14 Luxury Train Trips That Are Cheaper Than You’d Expect

ByRachna Chandira

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Luxury train travel doesn’t always mean sky-high prices. In fact, some of the world’s most iconic rail journeys offer first-class comfort, stunning scenery, and old-world charm at surprisingly reasonable rates. Whether you’re dreaming of the Scottish Highlands, the Swiss Alps, or the Peruvian Andes, these 14 unforgettable train trips prove that luxury can be both indulgent and affordable.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at station.
Patrick Janicek, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

This famous train lets you relive the elegance of 1920s travel, with vintage carriages, fine dining, and beautiful views across Europe. It’s known for luxury, but you don’t need to book a pricey Grand Suite to enjoy the ride. Shorter trips—like Venice to Paris or Amsterdam to Verona—offer a more affordable way to experience the charm, comfort, and old-world style that make this train so unforgettable.

Rovos Rail, South Africa

Rovos Rail luxury train at station in South Africa
Garyth, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

Rovos Rail brings old-school elegance to Africa, with wood-paneled coaches, formal dinners, and scenic routes. Though it offers long trips, shorter options like Pretoria to Cape Town give you the same luxury experience for less. With fine dining, off-train safaris, and a relaxed pace, it’s a great way to explore South Africa without breaking the bank.

Royal Scotsman, Scotland

The Royal Scotsman luxury train at a station platform in Scotland
Thomas Nugent, CC BY-SA 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

Rolling through the Scottish Highlands, the Royal Scotsman is known for its cozy atmosphere and stunning views. Think lochs, castles, and countryside—all enjoyed from a tartan-trimmed seat. While longer trips are pricey, shorter two-night journeys offer a more affordable taste of its rich hospitality, complete with spa services and gourmet meals.

Maharajas’ Express, India

The luxurious Maharajas’ Express train in India
Jenniferknott, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

This train brings the royal treatment to the rails, offering routes filled with palaces, forts, and world-famous sights. The decor is regal, and the food is rich with Indian flavors. While longer tours are luxurious and costly, short routes like the “Treasures of India” make it possible to enjoy this opulent journey at a more accessible price.

British Pullman, England

The British Pullman luxury train passing through a quaint English town
Geof Sheppard, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

The British Pullman lets you enjoy a luxury train ride without ever leaving England. With restored 1920s carriages, elegant dining, and themed trips, it’s a stylish way to see the countryside. Best of all, most journeys are just a day long, making it one of the easiest—and most affordable—ways to enjoy first-class train travel.

Orient Express La Dolce Vita, Italy

Blue and yellow Orient Express La Dolce Vita train car in Italy
spaceaero2, CC BY 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

This new Italian train blends retro 1960s style with luxury touches. Think mirrored walls, fine Italian cuisine, and views of the coast or countryside. It offers one- to two-night trips through scenic parts of Italy. While longer itineraries cost more, shorter journeys give you a taste of la dolce vita without the heavy price tag.

Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan

Luxurious black Seven Stars in Kyushu train arriving at a station in Japan
Takeshi Aida, CC BY-SA 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

One of the most exclusive trains in the world, the Seven Stars carries just 20 guests in handmade luxury. It explores Japan’s Kyushu island with stops at shrines, hot springs, and artisan towns. Though demand is high, short two-day routes are available at lower rates, offering a peaceful, culture-rich journey in pure comfort.

Andean Explorer, Peru

Bright blue and yellow PeruRail train at a station in the Andes
Hugh Llewelyn, CC BY-SA 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

This train glides through the Peruvian Andes, connecting Cusco and Lake Titicaca with dramatic views and elegant cabins. Onboard, you’ll enjoy local cuisine and a calm, scenic pace. While multi-night trips are available, one-night routes offer a budget-friendly way to enjoy the journey without missing the magic.

The Ghan, Australia

The Ghan train winds through Australia's red desert landscape under a clear blue sky
Roderick Eime, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

The Ghan crosses Australia from top to bottom, offering a deep dive into the outback in full comfort. With gourmet dining and off-train adventures, it’s a complete experience. Three- or four-day options are available, and while they’re not cheap, the all-inclusive nature makes it surprisingly good value for a luxury trip.

Rocky Mountaineer, USA

Rocky Mountaineer train under a dramatic sky with mountain views
Cwojtun, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

Traveling between Utah and Colorado, this train offers glass-domed coaches, scenic canyons, and mountain views. The two-day trip includes hotel stays and locally inspired meals, giving it a luxury feel without an extreme price. It’s a fantastic way to see the American West in slow, scenic comfort.

Nororient Express, Norway

Nororient Express crosses a stone bridge in the Norwegian mountains
SRS scandiline, CC BY-SA 2.5/Wikimedia Commons

Launching recently, this Norwegian train is designed with modern Nordic style and breathtaking views in mind. It runs by day and stops overnight in hotels, combining train luxury with hotel comfort. This setup makes it more affordable while still offering a unique way to see Norway’s fjords and snowy peaks.

Golden Eagle, Central Asia

The Golden Eagle train travels along a lakeside route through Central Asia
Jerry Huddleston, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

Once known for its Trans-Siberian route, the Golden Eagle now runs through Central Asia. Pass through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan in elegant surroundings with live music and fine food. Though the full trip is expensive, special offers or shorter segments give travelers a chance to join at a more manageable cost.

Hiram Bingham, Peru

he blue and gold Hiram Bingham train in Peru at a station
Jorge Láscar, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

This Belmond train carries travelers from Cusco to Machu Picchu in true style. With open-air viewing cars, live music, and traditional Peruvian cuisine, it’s a luxurious half-day ride. While not cheap, it’s far more affordable than many full-length luxury journeys and delivers incredible value for the experience.

Bernina Express, Switzerland & Italy

The red Bernina Express train curves through the Swiss Alps beside a deep blue lake
Kabelleger, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

Though not a luxury train in the classic sense, the Bernina Express offers Alpine views from cozy, panoramic coaches. It crosses dramatic mountains, glacial valleys, and winding viaducts on a short four-hour trip. And with tickets starting under $100, it’s one of the best-value scenic rail experiences in Europe.

Rachna Chandira is a travel writer and communications professional known for her culturally rich and emotionally resonant storytelling.
With a background in development journalism, she brings a nuanced perspective to her writing, focusing on people, place, and purpose. Her work spans India, Southeast Asia, and Europe, often exploring slow travel, solo adventures, and underrepresented local narratives.
From crafting immersive city guides to curating thoughtful itineraries, Rachna combines journalistic depth with a storyteller’s heart. She views travel as a way to connect cultures, inspire empathy, and leave a meaningful impression on readers seeking more than just destinations.