luxury – slower, more conscious, more experiential.” From a chilled glass of champagne waiting in your suite to the ease of a journey without flight delays or transfers, luxury train travel is redefining what indulgence looks like. “It’s the perfect balance of indulgence, discovery and connection,” says David Donald, executive general manager rail at Journey Beyond. “The journey is just as important as the destination.”
Luxury Train Travel Is Having A Moment
What was once seen as a niche indulgence for the ultra-wealthy is now a rapidly expanding segment of the travel market. “There’s been a notable uptick in interest,” says Charlotte. “It’s being driven by a mix of post-pandemic wanderlust, sustainability concerns, and a desire for immersive, curated experiences.” Franklin agrees: “Trains have always been popular, but the momentum we’re seeing now signals a real shift. Travellers are looking for ways to connect and reflect. The opportunity to share conversations, meet like-minded people, and create lasting memories has never felt more valuable.”
This surge in interest is being met with a wave of new and reimagined launches. Belmond’s Britannic Explorer, for instance, is one of the UK’s most ambitious rail experiences yet – touring Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales with access to private estates, off-menu excursions and a culinary offering curated by one of the UK’s top chefs, Simon Rogan. In Australia, Journey Beyond’s upcoming Aurora and Australis Suites will launch in 2026 across iconic routes like The Ghan and the Indian Pacific. These next-gen suites will offer sweeping panoramic views, queen beds, high ceilings and interiors inspired by the surrounding landscape. “It’s not just about bigger suites,” explains Donald. “It’s about storytelling, craft and comfort.”
Tom notes that new and revived services are flourishing elsewhere, too: “We’re releasing our first dedicated rail brochure this year, which says a lot. There are so many exciting developments, especially across Europe and Scandinavia. Old sleeper routes are being revived, new ones are launching and the category is broader and more appealing than ever.”
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There's A Blend Of Heritage & Modern Design
Step onto a luxury train today and you’ll find yourself somewhere between a five-star hotel and a design gallery. “Our interiors honour the heritage of our trains – but they’re not static museums,” says Gary. “We partner with artists and designers to push boundaries.” Take the L’Observatoire Suite for example – a sleeper carriage on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express designed by French artist JR. With oculi skylights for stargazing and zones that unfold from bedroom to tearoom, every part of the suite has been designed for comfort and indulgence. Similarly, the Cygnus carriage aboard the British Pullman was brought to life by filmmaker Wes Anderson.
Tom highlights the level of detail that sets these interiors apart: “Inside the Orient Express, you’ll find Bernardaud tableware, Saint-Louis glassware, Christofle silverware and even Guerlain home fragrances. It’s like stepping back into the golden age of travel.” Australia’s Journey Beyond is also leaning into opulent design. “Every material tells a story,” says David of their upcoming suites. “Corrugated timber nods to bush architecture, red ochres reflect the Outback, and saddle leather evokes rural homesteads. It's not simply a suite, it’s a sanctuary on wheels.”
The Target Audience Is Changing
Luxury rail may have an old-world aesthetic, but its audience is getting younger and more diverse. “While the classic luxury traveller still forms a large part of the market, we’re seeing strong growth from younger experience-driven guests,” says Charlotte. “Millennials and Gen Xers, in particular, are drawn to curated, Instagrammable journeys that feel more meaningful than a typical hotel stay.” And it’s not just couples or solo travellers driving the trend. “We’ve seen a rise in demand from families,” says Tom. “It’s partly led by the kids – who are incredibly eco-conscious – but parents love it too. It’s less stressful than a road trip and far more social. You can hang out, play games, share meals or head to the café car for some quiet time.”
David adds that for many, the appeal lies in community: “Guests love the camaraderie. They want something outside the ordinary but still want to feel at ease. We see a diverse mix, from honeymooners to retirees, food lovers to bucket-listers.” Even honeymoons are getting a nostalgic makeover, thanks to the romance of rail. “There’s something inherently special about watching the world pass by from a plush private cabin,” says Wells. “It feels cinematic.”
