Modern holidays can sometimes feel like a race: airport queues, rushed connections and packed itineraries leave little time to enjoy the places we came to see. Slow travel offers a more rewarding alternative. It is about spending longer in a destination, travelling more thoughtfully and appreciating the journey rather than simply using it to get from A to B.
Luxury train holidays are a natural fit for this style of travel. With comfortable suites, regional dining, panoramic observation areas and carefully planned excursions, the train becomes part of the destination. Instead of watching the landscape disappear from a motorway or an airport departure lounge, you can settle into the rhythm of the journey and see how each region changes outside your window.
From Southern Africa and the Scottish Highlands to the Canadian Rockies and the Japanese island of Kyushu, these are some of the best luxury train journeys for travellers who believe that taking your time is the ultimate luxury.
1. Rovos Rail, Southern Africa
Few rail journeys capture the spirit of slow travel as vividly as Rovos Rail (also known as ‘the Pride of Africa Luxury Trains’). Known for its vintage coaches, attentive service and long-distance routes, Rovos Rail offers an elegant way to experience the landscapes of Southern Africa.
Depending on the itinerary, guests may travel through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe or Tanzania. The scenery changes from vineyards and mountain ranges to desert, savannah and wildlife-rich reserves, while the train provides a relaxed base between excursions.
Suites, formal dining and observation-car views make the experience feel wonderfully unhurried. For routes, departure information and the latest travel details, visit the official Rovos Rail website.
If you are considering a longer African itinerary, our guide to the best places to visit in Cape Town in South Africa is a useful next read.
2. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is one of the most recognisable names in luxury rail travel. Its restored Art Deco carriages, polished woodwork and classic service evoke the glamour of early twentieth-century train travel, while routes connect some of Europe’s most memorable cities.
Depending on the departure, travellers may journey between destinations such as Paris, Venice, Vienna or Prague. The appeal is not only the arrival: it is the chance to dine well, enjoy the changing countryside and experience Europe at a gentler pace.
Pair the journey with a European city-break to build a longer slow-travel itinerary.
3. Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia
The Eastern & Oriental Express offers a refined way to explore Southeast Asia by rail. Its journeys reveal a side of the region that is easy to miss when travelling between cities by air, with views of tropical greenery, rural landscapes and villages along the route.
On board, guests can enjoy elegant cabins, fine dining and relaxed observation spaces. Excursions add cultural depth, turning the journey into more than a scenic ride through Malaysia and Singapore.
4. Royal Scotsman, Scotland
The Scottish Highlands are made for unhurried travel. Aboard the Royal Scotsman, guests can pass lochs, mountains, forests and historic estates while enjoying the intimacy of a small, carefully serviced train.
The experience combines scenic rail travel with Scottish food, whisky tastings and visits to notable estates and landmarks. It is a particularly appealing option for travellers who want the atmosphere of a private country house, but with a constantly changing view beyond the window.
5. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
The Rocky Mountaineer is an excellent choice for travellers who prioritise scenery. Its daytime journeys through Western Canada give passengers the opportunity to admire the Canadian Rockies in full daylight, including mountain peaks, turquoise lakes, river valleys and dramatic gorges.
Large windows and glass-domed coaches make it easy to stay focused on the landscape, while onboard hospitality turns the train into a comfortable viewing platform. It is a strong option for nature lovers who want a slower alternative to driving between British Columbia and Alberta.
6. The Ghan, Australia
The Ghan crosses the Australian interior between Adelaide and Darwin, offering a memorable way to experience the Red Centre and the Outback. Over the course of the journey, the scenery shifts from southern landscapes to arid plains, rugged desert and remote communities.
Luxury cabins, regional food and off-train excursions help bring the route to life. Rather than treating the Outback as a short stop on a larger itinerary, the train allows travellers to appreciate its scale and changing character over several days.
7. Maharajas’ Express, India
The Maharajas’ Express combines luxury rail travel with an introduction to some of India’s most celebrated cultural landmarks. Routes may include major destinations such as Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Udaipur, with excursions to historic forts, palaces, markets and other important sites.
Lavish cabins, fine dining and attentive service provide a comfortable base between stops. For first-time visitors to India, the train can also simplify a multi-city journey while preserving a sense of occasion and discovery.
8. Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan
Seven Stars in Kyushu is renowned for detailed craftsmanship, personalised hospitality and a strong connection to the places it visits. The train explores Kyushu’s volcanic scenery, coastlines, traditional communities and hot spring towns at a relaxed pace.
Locally inspired cuisine and beautifully designed interiors make the train itself a central part of the experience. Because departures are limited and demand can be high, travellers should check reservation requirements well in advance through the official Seven Stars in Kyushu website.
Why luxury train holidays suit slow travel
Luxury rail journeys remove much of the friction associated with fast-paced travel. There are fewer airport transfers and hotel changes, and travellers can remain settled in one comfortable space while the scenery unfolds around them.
The slower pace also creates room for small pleasures: reading in an observation carriage, enjoying a long lunch, talking with fellow passengers or watching a landscape gradually change from one region to the next. Excursions are usually designed to complement the route, giving travellers opportunities to experience local history, food, nature and culture without cramming too much into a single day.
What to look for when choosing a luxury train holiday
The right journey depends on the kind of experience you want. Before booking, consider:
- Scenery: Do you want wildlife and desert, mountains and lakes, or historic towns and cultural landmarks?
- Journey length: Short rail holidays can fit into a wider trip, while longer routes make the train the main event.
- Accommodation: Check whether the train offers private suites, en-suite facilities and different cabin categories.
- Excursions: Look at what is included off the train, especially if local culture, wildlife or food is important to you.
- Travel season: Some routes operate only during particular months, so availability can affect your choice.
- Pace and atmosphere: A small, intimate train feels very different from a larger scenic service, even when both offer luxury accommodation.
Final thoughts
Slow travel is a reminder that a holiday does not have to be measured by how many places you visit. Luxury train holidays make the journey part of the experience, combining comfort, scenery, regional cuisine and meaningful stops along the way.
Whether you choose the vintage elegance of Rovos Rail, the romance of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the dramatic Canadian Rockies or the cultural richness of India, a luxury train journey offers a memorable way to see the world at a more considered pace.
