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The Golden Eagle

Formerly The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express

Your Voyages of a Lifetime Awaits…

While we no longer operate in Russia, the legendary Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, now known as the Golden Eagle, continues to offer an unparalleled travel experience. Join us on our Silk Road collection, where this iconic train takes you through the heart of majestic Central Asia.

Discover the wonders of ancient cities, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures, all while enjoying the refined luxury and exceptional service that Golden Eagle Luxury Trains is renowned for. Indulge in a journey that promises both adventure and elegance, reimagined for a new era of exploration.

THE GOLDEN EAGLE

The Golden Eagle private train epitomises luxury and elegance on rails, offering an unparalleled travel experience through some of the world’s most captivating landscapes. With its meticulously designed carriages, sumptuous dining, and impeccable service, the Golden Eagle ensures a journey of utmost comfort and sophistication.

Each cabin is a haven of relaxation, featuring en-suite facilities and modern amenities, while the beautifully appointed public areas provide the perfect setting for socialising and unwinding. Whether traversing the ancient Silk Road or exploring the diverse terrains of Central Asia, the Golden Eagle private train promises an unforgettable adventure steeped in history, culture, and indulgence.

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Where will the golden eagle take you, republics of the silk road.

Almaty - Tashkent (14 days)

Tashkent - Almaty (14 days)

• Golden Eagle

Caspian Odyssey

Yerevan - Almaty (16 days)

Jewels of the Silk Road

Ashgabat - Almaty (8 days)

Treasures of Uzbekistan

Tashkent - Samarkand - Tashkent (11 days)

INTERACTIVE AND AUTHENTIC

Learn the art of silk weaving with a visit to Margilan. Once a vital, ancient caravan route for Chinese and Western trade, the city is renowned for its beautiful, handmade silk products. We will enjoy an interactive session at a craftsman’s workshop and studio.

Moreover, gain further insight into the intertwining identity of the ‘Crossroad of Culture’, Samarkand. Until the Middle Ages, Samarkand served as the main supplier of paper to the Arab world and Europe. With a visit to the Meros Paper Mill, we will learn about this ancient art with an up-close lesson of the laborious process, ancient machines, and centuries old methods.

Featured on our magical voyage:

TREASURES OF UZBEKISTAN

Stand before the “door to hell”.

Experience an awe-inspiring visit to the ‘Door to Hell’ – Darvaza’s famous burning gas crater. Located in the middle of the Kara Kum desert where the area is rich in natural gas, the 70 metre-wide crater has been burning for over 40 years.

As the Country’s Government considers way to distinguish the flames – this may be your last chance to experience this incredible phenomenon.

Featured on our magical voyages:

CASPIAN ODYSSEY

Republics of the silk road, designed for an immersive and authentic encounter, meet the team.

Our team of tour managers and guides at Golden Eagle Luxury Trains are not only exceptionally experienced but also meticulously selected for their deep knowledge and expertise in the destinations we explore.

With years of invaluable experience under their belts, they are your key to unlocking the rich tapestry of history, culture, and unique insights that each destination holds.

Looking to enhance your VIP experience? Our travel team can arrange a private guide and car, depending on availability.

Tatiana Kolesnikova

A familiar face to many of you, Tatiana Kolesnikova, joined Golden Eagle Luxury Trains in 2004 as the principal Tour Manager on the Golden Eagle train.

Over the years Tatiana has become a much loved staple of the Golden Eagle team – travelling on the Golden Eagle and the Golden Eagle Danube Express.

Anna Kochetkova

Why choose golden eagle,   as featured in.

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The best luxury trains in the U.S. for a truly lavish experience

Lean back and enjoy these special posh rides aboard America's best luxury trains

You don’t have to wear your tuxedo or your gold lamé gown, but you will feel like royalty as you ease back onto your plush seat and allow folks to attend to you while beautiful countryside whisks past the window. There aren’t many luxury train rides in the U.S., but we’ve gathered up the ones that make the most of the experience, serving you champagne and gourmet meals. You'll likely be seated in front of oversized picture windows or under glass domes to enjoy the view. Add in the soothing rhythm of the rails, and you might just fall asleep, pampered and relaxed. Here are the 10 best luxury trains in the U.S.

RECOMMENDED: 13 weird and funky train rides to experience across America

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Top luxury train trips in the USA

1.  rocky mountaineer | the canadian rockies and beyond.

This is swoon-worthy stuff. The Rocky Mountaineer goes through some of the most spectacular landscape there is, and you can see it all through the glass dome coaches with oversized windows. You’ll be fed locally-inspired cuisine at your seat or go to a gourmet meal in the dining car, depending on whether you choose silver or gold leaf service. Storytelling hosts narrate the history of the scenery and wildlife you’ll be seeing. All four routes—connecting Vancouver, British Columbia to the mountain towns of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper in the Canadian Rockies , and between Moab and Denver—are only daylight trains to maximize the views, but you can arrange a hotel stay to keep the fun going.

Price:  Starting at $1,699

2.  Hickory Creek Car | between New York City and Albany, NY

This is a car, not a full train: the rearmost car on the Hudson River Rail Excursions's 20th Century Limited train. It has a “lookout lounge” with big picture windows to look out onto the Hudson River, four bedrooms and four bathrooms, lounge seating for 16 and dinner seating for eight. There’s an onboard kitchen where a chef prepares a four-course meal for you. Staff in period attire hovers throughout the trip to serve your every need (or most of them, anyway). This 20th Century Limited is a sleek, silver, mid-modern from 1948 and traverses the rails originally traveled by the line from 1902 to 1967. You can go a five-day roundtrip between NYC and Chicago or a one-way overnight in each direction.

Price:  $379–$399

3.  The Bourbon Excursion | Bardstown, KY

Take a 2.5-hour excursion on My Old Kentucky Dinner Train while you go through 35 miles of beautiful Kentucky countryside on a buzzed round trip, fueled by tasting local bourbons—Bardstown itself is home to more than 11 bourbon distilleries. The ride also includes a three- or four-course gourmet meal and some fun souvenirs. Your ride embarks on a restored 1940s dining car pulled by a 1950s diesel locomotive. You must be 21+ to ride (duh), but if you want to try an excursion open to the general public, the train also has lunch and dinner rides, a murder mystery ride, and the seasonal North Pole Express.

Price:  Starting at $139

4.  Napa Valley Wine Train | Napa, CA

You’ll want to dress up a little for this excursion into Napa's wine country with gourmet meals and tastings on the train. The experiences change, but right now, the Legacy Experience includes a day on the rails winding past the vineyards and enjoying a four-course wine country-inspired meal, three tastings, and spectacular photo ops at each stop. The experience is six hours, three of which are on the train. You’re welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine and a one-hour vineyard tasting of three wines right at the Napa Valley Welcome sign, and train your way towards two hours of tasting at Charles Krug and V. Sattui.

Price:  Starting at $550

5.  First Class Car on the Strasburg Railroad | Strasburg, PA

Go luxe for 45 minutes in the exquisite President’s Car with wood paneled interior and built-in furnishings (it’s currently off the rails for renovation, but check the website for its glorious return)—or there are four other first-class options to pick from. One is the parlor car, where you lounge on cabernet-colored sofas and order confections and beverages for purchase in the last car in line with a view of the vanishing rails behind you. Or choose two separate lounge cars with plush captain’s chairs that swivel to catch the views, or the club car, which is a private charter experience if you have a group to travel with. Here in Dutch country, the railroad is the oldest continuously operating railroad in North America, dating to 1832.

Price:  $35–$1,050

6.  First Class Caboose on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad | Yosemite, CA

The  Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad offers a classic steam train excursion through the Sierra National Forest—and if you want to go luxe, you can upgrade your ticket to the First Class Caboose, available on any train. This ride includes a renovated wood-paneled interior with wrought iron seats holding padded upholstery, and if you can climb the narrow interior stairs to the cupola, the cute aerie has two seats facing each other (the main part of the caboose is ADA accessible). There’s even a personal conductor to describe the gorgeous things you’re seeing, plus a drink and snacks included. Best part? The traditional whistle blow emerging from this Shay steam engine.

Price:  Starting at $31

7.  GoldStar Service on the Denali Star | Between Anchorage and Fairbanks, AK

The Alaska Railroad seats may not be that fancy, but the views are spectacular. The premium GoldStar Service class includes a chance to glide through Alaska’s incredible scenery viewed through the glass-dome ceilinged car. You can also walk around to visit an upper-level viewing platform or the full-service dining room, but if you choose to just stay seated, your glass will be filled by a dedicated bar attendant. Not all train rides include GoldStar service, so check the website before booking—but we’d argue that the railroad’s Adventure Class is just as fun.

Price:  Varies by route

8.  Luxury Dome on the Grand Canyon Railway | Williams, AZ

In these opulent parlor cars , you’ll see amazing views out of the Observation Dome, which has gigantic windows that capture the grandeur of the Grand Canyon. Kids under 15 aren’t allowed, so the ride is engineered to be a little more sophisticated; your sparkling wine toast is included in the ticket price. The two-story train has a downstairs lounge with a full bar, entertainment center and plush furnishings. Besides the luxury dome class, there’s also a luxury parlor class at the same price point, including a private bar and access to the outdoor platform.

Price:  Starting at $240

9.  Acela train | Between Boston and Washington, D.C.

Although Amtrak is more known for serviceable rides (all the luxury is found in the view out the window!), there is a first-class cabin on the Acela train, where you receive complimentary meal service at your seat, priority boarding at certain stations and, perhaps best of all, access to station lounges .

10.  Platinum Class on the Cape Cod Dinner Train | Hyannis, MA

The Cape Cod Central Railroad runs through quaint New England villages, and its three-hour candlelight dinner train offers three levels of luxury, from first class to platinum class. In the platinum class, you’ll be dining in an exclusive 1917 lounge car at a linen-covered table as romantic music plays. The five-course gourmet meal changes seasonally, so hopefully, you’ll get to try some of that fantastic Cape Cod seafood. Bonus: when maritime traffic permits, the train crosses over the scenic Cape Cod Canal railroad bridge. There are other excursions available, plus the Polar Express train ride.

Price:  Starting at $95

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Seven Stars Kyushu: Riding the luxury train

Seven Stars Kyushu: Riding the luxury train

October 23, 2019

Wise travelers know that traveling is not just about the destination; getting there is half the fun. The significance of the journey itself is embodied in Japan’s Seven Stars luxury sleeper train, based in the island of Kyushu , Japan. This cruise train is meant to bring new life to train travel, to make the travel itself the integral part of a Kyushu vacation.

The Seven Stars cruise train, also known as Nanatsuboshi in Kyushu , gets its name both from the seven prefectures of Kyushu, and also from the seven lauded aspects of the region. These include the train system itself, nature, the hot springs, power spots, the region’s history, its cuisine, and the friendliness of Kyushu’s people.