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It's All About Scenic Routes & Unique Experiences
From verdant rice paddies in Vietnam to the ochre plains of Australia, rail brings travellers closer to interesting landscapes off the beaten track. “Our guests are increasingly seeking authentic routes with strong storytelling,” says Franklin. “Journeys that connect them to history, nature and culture, not just sightseeing stops.” Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express offers snorkelling excursions, visits to artists’ studios in Penang, and jungle hikes – all part of the journey. The Wild Scotland route on the Royal Scotsman even includes commando training and fire-feasting sessions, led by local experts.
In Europe, Tom says Scandinavia is having a moment. “Our clients love routes that take them via Brussels and Hamburg before connecting to new sleeper lines heading up to Stockholm or Lapland. There’s also a huge appetite for our ‘gastrainomy’ trip – it’s an epic food-fuelled rail adventure through Bordeaux, Madrid, Seville, Barcelona and Lyon.” Elsewhere, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express still reigns as one of the most iconic journeys, but new contenders like La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Italy and Peru’s Andean Explorer offers trips to some of the world’s most desirable destinations.
There's Also Elevated Food, Service & Innovation
If you’re picturing bland buffets and wobbly coffee carts, think again. Today’s luxury trains are redefining onboard hospitality, from multi-course menus by world-renowned chefs to in-suite spa treatments and custom excursions. “There’s been a real evolution,” says Charlotte. “Onboard experiences are far more bespoke now: curated itineraries, personal butlers, wellness offerings and themed trips that align with personal interests, like gastronomy or wildlife.”
Dining, especially, has levelled up. “Food is no longer an afterthought – it’s a highlight,” says Tom. “Simon Rogan’s farm-to-fork dining on the Britannic Explorer is a game changer. And the bar, modelled after a Victorian apothecary, is a destination in itself.” And then, of course, there’s the tech. “High-speed and Maglev trains are pushing boundaries,” says Tom. “With zero friction they’re slated to cut journey times in half.”
Ready to hop on board? Here are six luxury train routes to know…
Britannic Explorer, UK
New for 2025, Belmond’s Britannic Explorer is the UK’s first-ever luxury touring sleeper train. With three- and six-night itineraries through Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales, it’s a celebration of Britain’s railway heritage and natural beauty. Expect curated excursions, a wellness suite, and menus by Simon Rogan, all wrapped in Albion Nord-designed interiors that channel the romance of the English countryside.
Visit BELMOND.COM
Orient Express La Dolce Vita, Italy
Italy’s most glamorous new launch is a love letter to 1960s design and slow travel. With routes from Rome to Venice, Matera, Portofino and even Sicily, this train is all about la dolce vita. Think mirrored walls, retro-chic suites, and menus that spotlight regional Italian cuisine. Designed by Dimorestudio, it’s a rolling homage to Fellini-era elegance.
Visit ORIENT-EXPRESS.COM
Rovos Rail, South Africa
Often dubbed the most luxurious train in the world, Rovos Rail offers a window into Africa’s wild landscape. From Cape Town to Victoria Falls, or across Namibia and Tanzania, its wood-panelled carriages and open-air observation decks evoke a bygone era. Expect fine dining, vintage charm, and off-train excursions that range from safaris to golf.
Visit ROVOS.COM
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Royal Scotsman, Scotland
Belmond’s Royal Scotsman is a Highlands icon. With itineraries like ‘Wild Scotland’ and ‘Taste of the Highlands’, it blends tartan-clad interiors with excursions to castles, distilleries and remote lochs. The onboard Dior Spa and Grand Suites add a layer of indulgence, while ceilidhs and whisky tastings keep things quintessentially Scottish.
Visit BELMOND.COM
Maharajas’ Express, India
India’s most opulent train is a palace on wheels. With four itineraries covering Rajasthan, Agra, Varanasi and beyond, it’s a deep dive into India’s royal past. Expect butler service, lavish suites, and excursions to the Taj Mahal, tiger reserves and ancient temples. It’s been named the World’s Leading Luxury Train multiple times.
Visit MAHARAJAEXPRESS.COM
Andean Explorer, Peru
South America’s first luxury sleeper train, the Andean Explorer glides through the Peruvian Andes at over 4,000m above sea level. From Cusco to Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, the journey includes stargazing, spa treatments, and Peruvian fine dining. Interiors are inspired by local textiles, and the observation car offers panoramic views of some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.
Visit BELMOND.COM
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