The pinnacle of luxury rail travel, Belmond offers iconic journeys across Europe. With vintage carriages and fine dining, it provides an unparalleled nostalgic experience that defines elegance on tracks.
Best Luxury Train Journeys in Europe - June 2026
Global
Experience the pinnacle of elegance and comfort with our curated list of the best luxury train journeys in Europe. Discover iconic routes that combine timeless glamour with breathtaking continental scenery.
Operator of the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Details
- Year Founded: 1976
- Employees: 1000+
- Price Range: $$$$
- Phone: +44 20 3117 1300
- Email: enquiries@belmond.com
About the Company
Pros
- Unmatched luxury service
- Historic vintage carriages
Cons
- Very high price point
- Limited availability
Renowned for scenic rail tours including their European expansions.
Details
- Year Founded: 1990
- Employees: 500-1000
- Price Range: $$$$
- Phone: +1 877 460 3200
- Email: info@rockymountaineer.com
About the Company
Known for exceptional glass-domed coaches, they bring world-class service to breathtaking routes. Their attention to detail and curated gourmet meals ensure a premium travel experience.
Pros
- Glass-domed views
- Excellent hospitality
Cons
- Primarily North American focused
- Bookings fill up fast
Specialists in long-distance luxury rail expeditions.
Details
- Year Founded: 1989
- Employees: 50-200
- Price Range: $$$$
- Phone: +44 161 928 9410
- Email: info@goldeneagle.com
About the Company
Offering some of the most adventurous luxury routes, Golden Eagle excels in providing comfort in remote locations. Their all-inclusive service ensures a seamless journey across diverse landscapes.
Pros
- Comprehensive itineraries
- Exceptional guides
Cons
- Expedition style may not suit everyone
- Long travel times
Customizable luxury rail vacation packages.
Details
- Year Founded: 2005
- Employees: 200-500
- Price Range: $$$
- Phone: +1 888 829 3040
- Email: info@railbookers.com
About the Company
Railbookers simplifies complex rail travel, offering bespoke packages. Their expertise in European routes allows for highly personalized trips, combining luxury trains with top-tier hotel stays.
Pros
- Highly customizable
- Extensive network
Cons
- Third-party coordination
- Price variability
A leader in premium rail travel experiences.
Details
- Year Founded: 1997
- Employees: 500-1000
- Price Range: $$$
- Phone: +61 13 21 47
- Email: info@journeybeyond.com.au
About the Company
Known for their high standards in hospitality, their European partnerships offer sophisticated travel options. The emphasis is on comfort, fine dining, and immersive scenery.
Pros
- Great cabin amenities
- Professional staff
Cons
- Focused on remote locations
- Time zone differences
Italy's primary operator with luxury Frecciarossa services.
Details
- Year Founded: 2000
- Employees: 1000+
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +39 06 44101
- Email: info@trenitalia.it
About the Company
Trenitalia offers high-speed luxury travel through Italy. Their Executive Class is a standout, providing quiet, comfortable spaces for sophisticated travelers visiting major Italian hubs.
Pros
- High-speed convenience
- Executive class comfort
Cons
- Can be crowded
- Limited leisure focus
Operates luxury tourist trains like El Transcantábrico.
Details
- Year Founded: 1941
- Employees: 1000+
- Price Range: $$$
- Phone: +34 91 232 03 20
- Email: info@renfe.es
About the Company
Renfe provides unique luxury tourist trains that feel like boutique hotels on rails. Exploring Northern Spain in their vintage-style carriages is a true highlight of European rail tourism.
Pros
- Unique scenic routes
- Cultural integration
Cons
- Slower pace
- Language barrier occasionally
High-speed luxury travel between UK and mainland Europe.
Details
- Year Founded: 1994
- Employees: 1000+
- Price Range: $$$
- Phone: +44 3432 186 186
- Email: press@eurostar.com
About the Company
Eurostar’s Business Premier service offers a refined travel experience. It is the premier way to cross the English Channel, focusing on efficiency, comfort, and premium airport-style lounges.
