A renaissance in rail travel is underway, with discerning travelers opting for elegant train journeys over commercial flights. Condé Nast Traveller's Readers' Choice Awards has identified the world's most spectacular train trips, ranging from Michelin-starred dining experiences to journeys through breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Scotland's Royal Scotsman, a Belmond Train, secured the top spot. This luxury train offers trips through the Scottish Highlands, including a three-night tour of Edinburgh, Keith, Kyle of Lochalsh, and Boat of Garten. A three-night journey starts from £4,500 per person. For 2026, the train is introducing a 'Tastes of Scotland Culinary Series' to celebrate local cuisine.
Second on the list is Rovos Rail, which operates across southern Africa, with journeys extending from South Africa to Namibia and Tanzania. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Pretoria, Rovos Rail offers various cabin classes and nine itineraries that last between three and 15 nights. Shorter routes connect Pretoria with destinations like Cape Town and Victoria Falls, while longer trips traverse the continent.
In third place is the Britannic Explorer, another Belmond train, offering a three-night journey from London through picturesque landscapes in England and Wales. The train features 18 cabins, a wellbeing suite, an observation car, a bar, and inclusive meals and drinks.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a Belmond Train, ranks fourth. This iconic European train travels to destinations such as Paris, Venice, Vienna, and Prague. Its accommodation options include historic cabins, suites, and grand suites, with the ultra-exclusive Paris-Istanbul journey costing around £19,900 per person.
Further afield, India's Maharajas Express is recognized for its luxurious travel experience. This train runs four routes from Delhi, with cabins named after gemstones. Ticket prices for a three-night itinerary start at approximately $4,000.
Canada's Rocky Mountaineer offers scenic luxury train rides with three routes operating within Canada since its founding in 1990. In 2021, the operator expanded with a U.S. route. The train is known for its gourmet meals and smartly dressed staff.
The Belmond British Pullman takes fifth place for its journeys through the UK countryside, featuring restored 1920s and 1930s carriages that evoke a golden age of travel. Seasonal offerings include Christmas lunch excursions from London Victoria Station.
Europe's Golden Eagle Danube Express is eighth on the list, offering journeys from Istanbul to Paris and other shorter routes. A notable long journey from the Bosphorus to Paris costs from €19,900.
Australia's The Ghan, a 0.7-mile-long train, travels from north to south across the continent over four days and three nights. Prices start from £2,119 per person. Rounding out Australia's luxury offerings is the Indian Pacific, which travels 4,352 km (2,704 miles) between Perth and Sydney.
The Northern Belle in the UK, launched in 2000, is celebrated for its 1930s Pullman-style carriages and luxurious interiors. Day excursions include a Christmas Lunch journey from £445.
Southeast Asia's Eastern & Oriental Express, also a Belmond train, connects Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok, passing through scenic Malaysian countryside and Thai paddy fields.
Switzerland's Glacier Express is highlighted as a popular Christmas and winter destination, offering eight-hour journeys with stunning Alpine panoramas between Zermatt and St Moritz. Bookings for this route open 93 days in advance.
Italy's La Dolce Vita Orient Express debuted in 2025, featuring interiors inspired by the 1950s and 1960s and gastronomy by Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck. It offers eight itineraries across Italy.
Peru's Andean Explorer, a Belmond Train, provides a luxury experience from Cusco to Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, with prices starting from £2,500.