Explore Europe As Glamorously As Possible On 5 Of Its Most Luxury Train Rides

There's something magical and nostalgic about traveling through Europe on a luxury train. You'll feel as though you've been transported back in time to the 19th century when railroads helped fuel a new age full of innovation and industry, and passenger trains made long distance travel easy and accessible for the first time. In the United States, train travel quickly declined after the invention of the automobile and the expansion of the highway system, but in Europe they're still incredibly popular.

For many Europeans, trains remain the preferred mode of transportation for domestic and international travel. Most destinations, from major cities to small towns, can be reached via the extensive rail network criss-crossing the continent. Trains offer more amenities and comfort than flying on most airlines, and it's certainly more convenient than traveling to a busy airport or sitting attentively behind the wheel of a car for hours on end. Furthermore, train travel is a more eco-friendly method of transportation — and nothing beats watching bustling cities, picturesque villages, and beautiful countrysides pass by through the windows. 

Europe's luxury trains are more than just a comfortable means to get from one destination to another — they're more like a glamorous five-star hotel on wheels. When you book a trip on a luxury train, your vacation really does become more about the journey than the destination. As soon as you board, you'll be enveloped in opulence. Expect gourmet meals, five-star service, and glamorous accommodations as you move between some of Europe's most incredible destinations on these luxury passenger trains.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is probably the most iconic luxury train in the world, offering an experience that is reminiscent of Europe's Golden Age of Travel, when wealthy elites would embark on a "Grand Tour" of the continent. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express company was founded in the 1980s, but the train cars date back nearly a hundred years. The Art Deco interiors have been fully restored to their original luster, creating an enchanting vintage ambiance. Each train car features decor that helps to illustrate its unique history. 

You'll be walking in the footsteps of many famous travelers when you step on board. Railcar 3309, for example, was famously stranded for 10 days in the snow in 1929. It is said that the renowned mystery novelist Agatha Christie, who is regarded as the best selling novelist in the world, was inspired by this incident to write one of her classic stories, "Murder on the Orient Express," which has since been developed into multiple films.

You can choose to travel to destinations all over Europe on the vintage train, and visit cities like Paris, Budapest, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Rome. Each guest will sleep in a comfortable private room. Options range from historic twin cabins to a massive suite that encompasses an entire train car and includes a private library. Despite the luxurious sleeping cabins, you'll want to spend most of your time in the opulent common spaces, which include the fabulous Bar Car with blue velvet furniture, live piano performances, and midnight brunch. Gourmet meals are prepared by a skilled chef and include fresh ingredients.

The Golden Eagle Danube Express was founded by a lifelong train enthusiast who saw an opportunity to bring luxury train travel to Russia and throughout Eastern Europe after the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. Now, the luxury Golden Eagle makes trips all over Europe, with plenty of itineraries that include off-the-beaten path destinations. Options include an eight-day itinerary that takes you to some of Europe's most incredible Christmas markets in cities like Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich. You'll pass through the Austrian Alps and enjoy excursions like horse-drawn carriage rides and special tours of historic sites. If holiday shopping isn't your thing, consider booking the 12-day Balkan Explorer itinerary that travels from Venice to Istanbul. Alternatively, you can journey from Istanbul to Budapest and visit historic sites on the Castles of Transylvania trip, or explore the cradle of civilization on the Republics of the Silk Road tour.

Testimonials posted on the company's website include rave reviews from guests. "This truly is a trip of a lifetime. There was comfort, variety & attention to detail. The management was excellent and extremely well organised. Everyone, both staff & locals were very welcoming. There was a wonderful assortment of touring options," wrote one guest.

Throughout your time on the Golden Eagle Danube Express, you'll be showered with five-star service. Each cabin will have its very own dedicated cabin assistant to ensure your comfort throughout the trip. Meals are gourmet feasts concocted with fresh local ingredients, and the menus are inspired by various cultures along the route. When you book with Golden Eagle, you'll receive an all-inclusive experience, which includes five-star hotels on both ends of your trip and airport transfers.

