Luxury trains are rare in travel. They are not designed for speed or efficiency, but for immersion, slow movement through landscapes, carefully paced itineraries, and a level of comfort inspired more by grand hotels and ocean liners than modern rail transport. Luxury rail remains a small niche, accounting for less than 1 percent of global leisure rail travel. Individual trains often carry fewer than 150 passengers per departure, yet regularly operate at occupancy levels above 85 percent, driven by limited departures and sustained demand.
Globally, only a handful of trains define this category. Their prices reflect not only onboard opulence, but also the complexity of operating multi-day, all-inclusive journeys across regions, with dedicated staff, curated excursions, and tightly controlled capacity. Below are the five most expensive luxury trains in the world, based on typical peak pricing and the depth of experience offered.
Often cited as the world’s most iconic luxury train, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) operates across major European cities including Paris, Venice, Vienna and Istanbul. The train’s reputation rests on meticulously restored 1920s and 1930s carriages, Art Deco interiors, and an emphasis on formal dining and classic service rituals.
The introduction of Grand Suites has pushed the VSOE firmly into the highest price bracket in luxury rail travel. These suites include private bathrooms, dedicated butler service and exclusive dining options. On standard one-night routes, Grand Suite fares typically begin at over INR 13 lakh (USD 15,000–30,000) per person, while longer, multi-night journeys, such as the Paris–Istanbul route, can push total costs significantly higher depending on itinerary and season. The train recently introduced the L’Observatoire Suite, a carriage-sized accommodation priced at roughly INR 92 lakh (USD 103,000) per journey, currently considered the most expensive rail suite in the world.
India’s flagship luxury train, the Maharajas’ Express, is widely recognised as one of the most expensive trains in the world. Designed to showcase India’s royal heritage, it operates several week-long itineraries covering Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.
The most premium accommodation is the Presidential Suite (Navratna), which occupies an entire carriage and includes a living area, bedroom, en-suite bathroom and dedicated butler service. According to official fare listings, Presidential Suite prices typically start at around INR 17 lakh (USD 19,000) per person and can rise to over INR 20 lakh (USD 23,000) per person depending on the itinerary, season and duration. Fares are fully inclusive, covering onboard accommodation, meals, beverages, guided excursions, monument entry fees and transfers, positioning the train as a moving luxury resort rather than a transport service.
The Golden Eagle Danube Express specialises in long, transnational journeys across Europe and parts of Central Asia. While the Golden Eagle brand is also associated with Trans-Siberian routes, the Danube Express focuses on cultural circuits linking cities such as Budapest, Istanbul, Prague and Venice, combining rail travel with curated off-train experiences.
Pricing varies by itinerary, duration and cabin class. Typical fares range from around INR 9 lakh (GBP 8,400) to over INR 23 lakh (GBP 22,000) per person, with shorter journeys such as Christmas Markets itineraries priced at the lower end, and longer 10–12 day or multi-country routes costing significantly more. Premium cabins, single occupancy and extended itineraries increase costs, which generally include luxury accommodation onboard, meals, drinks, guided excursions, and, on select routes, off-train hotel stays, private tours and cultural performances.
Japan’s Train Suite Shiki-Shima represents a distinct interpretation of luxury, centred on design precision, exclusivity and service rather than scale. Operated by East Japan Railway Company, the train runs limited seasonal journeys through eastern and northern Japan, offering carefully curated routes that combine rail travel with regional cuisine and cultural experiences.
Pricing varies by itinerary length and suite category and is quoted per package rather than per night. Shorter journeys start at around INR 2.5 lakh (approximately USD 3,000) per person, while longer, premium multi-day journeys can exceed INR 11 lakh (around USD 13,000) per person. Fares include accommodation, dining and onboard experiences, and demand consistently outstrips supply, reinforcing Shiki-Shima’s status as one of the most exclusive luxury rail journeys in the world.
Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa operates some of the longest luxury train journeys in the world, including routes from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam and from Pretoria to Victoria Falls. The experience is defined by classic elegance, from wood-panelled coaches and spacious suites to an unhurried pace that prioritises scenery and service over speed.
Pricing varies widely by route and suite category. Shorter journeys, such as Pretoria–Cape Town, typically start at around INR 1.9 lakh-2.4 lakh (ZAR 35,000–45,000) per person, while extended, multi-night itineraries can rise to over INR 2.3 lakh-16 lakh (ZAR 100,000 to ZAR 300,000) per person. The most expensive journeys, often spanning 12 to 15 days across southern and eastern Africa, can exceed INR 22 lakh (USD 25,000) per person in Royal Suites. Fares are quoted in South African rand and generally include accommodation, meals, beverages, excursions and safari experiences, with pricing driven by journey length and logistical complexity.
1. What is the most expensive luxury train in the world?
Pricing varies by itinerary, but trains like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Maharajas’ Express often rank among the most expensive.
2. Why are luxury trains so expensive?
Costs reflect limited capacity, all-inclusive service, curated excursions, multi-day operations, and high staffing ratios.
3. Are luxury train fares all-inclusive?
Most luxury trains include accommodation, meals, beverages, guided excursions, and transfers in their fares.
4. How many passengers do luxury trains typically carry?
Most luxury trains carry fewer than 150 passengers per departure, reinforcing exclusivity and personalised service.
5. Are luxury trains focused on speed?
No. Luxury rail prioritises slow travel, scenery, comfort, and experience rather than rapid point-to-point transport.