The last time train travel was in style was a century ago, during “The Golden Age” of railroads, which petered out post-WWII with the car and air travel boom. Fast forward to today, and train travel is trending again, with projections to continue increasing in popularity over the next several years. Whether caused by a global zeal for “slow” travel, increased consciousness of our carbon footprint, or social media influencers, train travel is the next big thing. Yes, even in North America!

Traveling via train began for me when I was just a child. One of my most special childhood memories was a family vacation aboard the Amtrak line that departed from south Texas en route to California, then to Nevada to visit my grandparents. I’ve carried that love for train travel throughout my life, using it as transportation when possible. Most recently, I took the Inca Rail line to Machu Picchu, which was a life-changing experience. This month, I’ll be experiencing another train ride through the Rocky Mountains!

Below are my top 10 suggestions for a luxurious train trip, ranked either because of their opulent accommodations or their richness of sights and experiences.

1. Switzerland — The Glacier Express

Duration: 8 hours

When: Year-round, except for a brief hiatus from late October to mid-December

How to get there: Depends on departure city

This train through the Swiss Alps consistently ranks among the best train rides in Switzerland and the world. The Glacier Express is considered the “Slowest Express in the World” as it only travels 24 mph on average, which is perfect for taking photos of the gorgeous mountains. What it lacks in speed, it more than makes up for in scenery. Connecting the central Swiss Alps’ two major mountain resorts, Zermatt and St. Moritz, the 180-mile stretch contains some of the country’s most well-known gorgeous sights, such as the Matterhorn peak. One of the highlights is the Albula Line section of the journey, which forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The historic railway is noted for its architectural and civil engineering achievements, such as the bridges and spiral tunnels the Glacier Express passes through. Your ticket also includes delicious traditional Swiss food and regional wines. This journey is truly a feast for the senses.  Definitely at the top of my list! 

2. North American West — Rocky Mountaineer

Duration: Varies, multi-day

When: April–October

How to get there: There are various drop-off/pick-up points depending on the route, but many depart from Vancouver, Canada.

The Rocky Mountaineer is a bucket-list experience for train lovers. The Mountaineer’s four routes traverse the American West and Canada’s Southwest, showcasing exclusive views of the Canadian Rockies and more. The routes are all overnight, but the trains don’t have sleeper cars. Instead, you travel in a luxurious glass-dome coach during the day and stop off each night to sleep in a comfortable hotel. While aboard, you taste and sip regional food and beverages, and have access to outdoor viewing areas where you can experience the beautiful, rugged wilderness right before your eyes. The company is introducing a new journey this year: the Rocky Mountaineer x Moab Music Festival: Sounds in the Southwest. The luxury train experience is combined with Utah’s most famous festival for a unique eight-night journey. It’s sure to be an exciting collaboration worth talking about for decades! Stay tuned for more on my personal journey on this adventure!

3. Machu Picchu, Peru – Inca Rail 

Duration: 1.5–2 hours

When: Year-round

How to get there: Fly from Lima (LIM) to Cusco (CUZ) where the train departs.

Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca citadel in the Sacred Valley is one of the eight wonders of the world. It’s a dream to visit this magical site, and your journey to it can be just as special on an Inca Rail train. Machu Picchu is a remote destination in the Peruvian Andes’ tropical mountain forest that can be difficult to access. Traveling by train is not only the most convenient but also the most scenic route. A trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu on Inca Rail takes you through several diverse landscapes on one of their 5 luxury train services, all of which have amazing amenities ranging from live music to outdoor observatories. Nearly all trains to Machu Picchu depart from Cusco; unfortunately, it is not possible to travel from Lima to Cusco by train. Your best bet is to take a 1.5-hour flight from Lima, the capital, to Cusco, then take the Inca Rail train to Machu Picchu. 

4. Alaska — Denali Star Train, Alaska Railroad

Duration: 12 hours

When: May–September

How to get there: Fly to Anchorage (ANC)

Considering Alaska’s long history as a depot for gold rush seekers, it’s no surprise that historic railways like the vintage train in Skagway continue to operate and new routes flourish in the Last Frontier. One such railway is the Denali Star Train, the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train that stretches 356 miles, from Anchorage to Fairbanks. The train is named for Denali, the tallest mountain in North America (20,310 feet to be exact), which you can see perfectly from the Denali Star. The train stops at Denali National Park, where you can hop off and explore the 6 million acres of Alaska’s rugged interior. The other main highlight of the railway is Hurricane Gulch Bridge, a stunning yet terrifying 918-foot steel arch railroad bridge. I recommend taking this route in late August, the beginning of the Aurora Season; Fairbanks is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.

