Train journeys
Riding the rails provides a unique view of a place, revealing glimpses of life hidden from the main roads. Here are some of the world’s best train trips
TRAIN SUITE SHIKI-SHIMA, JAPAN In Japan, trains aren’t merely a mode of transport, they’re a work of art. The futuristic Train Suite Shiki-shima launched last month and is a moving boutique hotel, running two to four-day sightseeing tours from Tokyo. While it doesn’t have the speed of Japan’s bullet trains, it makes up for it with beauty and culinary delights; strikingly designed lounge and dining cars, a stunning observation car, deluxe suites with butler service and menus designed to reflect the regions the train visits. Fares start from about $3770 for a two-day round-trip. If that’s a bit steep but you still want a taste of a Japanese art train, a Japan Rail pass could get you on board Genbi Shinkansen, a bullet train featuring modern art throughout, which is billed as the world’s fastest art experience. www.jreast.co.jp/shiki-shima, www.jreast.co.jp/genbi VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS For most of us, getting lucky with a spare neighbouring seat while travelling on a Eurail pass is about as nice as rail travel gets in Europe. But for a swankier way to travel, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the way to do it. It runs from London to Venice, as well as Paris to Istanbul, but this is one travel experience where the journey is definitely more than the destination. The opulent train carriages date back to the 1920s and ’30s, with each having been lovingly restored to its former glory. Next year, the grandeur takes a step up again with the launch of three new Grand Suites on board. The spacious suites — named after the romantic cities to which the train travels, Paris, Venice and Istanbul — are a new level of luxury for the train, with interiors reflecting the spirit of each city within their 1920s art-deco design. You can bag a berth in a Grand Suite for a one-night journey from London to Venice from about $8000. belmond.com GOLDEN EAGLE, RUSSIA It’s 100 years since the Trans-Siberian Railway was completed, becoming the world’s longest train line, but its allure hasn’t diminished. The 9258km trip from Moscow to Vladivostok remains one of the world’s most iconic train journeys, and is a popular route for backpackers right through to luxury travellers. If the latter is your style, the Golden Eagle is for you. The 21-car train was the first of its kind in Russia, offering 66 guest cabins with ensuite facilities, first-class service, fine dining and elegant surrounds. This year, the train notches up both its 10th anniversary and its millionth mile, with a special Trans-Siberian Express President’s Tour featuring a gala caviar dinner party running from July 23. Fares start from about $22,000. goldeneagleluxurytrains.com MAHARAJAS’ EXPRESS, INDIA India may be known for its notoriously overcrowded trains, but it also has some of the world’s most luxurious rail travel options. The Maharajas’ Express launched in 2010 and has emerged as a global leader, taking out the top accolade for a luxury train in the World Tourism Awards annually since 2012. The train operates various itineraries, with passengers travelling like royalty between some of India’s major tourist sights. Rates for the luxurious digs on board stretch from about $5000 for a four-day trip, but budget nearer to $17,000 for the poshest cabin. The lavishly decorated dining cars are equipped with Swarovski crystal glasses and Limoges porcelain plates, and for the ultimate comfort, the two-bedroom Presidential Suite’s two bathrooms each have a full bath tub. the-maharajas.com THE GHAN, AUSTRALIA One of the world’s great rail journeys, The Ghan keeps getting bigger and better. Last year saw the train reach almost 1.1km in length, with 44 carriages, making it the world’s longest passenger train. On a return journey between Adelaide and Darwin, 55 on-board crew members make 1300 beds, serve 100kg of barramundi, and cook more than 3000 eggs for breakfast. And this year, the train has unveiled its latest upgrade — stylish new Gold Single cabins and the new Chairmans Carriage. Comprising three double cabins, a twin cabin, and a lounge and dining area, the Chairman’s Carriage can accommodate up to eight people in style and comfort. Fares on the Ghan start from $799 for a two-day journey to or from Alice Springs. greatsouthernrail.com.au ANDEAN EXPLORER, PERU The new kid on the block when it comes to extraordinary rail journeys is South America’s first luxury sleeper train, the Belmond Andean Explorer in Peru. The new train, launched last month, travels along one of the highest rail routes on Earth, traversing the Peruvian Andes from Cusco to Lake Titicaca and Arequipa. Out the window is some of the most breathtaking
scenery in the world, while inside there’s delicious Peruvian cuisine to sample, an elegant piano car and outdoor observation car. Prices start from about $680 for a one-day, one-night “Spirit of the Andes” journey. belmond.com ROCKY MOUNTAINEER, CANADA There’s a huge buzz about Canada this year as it celebrates its 150th birthday, and the Rocky
Mountaineer is the most iconic way to travel through some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. But if you can’t make it until next year, don’t worry — there’s plenty to look forward to then too. The world’s largest privately owned tourist train is set to roll out 10 new custommade glass domed GoldLeaf railcars from 2018, maximising the views. Unlike other tourist trains, there are no sleeper cars on board — just a different, stunningly located hotel each night. Rocky Mountaineer fares start from $2900 for a five-night Rockies Highlights journey, with early bird fares for 2018 now available. rockymountaineer.com GLACIER EXPRESS, SWITZERLAND Bullet trains aren’t everyone’s cup of tea and if savouring the scenery is your No. 1 travel goal, board the Glacier Express. Described as “eight hours of sheer pleasure for your eyes”, the Swiss train prides itself on being the slowest express train in the world. The journey between St Moritz and Zermatt in the Swiss Alps takes in breathtaking mountain scenes and passes along World Heritage sites, with panoramic windows providing all the on-board entertainment you need, and the dining car pairing regional produce with local wines. Fares start from about $225 for a second-class seat for the full journey, although shorter sections are also available. glacierexpress.ch SHANGHAI MAGLEV, CHINA Not all of the world’s most incredible train journeys are once-in-a-lifetime trips that require years of saving. A mere $10 can afford you the experience of travelling on the world’s fastest commercial passenger train — if you dare. Hitting speeds of up to 430km/h as it shoots between Shanghai’s Longyang Road Station and the Pudong International Airport, it takes just over seven minutes from end-toend for the 30km journey. Needless to say, this trip’s not so much about the scenery as getting from A to B — and collecting bragging rights in the process. smtdc.com