The coolest trains in the world. The most expensive train in the world! (28 photos). Train The Golden Chariot

On July 24, 1870, the world's first transcontinental train arrived in New York, which was one of the most luxurious trains of its time. We decided to list the most luxurious trains in modern history which are accessible to tourists.

The most luxurious train in India. It’s not for nothing that it’s called a “palace on wheels”: all the compartments are decorated like palace chambers. These include silk-upholstered walls, luxurious furniture, and hand-embroidered curtains and bedspreads. Each train passenger can feel like a real king - he is assigned a personal lackey, for whom your every whim is law. The train has two restaurants with cuisines from different nations of the world, and a carriage where you can get various spa treatments for the body and hair, and professional massage. It's no wonder that an eight-day journey across India seems too fast for train passengers.

The Venice Simplon Orient-Express, or "Orient Express"

Perhaps the most famous train of this class, glorified in numerous fiction books and historical stories. The most popular routes of this train – London-Venice and Paris-Istanbul. The train also operates other routes throughout Europe. It consists of several vintage carriages from the 20s of the last century, which give the journey a unique flavor of antiquity and give you a touch of history. All compartments are furnished with chic and comfort, and a steward is assigned to each compartment. The dining cars are renowned for their excellent cuisine and service. There is a strict dress code on the train. It is forbidden to appear in jeans and sportswear, not to mention shorts and T-shirts. Traveling on the Orient Express is not a cheap pleasure, but the passenger is guaranteed unforgettable memories.

The South African train running on the Cape Town-Pretoria route is not in vain claiming to be the most luxurious train in the world. The train carefully recreates the leisurely and comfortable atmosphere of the beginning of the last century, so talking on the phone is only allowed in your compartment, and then in a low voice. The train covers the distance from Cape Town to Pretoria, 1,600 kilometers, in two days, that is, in no hurry, with night stops for passengers to rest. In order to admire the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, the last carriage has Observation deck. Each compartment has all the necessary household amenities, and the compartments themselves are very spacious - the most prestigious ones reach an area of 14 square meters. The train has two dining cars with gourmet dishes and a bar with a large selection of South African wines.

This tourist train runs in Spain on two routes: Santiago de Compostela - San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela - . The train passes through many ancient cities of Spain, where it certainly makes stops to see the sights and visit local restaurants. At night, the train stops so as not to disturb the peaceful sleep of passengers. The train compartments are extremely convenient and comfortable, and there are even compartments with a separate living room. Late in the evening, train passengers have a cultural relaxation; dance evenings are organized for them until the morning with live music.

Trans-Siberian Express Moscow–Vladivostok

The Trans-Siberian Express company has two comfortable trains that travel mainly at night along the routes Moscow - Ulaanbaatar - Vladivostok and Moscow - Ulaanbaatar - Beijing. The night mode of travel was chosen so that during the day passengers could make more stops in a variety of interesting places oh and get acquainted with the sights of Novosibirsk, Lake Baikal, Ulaanbaatar, the Karakum and Gobi deserts and other interesting places along the route. Night express speed is about 140 km/h. The train is well staffed: conductors, cooks, waiters, and paramedics. Traveling on the Trans-Siberian Express is a real pleasure.

Tours around Scotland. Getting on board this liner on rails is not very easy - it can only accommodate about forty passengers. The train departs from, where it immediately becomes clear that the passengers are among the chosen caste: carpets are laid out for them and they are treated to champagne. Inside the train there is complete coziness and comfort, a real aristocratic atmosphere. The train often stops for excursions to various attractions and golf. Visits to distilleries. There is also an observation car where you can comfortably sit for an overview of the surroundings. Passengers receive the most exquisite meals; for this purpose, qualified chefs work who are able to introduce tourists to the delights of local cuisine. Gala dinners are also held, to which men must wear tuxedos and women must wear cocktail dresses.

Photo: Alexey Volkhonsky

A train with ordinary blue carriages and windows dusty with coal stops at train station Volgograd. You can understand that truly luxurious interiors, expensive furniture and mini-art galleries are hidden on the other side only by the coats of arms shining in the sun..

At the beginning of October, a retro train with wealthy Russians and foreigners started from Moscow. During his two-week voyage, he will run to stations in Saratov, Astrakhan, Grozny, Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk, Belorechensk, Adler, Abkhazia, Krasnodar, Tikhoretsk, Rostov-on-Don. After a stop in Volgograd, the first private train with SV and luxury class carriages will return to the capital's station.

Photo: Maria Chasovitina

Conductors in strict dark blue suits bring red rugs with golden coats of arms onto the platform and, smiling, offer their hands to each passenger. Foreigners from America, Australia and Japan, who can afford a “golden” ticket for millions of rubles, chirp loudly and take pictures of the locomotive with a red star “on its chest.” Noticing the cameras, an elderly man runs with a car magazine.

