The most luxurious trains in Europe. Notifications. Royal Scotsman Express

Train lovers are a special category of travelers. When traveling by rail, especially over long distances, they find their romance. Especially if such a trip takes place along an exciting route in luxurious surroundings with stops along the way and overnight stays in luxury hotels and exclusive excursions. Sort of like cruises by rail.

So what are these VIP trains, and how much does it cost to ride them?

“Vestnik ATOR” has compiled a list of the most luxurious trains of this season, based on: traveler reviews, characteristics of the trains, their novelty and length of the route, the range of services provided, the number of objects that can be visited during the trip, and most importantly, the cost of the trip.

BELMOND NORTHERN BELLE (GREAT BRITAIN, LONDON - CHESTER)

When you board this train, you feel transported back to the last century. The Belmond Northern Belle reflects the style of the Belle trains popular in England in the 1930s and the famous Pullman cars of the Venice Simplon-Orient Express.

This route features sumptuous leisurely lunches, traditional afternoon teas and stunning views from the train window. As part of the trip, tourists visit the Royal Crescent in Bath, the pavements of Canterbury, museums and art galleries Edinburgh, as well as historic York.

This year it was compiled new route where the train will travel: a four-day journey from London to Chester via the Lake District will cost from $1,937.

This is the first luxury overnight train in South America, having taken his first trip in May of this year, was able to truly expand the boundaries of the concept of “luxury”. The design of the carriages reflects traditional Peruvian motifs, and you can admire the scenery from the windows of the panoramic open-top carriage. The train can accommodate only 68 passengers.

By the way, the largest compartment of the train has comfortable double beds and leather chairs in which you can relax. The train menu was developed by the chefs of the Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Cusco. It is noteworthy that it will change every season.

A two-day trip from Cusco to Arequipa will cost “only” $1,388, with maximum prices for a “high-end” ticket being $4200.

This luxury train's route connects the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta.

Golden Leaf class passengers travel in a two-level carriage with a transparent roof. The top level offers breathtaking views of the lakes, pine forests and the mountains that the route passes by. On the lower floor of the train, gourmets will appreciate the dishes local cuisine from internationally trained chefs. The menu features local ingredients such as Alberta beef and Pacific salmon paired with the finest wines.

An interesting detail: passengers do not spend the night on the train. Every night they are taken to a hotel for an overnight stay, and during the day the journey continues.

The Rocky Mountaineer operates on five rail routes, with stops including Vancouver, Banff and Lake Louise, Calgary, Jasper and Whistler.

Minimum price starts from $1,200 for a two-day journey and reaches up to $9000 for a 13-day trip in Deluxe class. You can also include a cruise in your program.

A route full of charm, romance and adventure. The route of this luxury train between Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand runs through cities full of shopping shops, past golden temples and tiny provincial stations.

All compartments are air conditioned and have private bathrooms. Their decoration uses cherry wood and hard elm, and the decor includes wood inlay and filigree mosaics. The train provides 24-hour service, available by call.

Particular attention should be paid to the cuisine: the French chef created his own dishes especially for Eastern & Oriental Express, which received rave reviews around the world for combining Western and Eastern culinary traditions.

In the 2017 season, they promise to introduce a number of innovations on the route: the dress code for black tie dinners will be replaced by a more relaxed “tropical elegance”, and passengers will be entertained with musical accompaniment by the Singaporean DJ Mr. Has.

A three-day trip will cost an average of from $2,170.

The Rovos Rail tourist express is the equivalent of privilege and luxury. Travel in style even to lost places South Africa(even though there are almost none left) is a whole art, so two weeks on this train will take you back several centuries. The train consists of vintage carriages assembled in 1911 in Europe for members of the royal family. The exquisite interiors of the carriages recreate the atmosphere rail travel old times, while the compartments are equipped in accordance with modern ideas about comfort. And if the pullman mini-coupe (7 sq.m.) has only a toilet room and a shower, then in the royal suite (16 sq.m.) in addition to the shower there is also a luxurious bathtub.

The “feature” of the train is the observation car (“The observation car”). It is located at the rear of the train and is equipped with a special glass rear wall, thanks to which you can fully enjoy the magnificent landscapes of Africa without leaving the carriage.

In 1989, after restoration, Rovos Rail made its first trip. The train is ready to carry up to 72 passengers on one trip. Itineraries lasting from 48 hours to 28 days, including destinations such as Cape Town, Durban, Dar es Salaam, Victoria Falls, Namibia, African Golf Collage connecting Pretoria, Kruger Park, Durban and Cape Town, Golf Safari.

Rovos Rail can be booked for private events and hunting safaris.

Ticket prices depend on the length of the route and compartment class - from $1365 to $10,000

This transcontinental train in its route connects Western and east coast Australia. The epic three-day journey begins in Sydney and ends in Perth (or vice versa), passing through the Blue Mountains and the great Nullarbor Plain along the way.

