Dreamy sleeper trains for a scenic and luxurious journey

Top track trips

Top track trips, Royal Scotsman, Scotland, UK, The Ghan Expedition, Australia, Eastern and Oriental Express, Thailand to Singapore, Andean Explorer, Peru, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, UK to Italy, The Maharajas’ Express, India, The Blue Train, South Africa, Shiki-Shima, Japan, The Canadian, Canada, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, Spain, Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan, Royal Canadian Pacific, Canada, Twilight Express Mizukaze, Japan, Rovos Rail, South Africa to Tanzania

Long-distance rail journeys are making a comeback. Not only are they among the most eco-friendly modes of transport, many include the best 5-star dining and luxurious sleeper cabins that would rival the finest hotel rooms. From cinematic journeys through the Andes to ultra-modern trains in Japan and magical winter scenes on the Orient Express, here’s our pick of the world’s best sleeper trains where you’ll embrace the journey as much as the destination.

Royal Scotsman, Scotland, UK

Top track trips, Royal Scotsman, Scotland, UK, The Ghan Expedition, Australia, Eastern and Oriental Express, Thailand to Singapore, Andean Explorer, Peru, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, UK to Italy, The Maharajas’ Express, India, The Blue Train, South Africa, Shiki-Shima, Japan, The Canadian, Canada, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, Spain, Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan, Royal Canadian Pacific, Canada, Twilight Express Mizukaze, Japan, Rovos Rail, South Africa to Tanzania

Those lucky enough to stay on this legendary sleeper train enjoy luxurious marquetry-lined suites, with fully equipped en suites and large windows to admire the view. You won’t forget you’re on Scottish soil with traditional tartan wool blankets, tweed furnishings and traditional entertainment including live ceilidhs, paired with the best local whisky. What makes the Royal Scotsman extra special is the onboard spa, offering a wide range of all-natural therapies, using luxurious Bamford products.

The Ghan Expedition, Australia

Top track trips, Royal Scotsman, Scotland, UK, The Ghan Expedition, Australia, Eastern and Oriental Express, Thailand to Singapore, Andean Explorer, Peru, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, UK to Italy, The Maharajas’ Express, India, The Blue Train, South Africa, Shiki-Shima, Japan, The Canadian, Canada, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, Spain, Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan, Royal Canadian Pacific, Canada, Twilight Express Mizukaze, Japan, Rovos Rail, South Africa to Tanzania

Journeying from Adelaide to Darwin, this epic 1,851-mile-long (2,979km) sojourn takes you through the remote heart of Australia, soaking up the spectacular sights of Katherine, Coober Pedy mining township, Nitmiluk Gorge and Alice Springs. During day excursions, there’s the option to upgrade your trip with scenic flights to Uluru and enjoy a dinner under the stars at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station.

Eastern and Oriental Express, Thailand to Singapore

Top track trips, Royal Scotsman, Scotland, UK, The Ghan Expedition, Australia, Eastern and Oriental Express, Thailand to Singapore, Andean Explorer, Peru, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, UK to Italy, The Maharajas’ Express, India, The Blue Train, South Africa, Shiki-Shima, Japan, The Canadian, Canada, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, Spain, Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan, Royal Canadian Pacific, Canada, Twilight Express Mizukaze, Japan, Rovos Rail, South Africa to Tanzania

Inside, the cherrywood panelling, traditional Thai silks and elaborate marquetry add to the luxury feel and private cabins are turned into sleeping quarters at night. The Presidential Cabin has a complimentary minibar and en suite shower room and the restaurant car offers Michelin-worthy cuisine which includes luxurious takes on Asian breakfast dishes, such as fried eggs with fresh crab and omelette with goose liver wonton. A 24-hour steward service runs throughout.

Andean Explorer, Peru

Top track trips, Royal Scotsman, Scotland, UK, The Ghan Expedition, Australia, Eastern and Oriental Express, Thailand to Singapore, Andean Explorer, Peru, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, UK to Italy, The Maharajas’ Express, India, The Blue Train, South Africa, Shiki-Shima, Japan, The Canadian, Canada, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, Spain, Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan, Royal Canadian Pacific, Canada, Twilight Express Mizukaze, Japan, Rovos Rail, South Africa to Tanzania

As guests marvel at panoramas of the Peruvian highlands, luxury comes in the way of linen-covered walls, Peruvian-inspired furnishings and alpaca wool textures. Cabins come with creature comforts such as robes and slippers while in-built oxygen means passengers won’t feel wobbly in high altitude areas. The train’s dining carriages, Llama and Muña, serve high-end Peruvian cuisine and South American wines. The Piano Bar and Observation Bar Car specialise in luxurious Pisco Sours and epic views.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, UK to Italy

