The research from Japan Rail Pass found the best luxury train rides in the world — and one is a legendary train in Scotland.
Trains are not just a practical means of transport, but they can also be an affordable way to travel. We’re not referring to your standard train journey here, but rather something more opulent where passengers can soak up the breathtaking views and relax in the plush interiors.
Not only does this make the journey far more pleasurable, but the trip itself can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Research from Japan Rail Pass has identified the best luxury train rides globally, with three of them located right here in the UK.
The team analysed Tripadvisor reviews, Instagram hashtags, and global search volumes to reach their conclusions. They discovered that the Rocky Mountaineer, situated in Canada, topped the list with an impressive 54,029 Instagram hashtags.
The train ride itself, which operates four routes in British Columbia, Alberta, Colorado, and Utah, is searched for a staggering 368,000 times per month, reports the Express.
As the name suggests, the Rocky Mountaineer passes through some stunning mountainous landscapes, making it extremely popular.
Switzerland’s GoldenPass Express clinched second place on the list. This journey connects Montreux with Interlaken, a beautiful town nestled amongst mountains in the Bernese Oberland.
GoldenPass Express received an average score of 4.5 for its service on TripAdvisor, with the train achieving an overall score of 8.39 from Japan Rail Pass.
The 10 most luxurious train rides in the world:
- Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
- GoldenPass Express, Switzerland
- The Ghan, Australia
- Rovos Rail, South Africa
- Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan
- The Blue Train, South Africa
- Venice Simplon Orient Express, England
- British Pullman, England
- The Royal Scotsman, Scotland
- Maharajas’ Express, India
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, an iconic train service that travels from London to Venice and other European cities, secured the seventh spot on the list. This private luxury train service is not only renowned for its opulence but also for its hefty price tag, with fares starting from £4,370 per person.
Coming in at eighth place is the British Pullman, based in England. This unique train journey offers a chance to explore the English countryside in all its glory.
The British Pullman provides passengers with the opportunity to enjoy lunch, afternoon tea or even take in shows aboard the carriage. According to Google Reviews, the service boasts an impressive 4.7 rating, with prices starting from £430 for a table of two.
Finally, in ninth place is The Royal Scotsman, a luxury train service in Scotland that showcases the stunning beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Fares start from £5,300 for a cabin, priced per person, and include a two-night stay.