Scotland has been ranked the most beautiful country in the world according to travelers, and taking a trip on the Royal Scotsman is the perfect way to see the country in style. When you arrive at the train, you'll be greeted by a Scottish musician playing traditional music on a bagpipe, which helps set the mood for an incredible journey ahead. The moment you step on board the luxurious train, which made its first journey back in 1985, you'll be surrounded by old-world Scottish luxury. There are two dining cars and an observation car with large windows, comfy seating areas, and a deck that is open-air and ideal for sightseeing. If you're in need of some rejuvenation, head to the onboard Dior Spa for massages and beauty treatments.

A journey on the Royal Scotsman will take you deep into the majestic Highlands, past pristine lochs (lakes) and historic castles. Trip durations range from a few nights to a full week. You'll stop for adventures like whisky tastings at renowned distilleries, secluded swims in breathtaking lochs, stargazing with an expert astronomer, whitewater rafting on wild rivers, and hiking to waterfalls. At night, relax in the sumptuous dining car for a candlelit meal, and then retire to your comfortable cabin outfitted with cozy Scottish wool blankets and tartan decor. Accommodation options range from traditional single cabins to spacious suites.

The Transcantabrico Gran Lujo train takes travelers on a journey through the gorgeous scenery of Northern Spain for eight days and seven nights. The route runs from San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela and can be ridden in either direction. If you're starting in San Sebastián, you'll spend your first day touring the underrated foodie destination before boarding the train, getting settled in your cabin, and enjoying your first dinner on board. Along the way, you'll make plenty of stops in picturesque towns, visit historic sites, and explore fascinating museums. You'll enjoy meals both on board the train and at delicious restaurants at stops throughout the trip.

The Transcantabrico Gran Lujo has been rated one of the best trains in the world by the International Society of Railway Travelers (along with every other train we previously mentioned!). You'll feel as though you're staying in a luxurious hotel. There are four train cars for dining and lounging, including a Tea Room and a Panorama Car, which offers excellent views. At the onboard restaurant, you'll enjoy artfully prepared authentic Spanish cuisine. Your deluxe cabin offers a comfortable place to rest at night with either one double or two single beds, and each morning it is converted from a bedroom into a private lounge where you can relax and gaze out the window from a comfortable sofa.

La Dolce Vita Orient Express is a brand-new luxury train in Italy that will begin service in the spring of 2025 (bookings are open now!), and it's predicted to be one of the finest luxury travel experiences available. La Dolce Vita translates to "the sweet life," and spending time on the opulent train is sure to be very sweet indeed.

The train's interior is inspired by La Dolce Vita, which refers to Italian art, architecture, and culture during the 1960s, when luxury travel was all the rage. The train includes 12 luxurious cabins, 18 suites, and one deluxe suite. Each room is outfitted with wooden details and mid-century modern inspired furniture. You will be served breakfast and dinner, as well as an afternoon tea and aperitivo (pre-meal drink and appetizer) during your trip. The menu is full of seasonally inspired Italian delicacies, and meals will take place in the elegant dining car with white tablecloths and vintage details. Entertainment, like live music, will take place daily in Lounge Bar.

There are one- and two-night trips available on the train, and most itineraries depart from the city of Rome. Travel through the beautiful Italian countryside with stops at must-visit spots and some of the country's best vineyards on the Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards trip, or embark on a journey down the coast on the From Rome to Sicily itinerary. Explore some of Italy's most popular tourist destinations, including Venice, and stop in picturesque villages like Portofino when you book a La Dolce Vita itinerary.

Our picks for the top luxury train rides through Europe were inspired by customer reviews, research, and travel awards bestowed upon the trains. While there are many luxurious trains rides throughout Europe that offer day trips, dinners, and afternoon teas, we chose to exclude options that didn't offer overnight accommodations on board.