The 8 most relevant luxury trains in the world in 2026 are Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Belmond (London-Venice, USD 5,500-12,000 per cabin, 2 nights), Rocky Mountaineer (Vancouver-Banff, USD 2,500-5,000 GoldLeaf, 2 days), Shongololo Express (Pretoria-Victoria Falls, USD 8,000-15,000, 16 days), Maharajas Express (Delhi-Mumbai, 8 days), Eastern & Oriental Express (Bangkok), Trans-Siberian Golden Eagle (14 days), Royal Scotsman Belmond, and Glacier Express (St. Moritz-Zermatt). Each has a tight booking window and a specific cabin that changes the entire experience.
15 min read
A luxury train is not transport. It's a 5-star hotel moving through landscape you cannot see from the air. The difference between booking right and wrong on these 8 trains is on the order of USD 10,000 — wrong cabin, wrong month, or wrong route destroys the experience.
In 2026 the market has shifted: Belmond was acquired by LVMH (Orient Express and Royal Scotsman premiumized further), Eastern & Oriental Express reopened on a shortened route, Rocky Mountaineer expanded to Moab in the US, and the Trans-Siberian Golden Eagle resumed foreign-traveler operations after a logistical pause.
This guide breaks each one down on what matters: actual route, cabins compared, onboard food, entertainment, the view that justifies the price, booking window, and best month.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Belmond (London → Venice via Paris)
TL;DRVenice Simplon-Orient-Express runs London-Venice via Paris/Innsbruck in 2 nights, USD 5,500-12,000 per Historic cabin, with Grand Suites at USD 25,000-50,000. Original 1920s-1930s carriages restored. Departures March through November. Formal dinner mandatory, black tie dress code.
The iconic route departs London Victoria at 10:45 a.m., crosses the Eurotunnel via luxury shuttle, connects to the continental carriage in Calais, crosses France overnight (Paris, Strasbourg), enters Austria via Innsbruck and descends to Venice Santa Lucia by end of day two. Three cabin tiers matter:
| Cabin | Size | Bathroom | Price (couple, 2 nights) | Who should choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historic Cabin | 2.5 m² | Sink in room, shower down the hall | USD 5,500-7,000 | Travelers wanting the classic experience without blowing the budget |
| Cabin Suite | 5 m² (2 cabins joined) | Sink + private shower | USD 12,000-18,000 | Couples who want to sleep comfortably |
| Grand Suite | 8-10 m² | Bathtub + shower + 24h butler | USD 25,000-50,000 | Honeymoon + Instagram photo op |
Food at Restaurant 4674 with chef Jean Imbert (ex-Plaza Athénée): 4-course tasting menu at dinner, French brunch in the morning. Bar Car 3674 with pianist from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Booking at belmond.com opens 12 months out — April/May and September/October sell out first. In 2026, the new Paris-Portofino route debuts in June.
Rocky Mountaineer Canada (Vancouver → Banff via Kamloops)
TL;DRRocky Mountaineer runs Vancouver-Banff in 2 daylight days via Kamloops, USD 2,500-5,000 per person GoldLeaf with 360° glass-domed panoramic carriage. Mandatory hotel overnight in Kamloops (included). Daylight-only operation so you can see the Canadian Rockies. Season April-October.
Unlike the European trains, Rocky Mountaineer doesn't sleep on board: it runs only during the day so you can see the mountains. The most coveted route is "First Passage to the West" Vancouver-Banff, 2 days with a Kamloops overnight in a hotel paid by the train (Sandman or Delta). Two classes:
- SilverLeaf (USD 1,500-2,500 per person): single-level carriage with large windows, meal served at your seat.
- GoldLeaf (USD 2,500-5,000): bi-level carriage, glass dome upstairs, restaurant downstairs with chef preparing Canadian dishes (BC salmon, elk, bison).
The view is what justifies the price: Fraser Canyon, Hell's Gate, Continental Divide, Spiral Tunnels, Castle Mountain. In 2024 the company launched a US route Denver-Moab "Rockies to Red Rocks." Book at rockymountaineer.com, 10-14 months out. May and September deliver the best price-weather combo. July-August brings crowds and heat. For US travelers, direct flights JFK/LAX-YVR; for UK travelers, Heathrow-Vancouver direct on Air Canada.
Shongololo Express South Africa (Pretoria → Victoria Falls)
TL;DRShongololo Express Rovos Rail runs Pretoria-Victoria Falls in 16 days across South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, USD 8,000-15,000 per person in Pullman or Deluxe cabin. Includes daily off-train excursions (Kruger safari, Eswatini, Falls). Operates 4-6 times a year. Departures March through November.
The Shongololo is different: the train is a mobile base, not the destination. Every day it stops at a station, disembarks passengers for jeep excursions (Kruger safari, Swazi savanna, Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side) and resumes at night. The 2026 itinerary covers 12 countries and 4,500 km. Cabins:
| Cabin | Size | Bathroom | Price per person, 16 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pullman | 4.5 m² | Shared between 2 cabins | USD 8,000-10,000 |
| Deluxe | 7 m² | Private with shower | USD 10,000-13,000 |
| Royal Suite | 16 m² | Victorian bathtub | USD 13,000-15,000 |
Formal dining in the restaurant carriage (mahogany, Sheffield silver), jacket dress code at dinner. Operator is Rovos Rail (not to be confused with African Pride). Book at rovos.com — departures limited, open booking 18 months out. September is the ideal month: dry vegetation lets you spot fauna in Kruger without foliage blocking. From the US, fly Delta JFK-JNB via ATL; from the UK, BA LHR-JNB direct.