5. Continental Europe — Venice Simplon-Orient Express

No list of luxury train rides in Europe, or anywhere else, for that matter, is complete without the Orient Express. Yes, it’s definitely on my dream list! The iconic 1883 train continues to set the standard for luxury train travel. The train is constantly upgrading and expanding upon its time-honored routes under the leadership of hospitality royalty Belmond, which was recently acquired by Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH). Today, the legendary train offers more than 60 routes ranging from the traditional and most popular 1-night London–Venice route to the annual 5-night Istanbul–Paris transcontinental train. This year, the company is debuting 17 restored original Orient Express cars from the early 1900s fitted with Art Deco decor.

6. Florida — The Brightline

Duration: Miami–Orlando direct is 3.5 hours

When: Year-round

How to get there: Depends on departure city

The hot topic here in South Florida is our new train! The Brightline eco-friendly train links Orlando, the top tourist destination in the United States to hot and spicy Miami. The modern train stops in Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach, all of which are fantastic destinations. Brightline has built brand-new, stylish train stations for the new railway, which are modern hubs to eat, drink, and relax while you wait for your train. This new train will revolutionize the way tourists and locals alike navigate Florida’s top cities, which were previously linked only by highways and airplanes. If you decide to take the Brightline, I would love to show you the best of South Florida. Check out my guide to a personal favorite, Key West, which is just shy of a 4-hour drive from Miami.

7. West Coast, LA to Seattle — Coast Starlight, Amtrak

Duration: 35 hours

When: Year-round

How to get there: Fly to either starting point, LA (LAX) or Seattle (SEA)

The Coast Starlight train gives you the quintessential West Coast experience without a car. You’re free of the burden of driving, so you can enjoy the enthralling expanses of Pacific Ocean views, but you’re still able to make pit stops at some of the US’s cutest coastal cities. You can hop off at Santa Barbara, Chico, Redding, Salem, Eugene, Tacoma, and others. The Amtrak train, which has 30 stops from Los Angeles to Seattle, also passes through the biggest cities of the West Coast including Portland, the Bay Area, Sacramento, etc. making it easy to create a multi-day itinerary for an unforgettable West adventure.

8. India — The Maharajas’ Express

Duration: 3–6 nights

When: October–April

How to get there: Fly to New Delhi (DEL)

When it comes to luxury trains, the Maharajas’ Express is a top contender for the most luxurious in the world. The four-route train service encompasses the best of the best in northwest and central India. Each has a unique journey that can take you to otherworldly places, such as Jaipur, “The Pink City”, Jodhpur, “The Blue City”, the electric megapolis of Mumbai, and many others.

All four routes include seeing the Taj Mahal, an elephant encounter in Jaipur, and a jungle safari in the Tiger Reserve of Ranthambhore. After a day of incredible experiences like these, you can enjoy the spacious suites, which stand out in the world of train travel for their size and amenities. Now this is a dreamy train ride for sure! 

9. US Great Smoky Mountains — Great Smoky Mountains Railway, North Carolina

The relatively undiscovered Great Smoky Mountains are an underrated gem in train travel. In a remote region of North Carolina, in the eastern United States, you’ll find the Great Smoky Mountains Railway, which runs several excursions into the mysterious mountains.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railway company is special because their excursions are still offered onboard old-fashioned steam-powered trains. In the summertime, you can take a railway excursion along the resplendent Nantahala and Tuckasegee mountain rivers while enjoying authentic bluegrass music and hearing the fascinating tales of Appalachia. The trains’ year-round schedule means you can take the same journeys in autumn to witness the beautiful fall foliage.

Families will especially enjoy the special winter train, The Polar Express, an experience with hot cocoa and Santa onboard. If you come during Christmas time, extend your stay by heading a bit further east to Asheville, which becomes a winter wonderland. My blog on a holiday getaway in Asheville has all the best recommendations.

10. California Wine Country — The Napa Valley Wine Train

Duration: 6 hours

When: Year-round

How to get there: Fly into a nearby airport, such as San Francisco (SFO), Oakland (OAK), Sacramento (SMF), San Jose (SJC) or Sonoma County (STS), then drive 1–3 hours (depending on airport and traffic)

There’s no better way to experience the famous Northern Californian vineyards than by train. The Napa Valley Wine Train is the local way to see the more than 400 vineyards of the valley and taste the more than 40 types of locally grown grapes. On the company’s premier voyage, “The Legacy Experience”, your conductor, the designated driver of the day, leads a six-hour journey aboard a vintage open-air rail car. The wine train is all about the wine, of course, but there’s also the 4-course meal of local cuisine you get to savor while watching the valley slip by. The six-hour round-trip train ride through wine country departs from downtown Napa destined for St. Helena, where you get to have wine tastings at two historic wineries that set the foundation for wine-making in Napa Valley. 

All aboard! Let me help you plan a train vacation of a lifetime for just yourself or a large group. Get in touch for a free consultation.