Pros
- Fast and efficient
- Business lounge access
Cons
- Short duration trips
- Less leisure-focused
Swiss federal railways with world-class panoramic carriages.
Details
- Year Founded: 1902
- Employees: 1000+
- Price Range: $$$
- Phone: +41 848 44 66 88
- Email: railservice@sbb.ch
About the Company
Swiss trains define precision and beauty. With panoramic windows and superior seating across the Swiss Alps, they offer a majestic experience through some of Europe’s most beautiful terrain.
Pros
- Stunning alpine scenery
- Absolute reliability
Cons
- High cost of living impact
- Tourist heavy
Austria's flagship luxury rail service.
Details
- Year Founded: 1923
- Employees: 1000+
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +43 5 1717
- Email: kundenservice@oebb.at
About the Company
The Railjet Business Class offers a quiet, high-end environment for travelers crossing Austria. It provides a perfect balance of modern technology and classic Austrian hospitality.
Pros
- Comfortable Business class
- Scenic Austrian routes
Cons
- Standardized services
- Less luxury-niche
Premium high-speed link between Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
Details
- Year Founded: 1996
- Employees: 500-1000
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +32 70 66 77 88
- Email: info@thalys.com
About the Company
Thalys offers excellent Premium service for business and leisure travelers. Known for its sophisticated onboard catering and seamless connectivity between major European capitals.
Pros
- Fast connections
- Excellent meal service
Cons
- Often booked out
- Limited scenic variety
Swedish luxury rail travel across the Nordics.
Details
- Year Founded: 2001
- Employees: 1000+
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +46 771 75 75 75
- Email: kundservice@sj.se
About the Company
Providing premium classes that focus on silence and comfort, SJ is the go-to for Nordic luxury rail. Their trains are sleek, modern, and perfectly suited for the Swedish landscape.
Pros
- Quiet cars
- Modern interior design
Cons
- Winter weather impacts
- Limited English info
Boutique rail experiences with high-end touches.
Details
- Year Founded: 2017
- Employees: 200-500
- Price Range: $$$
- Phone: +61 1800 732 761
- Email: inlandrail@artc.com.au
About the Company
Though focused on specific regional routes, their luxury offerings provide a unique, intimate travel experience that captures the charm of the countryside with modern amenities.
Pros
- Exclusive feeling
- Personalized attention
Cons
- Specific route availability
- Niche market
France's upscale high-speed rail service.
Details
- Year Founded: 2017
- Employees: 1000+
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +33 3635
- Email: contact@sncf.fr
About the Company
InOui represents the modern luxury standard for SNCF. Featuring ergonomic seats, ample space, and specialized service desks, it transforms regional travel into a premium experience.
Pros
- Large network coverage
- Modern amenities
Cons
- Standard service model
- Occasionally busy
The world's slowest express train with luxury class.
Details
- Year Founded: 1930
- Employees: 50-200
- Price Range: $$$$
- Phone: +41 81 288 65 65
- Email: info@glacierexpress.ch
About the Company
The Excellence Class on the Glacier Express is a must-try. With a dedicated concierge and gourmet multi-course meals, it offers the absolute best view of the Swiss Alps in luxury.
Pros
- Excellence Class is top-tier
- Breathtaking alpine views
Cons
- Very expensive
- Requires advance booking
Are you listed here?
Choose your badge style and add it to your website.
Preview
📋 Your Embed Code
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
- What are the most iconic luxury trains in Europe? The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Glacier Express, and Royal Scotsman are among the most prestigious choices.
- What is included in a luxury train ticket? Typically, these include gourmet dining, cabin accommodation, attentive butler service, and guided excursions.
- When is the best time to book luxury rail travel? It is recommended to book at least 6-12 months in advance due to high demand.
- Are there dress codes on luxury trains? Yes, most luxury trains enforce a formal or evening wear dress code for dinner services.
- Are excursions included in the price? Most luxury rail packages include curated off-train experiences at key stops.
- Can I travel solo on these luxury trains? Many operators offer single-occupancy cabins, though they sell out quickly.