These are the most luxurious train journeys in the world

Alternative travel is on the rise and luxury trains are the perfect solution. They offer effortless breathtaking views, extravagant afternoon teas and 5-star cabins to stay in. Due to events of the past year, and in no small part thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are looking to travel by rail than air. Hopping on a train to reach your desired destination allows you to travel through numerous different locations and soak up their scenic views whilst travelling in luxury, style and comfort

The top 20 best luxury trains in the world

A long, uncomfortable journey can also start any trip off on the wrong foot. That’s why Club Med have revealed the top luxury train trips from around the globe so that your holiday truly can begin with the journey. We have ranked the journeys based on the following criteria to assess where in the world you can find the most luxurious train journeys:

  • Average ticket price
  • Train reviews from TripAdvisor
  • Instagram ranking
  • Total sights you’ll see along the trip
  • Pinterest ranking

From the reviews of the service received onboard, to the beautiful views you can expect to see when travelling on these routes; each of these aspects contributes to the overall experience the customer receives when onboard these luxury trains. We gave each of these data values a score which we then added up for the final index score. The index score is out of a total of 100.

#1 The Rocky Mountaineer is the BEST luxury train in the world

The Rocky Mountaineer has been listed as the best luxury train journey in the world. Traveling through the Canadian Rockies and the remote vistas of Canada's West, this luxury train scored a total of 70 out of 100 in the index. With the average price for a ticket listing at £1,402, your luxury treatment starts as soon as you step foot on the train. The staff were ranked at 4.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor for service, making your train experience relaxing and memorable.

This long-distance passenger train not only offers luxury service but along the winding tracks you can visit up to 9 destinations offering fantastic picture opportunities. As you snap that shot of the Canadian Rockies, don’t forget to drop it into Instagram - as this train ranked among the most instagrammable train journeys, from the 20 analysed. With up to 146 pins for the Rocky Mountaineer this was a social media hit!

#2 The Glacier Express is the second-best luxury train in the world

The railway that connects two major mountain resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz, Glacier Express comes in second place, scoring 63 out of 100 in the luxury train index. With ticket prices at just £119 and breathtaking views of the alpine village of Zermatt and the Matterhorn, this journey offers up to 8 destinations. Club Med’s all-inclusive family ski resort is just a snowball throw away in the Engadine valley and could make for the perfect family winter holiday.

Take in the breathtaking views of the Alps as you travel towards your destination. Every corner offers another spectacular view to feast your eyes on whilst you travel in comfort and style.

#3 Flam Railway is the third-best luxury train in the world

Securing the top three spot is the Flåm Railway with an index score of 59 out of 100. The journey features the finest aspects of the stunning scenery of Western Norway. With up to 7 destinations, this luxurious journey runs from the end of Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord, up to the high mountains at Myrdal station.

It has been described as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, as the train travels through awe-inspiring terrains. Passengers even get a 5 minute stop off to take photos of the spectacular views!

#4 The Ghan is the fourth-best luxury train in the world

The Ghan is the fourth best luxury train in the world. The unforgettable train journey takes you through the heart of Australia, between Adelaide and Darwin. This luxury train scored a total of 58 out of 100 in our index, and has received a total score of 4.5 out 5 from passengers. Whilst travelling through the heart of Australia, passengers pass through 6 other beautiful destinations such as: Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin which all offer spectacular views.

#5 Bernia Express is the fifth-best luxury train in the world

The Bernina Express is the fifth-best luxury train in the world. Scoring a total of 58 out of 100, this luxury train offers views of glaciers, mountain tops, tunnels, bridges and the famous Brusio Spiral. It is one of the world's most celebrated trains that takes passengers from Switzerland to Italy. Passengers have given the train an impressive overall rating of 4.5!

Top 20 most instagrammable trains in the world

Social media platforms have changed the way we look at travel, when heading abroad it’s not uncommon to find people googling for the most Instagrammable locations. Even though Club Med rounded up the best luxury train destinations in terms of reviews, ticket price and sights you’ll see - they also pulled social rankings:

  • Instagram ranking
  • Pinterest ranking

We gave each of these data values a score which we then added up for the final index score. The index score is out of a total of 100.

Canada leads the way as the most aesthetically pleasing, and luxurious, train journey to share on social media

Our expert tips for a smooth train journey in luxury

Follow these expert tips to make your train trip more enjoyable:

Arrive early - to ensure a smooth trip, arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train departs, so you have time to locate your platform and ready any bags you want to have checked.

Move around and explore - visit the observation car for panoramic views of the shifting scenery, or grab a quick snack and a drink from the snack car.

Keep your camera to hand - from the moment you step onto the train your memories will begin, and some of the most amazing views will be right outside your window

Hungry for Adventure?

Has our airport layover index got you dreaming of faraway adventures? For a trip of a lifetime where you can create memories and embark on new experiences, explore our extensive range of ski resorts.

Methodology

Club Med analysed a combination of data from Tripadvisor, Instagram, Pinterest and the trains’ homepages to collate the luxury ranking and social index presented.