Top 10 Countries With Affordable Luxury Trains

India: The Palace on Wheels and Beyond

India offers some of the world’s most affordable luxury train journeys, with the Palace on Wheels topping the list. Prices for a week-long trip start at around $4,000 per person in 2024, making it far less costly than many European luxury trains.

Passengers experience royal treatment, including gourmet meals, personal attendants, and guided excursions to UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Taj Mahal and Jaipur’s Amber Fort. Other options, like the Deccan Odyssey and Maharajas’ Express, provide similarly plush experiences at competitive rates.

Indian Railways has invested heavily in modernizing these trains, focusing on safety and comfort upgrades since 2023. Despite the lavishness, fares remain relatively accessible due to strong government subsidies and high demand from domestic tourists.

This combination of value and luxury makes India a standout for travelers seeking an opulent experience without breaking the bank.

South Africa: Rovos Rail and Blue Train

South Africa’s Rovos Rail and the Blue Train are legendary for their blend of old-world charm and accessible pricing. A two-night Rovos Rail trip from Pretoria to Cape Town costs about $2,100 per person in 2025, significantly undercutting similar journeys in Europe or Japan.

Both trains feature elegant suites, gourmet cuisine, and panoramic observation cars. The Blue Train, in particular, has won multiple awards in 2023 for service and comfort, including the World Travel Awards’ "Africa’s Leading Luxury Train." South Africa’s exchange rate also favors foreign travelers, helping keep luxury rail more affordable for international guests.

These trains offer immersive experiences through vineyards, deserts, and wildlife reserves, giving passengers a taste of Africa’s natural beauty in comfort. The government continues to support luxury rail as a major tourism driver, ensuring high standards at reasonable prices.

Vietnam: The Vietage and Victoria Express

Vietnam’s luxury trains are a revelation for travelers seeking value and style. The Vietage, launched in 2024, connects Da Nang and Quy Nhon with tickets starting under $400 for a six-hour journey, including a gourmet three-course meal and spa treatments.

Victoria Express, running between Hanoi and Lao Cai (near Sapa), offers private cabins and personalized service for less than $300 per ticket. These trains have become popular among Asian and European tourists, with bookings rising by 30% in 2024 according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

Both trains focus on intimate luxury rather than massive scale, offering fewer cabins and attentive service. Vietnamese luxury rail lines are known for their scenic routes through rice paddies, mountains, and rivers, giving travelers a front-row seat to the country’s beauty.

The affordability and unique local touches make Vietnam a top pick for budget-friendly luxury.

Turkey: The Eastern Express

Turkey’s Eastern Express has gained fame as one of the most affordable luxury train experiences, especially after its 2023 revamp. The train’s luxury sleeper service from Ankara to Kars now offers private compartments, fine dining, and curated excursions, all for less than $600 per person for the 24-hour journey.

The Turkish State Railways reported a 40% increase in international bookings in 2024, due to both price and the Instagram-friendly scenery. Passengers travel through Anatolia’s snowy mountains, ancient cities, and remote villages, with stops for regional cuisine and cultural tours.

The government continues to invest in infrastructure, keeping fares low while improving quality and safety. Turkish hospitality and the unique east-meets-west atmosphere make this train a must for affordable luxury seekers.

Russia: Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express

The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express is often associated with ultra-luxury, but its Silver Class cabins offer surprisingly good value. In 2025, a two-week journey from Moscow to Vladivostok costs around $16,000—still expensive, but less than half the price of comparable European luxury trains for a similar distance and duration.

The train features en-suite cabins, fine Russian and international cuisine, and guided tours at every stop. Since 2023, the operator has introduced flexible packages and off-season discounts, making the experience more accessible.

Russia’s vast landscapes, from the Ural Mountains to Lake Baikal, are an unforgettable backdrop. The train’s blend of comfort, adventure, and relatively reasonable prices for the experience put Russia on the map for affordable long-haul luxury rail travel.

Thailand: Eastern & Oriental Express

Thailand’s Eastern & Oriental Express, which runs between Bangkok and Singapore, remains one of Southeast Asia’s most accessible luxury trains. Tickets for the three-day journey start at around $2,700 per person in 2024, including all meals, drinks, and sightseeing excursions.

The train’s Art Deco interiors, open-air observation deck, and regional cuisine make it a favorite among both locals and foreign tourists. In 2023, Belmond, the train’s operator, refreshed the carriages and added new themed journeys, increasing its appeal.

The route showcases rainforests, rice fields, and colonial towns, providing a rich cultural experience. Thailand’s strong tourism infrastructure ensures smooth connections and affordable add-ons, making this a hassle-free, luxurious, and affordable adventure.

Morocco: The Marrakesh Express

Morocco’s Marrakesh Express, relaunched in 2024, offers a taste of North African luxury at a fraction of the price found in Europe. The train features Moroccan-inspired interiors, private suites, and on-board chefs serving tagines and mint tea.

Fares for the overnight journey from Casablanca to Marrakesh start at just $250 per person. The Moroccan National Railways has reported a 25% increase in foreign bookings since the relaunch, citing value for money and authentic experiences.

Passengers enjoy desert views, mountain vistas, and stops in historic cities. Morocco’s growing popularity as a travel destination adds to the appeal, as more travelers seek unique, affordable luxury journeys.

Spain: Al Andalus and El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo

Spain’s luxury trains, Al Andalus and El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, offer elegant journeys through Andalusia and northern Spain at prices starting around $4,500 for a week-long trip in 2025. This is notably less expensive than Britain’s or France’s luxury trains.

Both trains feature Belle Époque carriages, wine tastings, and gourmet regional cuisine. The Spanish government has supported the luxury rail sector as part of its tourism recovery strategy, keeping fares relatively low.

These trains include daily guided tours to UNESCO World Heritage sites, flamenco performances, and access to local spas. The combination of culture, cuisine, and comfort has made Spain a leader in affordable luxury train travel.

Peru: Belmond Andean Explorer

Peru’s Belmond Andean Explorer is South America’s first luxury sleeper train, connecting Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Arequipa. Fares for the two-night journey start at $2,500 per person in 2024, which is very competitive for a luxury train, especially given the spectacular scenery.

The train features plush cabins, a spa car, and Andean-inspired cuisine. Since its relaunch in 2023, the Andean Explorer has seen a surge in bookings from US and European travelers, according to Peru’s Ministry of Tourism.

Guests enjoy guided excursions to Inca ruins, markets, and natural wonders. The affordability, combined with world-class service and scenery, makes it a standout in the luxury rail world.

Japan: Seven Stars in Kyushu

Japan’s Seven Stars in Kyushu is often seen as the epitome of Asian luxury rail, but it offers smart value for the experience. Four-day itineraries start at about $6,000 per person in 2025, including all-inclusive meals, excursions, and five-star hospitality.

The train’s interior features traditional Japanese craftsmanship, with wood paneling, shoji screens, and private baths. Demand continues to outstrip supply, but the operator has expanded service in 2024, making it a bit easier to secure a spot.

Passengers travel through hot spring towns, volcanic landscapes, and ancient temples. Japanese efficiency ensures a seamless, high-quality trip, and while it’s not cheap, the level of luxury is unmatched for the price, especially compared to similar trains in Europe and Australia.

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