Top track trips, Royal Scotsman, Scotland, UK, The Ghan Expedition, Australia, Eastern and Oriental Express, Thailand to Singapore, Andean Explorer, Peru, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, UK to Italy, The Maharajas’ Express, India, The Blue Train, South Africa, Shiki-Shima, Japan, The Canadian, Canada, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, Spain, Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan, Royal Canadian Pacific, Canada, Twilight Express Mizukaze, Japan, Rovos Rail, South Africa to Tanzania

There are six Grand Suites on the train and each one is decked out in intricately designed interiors inspired by the city they are named after (Vienna, Prague, Paris, Istanbul, Venice and Budapest). Expect geometric details, delicate light fixtures, polished cherrywood marquetry and marble en suite bathrooms. Michelin-starred food (including Brittany lobsters and salt marsh lamb from Mont St Michel) is served from three dining cars. There’s also a 24-hour butler onboard.

The Maharajas’ Express, India

Top track trips, Royal Scotsman, Scotland, UK, The Ghan Expedition, Australia, Eastern and Oriental Express, Thailand to Singapore, Andean Explorer, Peru, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, UK to Italy, The Maharajas’ Express, India, The Blue Train, South Africa, Shiki-Shima, Japan, The Canadian, Canada, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, Spain, Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan, Royal Canadian Pacific, Canada, Twilight Express Mizukaze, Japan, Rovos Rail, South Africa to Tanzania

The 14 guest carriages, individually named after precious gems, have their own private butlers and come with en suite bathrooms and large windows. The 220-square-foot (20.4sqm) suites have a bathtub and the 448-square-foot (41.6sqm) Presidential Suite has a living room with two bedrooms and washrooms. The Maharajas’ Express has two fine dining cars to choose from (one with a frescoed ceiling) as well as The Rajah Club lounge and themed Safari Bar.

The Blue Train, South Africa

Top track trips, Royal Scotsman, Scotland, UK, The Ghan Expedition, Australia, Eastern and Oriental Express, Thailand to Singapore, Andean Explorer, Peru, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, UK to Italy, The Maharajas’ Express, India, The Blue Train, South Africa, Shiki-Shima, Japan, The Canadian, Canada, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, Spain, Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan, Royal Canadian Pacific, Canada, Twilight Express Mizukaze, Japan, Rovos Rail, South Africa to Tanzania

Taking passengers back to the heyday of the 1920s, The Blue Train is steeped in nostalgia, with many kings and presidents having joined its illustrious guest list. This hotel on wheels takes guests on a two-day route between Cape Town and Pretoria (one that’s been traversed for decades) and new destinations have been added in recent years, including the iconic Victoria Falls, famed Garden Route and Kruger National Park where guests can take safari excursions.

Top track trips, Royal Scotsman, Scotland, UK, The Ghan Expedition, Australia, Eastern and Oriental Express, Thailand to Singapore, Andean Explorer, Peru, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, UK to Italy, The Maharajas’ Express, India, The Blue Train, South Africa, Shiki-Shima, Japan, The Canadian, Canada, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, Spain, Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan, Royal Canadian Pacific, Canada, Twilight Express Mizukaze, Japan, Rovos Rail, South Africa to Tanzania

The train has two lounges – which includes a gentleman’s club-style cigar room – decorated in wood panelling and rich tones. The high-end dining room serves a range of dishes using South African ingredients, from Knysna oysters to Karoo lamb. De Luxe Suites come with goose-down and percale cotton bedding and marble-clad en suites that have both a bath and shower. The Luxury Suites include a personal butler, added space to relax and choice of films.

Shiki-Shima, Japan

Top track trips, Royal Scotsman, Scotland, UK, The Ghan Expedition, Australia, Eastern and Oriental Express, Thailand to Singapore, Andean Explorer, Peru, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, UK to Italy, The Maharajas’ Express, India, The Blue Train, South Africa, Shiki-Shima, Japan, The Canadian, Canada, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, Spain, Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan, Royal Canadian Pacific, Canada, Twilight Express Mizukaze, Japan, Rovos Rail, South Africa to Tanzania

Passenger suites on this ultra-modern train come in three categories and interiors are furnished with regional fabrics and handicrafts, from Aizu lacquer to Tsuiki copperware. The most superior cabin is a two-floor suite with a specially made cypress bath and traditional tatami mats. The cuisine is as beautiful as the train itself, with regional chefs coming aboard at various stops to cook delicious dishes from the eastern Japan and Hokkaido region.

The Canadian, Canada

Top track trips, Royal Scotsman, Scotland, UK, The Ghan Expedition, Australia, Eastern and Oriental Express, Thailand to Singapore, Andean Explorer, Peru, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, UK to Italy, The Maharajas’ Express, India, The Blue Train, South Africa, Shiki-Shima, Japan, The Canadian, Canada, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, Spain, Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan, Royal Canadian Pacific, Canada, Twilight Express Mizukaze, Japan, Rovos Rail, South Africa to Tanzania

Known for its giant windows which continue into the train’s ceiling, the views from The Canadian are incredible and dishes served in the dining car include regional specialties such as Alberta beef, Saskatoon berry salad and salmon from British Columbia. While the Sleeper Plus Class cabin has roomy armchairs and wash facilities, the roomier (and more luxurious) Prestige Class cabin comes with a double bed, flat-screen monitor and personal concierge, with turndown service available.