Maharajas' Express India (Delhi → Mumbai via Agra, Ranthambore, Udaipur)
TL;DRMaharajas Express runs 5 routes across India, with the classic Delhi-Mumbai "Heritage of India" in 8 days at USD 5,000-12,000 per person. Cabins range from Deluxe to Presidential Suite (one cabin occupies an entire carriage). Includes Taj Mahal visit, Ranthambore tiger safari, and Lake Pichola in Udaipur. Season October-April.
Operated by IRCTC (India's state railway), the train has 23 carriages and 88 maximum passengers. The "Heritage of India" Delhi-Mumbai route covers: Jaipur, Ranthambore (tiger safari), Fatehpur Sikri, Agra (Taj Mahal at dawn), Gwalior, Khajuraho (10th-century erotic temples), Varanasi (Ganges rituals), and Mumbai. Prices per person, 8 days:
- Deluxe Cabin (5.5 m²): USD 5,000-6,500
- Junior Suite (7.5 m²): USD 7,000-9,000
- Suite (11 m²): USD 9,500-11,500
- Presidential Suite (entire carriage, lounge + 2 bedrooms): USD 22,000-26,000 (for 2 people)
Two restaurants (Mayur Mahal and Rang Mahal), Rajah Club bar, Safari Bar observatory carriage. Cuisine alternates between regional Indian, continental, and pan-Asian. Book directly via the-maharajas.com, 6-9 months out. November-February is the ideal window (mild, dry climate); avoid May-September (extreme heat + monsoon). From the US, Air India JFK-DEL direct; from the UK, BA LHR-DEL direct.
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Eastern & Oriental Express Southeast Asia (Bangkok → Chiang Mai)
TL;DREastern & Oriental Express Belmond reopened in 2024 with a shortened Bangkok-Chiang Mai route (no longer Singapore), 3 nights at USD 5,000-9,000 in Pullman or State cabin. Signature green-and-cream carriages, Thai-French fusion cuisine. Operates February-November with a monsoon break.
The historic Singapore-Bangkok route was discontinued in 2020. In 2024 the train returned only within Thailand with 2 itineraries: "Essence of the Peninsula" (Bangkok-Penang via Kanchanaburi) 3 nights and "Wild South Heritage" (northern Bangkok) 3 nights. Cabins:
| Cabin | Size | Feature | Price per person, 3 nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pullman | 5.8 m² | Sofa converts to bed | USD 5,000-6,500 |
| State | 7.8 m² | Bed + separate sofa | USD 6,500-8,500 |
| Presidential | 11 m² | Lounge + bedroom + butler | USD 12,000-18,000 |
Restaurants Adisorn and Rosaline, Piano Car bar, open rear observatory (rare on luxury trains). Included excursions: River Kwai Bridge, Damnoen Saduak floating market, Mae Hong Son villages. Book at belmond.com 10-12 months out. January-March is the best window (dry, mild climate).
Trans-Siberian Russia (Moscow → Vladivostok via Mongolia)
TL;DRThe Trans-Siberian "Golden Eagle" is the private luxury train that runs Moscow-Vladivostok in 14 days at USD 17,000-30,000 per person, crossing 9,288 km and 7 time zones. Not to be confused with the regular Trans-Siberian (Rossiya), which runs USD 1,000-2,000 with no luxury. Rare departures: April, May, August, September.
Watch the terminology trap: "Trans-Siberian" can mean (a) the Russian public train Rossiya (no luxury, 4-berth couchettes, USD 800-2,000) or (b) the private Golden Eagle Luxury Trains (full luxury, USD 17,000-30,000). The Golden Eagle has 60 cabins in 14 carriages, two restaurants, piano bar. The 14-day itinerary includes stops at Kazan, Yekaterinburg (Europe-Asia border), Novosibirsk, Lake Baikal (3 days), Ulan-Ude, Mongolia (Ulaanbaatar optional on the Trans-Mongolian route), Vladivostok.
Cabins:
- Silver Class (6 m²): USD 17,000-20,000 — private bathroom with shower
- Gold Class (7.5 m²): USD 22,000-25,000 — queen bed + individual air conditioning
- Imperial Suite (11 m²): USD 28,000-32,000 — full bathtub, the only train in the world with bathtubs in all top cabins
Book at goldeneagleluxurytrains.com, 14-18 months out. May and September are the good months (no -30°C and no Siberian mosquitoes). Assess geopolitical context before booking; US and UK travelers should check current sanctions and travel advisories.
Royal Scotsman Belmond (Scottish Highlands)
TL;DRRoyal Scotsman Belmond runs 2-7 nights through the Scottish Highlands, USD 6,000-15,000 per person, with an onboard Dior spa (the only train in the world). Just 40 passengers, 17 cabins. Smart casual dress code by day, black tie at dinner. Season April-October.