Cruise train accommodations

The Seven Stars Kyushu strives to bridge the future of rail travel with its most illustrious past. The plush, classic décor harkens back to bygone days, while the technological advancements and large, picturesque viewing windows push the comfort of travel by train to new heights. Each of its cars was designed to meet its passengers’ needs and exceed their expectations.

Passengers can choose from 1 of 12 standard suites or 1 of 2 deluxe suites . Each suite features a sleeping area, sitting area, and a private bathroom consisting of a shower and toilet facilities. The suite nearest the dining and lounge cars is equipped to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility and is wheelchair accessible. The deluxe suites, located on the end carriages, can accommodate up to 3 persons each. These suites feature a sleeping area, lounge, and private bathroom. Deluxe Suite A has the additional advantage of a rear window across the width of the train car. This allows for a unique angle of scenic viewing from the comfort of a private room.

The chefs and stewards of the Jupiter Dining Car pride themselves on friendly and outstanding service. The entrees served reflect the nature and culture of the island of Kyushu, with ingredients reaped from its countryside and its seas. Most noteworthy, the Blue Moon Lounge Car offers an attended bar service both day and night. Daytime sightseeing from its vast windows is complemented by a grand piano and live musical entertainment in the evenings.

Seven Stars Kyushu itineraries and prices

The Seven Stars offers a 4 day/3 night trip as well as 2 day/1 night circuit aboard Japan’s finest luxury train. Many meals are taken on the train, but travelers will also have the option of experiencing the area’s unique eateries. Passengers will enjoy onboard activities such as tea time, as well as scenic views of rural areas and the South China Sea .

Both itineraries start and finish in JR Hakata Station (Fukuoka) , which you can easily reach from Osaka with your Japan Rail Pass , via the Sanyo Shinkansen .

Book your Japan Rail Pass now

4-day itinerary

The longer trip tours the entire island of Kyushu with stops in 5 prefectures. Visitors desiring a relaxing visit to an  onsen , or hot springs , scenic volcanoes , and Kyushu’s principle cities will enjoy this trip. Excursions include a ferry sea cruise, sightseeing in Yufuin, Mimitsu, and Miyazaki , and an overnight stay at a hot springs resort in Kirishima. Fairs for this tour on the Seven Stars in Kyushu start at a price of ¥630,000 per person (approximately $5,400 USD ).

2-day itinerary

The two-day journey on the JR East luxury train tours 4 prefectures of northern Kyushu. This trip includes features a scenic trip around Fukuoka, Oita, and Japan’s largest active volcano, Mount Aso . You will also experience a night time tour of Nagasaki, and a sightseeing tour in Yufuin. Travelers can also visit the Arita porcelain kiln , and learn about the area’s 400-year heritage in pottery. Fairs for the two-day tour start at ¥300,000 per person (approximately $2,550 USD ).

Other first class travel options

The Seven Stars in Kyushu is generally booked months in advance . Even if you cannot travel on Japan’s cruise train during your visit to Kyushu, you can still travel in style, using your JR Green Pass to access first class cars . Map your own itinerary to see the sights of Kyushu while you enjoy the green car’s ample space , sip on a hot or cold drink, and enjoy the scenery through large windows.

Besides, green cars may also offer hot or cold oshibori towels, snacks, individual radios, and magazines . Green cars are marked by a green clover emblem near the entry doors, so you will easily be able to find your accommodations when you return from touring the amazing sights Kyushu has to offer.

No matter which travel options you choose, the island of Kyushu is a must-see destination in Japan. Seeing Kyushu by rail is an unforgettable experience of natural beauty, delicious dining, and luxurious accommodations.

Open Applications for the Seven Stars in Kyushu 2020

In 20109, the Seven Stars in Kyushu cruise train is celebrating its 7th anniversary . For that reason, 2 very special journeys have been organized for 2020 on top of their already luxurious trips.

On these tours, the traveler immerses him or herself in the scenery, food, culture, and history of Kyushu. They are a treat to the senses that connects you with the vibrant characteristics of each prefecture and the warmth of the local people.

The journey period covers 17 regular runs from June to September of 2020, in addition to 3 special ones in April and June .

To book your trip online, you only need to complete the form you’ll find on the Seven Stars official webpage and request to make a booking on the Seven Stars . The application period runs from October 1st to October 22nd of 2019 , from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. (JST).

This is an enchanting journey that many find emotionally stirring. It is a truly unique experience that will keep bringing a smile to your face long after the trip is over.

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So much travel is done by airplane that it can be easy to forget about another fabulous way to take in the scenery — trains!

Trains can provide a cushy experience like no other, with bedecked cabins, fancy dining carriages, 24-hour concierge service and again — incredible scenery, all over the world. Here we’ve lined up 11 of the most luxurious train rides, according to Travel + Leisure, that you can dream of taking … for the right price .

Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru

The Belmond Andean Explorer begins its journey in the capital of Cusco and winds its way along the Andean Plains, all the way up to Lake Titicaca. Not only is this one of the most luxurious train rides — with brightly-colored and lush Peruvian fabrics decorating your cabins, and tasty food — but the train claims to take one of the highest journeys in the world, due to the elevation of 12,507 feet.

Each passenger’s tickets start around $1,915 per person.

Cruise Train Seven Stars, Japan

This luxurious Japanese train experience invests as much in beauty as it does in passenger comfort. For one thing, it is one of the first trains to include luxury sleeping compartments. The train is visually stunning, inside and out. According to its website, its exterior has been compared to ancient lacquer, and its insides include polished wood accents and gold embellishments.

You can choose from multi-day tours around the island of Kyushu, providing views of mountains and ocean. However, only 28 passengers can ride at a time, which means you have to enter a lottery to ride. It isn’t cheap, either. Individual tickets start at around $4,985 per ticket (650,000 yen) but can go up to double that depending on your suite.

The Ghan, Australia

When you think of Australia, you may think of the vast, hot outback and expeditions taken by jeep in khaki. However, the Ghan Expedition train offers passengers a chance to visit Australia in luxury on a ride that was first put into service in 1924, but has been updated with modern comfort and convenience.

You’ll spend four days traveling from Darwin to Adelaide with stops in such beautiful locations as the historic Telegraph Station in Alice Springs, and Nitmiluk Gorge, where you can learn about its rich Indigenous history. You’ll also get to try out Australian cuisine and wines, starting at about $3,695 per person.

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Rovos Rail, South Africa

This incredible train trip travels through multiple landscapes in South Africa, from the grasslands of the Highveld to the barren Great Karoo, as well as stunning mountain ranges and the Cape’s wine country. You’ll end your three-day journey in Cape Town, which is described as “the Mother City of South Africa.”

You’ll also take a stop in the historic village of Matjiesfontein, an authentically preserved Victorian Village, and in Kimberley, where you’ll see the Diamond Mine Museum and the world’s largest man-made excavation, the Big Hole. Passengers will pay around $3,546 per passenger for the Royal carriage.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

Imagine yourself in an Agatha Christie novel by traveling on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a train positively dripping in old world Art Deco luxury. The train runs from London to Venice, stopping in Paris and Verona on the way. The food you eat is picked up along your journey in such places as Brittany and Provence. Feel free to dress in your finery, too, which is more than encouraged, and sip champagne in the bar car.

This luxurious adventure starts at about $3,750 per ticket.

The Canadian, Canada

Journey across the Great White North all while staying warm in your train cabin. The Canadian offers services across the country from Toronto to Vancouver. If you never disembark the train, it will take four straight days to complete the route.

Along the way, passengers will spot waterfalls, charming small towns, and the grand Rocky Mountains. Take the train in winter for the best views of snow-capped peaks and endless fields of white powder. This voyage starts at around $6,090 per passenger.

Eastern & Oriental Express, Asia

The Eastern & Oriental Express aims to bring the best of Asian luxury to its passengers, and has since 1993. Its website describes the interiors as decorated in “handsome green and gold carriages conceal magnificent cherrywood panelling, Thai silks and Malaysian embroidery.”

The train will also take you past “lush jungle, ancient temples and quaint villages” as you pass through such cities as Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Singapore. You’ll need to dress appropriately, as well — dinners require evening wear. For all this luxury, you just need to fork out about $7,575 per person if you wish to stay in the presidential suite.

Maharajas’ Express, India

If you want to take your luxury train experience up a notch, consider the Maharajas’ Express train, an seven-day “Heritage of India” tour that takes you through some of the major cities like Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra and Delhi. Not only do you get the absolute beauty and comfort of the train itself, decorated in Indian fabrics and gleaming wood, but also a private butler.

Tickets for this start around $5,810 per passenger.

Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland

For the Outlander obsessed, or anyone who’s ever wanted to see the majesty of Scotland up close — from its mysterious lochs to its stately stone castles and lush countryside — the Royal Scotsman train ride will wow you. You’ll be ensconced in “mahogany-clad cars [that] marry Edwardian elegance with the comforts of a country house,” its website states.

Better yet, the Royal Scotsman is one of the few luxury trains with an onboard spa. Enjoy a spa service, such as massage or manicure, while you take in the scenery. Of course, you’ll want to save up — their Grand Western Scenic Wonders Tour is about $16,639 per person!

Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, Russia

If you ride the Russian Trans-Siberian Express, you’ll be riding a train that is more than 100 years old. All that history adds up to an unforgettable experience.

The journey takes you from Moscow all the way to Vladivostok, and you can do much more than just sit in your luxury compartment. You can take Russian language lessons, enjoy live piano music and help yourself to fancy cocktails in the bar that doesn’t close.

This 15-day journey is the priciest on our list. It starts at $19,895 per person for the “silver class” and can go up to $88,000 for the “Royal suite” depending on travel dates.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, how to travel overland between europe & china or japan....

A journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway should be on everyone's bucket list.  It's safe, comfortable & affordable.  On this page I'll explain the routes, trains, classes, prices, answer your questions, and help you plan & book your trip.  Page last updated March 2022

IMPORTANT UPDATE 2024:   All international Trans-Siberian trains between Russia & China have been suspended since February 2020, originally due to Covid-19.  They remain suspended until further notice, although a weekly Irkutsk-Ulan Bator train resumed in late 2022.  All international trains between western Europe & Russia are suspended because of the war in Ukraine and sanctions.  Russian domestic trains are running including Moscow-Vladivostok.  However, the Foreign Office advises against all travel to Russia because of the war, see www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia .  I have left this page as was pre-pandemic, but various companies including Real Russia may no longer be trading.

Trans-Siberian trains, fares, tickets

Connecting trains & ferries

What is the trans-siberian railway.

The Trans-Siberian Railway is just one part of the massive Russian railway network, transporting passengers and freight safely at affordable prices.  It connects the European rail network at one end with either Vladivostok or the Chinese rail network at the other.  Take a look at the route map below to see where the Trans-Siberian Railway goes.  You can use it to travel overland in either direction between London, Paris or anywhere in Europe and China, Japan, Korea or even Southeast Asia...

