Go slow in style on these scenic luxury train trips

For a growing number of travellers, weaving along the twists and turns of a scenic rail line is one of life’s purest joys.

Losing yourself to majestic vistas; the clickety clack of the track and sounds of wonderment from fellow passengers a comforting companion.

Overnight trains rightly sit on many a bucket list (few things beat waking up in a plush bed as an iconic city comes into view) but they aren’t for everyone, and most destinations don’t even have overnight options, making day trips your chief method of exploration.

TranzAlpine crossing Waimakariri Bridge.

Everyone is familiar with Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer, which explores untamed national parks by day and parks up at night, yet there some worthy alternatives to consider too (though you do still need to hop on the Rocky).

Here are four unforgettable trains combining epic sightseeing with the finer things in life. 

The Vietage, Vietnam

It’s often said ‘good things come in small packages’. The Vietage is a perfect example, with the luxury train linking historic Hoi An to the coastal haven of Quy Nhon a chance for 12 guests to embrace the romance of rail travel for six sumptuous hours.

The train is primarily set up for day travel, though sleeper booths are available for the evening return to Da Nang.

While The Vietage was created to provide cross-country transfers for guests travelling between Anantara Hoi An Resort and Anantara Quy Nhon Resort, the journey is open to all.

Onboard you’ll encounter a wine cellar and sit-up bar, six private booths for two and even a treatment room to enjoy a relaxing head and shoulder treatment. And that’s before you even factor in the three-course meal, free-flow wines and cocktails.

Champagnes, caviar, and international and local cheeses are available as an upgrade.

From its windows you’ll witness emerald rice fields and the crumbled ramparts of Trà Kieu, the first capital of the Hindu Champa Kingdom; the coastal city of Quang Ngãi, home to Vietnam’s answer to the Great Wall; and An Khe Lake, considered the cradle of Sa Huynh culture.

TranzAlpine, New Zealand

New Zealand is well known for its enchanting and varied landscapes. After all, it was the country chosen to bring Middle Earth to life. The wild grasslands of Rohan; the misty forest of Fangorn. Naturally, rail is a great way to experience that diversity.

KiwiRail offers three ‘Great Journeys of New Zealand’ scenic trains: TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific on the South Island, and Northern Explorer on the North. Of the trio, TranzAlpine between Christchurch and Greymouth is arguably the most spectacular.

The one-way trip takes 4.5 hours, while the return journey can be done in 11.

Departing Christchurch in the morning, it crosses the Canterbury plains before a slow ascent through deep gorges and river valleys towards the Southern Alps, and eventually makes its way down through alpine beech forest to Greymonth.

Scenic Plus Class comes with enhanced dining and complimentary drinks.

Travellers can make use of an open-air viewing carriage, a cafe dishing up snacks and drinks, plus a GPS-triggered audio commentary revealing stories that have shaped the land.

Glacier Express, Switzerland

High-speed rail is an easy way of getting from A to B. But there’s a lot to be said for taking it slow, especially somewhere as beautiful as Switzerland. We cover the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland in detail here, but there’s one route which deserves a shoutout.

Dubbed the world’s slowest express train, the Glacier Express – an eight hour journey from the mountain resort of Zermatt to two-time Winter Olympics host St. Moritz – is a veritable feast for the eyes, as well as the stomach.

The route takes you through the three cantons of Valais, Uri and Graubünden.
Marta Scalabrini

While traversing 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels (breathing in stellar views in between, of course) those seated in Glacier Express Excellence Class enjoy champagne, followed by an exquisite five-course meal with accompanying wine. It’s the little things…

Excellence Class is the gold-standard of comfort and cuisine.

Tickets for the Glacier Express can be purchased individually, though it’s worth getting yourself a Swiss Travel Pass, which unlocks unlimited use of eight railway lines for durations up to 15 days, in addition to use of buses and boats.

Rocky Mountaineer, United States and Canada

There’s a reason Rocky Mountaineer is so often cited when travellers discuss the best scenic rail trips: it’s just incredible.

From the level of service and refinement to varied itineraries revealing the majesty of the Rockies, this winding daytime run is hard to beat.

Travellers can choose between SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf classes, and the latter is worth the upgrade for elevated comfort levels, complimentary meals and drinks, and a separate dining area on the lower level of the carriage.

The three Canada-centric itineraries are guaranteed to leave you speechless.

However, while it's true Rocky Mountaineer’s distinctive blue and gold trains were once confined solely to the tracks of Canada, they’re now south of the border in the United States too.

Vast canyons, inspiring deserts and natural archways are just the start.

As its itinerary name suggests, the Rockies to Red Rocks journey linking Denver, Colorado with Moab, Utah will definitely have you ‘seeing red’ as it skirts the Colorado River and makes its way through fiery canyons and sandstone mountains.

Once you’ve experienced a taste of these glamorous day trips, there’s a high chance you’ll want to extend your next on-rail adventure with an overnight stay. You’re in luck. From Venice to Cusco, Cape Town to the Outback, these are some of the best luxury sleeper trains.