El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, Spain

Top track trips, Royal Scotsman, Scotland, UK, The Ghan Expedition, Australia, Eastern and Oriental Express, Thailand to Singapore, Andean Explorer, Peru, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, UK to Italy, The Maharajas’ Express, India, The Blue Train, South Africa, Shiki-Shima, Japan, The Canadian, Canada, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, Spain, Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan, Royal Canadian Pacific, Canada, Twilight Express Mizukaze, Japan, Rovos Rail, South Africa to Tanzania

There’s a distinct feel of a bygone era, with four of the train’s saloons being original 1923 Pullman cars. And most of the suites have double beds with leather banquette seating and hardwood panelling. Although meals are mainly offered in local restaurants, there is a dining car offering à la carte menu. There’s also a tea saloon, panorama coach and entertainment saloon housing a small nightclub.

Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan

Top track trips, Royal Scotsman, Scotland, UK, The Ghan Expedition, Australia, Eastern and Oriental Express, Thailand to Singapore, Andean Explorer, Peru, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, UK to Italy, The Maharajas’ Express, India, The Blue Train, South Africa, Shiki-Shima, Japan, The Canadian, Canada, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, Spain, Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan, Royal Canadian Pacific, Canada, Twilight Express Mizukaze, Japan, Rovos Rail, South Africa to Tanzania

Train interiors are more akin to a plush hotel with rich wood furniture and Japanese-inspired decor, including the intricate wood panelling known as kumiko. Live piano performances take place in the Blue Moon lounge car and the Jupiter dining car serves up regional cuisine. The most exclusive cabins, the Deluxe Suites, come with showers and lounge areas and have their own wall-to-wall window for the best views of the passing landscape.

Royal Canadian Pacific, Canada

Top track trips, Royal Scotsman, Scotland, UK, The Ghan Expedition, Australia, Eastern and Oriental Express, Thailand to Singapore, Andean Explorer, Peru, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, UK to Italy, The Maharajas’ Express, India, The Blue Train, South Africa, Shiki-Shima, Japan, The Canadian, Canada, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, Spain, Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan, Royal Canadian Pacific, Canada, Twilight Express Mizukaze, Japan, Rovos Rail, South Africa to Tanzania

The carriages have been refurbished with sleek wooden interiors to resemble the original trains built between 1916 and 1931, with room service to boot. Gala dinners served in the dining car are a formal affair, featuring a caviar reception, followed by a six-course feast of regional ingredients and a wide choice of Niagara Peninsula wines.

Twilight Express Mizukaze, Japan

Top track trips, Royal Scotsman, Scotland, UK, The Ghan Expedition, Australia, Eastern and Oriental Express, Thailand to Singapore, Andean Explorer, Peru, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, UK to Italy, The Maharajas’ Express, India, The Blue Train, South Africa, Shiki-Shima, Japan, The Canadian, Canada, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, Spain, Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan, Royal Canadian Pacific, Canada, Twilight Express Mizukaze, Japan, Rovos Rail, South Africa to Tanzania

A fusion of modern and Art Deco-style designs, the suites are decorated with hand-crafted items and the most prestigious sleeper cabin, known simply as The Suite, spans an entire carriage, with an expansive monochrome bathroom (featuring a roll-top bath), private balcony and lounge area. Chefs hailing from some of Japan’s top restaurants prepare picture-perfect dishes from the dining car’s open kitchen. A lounge car and two sleek observation decks (with expansive curved windows) offer panoramic views of the passing scenery.

Rovos Rail, South Africa to Tanzania

Top track trips, Royal Scotsman, Scotland, UK, The Ghan Expedition, Australia, Eastern and Oriental Express, Thailand to Singapore, Andean Explorer, Peru, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, UK to Italy, The Maharajas’ Express, India, The Blue Train, South Africa, Shiki-Shima, Japan, The Canadian, Canada, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, Spain, Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan, Royal Canadian Pacific, Canada, Twilight Express Mizukaze, Japan, Rovos Rail, South Africa to Tanzania

One of the highlights of the train is its beautiful open-air balcony where there’s nothing to obscure the view of the African wildlife. Its 36 suites are impressive too. The most luxurious, the Royal Suite, span half a carriage, comprising a lounge, bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower. Four-course South African meals are served in the dining car while traditional afternoon tea is served in the lounge car, which has plush sofas and big picture windows. Historians also host lectures here.

Post Related