Interactive map : Trans-Siberian, Trans-Mongolian, Trans-Manchurian

There's also a less well-travelled route to China via Kazakhstan, sometimes known as the Silk Route, for details click here .

An overview of the 3 routes

Moscow to Vladivostok :   Every day, the Rossiya (the Russia, train number 2 eastbound, train 1 westbound) leaves Moscow on its 9,259 km (5,752 mile) journey to Vladivostok, taking 8 nights/7 days.  In addition, 3 times a week you'll also find un-named train 61 westbound & 62 eastbound which link Moscow with Vladivostok with fewer stops in just 7 nights/6 days.  This is almost the longest train ride of them all, 9,259 km or 5,752 miles.  Trains 1/2 & 61/62 have 2nd class 4-berth compartments called kupé , open-plan bunks called platskartny & a restaurant car, see the photos below .  There are no longer any 2-berth spalny vagon sleepers on these trains, at least not at the moment, but if you like you can pay for 4 tickets to get sole occupancy of a 4-berth sleeper for one, two or three people.  These trains now have dynamic pricing, one-way fares from Moscow to Vladivostok start at around 11,500 rubles ($170 or £140) in kupé with a bed in a 4-berth sleeper, more if booked through an agency.  See a brief account of the journey .  There is a weekly ferry from Vladivostok to South Korea & Japan taking 2 nights & 1 day, although this was discontinued in February 2020, it has been resurrected by another company using the same ship, and should start taking passengers when borders reopen after the pandemic.

Two routes to China :   Although the main Trans-Siberian line runs from Moscow to Vladivostok, most western travellers head for China on one of two branches, the Trans-Mongolian line (completed in the 1950s) or the Trans-Manchurian line (built around 1900), see the route map .  There are two direct trains each week between Moscow & Beijing, train 3/4 via Mongolia using Chinese coaches and train 19/20 Vostok via Manchuria using Russian coaches.

Moscow to Beijing via Mongolia :   This is arguably the most interesting Trans-Siberian route to take.  The weekly Trans-Mongolian train (train 4 eastbound, train 3 westbound) leaves Moscow for Beijing every Tuesday night.  The 7,621 km (4,735 mile) journey takes 6 nights.  This train crosses Siberia, cuts across Mongolia and the Gobi desert, then enters China.  Westbound, it leaves Beijing every Wednesday morning.  This train uses Chinese rolling stock and has deluxe 2-berth compartments (with shared shower), 1st class 4-berth compartments & 2nd class 4-berth compartments.  Booked through a local Russian agency, journey costs around $805 or £555 one-way in 2nd class 4-berth or $1130 or £780 in 1st class 2-berth.  See an illustrated account of the journey .

Moscow to Beijing via Manchuria: The weekly Trans-Manchurian train (the Vostok , train 20 eastbound, train 19 westbound, using Russian rolling stock) leaves Moscow on Saturday nights for Beijing via Manchuria, taking just over six days to cover the 8,986km (5,623 miles).  Westbound, it leaves Beijing every Saturday night.  There are 2-berth 1st class compartments (spalny vagon) and 4-berth 2nd class compartments (kupé).  Prices are similar to the Chinese train.

Other Trans-Siberian trains:   These aren't the only Trans-Siberian trains.  Far from it!  Many other trains run over parts of these routes.  There's even a slightly slower Moscow-Vladivostok train, train 100 taking 7 nights instead of 6...  See the Trans-Siberian timetable below .

Planning your trip

1.  when to go eastbound or westbound is it safe.

Yes, the Trans-Siberian is perfectly safe, even for families or solo females.  It's the way Russian families and women travel, after all.

You can go at any time of year as the Trans-Siberian Railway operates all year round.  Naturally, the summer months from May to September have the best weather and the longest daylight hours so are the most popular.  In winter it's easier to get tickets, the trains are warmly heated and the Siberian landscape beautiful in the snow, but the hours of daylight will be shorter and stretching your legs at stations or visiting the cities will be chillier.  In many ways it's the slushy thaw around April that's least attractive. 

On board the trains, Kupé 4-berth sleepers (2nd class) is the usual comfortable choice for most westerners.  2-berth Spalny Vagon (1st class) is now quite rare, but you can pay for 4 tickets in kupé to get sole occupancy or a 4-berth compartment if you like.

You can travel the Trans-Siberian Railway either eastbound or westbound, it's up to you, although eastbound tends to be more popular with westerners, perhaps because going out by rail from your local station and flying back is more romantic than starting your trip with a flight.  On this page I cover both directions, remember that any comments written from an eastbound perspective usually apply westbound too!

See the Trans-Siberian travel tips for more advice & answering all your FAQs .

2.  Decide on your route & final destination

The Trans-Siberian Railway doesn't just go to Vladivostok.  It links Europe with China, Japan, Korea, even Vietnam and South East Asia.  How about  going to Beijing?  Shanghai?  Hong Kong?  Tokyo?  Tibet?  See the Trans-Siberian route map to open your mind to all the possibilities which the Trans-Siberian Railway offers.  You can even reach Hanoi, Saigon, Bangkok or Singapore overland from London.

Vladivostok is an interesting place for a day or two if you're passing through before catching the ferry to Japan or Korea , but probably not worth a 7 day journey from Moscow just for its own sake.  Beijing is a far better choice of destination as it's an absolutely amazing city that's well worth the overland trip from Europe.

The Trans-Mongolian is easily the most interesting of the three routes, even though it means an extra visa, there are superb views of the Gobi desert and a chance to stop off in Mongolia on the way. 

But why end your trip in Beijing?  Shanghai or Xian are just a few hours high-speed train ride away.  There are trains from Beijing to Hong Kong . How about Japan?  There are ferries from Shanghai to Osaka .  There's even a twice-weekly direct train from Beijing to Hanoi in Vietnam taking 2 nights, 1 day ( see the Vietnam page ), then you can take daily trains to Saigon, a bus to Phnom Penh and on to Bangkok, then a train to Malaysia & Singapore, see the Cambodia & Thailand pages.

3.  Do you want to stop off?

You cannot buy an open ticket and hop on and off, as the Trans-Siberian is an all-reserved long-distance railway where everyone gets their own sleeping-berth and every ticket comes printed with a specific date, train number, car & berth number.  However, you can easily arrange stopovers along the way using a separate ticket for each train, easily pre-booked especially if you use the Trans-Siberian Trip Planner .

The varied scenery and camaraderie on board the direct Moscow-Beijing trains makes non-stop travel on these trains an enjoyable option and maximises your time in China.  On the other hand, travelling to Vladivostok non-stop in 7 days can be tedious (I should know) and it's better the break up the journey and see something of Siberia.  And even if you're heading for China, there's lots worth stopping off for on the way if you have time.

The obvious stopovers are Irkutsk in Siberia for Lake Baikal and Ulan Bator in Mongolia, for a side trip into the Gobi desert.  If you have more time, Ekaterinberg & Ulan Ude are also worth a stop.

To help decide where to stop off, buy a copy of Bryn Thomas' excellent Trans-Siberian Handbook , with journey planning information, town guides, the history of the line, and best of all, a mile-by-mile guide to the sights you can see from the train, which really helps you get the most from the trip. The Lonely Planet Trans-Siberian Railways guide is also good.

Most western travellers pre-book all their tickets, but if you have lots of time and are determined to stay flexible and buy tickets at stations as you go, read this section about buying tickets at the station .

4.  Plan your Trans-Siberian trains

There is no such train as the Trans-Siberian Express but a whole range of trains across Siberia, including countless Russian domestic trains plus a handful of direct international trains to Mongolia and China.  Plan your trains using the Trans-Siberian timetable below or the Trans-Siberian trip planner .  Within Russia, there are both faster quality trains & slower cheaper trains, it's your call which you take.

So for example, if you chose to travel from Moscow to Beijing straight through without stopovers, you'd obviously book one of the weekly direct Moscow-Beijing trains, trains 4 or 20.  But if, say, you wanted to go from Moscow to Beijing with stopovers at Irkutsk and Ulan Bator, you might first take any regular daily Russian domestic train from Moscow to Irkutsk, and it might be nice to ride the Moscow-Vladivostok Rossiya for this bit unless a cheaper ticket for a slower lower-quality train better suited your budget.  Then you might take train 6 from Irkutsk to Ulan Bator 4 times a week, as this is easier to get berths on and more frequent than waiting for weekly train 4.  Then you might pick up trains 4 or 24 from Ulan Bator to Beijing.  Browse the Trans-Siberian timetable or use the Trans-Siberian trip planner .

5.  How much will it cost?  How long does it take?

To give you a rough idea, the cheapest trip put together yourself would include a Moscow-Beijing 2nd class train ticket from around £442 or $590, plus a London-Moscow train ticket for around £200.  You'll also need at least 1 night in a hotel in Moscow, and of course you need to budget for visas for Russia, China and possibly Mongolia and Belarus, plus travel insurance .  But it all depends on what you want to do, and how economically or luxuriously you want to travel.

Fares are shown in the fares section below , although what you actually pay depends on how you buy your tickets as the various booking agencies add differing mark-ups.  You can use the Real Russia Trans-Siberian trip planner to get a good idea of cost including stopovers.

In terms of time, London to Beijing with a one day stopover in Moscow takes around 10 days, London to Beijing with 2-days in Irkutsk and 3 days in Ulan Bator in Mongolia would take 15 days.  London to Tokyo or Hanoi with stopovers in Moscow and Vladivostok takes about 14 days.  You could reach Bangkok in around 20 days.  But where and how long you stop off is up to you.  I suggest sketching out an itinerary and budget using the method explained on the How to plan an itinerary & budget page .

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Booking your trip

Step 1, buy your trans-siberian train tickets.

When you have planned your journey, the first thing to arrange are your Trans-Siberian train tickets.  There are several ways to buy tickets, some cheaper but more effort, others easier but more expensive.  See the how to buy tickets section below for an explanation of all the options, but I'd recommend the Real Russia Trans-Siberian trip planner as arguably the best compromise between cheapness & simplicity for arranging your tickets.

Step 2, book connecting trains, ferries & flights

After booking your Trans-Siberian train ticket, book any onward trains within China , the Beijing-Hanoi (Vietnam) train , a China-Japan ferry , the Vladivostok-Japan ferry or a ferry to South Korea .  You may also need to book a one-way flight if you are going one way by train, the other by air.

Step 3, book your hotels

To find & book hotels in Moscow, Beijing, Vladivostok or in cities along the way, I usually use www.booking.com , as you can usually book their hotels with free cancellation, so you can safely book your accommodation as soon as you decide on your travel dates without any risk of losing money, before confirming your train tickets or visas.  Any hotel with a review score over 8.0 will usually be great.

Step 4, arrange your visas

Once you have booked the Trans-Sib train, you need to arrange your visas.  You can apply for a visa for Russia 6 months or less before your date of entry, although for other countries it's usually 3 months or less.  See the visa section below for details of how to do this .