The Royal Scotsman is the most intimate on the list: 40 maximum passengers across 17 cabins (vs 88 on Maharajas, 60 on Golden Eagle). Departs Edinburgh Waverley, runs through Highlands, Speyside (whisky), Skye, west coast. Itineraries:
- 2 nights Highlands (USD 6,000-7,500)
- 3 nights Western Journey (USD 7,500-9,500)
- 4 nights Classic Splendours (USD 10,000-12,500)
- 7 nights Grand Tour (USD 14,000-18,500)
All double cabins have private bathrooms (shower or bathtub). Cuisine in the Dining Car: seasonal Scottish produce (Loch Etive salmon, Ardnamurchan lamb), whisky tastings included at 5 different distilleries (Glenfiddich, Macallan, Strathisla). The Dior spa has 2 treatment cabins + relaxation room. Book at belmond.com, 12 months out. June-September is the ideal window. For US travelers, fly into Edinburgh via Heathrow; for UK travelers, train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley (4h 30m).
Glacier Express Switzerland (St. Moritz → Zermatt)
TL;DRGlacier Express is the only one on this list accessible as a day trip: USD 250-500 in Excellence Class, 8 hours connecting St. Moritz to Zermatt via 91 tunnels, 291 bridges, and the Oberalp Pass (2,033 m). No private cabin, no overnight on board. Operates year-round (panoramic best in winter).
This is the exception: the Glacier Express is not a hotel-train, it's a premium panoramic train operated by Rhätische Bahn and Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn. Carriages with panoramic glass ceilings. Three classes:
| Class | Features | One-way price |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd class | Panoramic window, no meal included | USD 200-280 |
| 1st class | More space, optional 3-course lunch USD 50 | USD 350-450 |
| Excellence Class | Guaranteed window seat, champagne, 5-course lunch, concierge | USD 500-600 |
Route: St. Moritz → Chur → Disentis → Andermatt → Brig → Visp → Zermatt. Views of Landwasser Viaduct, Aletsch Glacier (largest in the Alps), Matterhorn on arrival. Book at glacierexpress.ch 2-3 months out (Excellence Class sells out within a month for peak season). January-February for snow + white Alps, June-September for optional trekking at the stops.
Practical appendix
Quick comparison (USD per person, full trip)
| Train | Duration | Entry price | Top price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glacier Express | 1 day | USD 250 | USD 600 |
| Rocky Mountaineer | 2 days | USD 1,500 | USD 5,000 |
| Venice Simplon-Orient-Express | 2 nights | USD 2,750 (per person) | USD 25,000 |
| Eastern & Oriental Express | 3 nights | USD 5,000 | USD 18,000 |
| Royal Scotsman | 2-7 nights | USD 6,000 | USD 18,500 |
| Maharajas Express | 8 days | USD 5,000 | USD 26,000 |
| Trans-Siberian Golden Eagle | 14 days | USD 17,000 | USD 32,000 |
| Shongololo Express | 16 days | USD 8,000 | USD 15,000 |
Booking windows (when availability opens)
- 18 months: Shongololo, Trans-Siberian Golden Eagle, Maharajas Presidential Suite
- 12 months: Orient Express, Royal Scotsman, Eastern & Oriental Express
- 10 months: Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf, Maharajas Deluxe
- 2-3 months: Glacier Express
Official operators
- Belmond (LVMH): belmond.com — Orient Express, Royal Scotsman, Eastern & Oriental, Andean Explorer
- Rovos Rail: rovos.com — Shongololo, Pride of Africa
- IRCTC: the-maharajas.com — Maharajas Express
- Golden Eagle Luxury Trains: goldeneagleluxurytrains.com — Trans-Siberian, Trans-Caspian
- Armstrong & Galileo: rockymountaineer.com — Rocky Mountaineer
- Rhätische Bahn: glacierexpress.ch — Glacier Express
Key points
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Belmond London-Venice runs USD 5,500-12,000 per cabin, 2 nights, with Grand Suite reaching USD 50,000 per couple in peak season.
Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Vancouver-Banff costs USD 2,500-5,000 per person, 2 days with mandatory Kamloops overnight, glass-domed panoramic carriage essential.
Shongololo Express Pretoria-Victoria Falls is the only luxury train that runs 16 days across 4 African countries, USD 8,000-15,000 with off-train excursions included.
Frequently asked questions
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express remains the leader in prestige and demand (Grand Suites sell out 18 months out). But the Royal Scotsman has the highest per-passenger price, and the Trans-Siberian Golden Eagle 14 days is the most logistically demanding. For the classic Instagram shot, Orient Express. For the most immersive experience, Shongololo.
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About the author
Curadoria Voyspark
2 years in the Voyspark editorial team
Time editorial da Voyspark — escritores, repórteres, fotógrafos e fixers em Lisboa, Tóquio, Nova York, Cidade do México e Marrakech. Coletivo. Sem voz corporativa. Cada peça com checagem cruzada por um editor regional e um chef ou curador local.
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