There are three levels of privileges on the train: for example, platinum level passengers can count on a free transfer from home to railway stations and back by personal car for a distance of up to 50 km. In addition, these guests receive exclusive access to the Platinum Club dining car, where other passengers are not admitted.

The cost of the trip varies from $2125 to $3375.

What could be more interesting than crossing almost the entire Eurasia on the luxurious Imperial Russia train?

The unique tour was developed for the 400th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty, so the train is not just beautiful - it is stylized to resemble the era of the Russian Empire of the 19th century. Brocade chairs with carved wooden backs, red carpets and room decorations create an atmosphere of chic and discreet elegance.

During a trip along the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, travelers will enjoy intense excursions in cities along the route (Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk and others), a picnic on the shore of the world's deepest Lake Baikal, gourmet dinners in the dining car and bar car, live music, and a luxurious orchestra will see off “Imperial Russia” on its way.
Starting this year, “Imperial Russia” already follows three routes from Moscow - to Vladivostok, Ulaanbaatar and Beijing.

Average cost of travel - from 5070 euros ($6160).

The most famous luxury train in the world really needs no introduction. The first journey of the revived Orient Express from London to Venice took place on May 25, 1982, with royalty and celebrities on board.

These days, the vintage Art Deco carriages from the 1920s and 1930s have been completely restored and display their original grandeur and elegance from a bygone era.
In addition to London and Venice, destinations also include Verona, Berlin and Istanbul (once a year). Train tickets including a stay at the Belmond Cipriani Hotel cost from $6,500.

This November the trip route will be combined with a visit to the Vienna Ball.

BELMOND ROYAL SCOTSMAN (SCOTLAND)

The luxury train has a capacity of 40 passengers and travels on one of many routes.
The sleeper car features 14 double, two double and four single State Cabins, each with inlay trim. All compartments have their own bathroom with shower, sink and toilet, hot water, toiletries and fresh towels.

Since April of this year, the world's first specialized SPA carriage has appeared at the Royal Scotsman - The Bamford Haybarn Spa, which includes two treatment rooms. Passengers will be offered several types of massage, manicure and pedicure, as well as The Bamford Bespoke Facial - a 55-minute procedure aimed at restoring, rejuvenating and renewing the skin.

A five-day trip along the classic route "Edinburgh - Keith - Kyle of Lochalsh - Boat of Garten - Edinburgh" will cost from $6,600.

Opened in 2010, the route runs between Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Mumbai and Lucknow.

The train has a capacity of 88 passengers and consists of 23 luxury carriages. There is a SPA salon, fitness center, business center, Wi-Fi and air conditioning. The two dining cars serve cuisines from all over the world, including Indian, Chinese and original Mewari cuisine.

The train is especially proud of its Presidential Suite, which consists of a large living room, a master compartment with a double bed and a compartment with two twin beds. The toilet cabin is equipped with a bathtub, and during excursions around the cities of a particular route, guests can use the services of a personal guide and a luxury car.

Three days in a luxury carriage costs $7 700 , and the presidential suite will cost $25 800 per person. The train runs from May to September.

In addition to its tours of India's Golden Triangle (Agra, Delhi, Jaipur), this year the train also travels to the south of the country to the picturesque landscapes of Goa and Kerala.

Perhaps you are used to train No. 122 with the Kyiv-Nikolaev connection and after that Intercity+ to Lviv seems like the most luxurious premium class train to you, but there are such luxurious trains, the cars in which resemble not just luxury hotel rooms, but entire mansions queens. Accordingly, taking a ride on such a train is a very expensive pleasure. But who knows - maybe the goal of buying a ticket for such a train is the motivation to earn more? :)

"Eastern Express"

Ticket price: from $1,160.

The first railway line connecting East and West. The train made famous by Agatha Christie's novel Murder on the Orient Express.

Eastern & Oriental Express Train

Ticket price: from $2,217.

The train, which looks more like a five-star hotel, travels from Singapore to Malaysia and Bangkok.

Train The Golden Chariot

Ticket price: $5,730.

It is considered one of the most beautiful passenger trains.

Rovos Rail train

Ticket price: from $1,200.

At the rear of the train there is a carriage with huge panoramic windows.

Royal Scotsman train

Ticket price: from $2,935.

A stunning train that travels across Scotland. One of the carriages was converted into a magnificent SPA center.

Maharajas Express Train

Ticket price: from $6,840.

The most luxurious and expensive train in Asia. Is a copy royal palace India.

Train "Imperial Russia"

Ticket price: from $5,274.

One of the most famous and luxurious trains, traveling only once a year on three routes.

For a seat in a 2-seater coupe and 2.8 million if you want to travel in an individual compartment without a neighbor. This is not a joke, these are real prices for a Russian Railways train on the Moscow-Beijing route, which departs only a few times a year.