Step 5, book your train from London to Moscow

Finally, arrange travel from London to Moscow to connect with the Trans-Siberian, see the London to Russia page .  You can also travel to Moscow by direct sleeping-car from Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Helsinki and many other places, to find train times, use int.bahn.de .  Bookings for European trains typically open 3 months before departure, you can't book until reservations open, so do this bit last.

Step 6, don't forget insurance

Remember to take out travel insurance, ideally immediately after you've booked the first part of the trip, as cancellation cover starts as soon as you buy the insurance.  You might also want to get a VPN for safe browsing on public WiFi during your travels, and perhaps a Curve card to save on exchange rates & foreign transaction fees.  See the section on insurance, Curve card & VPNs .

Don't fly to Moscow!

Flying to Moscow to pick up the Trans-Siberian Railway is like entering a marathon and then accepting a lift in someone's car for the first hundred yards...  Don't cheat!  If you're going to go overland to the Far East, do it properly, starting at London St Pancras and staying firmly on the ground.  It's easy to travel from London to Moscow by train, click here for train times, fares & how to buy tickets .  How about starting your Trans-Siberian trip with Eurostar from London to Paris and then a ride on the excellent Paris-Moscow Express ?  

What are the trains like ?

The Trans-Siberian Railway is a regular railway, a means of transport vital to the people living along it.  It's not run for tourists, so you won't find bar cars with pianos or deluxe suites with en suite showers (although one or two tourist cruise trains now operate on the Trans-Siberian from time to time, details here ).  However, all passengers get a proper flat berth to sleep in, provided with all necessary bedding, convertible to a seat for day use.  There are washrooms and toilets along the corridor, and a restaurant car for meals.  Whichever train you take, the Trans-Siberian is a safe and comfortable way to reach China and the Far East.  You'll find more details about food, showers & toilets in the Travel tips & FAQ section .

A request:  If you get any good current interior or exterior photos to illustrate trains 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 56, 61/62, 305/306, 23/24, please let me know !

Trains 1 & 2, the Moscow to Vladivostok Rossiya

The famous Rossiya (the Russia) runs from Moscow to Vladivostok every day all year round, 9,259 km (5,752 miles) in 8 nights.  It has 2nd class 4-berth 2nd sleepers (called kupé ), 3rd class open-plan sleeper bunks (called platskartny ) and a restaurant car.  There are no longer any 1st class 2-berth sleepers (called SV or spalny vagon ), at least not at the moment, but you can pay for 4 tickets in kupé to get sole occupancy of a 4-berth compartment for 1, 2 or 3 people.

It's a very comfortable train, re-equipped with the latest air-conditioned sleeping-cars in July 2020 featuring power sockets & USB ports for every passenger, a mini-combination safe for valuables for each passenger and a hot shower in each car.  The bunks convert to seats for daytime use.  There are toilets & washrooms at the end of the corridor, room for luggage under the lower berths and above the door to the corridor.  Compartment doors lock securely from the inside.  The new cars are shown here:  www.tvz.ru/catalog/passenger/item_detail.php?ELEMENT_ID=1374 .

Changes in July 2020:   Train 1/2 Rossiya has always been the fastest train between Moscow & Vladivostok, taking 7 nights.  Until July 2020 it only ran every two days and there was a second slower train between Moscow & Vladivostok, train 99/100 leaving every day, making around 70 more station stops than the Rossiya and taking 8 nights.  Train 99/100 was gradually re-equipped with the very latest cars, and from 9 July 2020 this slower train 99/100 was renumbered 1/2 and became the Rossiya, whilst the former faster train 1/2 was renumbered 61/62.

So travellers now have a choice between riding the famous Rossiya , train 1 westbound & train 2 eastbound with daily departures and the latest rolling stock, but taking 8 nights, or riding nameless train 61/62 running only 3 days a week with slightly older rolling stock, but with 70 fewer stops, taking only 7 nights from Moscow to Vladivostok and saving a whole day & night.  Personally, I'd take the Rossiya , for the name as well as the hot shower in every car!

The photos below show the Rossiya pre-July 2020, courtesy of Yves Goovaerts, David Smith, Nicholas Stone & Hilary Onno.  It's possible that this rolling stock is now used on train 61/62, whilst even newer stock is used on train 1/2 Rossiya.

What's the journey to Vladivostok like ?

The Man in Seat 61 says:   "A journey from Moscow to Vladivostok on the Rossiya was a totally different experience from a previous journey from Moscow to Beijing on train 4.  Travelling to Japan via Vladivostok, my 1st class 2-berth car was comfortable, spotlessly clean and even air-conditioned.  I usually ate in the restaurant car, and by the end of the trip Mischa in the kitchen would have my ham & eggs in the frying pan for breakfast as soon as I appeared in the restaurant.  In contrast to the vibrant international community on board train 4 to Beijing, on train 2 I was the sole Westerner aboard until Irkutsk.  And also unlike the Moscow-Beijing train where almost everyone is making the complete journey, very few passengers on the Rossiya are going all the way to Vladivostok.  The Rossiya is used for all sorts of shorter intermediate journeys, with Russians getting on and off at every station.  I had a compartment all to myself on leaving Moscow, then shared it with a professional Russian ice hockey player from Yaroslavl to Perm, on his way to trial for the team there.  His place was taken by a Russian lady from Yekaterinburg to Irkutsk who said very little.  In Irkutsk two professors from Alabama joined the train and became my meal companions in the restaurant.  The train stops several times a day, usually only for 10-20 minutes, but you can stretch your legs and take photographs.  Arrival in Vladivostok was a full two minutes ahead of schedule, seven days after leaving Moscow. The ocean terminal is adjacent to the station, but you may need to spend a night in Vladivostok to be sure of a safe connection.  Vladivostok is an interesting city, and a day or two spent there will not be wasted.  Overall, the Moscow-Vladivostok route is 7 days of Siberia on a train with few fellow westerners and indeed few Russians making the whole trip.  This makes for a much less interesting journey that the Moscow-Mongolia-Beijing train, and one that it would be good to break up with stopovers rather than make in one go. "

Trains 3 & 4, the Moscow to Beijing Trans-Mongolian Express

Trains 3 (westbound) and 4 (eastbound) link Moscow & Beijing once a week all year round, taking the shorter and most interesting route via Mongolia and the Gobi desert, 4,735 miles in 6 nights.  The train is Chinese, and has Chinese carriage attendants.  Using the correct Chinese terminology it has deluxe soft sleepers (2-berth), soft sleepers (4-berth) and hard sleepers (also 4-berth).  Most westerners are content to use the fairly comfortable & economical 4-berth hard sleepers, which are essentially the equivalent of 4-berth kupé on the Russian trains.  The 4-berth soft sleepers are not worth the extra money as they are virtually identical to the 4-berth hard sleepers, just slightly larger, though not so as you'd notice without getting your tape measure out.  However, the 2-berth deluxe soft sleepers are definitely worth the extra cash if you can get one, as they have upper & lower berths and an armchair in one corner, a small table and access to a compact en suite washroom with shower head shared with the adjacent compartment, see the deluxe sleeper photo here .  Don't expect too much of the shower head though!  There are both western and squat toilets at the end of each car, along with washrooms.  A Russian restaurant car is attached whilst the train is in Russia, a Mongolian one in Mongolia and a Chinese one whilst it is in China, see food details here .

What's a journey to Beijing like?   Click here for an illustrated account...

How to avoid confusion over classes...   Remember that this train is Chinese, not Russian.  Deluxe soft sleeper , soft sleeper & hard sleeper are usually translated for westerners as 1st class 2-berth, 1st class 4-berth & 2nd class 4-berth, certainly by agencies at the Chinese end.  In my opinion that's an appropriate translation as the Chinese 4-berth hard sleepers are equivalent to 4-berth kupé sleepers on Russian trains, and so can safely be thought of as 2nd class, not 3rd.  However, some Russian agencies including the reliable Real Russia booking system translate the deluxe soft sleeper , soft sleeper & hard sleeper on this Chinese train as 1st, 2nd and 3rd class, where 2nd class means a 1st class 4-berth soft sleeper that's not worth the extra money and 3rd class means a comfortable 4-berth hard sleeper which is more accurately thought of as 2nd class and which I would recommend for most budget travellers.  I hope that's clear!  Oh, and train 4, train 004, train 004Z (or in Cyrillic, what is often mistaken for 0043) are all the same train, train 4...

Train 5 & 6 Moscow - Ulan Bator

Train 5 westbound, train 6 eastbound, uses modern air-conditioned Mongolian Railways (MTZ) sleeping-cars, newly-delivered in 2017.  It has 4-berth kupé (2nd class) compartments and spalny vagon (1st class) 2-berth compartments.  These new Mongolian cars have similar interiors to the cars on train 1 & 2 Rossiya .  A Russian restaurant car is attached whilst in Russia.

Trains 19 & 20 Vostok , the Trans-Manchurian train between Moscow & Beijing

Train 19 westbound, train 20 eastbound, the Vostok is the Russian train linking Moscow and Beijing once a week.  It by-passes Mongolia, crossing directly from Russia into China via the older and slightly longer route through Manchuria, 8,986km (5,623 miles) in 7 nights.  The name Vostok simply means 'East'.  The Vostok was given a makeover in 2012-2013, and the photos below show the new red and grey colour scheme and smart refurbished interior.  The train has Russian-style 2-berth & 4-berth sleepers, and a restaurant car - a Russian restaurant when in Russia and a Chinese one when in China.  There are power sockets for laptops, cameras or mobiles in every compartment.  Unlike the Chinese 2-berth sleepers on train 3/4, the Russian 1st class 2-berths on this train are of the Russian spalny vagon type with two lower berths, think of it as a 4-berth with the upper berths removed, but no washbasin or adjacent washroom, as in the 4-berth sleepers there are toilets and washrooms at the end of the corridor.  For an account of this journey, see Angie Bradshaw's blog here .

Trans-Siberian train times

Here is a summary of all the most important trains on the Trans-Siberian Railway.  Make sure you read the notes!  The times shown are departure times unless it says otherwise, at most stations you can assume the arrival time will be 5 to 15 minutes before departure.  There are other slower trains not shown here, simply use the Real Russia online system here to find train times for all possible trains, or to confirm these times.

All times shown below are local time...  Russian trains used to run to Moscow time whilst in Russia, even if local time was 7 hours ahead of Moscow.  However, but RZD Russian Railways ended this century-old practice from August 2018 and now use local time in all their timetables and booking systems.

Fun with time zones...   Russia made Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent in 2011 making Moscow GMT+4 all year round but in 2014 they changed their minds and abolished it altogether, so Moscow is now GMT+3 all year round.  So China is now permanently 5 hours ahead of Moscow as they too have no DST.  Mongolia was also permanently 5 hours ahead of Moscow and on the same time as Beijing, until the Mongolians changed their minds and reintroduced DST in March 2015 making them GMT+8 (Moscow +5, Beijing+0) in winter but GMT+9 (Moscow+6, Beijing+1) in summer.  But in 2017 they've changed their minds again and have once more abolished DST so Mongolia is now GMT+8 or Moscow time +5 all year round.  Until someone changes their mind again, of course.

