Of the many overused travel aphorisms, “it’s all about the journey, not the destination” is among the most cliché — and inaccurate. But when it comes to luxury train travel, it’s true. More than once, I’ve found myself at an airport longing for the simplicity of rail travel. Trains let us slow down and savor our surroundings, and thankfully, luxury carriages require no sacrifice of comfort or style.

A few epic trips are high on my list to review. India’s Palace on Wheels and Australia’s Ghan have both piqued my curiosity. I’ve spent hours perusing the Silk Road itineraries with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, though on the company’s European trips, the train has larger cabins.

The British may have invented train travel, but I suspect the Japanese have perfected it. Japan’s classic Seven Stars and more contemporary Shiki-Shima seem like excellent ways to explore the country in splendor.

Meanwhile, here are my favorite tried and tested overnight train rides around the world, plus two new routes I’m particularly excited about.

Royal Scotsman
Scotland

Long a favorite with Andrew Harper members, Belmond’s Royal Scotsman offers two- to seven-night itineraries through the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. An observation car provides armchairs from which to gaze at the passing lochs and mountains, while two mahogany-paneled dining cars serve exceptional seasonal Scottish cuisine. Dior spa treatment rooms help keep the ride relaxing. The journeys are ideal for light sleepers, because the train stops each evening. From about $7,100 per person.

Andean Explorer
Peru

With a stylish décor enlivened by brightly colored Peruvian textiles and handicrafts, Belmond’s Andean Explorer offers two-night itineraries between the picturesque cities of Cusco and Arequipa, with a stop in Puno to explore the beauty of Lake Titicaca and its islands. The one-night itineraries connect Cusco or Arequipa and Puno. While on the move, you can feast in the dining cars, relax in the library car and sip pisco sours in the observation car, taking in the vast altiplano dotted with grazing llamas and alpacas. From about $2,400 per person.

Eastern & Oriental Express
Singapore and Malaysia

Evoking a bygone sense of adventure, Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express has fabulously appointed carriages that take passengers on round-trip journeys from Singapore. The itineraries have changed since I last took the train, which has also been newly refurbished, so I’m eager to try it again. The “Wild Malaysia” itinerary — which includes excursions in Taman Negara National Park, one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests — sounds especially beguiling. En route, passengers enjoy in-cabin breakfasts, elegant lunches, afternoon tea and multicourse dinners. From about $4,650 per person.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Europe

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is legendary thanks to Agatha Christie, who chose it as the setting for her 1934 detective novel “Murder on the Orient Express.” Now part of the Belmond collection, the train offers one-night journeys between a variety of European destinations. Those who hunger for something longer should consider one of the signature five-night itineraries between Paris and Istanbul. The Grand Suites offer double beds, a living area and private baths with showers, as well as decorative touches including embossed leather, hand-carved wood, silk fabrics and Venetian glass. From about $5,200 per person.

Rovos Rail
Southern Africa

Board a classic Rovos Rail train to traverse southern Africa in style. Its most-celebrated journey is the 15- or 16-day trek between Cape Town, South Africa, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, which passes through Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia along the way. There are also shorter itineraries within South Africa, which include bush walks and stops at game reserves. Rovos’ rival, the Blue Train, has its partisans, but we prefer Rovos Rail’s private station and the Victorian bathtubs in the Royal Suites. From about $1,900 per person.

The Britannic Explorer
England and Wales

Launched in July 2025, Belmond’s Britannic Explorer (formerly the recommended Grand Hibernian) offers three- to six-night voyages through Cornwall, Wales and the Lake District. The Grand Suites feature double beds with separate living areas and marble bathrooms. I’d make sure to pick an itinerary that includes a visit to Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens and a ride along Devon’s southern coast. From about $8,450 per person.

La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Italy

Explore Italy on this stylish train that offers one-, two- or three-night trips to ancient cities and spectacular vineyards. Launched in April 2025, La Dolce Vita features suites and rooms done in a midcentury style. The gastronomic experiences have me particularly curious, with a culinary program led by multi-starred chef Heinz Beck and food-forward itineraries including a truffle-themed expedition to Piedmont. I’ve already got a cabin booked — expect a full review in the Hideaway Report early next year. From about $3,550 per person.