10 stunning hotels on rails around the world: how train cruises are reshaping travel

The world's first long-distance luxury train and the most famous train to become iconic in mass culture, the Orient Express, now owned by Belmond, continues to captivate those lucky enough to be able to afford to book a seat with at least three zeroes on board, with various itineraries between Paris and Istanbul. Interiors in full Belle Époque style provide the backdrop for impeccable service, including a stellar menu signed by Jean Imbert, among other options. In 2025, artist JR signed the design of “L'Observatoire” coach, a private space inspired by astronomical observatories, where one can indulge in curiosity, adventure and observation.

Inspired by the elegance and glamour of the 1960s, the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express celebrates Italian style and creativity with refined interiors curated by Dimorestudio, the architectural firm founded by Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran. Every detail, from fabrics to interior finishes, pays homage to the great masters of twentieth-century design, such as Gio Ponti, Gae Aulenti, and Osvaldo Borsani. Up to sixty-two passengers are expected on board the convoy, whose itineraries take it through some of the most beautiful regions of the Italian peninsula, from the vineyards of Tuscany to the coast of Sicily.

This is certainly not the unassuming Darjeeling Limited imagined by Wes Anderson that we're talking about: the train that connects Delhi to Mumbai via four routes from October to April to explore the Indian territory is the Maharajas' Express, inaugurated in 2010 and awarded Best Luxury Train in the World for seven consecutive years. Passengers can revive the splendor of the Maharajas' era, including fine dining experiences, dedicated butlers and enchanting scenery. The real gem of this train is the “Presidential Suite,” which occupies an entire coach of about fifty square meters, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms (one with a bathtub), a living room, and a personal butler.

The Eastern & Oriental Express, Belmond's luxury train, is back on the rails in 2024 with new routes through Malaysia. The two main routes, “Essence of Malaysia” and “Wild Malaysia,” take passengers through landscapes and cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang to the rainforests of Taman Negara National Park. On board, the atmosphere recalls the elegance of the past with Art Déco-influenced cabins, and the gastronomic offerings are by award-winning Taiwanese chef André Chiang. Among the most significant new features is the first Dior Spa on rails in Southeast Asia, which introduces a high-profile wellness concept even while traveling, through exclusive treatments inspired by the surrounding nature.

A two-hour plane flight from Pretoria to Cape Town turned into a 1,600-kilometer journey to spend two nights on the Blue Train, with all the amenities and breathtaking views one could wish for. One of the most luxurious trains in the world, it has an old-world elegance, with wood-paneled walls, brass sconces and Italian marble tiles. On board, private suites with king-size bed, bathroom with tub, sitting area and panoramic windows to enjoy the variety of the South African landscape.

The Seven Stars in Kyushu is one of the most exclusive luxury trains with seven coaches and a maximum of thirty passengers per trip, designed by Japanese designer Eiji Mitooka, and characterized by its golden logo on a red lacquer background. On board are only ten suites furnished with fine materials in Japanese style with Western details. Two itineraries run across Kyushu Island, from two or three nights, from Fukuoka Prefecture in the north to Kagoshima Prefecture in the south. Common areas on the train include the Blue Moon Lounge that houses a piano, the Jupiter lounge for conviviality, a ryurei-style tea room with tatami mats, and a gallery where you can get closer to local craftsmanship.

The Shiki-shima Train Suite is a luxury train operated by JR East since 2017, designed to offer a unique experience through different seasonal and cultural routes in Japan. With an innovative design by designer Ken Okuyama, known for his collaborations with Ferrari, the train consists of ten carriages for up to thirty-four passengers, including six multi-story sleeping cars, a lounge car, a restaurant car, and two panoramic cars dedicated to contemplating the scenery.

Currently not operating due to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express Westbound covers the longest route for a train journey, the historic Trans-Siberian Railway: fifteen days to get from Vladivostok to Moscow, crossing two continents and seven time zones. The itinerary includes stops in historic cities such as Khabarovsk, Ulaanbaatar, Ulan-Ude, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, and Kazan. Among the experiences offered are a visit to Lake Baikal with swimming opportunities, exploration of Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia, cultural tours to Irkutsk and Kazan, and visits to historical sites.

Enjoy stunning views of the Scottish Highlands from the comfort of your own suite: the Belmond Royal Scotsman is a luxury cruise train that, with a capacity limited to only thirty-six passengers, guarantees a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The cabins, in full Edwardian style, are equipped with all or modern comforts, with special attention to textiles, chosen by designer Araminta Birse-Stewar. Itineraries can range from two to seven nights, all designed to connect with Scottish culture and traditions, including visits to castles, distilleries and stops at scenic spots. On board, guests can enjoy gourmet meals and relax in the observation car or Dior spa.

From Toronto to Vancouver, from the Great Lakes to the green of British Columbia: more than four thousand kilometers and four time zones, for a four-day train journey through one of the greenest and most enchanting regions on the planet. The Canadian Prestige may be less luxurious in its interior than classic luxury trains with a vintage aesthetic, but the view from the Skyline car, the large observation car at the beginning of the train makes for an unforgettable experience. Opened in 1955, this train is now considered a symbol of Canadian railway tradition.