IMPORTANT UPDATE 2024:  The timetable below is the pre-pandemic, pre-war-in-Ukraine timetable, for information only.

Eastbound timetable

* Mongolia reintroduced Daylight Saving Time in March 2015.  The times with an asterisk will therefore be approx one hour later from late March to late September.

** Moscow-Beijing is 7,622 km (4,735 miles) via Ulan Bator or 8,986 km (5,623 miles) via Harbin.    Map of Moscow showing Yaroslavsky station

Time zones:   Moscow time is GMT+3 all year.  Mongolia is GMT+8 from late September to late March or GMT+9 from late March to late September.  China is GMT+8 all year.  Mongolia re-introduced daylight saving time in 2015, whilst Russia made DST permanent in 2011 then abolished it in 2014.  Do keep up!

Trains stop for only 1 or 2 minutes at small stations, but 15-50 minutes at major stations, long enough to stretch your legs.

Note A:   Rossiya .  High-quality train, see here for photos & more information .  Runs daily (increased from running every 2 days from 9 July 2020).  Uses the latest air-conditioned cars with a hot shower in every car, 2nd class 4-berth kupé sleepers, 3rd class platskartny berths & restaurant car.  There are now no 1st class 2-berth spalny vagon sleepers, but you can pay for 4 tickets to have sole occupancy of a 4-berth compartment for 1-3 passengers.

Note B:   Moscow-Beijing Trans-Mongolian express , see here for photos & information & see here for an illustrated account of the journey .  Leaves Moscow every Tuesday eastbound, leaves Beijing every Wednesday westbound.  Operated with Chinese coaches & staff.  1st class 2-berth, 1st class 4-berth, 2nd class 4-berth.  Russian restaurant car whilst in Russia, Mongolian restaurant in Mongolia, Chinese restaurant in China.  Note that if you're trying to buy a ticket from Ulan Bator to Beijing, berths on train 4 can only be booked within 24h of departure from Ulan Bator, so you'll find it much easier to use train 24 instead.  Train 4 can be shown online variously as train 4, train 004, train 004Z or with a Russian letter Z as a suffix so it looks like train 0043.  They all mean train 4.  And similarly for train 3.

Note C:   Train 6 runs from Moscow on most Wednesdays, train 5 runs from Ulan Bator on most Fridays.  It has modern Mongolian Railways spalny vagon (1st class) 2-berth   sleepers and kupé (2nd class) 4-berth sleepers.  A restaurant car is attached in Mongolia & in Russia.  It runs every week between late May & late September, but only on alternate weeks off-season, check departure dates using the Real Russia online system .  See here for photos & more information

Note D:   Vostok .  Moscow-Beijing trans-Manchurian express.  Leaves Moscow every Saturday.  Westbound, leaves Beijing every Saturday.  Operates with Russian coaches & staff.  2-berth spalny vagon, 4-berth kupé.  There is a Russian restaurant car whilst in Russia and a Chinese restaurant car in China.  From December 2017 it runs in the similar timings to the Rossiya between Moscow & Ulan Ude and when running days of both trains coincide it will be coupled to the Rossiya .

Note E:   Runs daily.  Fast high-quality train with spalny vagon 2-berth sleepers, kupé  4-berth sleepers, platskartny (open-plan bunks) between St Petersburg & Ekaterinberg.  The St Petersburg-Irkutsk Baikal was discontinued in 2013.  Train 71/72 is now the principal direct link between St Petersburg & Siberia unless you go via Moscow.

Note F:   Train 61/62 is a faster, but un-named alternative to the Rossiya , taking 7 nights rather than the Rossiya's 8, but only running 3 times a week and using slightly older rolling sock, probably that formerly used by the Rossiya pre-2020.  The carriages are still modern and air-conditioned, but without a shower in every car, for example.  Train 61/62 has 2-berth spalny vagon , 4-berth kupé, open-plan platskartny bunks and a restaurant car.

Note G:   Train 305/306 runs 3 times a week, check dates using the online system .  It has 4-berth kupé sleepers on all departures, but only the Monday & Friday departures from Irkutsk have 2-berth spalny vagon sleepers.  The Mongolians claim all 3 departures per week have spalny vagon in the other direction, but I suspect the Monday departure from UB may not have 2-berth spalny vagon if the Wednesday departure in the other direction doesn't.  The Mon & Fri departures from Irkutsk and the Tues & Sat departures from UB use older non-air-con Russian cars, the Wednesday departure from Irkutsk & the Monday departure from UB use Mongolian cars.  All together, trains 3/4, 5/6 & 305/306 link Irkutsk & Ulan Bator 4 or 5 times a week.  There's no restaurant car so bring your own provisions.

Note H:   Runs once a week all year, twice a week in summer.  This train is operated by the Mongolian Railways one year and Chinese Railways the next year, switching over each year at the end of May when the days of operation also change.  Assuming the pattern continues, this is how it should work...

From May 2017 to May 2018 and from May 2019 to May 2020 , Chinese Railways run the main all-year-round service with train 23 from Beijing to Ulan Bator running every Tuesday, train 24 from Ulan Bator to Beijing running every Thursday.  The Mongolians then run an additional weekly departure in summer from late June to early September, train 24 Ulan Bator to Beijing also running on Saturdays, train 23 Beijing to Ulan Bator also running on Mondays. 

From May 2018 to May 2019 , Mongolian Railways run the main all-year-round service with train 23 from Beijing to Ulan Bator running every Saturday, train 24 from Ulan Bator to Beijing running every Thursday.  The Chinese then run an additional weekly departure in summer from late June to early September, train 24 Ulan Bator to Beijing running additionally on Fridays, train 23 Beijing to Ulan Bator running additionally on Tuesdays.

The Chinese train has deluxe soft sleeper (2-berth), soft sleeper (4-berth) & hard sleeper (4-berth).  The Mongolian train has spalny vagon (1st class 2-berth) & kupé (2nd class 4-berth). 

Note that's it's much easier to buy a ticket from Ulan Bator to Beijing on train 24 than to get a berth on train 4 coming through from Moscow.  There are alternative, less convenient but more frequent ways to get from Ulan Bator to Beijing, with changes of train, click here for details .

Trains 3/4, 5/6 & 19/20 between Moscow, Ulan Bator & Beijing are mainly for passengers making international journeys e.g. Moscow to Beijing, Irkutsk to Beijing or Moscow to Ulan Bator) although they may offer berths for domestic Russian journeys.  But if you want to stop off at Ekaterinberg or Irkutsk for example, you would normally take a Russian internal train between Moscow, Ekaterinberg & Irkutsk such as the Rossiya or train 100 as these run more frequently.

Westbound timetable

For trains between Moscow and London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin or Warsaw, see the London to Russia page .

For trains within China between Beijing and Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tibet, Xian or the Great wall at Badaling, see the Train travel in China page .

For the trains between Beijing and Hanoi in Vietnam, see the Vietnam page .

For the weekly ferry linking Vladivostok with South Korea & Japan, see the information below .

For ferries between China and Japan, see the ferries section on the China page .

For ferries between China and Korea, see the South Korea page .

Alternative transport between Ulan Bator & Beijing, if you can't get a berth on trains 3/4 or 23/24

If you're trying to do the Trans-Mongolian route flexibly, buying tickets as you go, this is relatively easy between Moscow & Ulan Bator as there are a whole range of domestic trains every day between Moscow, Irkutsk & Ulan Ude and you'll usually find places available even on the day of travel, even if not always on your first choice of class or train.  There's then a daily train between Irkutsk or Ulan Ude and Ulan Bator, although only one carriage of this train goes through to/from Ulan Bator, but there's often places available at short notice.

The real pinch-point is between Ulan Bator and Beijing where there are just two or three direct trains per week.  And one of those is train 4 coming through from Moscow on which only limited berths are available for passengers joining at UB and these are only released for sale 24 hours before departure from UB.  However, there are alternative Mongolian domestic trains between Ulan Bator and the Chinese border, so you're very unlikely to be stranded.  Here are the alternative trains, which are not shown in the timetable above:

Southbound:  Ulan Bator to the Chinese border & onwards to Beijing:   (1)  There is a daily overnight sleeper train (number 276) from Ulan Bator to Zamin Uud on the Mongolian side of the Chinese border, just 10km from the Chinese border post at Erlian.  It leaves Ulan Bator at 17:20 and arrives Dzamin Uud at 07:07 next morning, the fare in a soft sleeper is around 40,000 Mongolian Tugrik ($22).  (2) Local buses or taxis are available to Erlian - a taxi will cost around 40-50 RMB, about $7.  (3) There is then at least one daily train from Erlian to Jining South (Jining Nan) taking 6h50, fare for a hard seat around $7.  (4) There are then various daily trains from Jining South to Beijing, journey between 5h00 and 9h30 depending on the train, fare about $12 for a hard seat.  You can check train times for China using the planner at www.chinahighlights.com .

Northbound:  Beijing to the Chinese border for a train to Ulan Bator:   (1) Take one of the various daily trains from Beijing to Jining South (= Jining Nan), journey 5h00-9h30 depending on the train, fare in a hard seat around $12, you can find train times using the planner at www.chinahighlights.com .  (2) Then use www.chinahighlights.com again to find a train between Jining South and Erlian, there's at least one per day taking 6h50, fare for a hard seat around $7.  (3) Erlian is the Chinese border post, so you'll need to take local transport such as a local taxi the 10km or so across the border to Dzamin Uud on the Mongolian side.  (4) From Dzamin Uud, train 275 runs to UB daily leaving Dzamin Uud at 18:20 and arriving Ulan Bator at 08:55 next morning.  The fare in a soft sleeper is around 40,000 Mongolian Tugrik ($22).

Alternatively, on Mondays & Fridays, a hard class sleeper train (train 34) leaves Ulan Bator at 20:50 arriving Jining South (Jining Nan) around 19:00 next day - the train's final destination is Hohhot.  There are then several daily trains from Jining Nan to Beijing, journey 9 hours, fare about $7 with soft class seat.  www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains will confirm train times for any journey within China, just be aware that trains 3, 4, 23, 24 aren't daily.

On Thursdays & Sundays, a hard class sleeper train (train 22) leaves Ulan Bator at 20:50 for Erlian, just on the Chinese side of the border, arriving next morning.  There are daily trains from Erlian to Jining Nan (Jining South) then a number of daily trains from Jining Nan to Beijing.  Use www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains to find trains within China.

You can check current times for all these Mongolian trains - international and domestic - using the Mongolian Railways website ubtz.mn - English button top right.  If you have more information on these alternative UB-Beijing journey, please e-mail me !

How much does it cost?

In a nutshell....