Sergei Anashkevich writes: Externally, it’s almost an ordinary train, but inside... exquisite interiors, heated floors, a spa, a gym, personal service and governesses. In each carriage of that luxury train "Golden Eagle" there are only 5-6 compartments of different classes, the train itself has 2 restaurant cars, a kitchen car, a bar car and a whole carriage for service personnel.

The train runs on two routes: Moscow-Beijing with tickets from 22,350 euros for a seat in a double compartment to 40,000 euros for an individual compartment and monthly from Moscow to Vladivostok at more humane prices... from 14,395 euros per ticket! And yes, let me remind you, this is Russian Railways!

2. Here is more information about the cost of tickets, which is indicated on the Russian Railways website.
Don't be surprised that prices are quoted in euros. They say this train is very popular among foreigners...
This is understandable, I can hardly imagine a mass Russian who would agree to pay more than 1 million rubles for a trip from Moscow to Vladivostok by train

3. This is what the train itself looks like
This is a joint project of Russian Railways, Russian Railways Tour, the English travel company GW Travel Limited, Trans-Siberian Express Group of Companies and NPP Zircon-Service LLC. The preparatory stage of the project lasted seven years, and the first train set off in March 2007. During the season, the train makes 12 trips between Moscow and Vladivostok and several trips on other routes.
The Golden Eagle train consists of 19 cars for 120 passengers and 56 staff. In addition to residential cars, the composition includes: a diesel generator car, two restaurant cars, a bar car, a kitchen car, a service car, and a separate car for staff. The train is completely autonomous, provides itself with electricity and has a month's supply on board drinking water and provisions. Tourists are accommodated in double compartments with a separate bathroom and shower. Each carriage has 5–6 such compartments. The price of the tour includes three standard meals a day, as well as drinks, including alcohol. Railway all inclusive.

4. This is what an imperial class coupe looks like

5. And this is a silver class coupe.
The gold and imperial class coupes are equipped with heated floors. The area of the silver compartment is 5 square meters, the gold compartment is 7.

6. Each compartment, regardless of class, has its own bathroom

7. On the train, as I already said, there are two restaurant cars, one bar car, and a luggage storage car. This is where suitcases, paintings, baskets, cardboards go... Right on the train, you can get a haircut, get a massage, do gymnastics, improve your well-being and appearance using SPA procedures and visiting a doctor. The first aid station on the train is clearly not superfluous, given that the average Golden Eagle passenger is a gentleman of retirement age.

8. In total, five carriages are entirely given over to the needs of hungry tourists. Two of them are restaurant halls with four-seater tables, in which all 120 passengers can freely sit. The kitchen occupies an entire carriage, located in the middle of the train between the halls. You can walk through it along a fenced passage, the wall of which separates the work area of the cooks from the tourists. All products are taken with them from Moscow, the equipment of the mobile galley allows tourists to be treated to a wide variety of dishes: from fresh baked goods to culinary masterpieces from fish and meat. The menu is designed in such a way that in 47 days not a single dish will be repeated. The only drawback is that the menu is common to all; alternative dishes can only be offered to vegetarians or, for example, those with allergies. Another carriage is used for the food warehouse.

Another popular place The train consists of a bar car, which is connected to one of the dining rooms. There is a piano and light and music equipment. Drinks are served to guests free of charge; only very expensive drinks will be included in the bill. According to bartender Mikhail, the greatest interest among foreign tourists is Russian vodka, which is included in the price of the trip.
There are four chefs on the train, all of whom have trained on Orient's Swiss tourist trains.

And an interesting film about the Trans-Siberian Railway

Eight time zones - about 9000 km - are crossed by a Trans-Siberian Railway train on the way from Moscow to Beijing. This route deserves the epithet legendary.” For a hundred years it has been the main witness of turbulent historical events. Traveling along this route is a real adventure, bordering on a mystical experience. We will encounter different cultures and national characters - with the incomprehensible spirit of Russia, hospitable Mongolia and impenetrable China, which is torn between tradition and modernity. From the capital of Russia we will look at St. Petersburg, which shines in all its glory and is among the most magnificent cities world can easily compete with Vienna, Prague or Paris.

The main pride of this canal-crossed city is the famous Hermitage, home to one of the world's largest art collections. With each passing kilometer of travel to the east, time slows down. Yekaterinburg, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk and Irkutsk are the next stops along the way. We will visit Baikal itself deep lake our planet, where dozens of rare species of animals and plants have found refuge. Then Mongolia awaits us - a country of endless steppes and virgin nature. Through the inhospitable Gobi Desert we will finally reach China. The final touch of the trip is a visit to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China.

Now, in an era when people are striving to move around the world faster and faster, trains, which were once a real miracle of transport technology, are greatly losing popularity and demand. Of course, airplanes have capabilities incomparable to ground transportation. And despite all this, you'll be amazed at how much some travelers are willing to shell out for a single trip on some of the truly amazing trains that criss-cross our planet. Passengers not only pay exorbitant amounts of money for tickets to these legendary trains, they also wait in line for months to be able to ride them. In general, as you understand, all this is not in vain!