This is my company,” he points to a brand with a smile.

In September the most cheap travel in the Silver class it cost a little more than a million and two hundred thousand rubles. Rich passengers had to pay nearly two and a half million rubles for a luxurious Imperial room. Those who like to travel alone should prepare more substantial amounts. An affordable compartment on a train with elite price tags cost one million and eight hundred thousand rubles. The price ceiling for a two-week tour is not indicated on the website.

Almost all tourists who travel on the Golden Eagle train are foreigners, says conductor Alexey. - This is the elite. You understand that only they can afford such tickets. I used to be a conductor on a regular train. Of course the work is different. I am a Russian person, but I will still say that foreigners are much more cultured. I go to and from work in regular reserved seat carriage with ordinary passengers. And, of course, I can compare my emotions with the emotions of my colleagues who work on these trains. We don't play cards.

Getting into the carriages from which passengers with badges are running out is more difficult than getting into the Kremlin. Only with the head of the train can even inspectors and inspectors walk through the luxurious penates with expensive wooden doors.

Many times passengers asked to be taken to the next station. It also happened that the railway workers would ask: “Well, throw it in,” Alexey smiles. - But we have no right. No one is allowed into the carriages without management permission. Even inspectors and controllers can only enter through the staff car and only together with the boss. Because safety comes first. Our passengers must be sure that they are paying big money for a reason.

While noisy and cheerful foreigners (mostly pensioners go on two-week trips around Russia) gather on the platform, a cleaning lady in a scarf wrapped around her belt is vigorously scrubbing the windows that have become dusty from the locomotive. Clean windows, like bait, instantly attract passing onlookers. Who isn’t interested in looking at transformable sofas and luxurious corridors with paintings on the walls?

The train, which will pass by many Russian cities in two weeks and return to Moscow, consists of different cars: there are also “ Northern lights", and the famous "Alexander Nevsky". Most of“The Golden Eagle is now in Iran,” say train employees. - Tourists can buy a ticket for a Silver class compartment with a combined bathroom, Gold and Imperial - this is the most spacious and luxurious. Each room of the large mobile home has a separate shower, toilet, split system, refrigerator and TV. If a tourist is not busy at lectures (travellers are often gathered at the tea table and told about the cities of Russia), he can turn on the disc and watch films about Siberia and Mongolia. The drive contains a lot of interesting stories.

The luxury Alexander Nevsky branded train carried the richest passengers from Moscow to St. Petersburg. For round sums in checks, tourists were offered an individual climate control system, satellite television, and Internet access points. To make travelers feel completely safe, the carriages were equipped with video cameras and security alarms. Luxurious penates were also offered to wealthy Russians on the Northern Lights train. A sofa that turns into a double bed with a slight movement of the hand, a transformable table, a shower, a heated floor and internet flying around the luxury car. The prices for such cars were and are impressive, as are the cars themselves.

The hottest car in every sense, even at the stop, is the restaurant and bar. Workers rush along the narrow corridor with boxes that cause increased salivation: zebra cheesecakes, green jelly cakes, crispy croissants and chocolate ruins. Only a person who is indifferent to all things sweet can give these treats the banal “appetizing” quality.

In every city we unload large trucks with food,” says restaurant director Mikhail. - In our menu we focus on Russian cuisine. Today tourists were treated to pea soup, served in dark bread. During the journey, they have time to taste borscht with donuts, lard and a glass of vodka. By the way, we have special dinners where they taste vodka: cranberry, classic. We serve pickled cucumbers, tomatoes, mushrooms, boiled potatoes, and jellied meat with the strong drink.

Mikhail opens the door of the carriage, behind which is hidden a picture from a movie about luxury bars and restaurants: a wooden counter, miniature round tables with a white “core” and expensive chairs with wooden edging.

In the morning we invite our passengers to Buffet. They try semolina porridge and scrambled eggs with sausage,” adds Mikhail. - For lunch and dinner, they can order something interesting: say, herring under a fur coat or a chicken Kiev, which is unusual for them. The menu is so varied that during the two weeks of travel, tourists never eat the same dish twice!

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 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.

From April this year to Royal Scotsman The world's first specialized SPA car appeared - 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 separate 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.

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: Outwardly - almost regular train, but inside... exquisite interiors, heated floors, spa, gym, personalized service and governesses. In each carriage of that luxury train "Golden Eagle" there are only 5-6 compartments different classes, the train itself includes 2 dining cars, a kitchen car, a bar car and a whole car 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 treatments 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 is foreign tourists calls for 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, which houses 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 of our planet, where dozens of rare species animals and plants. 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 strive 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 incomparable by land transport possibilities. 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!