7 Best Luxury Train Trips in Europe

The iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a luxury train that will transport you back to the Golden Age of travel with its elegant coaches and gourmet dining experiences. Travel between popular European destinations as you enjoy captivating views over stunning mountain ranges and glistening lakes.

There are a variety of one-night travel itineraries to choose from, with routings running between the cities of Venice and London, Rome and Paris, and Geneva and Innsbruck. On the annual five-night adventure between Paris and Istanbul, you will have a chance to enjoy a cruise along the Danube and enjoy luxury stays in Bucharest and Budapest.

Relax and enjoy the 18 beautifully restored 1920s art deco carriages, feeling the romance of train travel as you pass from the refined dining car to the cozy bar, finally retiring to your stylish cabin.

Best Time to Travel: Mid-March to early November

Capture views of Scotland’s stunning landscape of rugged highlands, serene lochs, and misty glens when you travel through the country on the luxury Belmond Royal Scotsman. Itineraries range from two-night experiences to a seven-night adventure, with all journeys starting at and returning to Edinburgh’s Waverley Station.

Scenic routes include the well-known West Highland Line and Highland Main Line, traveling through historic towns like Fort William and passing the picturesque Steall Waterfall. Take the four-night Heritage Home and Gardens trip and disembark to visit Ballindalloch, one of the country’s most romantic castles.

With accommodation for a maximum of 36 guests, the Royal Scotsman combines elegant Edwardian-style interiors, candlelit dining, and the Dior Spa for that extra touch of pampering. Enjoy time in your cabin comprising Scottish wool and tartan throws as the train docks each evening to ensure a silent night’s rest.

Best Time to Travel: April to October

Experience a luxury hotel on wheels when you board the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Discover opulent train travel as you journey between Western and Eastern Europe, with trips extending to include Turkey. Up to 62 people can be accommodated.

Travel to iconic cities such as Budapest, Vienna, and Prague, and embrace a blend of cultural immersion and spectacular scenery. European itineraries range from seven to 14 days, with routings taking you through Kraków and Berlin, and you can escape to a world of enchantment when embarking on the popular seven-day Castles of Transylvania journey.

When traveling on the Golden Eagle Danube Express, feel the splendor as you make your way through woodpanneled corridors with brass fittings. Take a seat in a classic dining car where gourmet three-course Hungarian meals are served. Retire to your beautifully appointed sleeping car, perhaps lulled to sleep by a steam engine for a nostalgic experience.

Best Time to Travel: May to October

Travel on the El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo through northern Spain when setting off on a seven-night rail journey through the country’s “green” region. Enjoy a luxury journey as you travel between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela.

Travel through Basque country as your rail journey takes you through Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia. Captivating landscapes and cultural excursions introduce you to local culture as you pass through Santander, Oviedo, Gijón, and Bilbao. Visit the town of Ribadeo and spend time in the magnificent Picos de Europa National Park.

The train features original Pullman cars dating back to the 1920s and combines modern, spacious suites with timeless class. Gastronomy is a key component of your journey, with a chance to savor local delicacies such as baked fish crepes or cocido, a chickpea stew specific to the region. Entertainment onboard includes live music, with a charming viewing lounge for you to relax in.

Best Time to Travel: April to October

Operating as a historic “palace on wheels”, the Al-Andalus offers a luxury railway journey through southern Spain. Traveling through Andalusia for six nights, the train offers an exclusive tour starting in Seville and traversing iconic cities like Jerez, Cádiz, Ronda, Córdoba, Úbeda, Baeza, Granada, and Málaga.

Off-train excursions include visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the city of Granada, and escapes to olive groves, vineyards, and natural parks. Admire the striking Sierra Nevada mountain range, which includes some of Europe’s highest peaks, enjoy views of the Mediterranean coastline, and pass through areas of old-growth forests.

The train accommodates 74 passengers and provides a sophisticated experience with restored interiors and panoramic views. The 14 Belle Époque-style carriages feature art deco styling and cozy en-suite cabins.

Best Time to Travel: May to September

With 11 beautifully restored 1920s and 1930s carriages, the Belmond British Pullman is a luxury vintage train which travels throughout the United Kingdom, departing from London Victoria station. Except for January, it offers year-round day trips and weekend getaways.

Expect themed journeys to destinations such as Bath, Highclere Castle, Chatsworth House, Canterbury, and the Cotswolds, with popular experiences including a murder mystery train adventure to captivate you as you travel through valleys and villages.

Each carriage is named and rich in history, for example, Winston Churchill’s funeral train. There is space for 226 guests in splendid comfort, with public areas displaying exquisite works of marquetry, polished brass, and elegant furniture. Afternoon tea and chef-hosted events add sweetness to this rail adventure.

Best Time to Travel: February to December

The GoldenPass Express is a luxurious panoramic train that follows a medieval trade route connecting Montreux and Interlaken in Switzerland. You will be transported through picturesque landscapes on a three-hour and 15-minute journey on a train that boasts innovative adjustable gauge technology, allowing for a seamless travel experience.

With four departures a day, you will travel through the regions of Gstaad, Château-d'Oex, and Montbovon. Take in stunning views of the Jungfrau mountain range as you travel between Lakes Thun and Brienz. Look out for the famous Simmental cows as you pass Simmen Valley and admire charming wooden chalets in the chic mountain resort of Gstaad.

The GoldenPass Express features three travel classes, namely second, first, and premium Prestige. The latter provides upmarket amenities such as heated leather seats that rotate 180 degrees, elevated for optimal scenic views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Best Time to Travel: Year-round, four times a day in each direction

Combine luxury, adventure, and incredible scenery with a nostalgic glimpse into the golden age of rail travel. Modern amenities and innovative technology blend with art deco furnishings and elegant finishes.

Discover the diverse beauty of the European landscape by searching our European luxury train trips. Explore our Europe travel guide for more tips and insight into experiencing the wonders of Europe.