Train Travel Revival: Why Luxury Rails Are Booking Up

The golden age of travel has returned, but it looks different than it did in the 1920s. Travelers are increasingly trading the chaos of airport security lines and cramped economy seats for the relaxed pace of the railways. This isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B; it is about the “slow travel” movement. Demand for luxury rail experiences has surged to the point where waiting lists for top-tier trains now stretch into late 2025 and 2026.

Here is a look at why travelers are flocking to sleeper cars, the specific routes commanding the highest prices, and what you actually get when you book a ticket on the world’s most exclusive trains.

The Appeal of "Slow Travel" in a Fast World

The primary driver behind this rail revival is a shift in mindset. Post-pandemic travelers are prioritizing experiences that offer privacy, space, and a connection to the landscape. Luxury trains provide a “land cruise” experience where the vacation begins the moment you step onto the platform.

Unlike air travel, where the goal is speed, rail travel celebrates the journey. You are not flying over the scenery at 35,000 feet; you are moving through it. There is also an environmental component. With “flight shame” (flygskam) influencing travel decisions, many luxury travelers prefer the lower carbon footprint of a train compared to a private jet or commercial flight.

The Heavy Hitters: Europe's Iconic Lines

Europe remains the epicenter of the luxury rail industry. The most famous name in the business, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), operated by Belmond, continues to set the standard.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

This train is an Art Deco icon. It uses restored carriages from the 1920s and 1930s. A one-night journey from London or Paris to Venice typically starts around ÂŁ3,530 (approx. $4,500 USD) per passenger. Despite the price, cabins sell out months in advance.

  • The Experience: You are expected to dress for dinner (black tie is common). The food is prepared onboard by executive chefs using local ingredients like Brittany lobsters or salt marsh lamb.
  • New Upgrades: To meet modern demands for privacy, Belmond recently added eight new “Suites” to the VSOE. These offer private marble bathrooms with showers, a feature previously missing from the historic cabins where passengers shared facilities.

Orient Express La Dolce Vita

A new competitor is entering the market in Italy. Accor is launching the Orient Express La Dolce Vita in 2024⁄2025. Unlike the VSOE’s 1920s aesthetic, this train features a 1960s and 70s Italian design by Dimorestudio. Pre-sale tickets require a deposit of €500 just to get on the priority list. Prices for a one-night journey are expected to start around €2,500 per person.

The Royal Scotsman

For those who prefer the Highlands, the Belmond Royal Scotsman offers a different vibe. Departing from Edinburgh, this train carries only 40 guests. It is famous for being the only luxury train with a dedicated onboard spa (the Dior Spa). A 4-night “Highland Fling” journey costs upwards of £7,000 per person and includes private visits to whisky distilleries and castles not open to the general public.

North America's Scenic Routes

While the US and Canada may not have the deep history of European rail, they dominate when it comes to scenery.

Rocky Mountaineer

Based in Western Canada, the Rocky Mountaineer focuses on viewing the landscape. Their “GoldLeaf Service” is the gold standard here.

  • The Hardware: Passengers sit in bi-level glass-dome coaches. The upper level offers panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies, while the lower level is a dedicated dining room.
  • The Route: The “First Passage to the West” connects Vancouver and Banff. Unlike European sleeper trains, the Rocky Mountaineer only travels during the day to ensure you don’t miss any views. Guests sleep in luxury hotels at night. Prices for a 2-day journey in GoldLeaf start around $2,500 CAD depending on the season.

Amtrak’s Premium Offerings

In the United States, Amtrak is generally seen as a commuter service, but their long-haul routes offer a distinct leisure experience. The Empire Builder (Chicago to Seattle) and the Coast Starlight (Seattle to Los Angeles) are in high demand.

  • Bedroom Suites: The highest tier is the “Bedroom,” which includes a private en-suite toilet and shower.
  • Cost: A Bedroom on the Empire Builder can cost over $1,500 one way during peak summer months. It includes all dining car meals. While not as opulent as the VSOE, the demand for these private rooms is higher than ever due to the privacy they afford.

The Impossible Ticket: Japan's Seven Stars

If you want exclusivity, you look to Japan. The Seven Stars in Kyushu is widely considered one of the most luxurious trains in the world, and you cannot simply buy a ticket. You have to win one.

Because demand is so high, JR Kyushu operates a lottery system for bookings.

  • The Train: It features kumiko woodwork, hand-painted porcelain sinks, and live piano performances. It carries only 20 to 30 passengers max.
  • The Cost: A 4-day trip can cost upwards of 1 million yen (approx. $6,700 USD) per person.
  • The Amenities: The rear car features a floor-to-ceiling window to watch the tracks recede, and the service is known for its extreme attention to detail (staff often learn guests’ preferences before they even board).

What Your Money Buys: Amenities and Excursions

When you book a luxury rail journey, the ticket price covers much more than transportation.

  • Gastronomy: Dining is a central pillar. On the Rovos Rail in South Africa, dinners are formal affairs featuring game meat and South African wines. All beverages are typically included in the fare.
  • Steward Service: Most luxury sleeper trains provide 24-hour steward service. They turn down your bed while you are at dinner and serve breakfast in your cabin the next morning.
  • Off-Train Excursions: These are not standard bus tours. The Maharajas’ Express in India, for example, greets guests with red carpets and traditional music at every station. Excursions might include private elephant polo matches or exclusive dining in palace courtyards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book a luxury train trip?

For top-tier trains like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express or the Seven Stars in Kyushu, you should plan to book 12 to 18 months in advance. Summer and holiday departures sell out almost immediately.

Is there a dress code on these trains?

Yes, and it is strictly enforced on many lines. The VSOE requires a jacket and tie for dinner at a minimum, though many guests wear tuxedos. During the day, “smart casual” is the standard (no jeans or sneakers). However, trains like the Rocky Mountaineer are more relaxed and casual.

Are meals included in the ticket price?

On true luxury trains (Belmond, Rovos Rail, Maharajas’ Express), all meals are included. Alcohol is usually included as well, though some super-premium wines may cost extra. On Amtrak, meals are included only for sleeper car passengers.

Do all luxury cabins have private bathrooms?

Not always. Historic trains often have shared facilities for the standard cabins. You must specifically book a “Suite” or “Grand Suite” on trains like the VSOE if you require a private en-suite shower and toilet. Always check the cabin specifications before booking.

Is luxury train travel suitable for children?

Generally, no. Most luxury trains are geared toward adults. The atmosphere is quiet and formal. Some trains have age restrictions (e.g., the Seven Stars in Kyushu does not allow children under 12). However, the Rocky Mountaineer and Amtrak are family-friendly.