As little as £492 or $686 buys you a one-way train ticket from Moscow to Beijing on train 4 including a bed in a 4-berth sleeper, pre-booked through a reliable agency such as Real Russia .  For almost 5,000 miles of travel, a bed for 6 nights and a memorable world-class travel experience, that's a bargain!  If you want a bed in a 2-bed sleeper, make that around £787 or $1,097.

Moscow-Vladivostok is an even greater bargain, 7 or 8 nights and 9,000km from as little as 14,500 rubles, about $210 or £170 with a bed in a shared 4-berth sleeper.  You can buy 4 tickets to get sole occupancy of a whole 4-berth compartment for 1, 2 or 3 of you.

If you want to stop off at places on the way, that increases the ticket price a bit, but not hugely.

Add train tickets from London to Moscow for around £250 and you're all set for an epic journey from the UK to China.

You should budget for at least one night in a hotel in Moscow, £40 upwards depending on how classy a hotel you want.

Don't forget visas.  This could add £140-£240 depending on which visas you need.  Russia, China, possibly Mongolia & Belarus.

The full story...

First, a reality check.  People expect me to tell them 'the fare' between Moscow and Vladivostok or Beijing.  It ain't like that!  True, the Russian have a set international tariff for trains to China, which may or may not be the same as the Chinese Railways international tariff for journeys westbound to Russia.  But the direct international trains often leave fully-booked, at least in summer, so you usually have to buy through an agency, and these agencies know that demand exceeds supply and resell tickets with whatever mark-up or added fees the market will bear.  So you have to shop around for quotes, rather than expecting to pay the official price.  And then there are both international and domestic tariffs.  So if you're stopping off in Russia, the fare for a domestic train will be different from the international rate, and will vary significantly by time of year and how high-quality the train in question is.  It's a bit of a black art, but I'll guide you through the jungle...

The good news is that a Trans-Siberian journey needn't be expensive if you travel independently rather than with an inclusive tour.  It's a real railway with regular fares, not an expensive tourist attraction.  But what you pay varies significantly depending on:

Which class you choose .  Most western travellers go 2nd class 4-berth (kupé).  1st class 2-berth (spalny vagon ) is nice if you can afford it, but twice the price of kupé so only worth it if money is no object.  3rd class (platskartny open-plan bunks) is a bit basic for most western travellers and not available on every train, but some adventurous low-budget travellers go for it.

Which train quality you choose :  For journeys wholly within Russia, you can travel on a firmeny fast quality train (recommended) such as train 2 Rossiya or a slow unnamed lower-quality train such as trains 240, 340 or 100 which have cheaper fares.  As a general rule, low train numbers are quality trains, slower low-quality trains have three-digit train numbers.  When you contact an agency, make sure you know what specific train number you're being quoted a fare for so you compare like with like.

Whether you travel independently (cheaper) or book an all-inclusive tour (more expensive).

How you buy :  If travelling independently, you can buy your ticket through a Russian travel agency like Real Russia (cheaper, recommended, easy to use with English language after-sales service), or a western travel agency (more expensive), or book direct with Russian Railways at rzd.ru (fiddly, but works and accepts most people's credit cards) or at the ticket office (cheapest, but not always practical if you need to be sure of being on a certain train on a certain date).

If booking through an agency, which agency you use .  Demand for the two weekly Moscow-Beijing trains exceeds supply, Russian Railways sells off tickets to travel agencies before bookings open to the public, and these agencies sell tickets to tourists for whatever price they can get for them.  So you need to shop around!

Some quality trains such as the Rossiya offer tickets with or without 'services'.  'With services' just means that one or more cooked meals is included in the price, either served in your compartment or eaten in the restaurant car, like the meal shown in these photos .  A number shows the number of meals you get on the whole trip.  It might just be one meal, even on a 7-day journey!  Other meals you'll need to pay for in the restaurant, or bring your own supplies.

Prices if you buy tickets at the ticket office in Moscow

Here are typical fares charged by Russian Railways, taken from the Russian Railways website www.rzd.ru .  In the search results, 2-cl sleeping compt. = kupé 4-berth.  3-cl sleeping = platskartny .  Russian fares for key trains now dynamic, so vary according to demand like air fares.  www.rzd.ru also lets you buy Russian domestic train tickets online, but not tickets for the international trains to Mongolia or China, and it may struggle with some overseas credit cards.

With or without services?   On the best trains you can buy tickets without services meaning without any meals, or with services meaning with some meals included, either served in the restaurant or in your compartment.   On the Real Russia booking system , a knife & fork logo with a number against that class (with a У1, У4, and so on appearing if you hover over it) in the class column indicates a 'with services' price where the number shows the number of meals provided.  On www.rzd.ru a 'with services' carriage is shown with a У1, У4 and so on against it in the category column - no 'У' and no number means without services .  Don't get too excited:  On the Moscow-Vladivostok Rossiya a 'with services' ticket means you get just one meal, even on a 7 day trip!

Prices if you buy tickets from Real Russia or other Russian agency

Unless you have lots of time and can afford to take pot luck when you get to Moscow, you should book your trains in advance.  Most westerners buy tickets through a travel agency, either a local Russian one such as the excellent Real Russia or other reputable Russian agencies (recommended) or a specialist western agency (sometimes less hassle, but significantly more expensive).  Different agencies charge completely different prices for the same journey, so shop around for the best deal.  However, to give you a rough idea, here are the prices charged by Real Russia, including their agency mark-up.  'Shopping around' means emailing each agency for a specific quote, not just looking at their website, as some agencies don't update their sites when prices rise - and Russian & Chinese railways have imposed some big fare rises in recent years.  When emailing an agency, be specific about which train you want, and remember to ask about their delivery charges & credit card fees.  I've seen websites quote very competitive prices for (say) Moscow-Irkutsk which turn out to be for a low-quality slow train, and the price they charge for a quality train such as the Rossiya is much higher and less competitive.  When you get quotes, make sure you compare like with like!  And some agencies charge credit card fees of up to 12% on top of their advertised fares (Real Russia charge 2.5%), so make sure the quote explains these.  How to buy tickets from Russian travel agencies .

Where did I get these fares?  How can you check current fares & fares for other journeys?  See the Real Russia Trans-Siberian trip planner .

Prices if you buy tickets from a western travel agency

There are various western agencies who specialise in Trans-Siberian travel.  They can sell you a package tour or arrange a tailor-made tour for you, but they can also sell just a train ticket if you like.  Their prices vary enormously, so shop around.  With higher overheads to support, a western agency will charge much more than a local Russian agency.  More about arranging your trip through a western tour agency .

Prices if you buy at the ticket office in Ulan Bator

Ulan Bator to Irkutsk costs around 109,500 togrog ($54) in 4-berth soft sleeper on train 263 or 137,500 togrog in 4-berth soft sleeper on train 5.

Ulan Bator to Beijing costs around 178,050 togrog (about $90) in a 4-bed sleeper on train 24.

More about buying tickets in Ulan Bator

Prices if you buy tickets in Beijing or from www.chinahighlights.com

You can buy tickets in person at Beijing main station or via the Chinese state tourist agency CITS, or arguably most easily online from reliable China-based agency www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains with ticket delivery to any hotel or address in China, Hong Kong or Macau.  see the full story below about how to buy westbound tickets from Beijing .

Check Trans-Siberian train times & prices online

Use www.realrussia.co.uk/Trains to check train times & prices and buy tickets for any individual train on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

How to buy tickets

There are several ways to book a trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway, each with advantages & disadvantages:

Option 1 : Buy tickets at the station

Is buying tickets at the station a practical proposition.

If you have a definite itinerary and limited time, and want to be sure of confirmed reservations, you should go straight to option 2 below to pre-book your tickets in advance through a reputable agency.  However, if you have lots of time, want to stay free and flexible, and are willing to take pot luck on what places you find available, it is indeed possible to buy your tickets at stations as you go along, at least for journeys wholly within Russia.  It's not usually difficult to get a ticket for a Russian internal journey a day or two before departure, for example Moscow-Ekaterinberg, Moscow-Irkutsk or even Moscow-Vladivostok, assuming you can be flexible about your exact departure date, time and class of travel.  The daily Irkutsk-Ulan Bator train is not too difficult to book at the ticket office, either.

But for travel between Russia and Mongolia or China, here's a reality check:  Demand exceeds supply for the two weekly Moscow-Beijing Trans-Mongolian & Trans-Manchurian trains (trains 4 & 20), also the weekly Moscow-Ulan Bator train (train 6), at least in the busy May-September peak summer season.  Russian Railways opens bookings 60 days before departure, and Russian travel agencies buy up all the tickets to resell them at a mark-up.  Station staff might tell you that these trains are all sold out even if you went to the station soon after bookings opened to the public, although you may be able to buy tickets if you called one of the agencies.  If you want to use these trains, you should pre-book through an agency as shown in option 2 or 3 below .  Ulan Bator to Beijing is also a pinch-point, as there are only 2 trains a week, so this too is best booked in advance through an agency.

How to buy tickets in Moscow & Russia

How to buy tickets in ulan bator.

You can buy tickets in Ulan Bator at the international booking office which is now located on the 2nd floor of the building next to the station, see station & ticket office location map .

The office is open 08:00-20:00 Monday-Friday.  At weekends use the normal booking windows.  Credit cards are not accepted, but there is an ATM on the first floor of the building.

International trains to Irkutsk, Moscow and Beijing can be booked up to 30 days in advance, except for berths on the Moscow-Beijing and Beijing-Moscow trains 3/4, on which berths for passengers joining at UB are only sold 24 hours before departure. 

If you are travelling to Beijing and find trains 4 & 24 fully-booked, don't worry, there are alternative trains from Ulan Bator to northern China, where you can change trains for Beijing, and indeed a daily overnight train from Ulan Bator to Dzamin Uud on the Chinese border from where you can easily reach Beijing any day of the week, see here for details of these alternatives .

How to buy tickets in Beijing

You can buy westbound Trans-Siberian tickets in Beijing at one of the designated reservation offices, although not at any of Beijing's stations.  The two weekly Beijing-Moscow trains often get booked up well in advance, so buy tickets as far ahead as you can.  However, don't despair if you need to travel in the near future, as it's not impossible to get tickets from Beijing to Moscow a week or two ahead, certainly outside peak season.  Westbound trains are generally easier to get berths on than eastbound trains, and it's easier finding a place in winter than in the May-September peak season.  Train 3 to Moscow via Mongolia is often fully booked a couple of weeks in advance especially in summer, although it can be easier to get a berth on train 19 via Manchuria, which occasionally has berths available even a few days before departure, but obviously not always!  So the basic message is this:  If you positively have to be on a specific train on a specific date, forget booking at the ticket office, you should pre-book via CITS or some other agency and pay their extra fee.  But if you're living in Beijing, or plan to be there for some time before leaving, and can be a bit flexible about exactly what date you leave, booking in person can be an option.  You can buy Trans-Siberian train tickets in Beijing at:

The CITS international train booking office on the ground floor of the Beijing International Hotel .  This is about 5 minutes walk north of Beijing railway station on Jianguo Men Nei Dajie, see location map .  It's open 09:00-12:00 & 13:30-17:00 Monday-Friday, 09:00-12:00 on weekends and holidays.  It's not well-signed, but simply go through the hotel's main entrance and turn left, looking for a passageway at the far left side if the reception desks.  It's unlikely to be crowded.  The staff speak basic English and leaflets are available with international train times & fares in English.  See the section above for fares. 

