6 destinations that are best explored by luxury train
Even big fans of flying can agree there's a time and a place for slow travel — and, specifically, for luxury train travel.
Certain destinations around the world are better explored via train, whether due to their lack of road networks, complications at border crossings or general traffic concerns on roads or commuter rails. Plus, many of the luxury trains that traverse these destinations are worthy of a ride in their own right, with their impeccable interior design, stellar dining programs and organized sightseeing excursions.
But with so many options available, which are worthy of your time and money? To help you pick the perfect rail adventure, we compiled a list of six amazing destinations best suited for luxury train travel. Read on to find the right locale and learn which train you should climb aboard while there.
The Australian Outback
Australia's Outback is an unforgiving but beautiful place. It's easy enough to venture to some of the towns located a few hours outside the bigger cities, but to get deep into the heart of the Outback, you'll need to charter a bush plane or plan a pretty intense road trip. Driving through the Outback also requires meticulous planning — you need to ensure you have provisions in case your car breaks down or runs out of gas, as well as a satellite phone for emergencies, since there's limited cellphone service.
For a far more comfortable journey (and a luxurious trip that doesn't rely on roadside motels or camping), take The Ghan, a Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions train that offers four-day trips between Darwin and Adelaide and shorter itineraries that cover portions of the route. Guests stay in private cabins, are treated to gourmet cuisine and are hosted on off-train activities at some of the stops, all of which are included in the starting rate of $1,875 per person.
Related: 12 things that surprised me about my first luxury train journey
South Africa
It's not too difficult to travel through South Africa, whether by road or plane, but given the size of the country, it does take some time and plenty of careful planning. Simplify the whole process with a train journey that hits many of its highlights in one itinerary.
Rovos Rail operates the African Collage tour between Pretoria and Cape Town, spanning nine nights in the southern direction and 10 when heading north. The all-inclusive trip covers everything from meals and beverages on the train to excursions that include a game drive in Kruger National Park and a tour of the Durban Botanic Gardens, and you'll traverse diverse landscapes like the Karoo Desert and the Cape Winelands. If you're an avid golfer, there's also a golf version of the itinerary, which may feature stops at such courses as Leopard Creek, Fancourt and Durban Country Club, depending on availability. Rates start at about $6,100 per person.
Central Asia
If you've ever dreamed of traveling the "Five Stans" of the Silk Road, consider doing it by train rather than by car — it's a complicated journey through difficult terrain that requires crossing many borders, which in turn requires lots of paperwork. When you book a train tour, such as Golden Eagle Luxury Trains' Republics of the Silk Road itinerary, all logistics are handled for you (not to mention, all meals and tours are included, too).
The 14-day journey, which starts at $23,495 per person, begins in Uzbekistan and travels through Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan before wrapping up in Kazakhstan. Excursions include the Yodgorlik Silk Factory (this is the heart of the Silk Road, after all), the famous burning gas crater in Darvaza (also known as the "Door to Hell") and the historical city center of Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Related: 14 of the most scenic train rides on Earth
The Peruvian Andes
After visiting Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, consider extending your trip with a two-night train journey from Cusco to Puno to Arequipa on Belmond's Andean Explorer. It traverses one of the highest train routes in the world, starting at 11,000 feet, peaking around 14,000 feet and descending to 7,600 feet. Anyone who is sensitive to elevation may prefer to take the more leisurely luxury train instead of driving the 456-mile route.
Most of the journey, which you can also book to travel in the reverse direction and for one-night segments, is spent aboard the train. When guests are not watching the Andean landscape roll by, they can dine on cuisine by Peruvian chef Diego Muñoz, enjoy cocktails and canapes at a piano bar or treat themselves to massages in the spa car. Some excursions, including visits to the floating Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca and the Sumbay Caves outside of Arequipa (which are known for their prehistoric cave paintings), are also available. Expect to pay at least $2,000 per person for the trip, with meals and tours included.
Kyushu, Japan
Though the island of Kyushu, the third largest in Japan, has solid public transportation and an extensive road network, you should still consider traveling through it by luxury train. Why? Because the Seven Stars train in Kyushu is absolutely beautiful. While Japan might be best known for its Shinkansen high-speed trains, this train hearkens back to a different, more leisurely era of train travel, with intricate wood decor throughout the carriages that blend Japanese and Western architectural styles.
The itineraries range from two to four days, with the longer itinerary traveling through all seven of Kyushu's prefectures. The rates, which start at approximately $2,500 per person, include excursions like visits to artisan villages and, on the longer itinerary, an overnight at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese hot springs inn. Rates also cover gourmet meals that span Japanese, Italian and French cuisine, as well as beverages.
India
Traffic in India is notorious, so skip the delays when traveling around the country by taking the luxurious Maharajas' Express, a train that offers three seven-day itineraries and one four-day option. The longer three all connect Delhi and Mumbai, stopping in a variety of destinations such as Udaipur, Jodhpur and Agra, where you'll find the Taj Mahal, among other attractions. The shorter journey travels round trip from Delhi.
Impressively, the train only carries a maximum of 88 guests despite being nearly half a mile long. There's plenty of room to spread out, whether you're in the spacious cabins with en suite bathrooms, the two dining cars, the bar car or the lounge and boutique car. Rates start from $3,490 and are inclusive of all meals, butler service and excursions.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.