Luxury sleeper trains also evoke a sense of nostalgia and romance, reminiscent of a bygone era when train travel was glamorous. Routes like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express combine old-world charm with modern-day luxuries. Whether you’re sipping champagne in the bar car or waking up to sweeping views of Europe outside your cabin, it’s as if you’re stepping back into a more glamorous era.
Think of all the Agatha Christie adaptations set on glamorous train journeys. On these luxury sleeper trains, you can expect the level of service you’d get at the Ritz. You won’t be drinking coffee from a paper cup on these excursions.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
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This is the most iconic name in luxury train travel, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express takes you back to the golden age of rail travel. With its Art Deco interiors and exquisite cabins, this train recreates the glamorous, pre-WW2 era of train travel.
Traveling from London to Venice (with various routes in between), you can expect silver service dining, plush suites, and exceptional attention to detail. The train’s suites include private cabins, luxury suites, and even a Presidential Suite with a double bed, en-suite shower, and butler service.
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The Belmond Royal Scotsman
Riding on the Belmond Royal Scotsman is the best way to experience Scotland. With its wood-paneled interiors and Edwardian-inspired cabins, this train takes you back to the era of Downtown Abbey. Your journey will begin in Edinburgh and proceed to the Firth of Forth, where you’ll see some of the most romantic scenery in the British Isles. And yes, this train will take you over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, immortalized in Harry Potter. It won’t take you to Hogwarts though.
The Glacier Express
The Glacier Express, dubbed the “slowest express train in the world,” is a breathtaking journey through the Swiss Alps. Connecting the glamorous resort towns of Zermatt and St. Moritz, this train ride offers unparalleled views of Switzerland’s most impressive landscapes, including snow-capped peaks and deep gorges. The journey spans 8 hours, crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels, with highlights such as the dramatic Landwasser Viaduct and the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the route at 2,033 meters. Panoramic windows in both standard and luxury Excellence Class ensure that every passenger enjoys the spectacular scenery.
Onboard, the Glacier Express delivers a premium travel experience. Savor gourmet Swiss cuisine is served at your seat while the staff provides commentary on the sights. Excellence Class elevates the journey further with exclusive perks, including a dedicated concierge, access to a private lounge area, and a curated multi-course meal paired with fine wines. The Glacier Express isn’t just a train ride—it’s a luxurious, immersive way to experience the Alps.
The Britannic Explorer
The Britannic Explorer, set to launch in July 2025, is poised to redefine luxury rail travel across England and Wales. Operated by Belmond, renowned for iconic routes like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, this sleeper train offers three-night itineraries departing from London Victoria, traversing destinations such as Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales. Each journey is meticulously crafted to showcase the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Onboard, the train features 18 exquisitely designed cabins, including 15 suites and three grand suites, blending vintage-inspired elegance with a modern twist. You can enjoy amenities like a botanic-themed bar, a wellness suite, and Michelin-starred dining by chef Simon Rogan, who crafts menus with locally sourced ingredients. Accommodating just 36 guests, the Britannic Explorer creates an intimate and personalized atmosphere, with prices starting from £11,000 for a three-night stay inclusive of meals, drinks, and excursions. This journey promises to set a new standard in luxury travel.
The rise, fall and rise again of luxury sleeper trains
The peak of luxury train travel occurred between the 1880s and 1930s, marking a golden era when trains epitomized elegance and exclusivity. Famous routes like the Orient Express, launched in 1883, set the standard for opulent rail travel, connecting Western Europe to Eastern destinations in great style. Other journeys, such as South Africa’s Blue Train and the Trans-Siberian Express, provided long-distance luxury and a sense of adventure. Technological innovations transformed trains into mobile luxury hotels, complete with plush sleeping compartments, gourmet dining cars, and Art Deco interiors, attracting royalty, celebrities, and high society. During this period, rail travel became a sophisticated alternative to other modes of transportation, reserved for the elite.
The decline of this era began in the 1950s and 1960s with the rise of commercial air travel, offering faster and more accessible options. Despite this, the allure of luxury train travel has endured, with many historic routes revived as modern-day luxury experiences. Journeys like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and South Africa’s Rovos Rail capture the romance and grandeur of the past, allowing today’s travelers to step back in time. These revived trains keep the golden age of rail alive, blending nostalgia with contemporary luxury.