Alternatively, try BTG Travel & Tours who have various agency offices around the city.

You cannot buy Trans-Siberian tickets at Beijing stations.

Option 2: Buy tickets using the Real Russia Trans-Siberian planner

Most western travellers want their Trans-Siberian reservations confirmed in advance before they leave home.  The best option is to buy tickets over the internet through a reputable local agency such as Real Russia, www.realrussia.co.uk .  Real Russia have developed an online trip planner that makes planning a Trans-Siberian journey & ordering tickets easy, eastbound or westbound, with or without stopovers.  In terms of price, simplicity & a sound reputation for customer care, they're one of the best agencies.  The company was started by a Brit with links to Russia, hence the .co.uk.  The prices shown on the Real Russia system are the Russian railways price plus a mark-up (all agencies mark up the base price).  Their system is linked to the actual Russian Railways database for train times, prices & availability, orders are fulfilled manually when made online, with good English-language after-sales service if you need it.

Option 3:  Other agencies who can arrange Trans-Siberian tickets

For journeys within or starting in russia, use a russian agency.

Real Russia is one of several reputable Russian agencies who can arrange Trans-Siberian train tickets, here are the best of the rest... 

Svezhy Veter ( www.svezhyveter.ru )

Way to russia ( www.waytorussia.net ), ost west ( www.ostwest.com ).

These agencies may keep their own waiting lists and will take Trans-Siberian bookings months ahead, well before the 60 day point when they can buy up the actual ticket, so contact a booking agency as far ahead as you can. 

All these agencies have been recommended by Seat61 correspondents and are all reputable, although further feedback is always welcome.  Booking through one of these Russian agencies is much cheaper than booking through a western travel agency , but prices vary enormously from agency to agency, so shop around.  Make sure that you compare like with like, so any quote you get is inclusive of credit card fees, and you know whether it's for a slow low-quality train (3-digit train numbers) or one of the fast quality trains such as the Rossiya (one or two-digit train numbers & usually a name).

Tickets can be picked up at their offices in Moscow or sent to you for a courier fee.  Some agencies (but not Real Russia) may ask you to fax them a photocopy of your credit card and/or passport, which sounds dodgy, but is not unusual when dealing with Russian companies.  Be prepared for a 7%-12% credit card fee (Real Russia charge only 2.5%), but using a credit card is still a safer way to buy tickets than using a money transfer.  These Russian agencies can also book hotels in Moscow and other Russian cities, and they can arrange a visa support letter for Russia (or use the recommended visa service at www.realrussia.co.uk ).

For booking trains 3/4, 5/6 & 19/20 on the Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian routes, it helps to know how the system works:  Russian Railways open up bookings for these trains 60 days before departure.  Knowing that demand for these trains exceeds supply, Russian agencies buy up blocks of tickets, leaving few or none for sale at the ticket office.  The agencies then re-sell these tickets for whatever price they can get, which may bear no relation to the face value of the ticket.  Trans-Mongolian train number 4 is particularly popular, and 1st class deluxe 2-berth on this train can sell out very quickly indeed, with more travel agencies trying to fulfil orders from rich privacy-loving westerners for deluxe berths than there are deluxe berths on the train.  So these particular trains should be booked well in advance.  You'll sometimes be told by one agency says the train is full, but another agency has speculatively bought a block of tickets and has some left, or knows a rival agency that it can buy tickets from.  So once again, the message is shop around !

Most of these agencies can also book journeys starting in China or Ulan Bator through their contacts in those countries, but as these contacts also take a 'cut' you'll usually find it cheaper to book journeys starting in Beijing direct with CITS as described below.

Remember that an agency cannot 100% confirm your reservation until Russian Railways opens reservations, 60 days ahead.  However, travel agencies will take your booking (and money) several months ahead as they keep their own internal waiting lists for the most popular trains such as the Moscow-Beijing Trans-Mongolian & Trans-Manchurian trains.  They will make your reservation with Russian Railways the moment bookings open, 60 days ahead.  99.9% of the time there's no problem, but very occasionally there are more tourists wanting berths than there are berths, especially for the deluxe 2-berth 1st class on Trans-Mongolian trains 3/4 as this is very popular with rich shower-loving westerners.  If you're trying for the deluxe 1st class, tell your agency in advance that you'll accept a 1st or 2nd class 4-berth ticket (or that you're willing to pay for dual occupancy of a 4-berth compartment) if the deluxe 2-berth is sold out.

For journeys starting in Beijing , use www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains

To book Trans-Siberian trains which start in Beijing, whether you want a ticket all the way to Moscow or only as far as Ulan Bator or Irkutsk, one of the best agencies to use is  is www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains .  Their online system makes booking easier than with most other agencies including CITS, especially if there's any doubt about what days your train runs, you can pay by credit card, they are reliable and get good reports.  They charge in US$ with a $20-$60 service fee and will deliver tickets to any hotel or private address in mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau.  By all means shop around, but their prices are usually pretty competitive even compared to CITS, for example Beijing to Moscow on train 3 for $569 in a 2nd class (hard class) 4-bed sleeper.  Chinahighlights can only arrange tickets starting in China, so if you wanted to stop off in Irkutsk for example, you'd need to buy the onward Irkutsk to Moscow ticket from Real Russia or a Russian agency .  Feedback is always appreciated.

...or China International Travel Service (CITS)

CITS are the official Chinese state tourist agency, and they're usually one of the cheapest ways to buy westbound Trans-Sib tickets from Beijing.  You can book trains from Beijing to Moscow, Irkutsk or Ulan Bator by emailing [email protected] or by calling CITS on + 86 10 6522 2991, lines open Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00 GMT+8.  The CITS website is www.cits.net , direct link www.cits.net/china-tour/trans-siberian-trains .  Expect to pay by bank transfer rather than credit card.  Reports suggest they can't book Beijing-Irkutsk tickets on train 3, only Beijing-Krasnoyarsk and beyond, so by all means ask for Beijing-Irkutsk, but be prepared to accept an offer of a Beijing-Krasnoyarsk ticket and simply get off in Irkutsk (though their website shows Beijing-Irkutsk fares!).  As with most other Chinese agencies CITS can only arrange tickets starting in China, so if for example you wanted to stop off in Irkutsk, you'd need to buy the onward Irkutsk to Moscow ticket from Real Russia or a Russian agency .  Further feedback on the CITS booking situation would be welcome.

...or Monkeyshrine

Monkey Shrine ( www.monkeyshrine.com ) is an experienced China-based tour agency who can arrange a tailor-made itinerary with stop-overs and hotels along the way, plus help with visas.  Monkeyshrine offer a good service, but are naturally more expensive than booking it all yourself via CITS or Chinatripadvisor.  A key advantage is being able to arrange onward tickets, not just tickets starting in Beijing, and to arrange hotels or tours along the way.  They charge €649 (about $850) for a one-way Beijing to Moscow ticket in 4-berth on train 3.

For journeys starting in Ulan Bator, use a Mongolian agency...

To reserve tickets starting in Ulan Bator from outside Mongolia, try www.traintomongolia.com or www.mongoliatraintickets.com , two competing Mongolian train travel agencies that have both been recommended by seat61 correspondents. 

Alternatively, contact a local hotel, guesthouse or travel agency in Ulan Bator for example, www.discovermongolia.mn or www.legendtour.ru .  If these approaches fail you can use the Real Russia online system or contact one of the Russian agencies as most have contacts in Mongolia who can arrange tickets starting in Ulan Bator.

Option 4:  Buy online at www.rzd .ru

You can now buy Russian train tickets online using the RZD (Russian Railways) website www.rzd.ru , with no fees or mark-up.  You usually print your own ticket.  It now has an English version.  It's a bit fiddly and not as user-friendly as Real Russia, but it does work if you persevere.  It accepts some overseas credit cards, but can struggle with others.  It sells all Russian domestic tickets including Russian domestic Trans-Siberian trains, also some international trains, but it cannot sell eastbound tickets from Ulan Bator to Beijing or westbound tickets from Beijing or Ulan Bator into Russia.  Rzd.ru may reject some US-issued cards.

Option 5:  Let a specialist western agency arrange your whole trip

The most hassle-free way of arranging a Trans-Siberian trip, but the most expensive, is to arrange a tailor-made itinerary through one of the western travel agencies who specialise in independent travel to Russia.  There are various agencies in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and so on.  They can arrange your Russian visa, your hotel in Moscow, your Trans-Siberian train reservation, stop-overs and tours if you want them in places like Irkutsk or Mongolia, connecting trains in China and even the ship to Japan.  You can go in either direction, as they can make all the necessary arrangements through contacts in each country.  Here are some top agencies to contact for a quote...

How to arrange tickets for connecting trains & ferries

Train tickets london - moscow.

Alternatively, you can book westbound train tickets from Moscow to many European cities from a Russian agency such as the four agencies listed in option 4 above, though the final Eurostar leg to London will need to be booked separately online.  See the London to Russia page for train information from Moscow to London.

T rain tickets Beijing - Shanghai, Xian, Hong Kong, Vietnam

Ferry tickets vladivostok - korea - japan, ferry tickets between china & korea or japan, if you want a one-way flight.

How to arrange visas

After sorting out your Trans-Siberian tickets, you need to get your visas.

How to arrange a Russian visa

How to arrange a belarus transit visa, how to arrange a mongolian visa, how to arrange a chinese visa, travel tips & faq, when should you go.

The Trans-Siberian Railway runs all year round, so you can go at any time of year.  May to September are the peak months for foreign tourists, with the warmest weather and the longest hours of daylight.  This makes booking a specific date more difficult (you need to book well ahead) but you might like the party atmosphere amongst like-minded travellers on Moscow-Beijing trains 4 and 20.  On the other hand, Siberia in winter is a sight to see - the trains are well heated, warm and cosy, you'll just need to wrap up well when you get off for a stroll at station stops!  Traveller Rebecca Day reports from a February trip from Ulan Bator to Moscow:  "The train was really warm and comfortable.  For the outside I had snow boots, a jumper and a long wool coat, and this was fine most of the time. The temperature drops significantly once the sun goes down, but as long as I was wearing a hat and gloves I felt warm. I also brought a North Face down filled body warmer which was like a heater in itself! I ended up not wearing this most of the time, but it packs up really small and I'd probably bring it again if I were travelling in winter."

Should you travel 1st or 2nd class?

On the Russian internal trains there are normally 3 classes:  Spalny vagon 2-berth compartments, often described as 1st class (and sometimes called myagky or lyux );  kupé 4-berth compartments, usually described as 2nd class;  and platskartny open-plan dormitory cars, sometimes described as 3rd class.  The Russian Trans-Manchurian train (trains 19 & 20) only has spalny vagon 2-berth and kupé 4-berth, there's no platskartny.  Kupé is the way most travellers go, and can be considered the normal class of travel.  Spalny vagon gives you much more privacy, with 2 people instead of 4 in the same size compartment, but it costs twice as much.  The choice is yours.  Platskartny is a bit rough for most western travellers, but some budget-minded backpackers enjoy it.  The Chinese Trans-Mongolian train (trains 3 & 4) has 1st class deluxe 2-berth, 1st class 4-berth and 2nd class 4-berth.  1st class deluxe 2-berth is expensive but worth the extra if you can afford it as it has two beds, an armchair, and a private washroom with showerhead shared with the next door compartment.  It gets booked out very quickly!  However, 1st class 4-berth on train 3/4 is virtually identical to 2nd class 4-berth (see for yourself in the photo gallery !) and is probably not worth the extra.

What do you do on a train for 6 or 7 days?

This is the question most people ask.  Well, you put your feet up and relax.  You read, watch the scenery, look out for the sights listed on your Trans-Siberian Handbook, go to meals in the restaurant car, sleep in your own comfortable bed at night, meet people, talk, play chess, drink tea, drink vodka, get off at station stops and take photographs....  The Moscow-Mongolia-Beijing route is arguably the most interesting because of both the people on board and the sights and scenery on the way.  You are unlikely to be bored - the time just goes!

Is not speaking Russian a problem?

What about food .

All the main Trans-Siberian trains have a restaurant car, a Russian one when in Russia, a Mongolian one in Mongolia and a Chinese one in China.  Few people go to Russia for the cuisine, but contrary to what you might have heard, Russian restaurant car food is quite edible and not expensive.  The prices shown here are from 2013, further feedback is always appreciated.

Russian restaurant cars:   A soup (chicken or meat borsht) costs around 350 rubles (£7.50 or $12), a main course of steak or fish with rice or potatoes costs around 480 roubles (£11 or $17).  Don't expect an extensive menu or everything shown on the menu to be available!  Typical meals include ham and fried eggs for breakfast, schnitzel and potatoes for lunch or dinner, with soups and salads for starters.  The restaurant car also sells beer, Russian champagne and (of course) vodka, chocolate and snacks.  You can pay in rubles, although they may also accept euro or dollar notes.  See sample menu .

Mongolian dining-cars usually offer rice and mutton, and they accept euros, US dollars, Russian Rubles & Chinese RMB as well as Mongolian currency.  Fried rice costs RMB 40  (£4 or $6), a beer RMB 10 (£1 or $1.50).  See sample menu .

Chinese dining cars have a selection of excellent Chinese dishes, each for around RMB 15-20 (£1.50-£2 or $2-$3), but check if your ticket includes meals on the Chinese section of route, as it's reported that some tickets do.  A beer costs around RMB 10 (£1 or $1.50).

If you don't want to buy food & drink from the restaurant car, you can also buy food from the many vendors or kiosks on station platforms when the train stops.  But don't venture far from the train, as stops aren't long.

What about security?  Is it safe for families or women travelling alone?

Do the trains have power sockets & wifi.

Suddenly, no westerner can travel anywhere without a whole array of electrical gadgets, cameras, PDAs, iPods and mobile phones that need charging.  The situation varies by train.  All Russian, Mongolian & Chinese trains have shaver sockets in the corridor and washrooms which can be used to recharge things with the right adaptor.  Some trains have one or two similar sockets in the corridor that can be used to recharge things if you keep an eye on them.  The very latest Russian trains including train 1/2 Rossiya and Trans-Manchurian train 19/20 have a power socket in each compartment for charging laptops, mobile phones or digital cameras, although train 3/4 doesn't.  Your carriage attendant may be willing to charge items using the socket in their own compartment, for a small tip.

Your default assumption should be that there's no WiFi on Trans-Siberian trains, although you'll find WiFi in hotels and other public places along the route.  If you plan to use WiFi, consider getting a VPN .  There's data reception along much of the route, so contact your mobile network provider about data packages for Russia, Mongolia and China.

Toilets & showers

Do trans-siberian trains run on time, can you stop off on the way, can you take a car, bike or motorcycle, is this the longest train ride in the world  no.  well...  sort of..., a brief history of the trans-siberian railway.

In the late 19th century, Japan, Britain and America all managed to gain footholds on the Chinese coast as bases for their trade with China and the Orient.  Russia too needed to secure her foothold on the east as well as securing the vast expanses of Siberia, so in 1891 Tsar Alexander III approved a plan for a trans-continental line linking Moscow and St Petersburg with Vladivostok on the Pacific coast, as this was the only year-round ice-free port on Russian territory.  

A railway had been built as far as Ekaterinberg as early as 1878, and this was steadily extended Eastwards.  Omsk was reached in 1894, Irkutsk and Lake Baikal in 1898.  The Trans-Siberian Railway finally reached Vladivostok in 1901, but for several years passengers had to cross Lake Baikal by ice-breaking ferry to connect with a second train on the other side - only in 1904 was the line around Lake Baikal completed and the whole journey from Moscow to Vladivostok possible on a single train.  Until 1916, the eastern end of the journey involved cutting across China, over part of what is now the Trans-Manchurian route - you can see how the Trans-Manchurian line initially heads towards Vladivostok on the Trans-Siberian route map above.  The Russians secured the right to build and maintain this route across China thanks to a treaty signed after they made a generous loan to China to help them pay off their debts to Japan.  From 1916, the complete journey could be made from Moscow to Vladivostok within Russia, taking the route followed by today's 'Rossiya' and skirting the Chinese border to the north via Khabarovsk.  The Trans-Mongolian line is a relatively recent addition to the Trans-Siberian network - construction started in 1940, it reached Ulan Bator in 1949, and it was completed into China by 1956.

The Trans-Siberian Railway today...

The best resource for further information about the Trans-Siberian Railway is www.transsib.ru/Eng/ .

Trans-Siberian web resources

These sites are very useful in planning a Trans-Siberian train journey:

www.transsib.ru/Eng/   - the Trans-Siberian web encyclopaedia.

www.trans-siberia.com - an independent site, based on a traveller's experiences.

www.myazcomputerguy.com/everbrite/Page9   - excellent advice from Ruth Imershein, an experienced and regular traveller to Russia.

http://trans-siberian-railway-encyclopedia.com

Across Siberia by luxury train

If cost isn't an issue, you can ride the Trans-Siberian Railway in luxury with deluxe accommodation and 3-course meals with stopovers & tours included, using one of these two of privately-run deluxe cruise trains.  Expect fares of quite a few thousand pounds per person!

Golden Eagle cruise train:  Moscow - Mongolia - Vladivostok in 15 days

The luxurious Golden Eagle links Moscow with Vladivostok roughly once a month May to August, with a side trip to Mongolia. 

The Golden Eagle is sold by a number of travel agencies who can put together accommodation and travel to and from Moscow by train or air.  Here are two reliable agencies well worth contacting:

Railbookers - for trips on the Golden Eagle

Railbookers is a train travel specialist who can arrange train travel from the UK to Moscow, a trip on the luxury Golden Eagle train from Moscow to Vladivostok or Moscow to Beijing, and flights back to the UK.  A 15-night trips costs from around £5,300 from Moscow to Beijing or £9,700 from Moscow to Vladivostok, excluding flights, visas and travel to Moscow.

  UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk .

  us call free 1-888-829-4775, www.railbookers.com .,   canada call free 1-855-882-2910, www.railbookers.com .,   australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, www.railbookers.com.au .,   new zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website ., lernidee cruise train:  moscow - mongolia - beijing in 15/16 days.

Roughly once a month May to September, this luxury train links Moscow with China in either direction, with stopover & tours included on a 15 or 16 day itinerary.  It can also be used for shorter sections.  You can book this train direct with the operator at www.transsiberian-travel.com or through Railbookers (UK 0207 864 4600, US/Canada toll-free 1-888-829-4775, Australia toll-free 1300 971 526 .

Vladivostok to Korea & Japan by ferry

Ferry m/v eastern dream.

Update late 2022:   The time-honoured weekly ferry run by Russia's Far East Shipping Company (FESCO) fell victim to the recession in late 2009.  A new company called DBS started a year-round weekly ferry from Vladivostok to South Korea & Japan that same year using a modern ship called the Eastern Dream .  Unfortunately, DBS suspended this ferry in November 2019 and discontinued it in February 2020.  A new company called Duwon Shipping then chartered the Eastern Dream and it started sailing again between Vladivostok, South Korea & Japan, although only carrying freight due to the pandemic.  The service was suspended again in February 2021, but in 2022 it's operating again, only between Vladivostok and South Korea, not Japan.  Please contact them to check the latest situation.

If you find you are unable to travel to Korea or Japan using this ferry from Vladivostok, you can of course take the Trans-Siberian Railway to Beijing and take a ferry from China to Japan or South Korea .

Eastbound : Vladivostok ► Pohang (South Korea) ► Maizuru (Japan)

If & when running, the ferry sails from Vladivostok on Tuesdays, arriving Pohang Port (South Korea, just north of Busan) on Wednesdays, and Maizuru Port (in Japan, on the north coast opposite Kyoto) on Thursdays.  Exact sailing times are not known.

When DBS ran this service there was a departure tax to pay from Vladivostok, around 560 roubles, which wasn't mentioned anywhere on their website, so don't let this come as a surprise.

Westbound : Maizuru (Japan) ► Pohang (South Korea) ► Vladivostok

If & when running, the ferry sails from Maizuru Port (in Japan, on the north coast opposite Kyoto) on Thursdays, sailing from Pohang Port (in South Korea, just north of Busan) Saturdays, arriving Vladivostok on Sundays.

When DBS ran this service, the cheapest fare from Vladivostok to Japan or vice versa is US$235 one-way or $435 return, that's in economy class with a berth in a shared open-plan sleeping area.   Sharing a 2-berth cabin the fare rises to $485 one-way or $825.  Deluxe suites also available.  New fares under Duwon Shipping are not yet known.

How to buy ferry tickets

Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the ferry is not currently taking passengers.  However, their website is www.dwship.co.kr   and their email [email protected] .

On board the m/v Eastern Dream

There are a range of comfortable cabins on board, a restaurant, shop and bar.  You can spend Yen, Won, or US$ on board, but definitely not roubles .  The ship remains on Vladivostok time until 22:00, then the clocks are put back 2 hours to Korean/Japanese time.

Traveller's reports

Traveller Matthew Woodward reports (from when the ferry was run by DBS):   "I travelled on the ship in December 2014, and at this time of the year the published timetable was quite different from normal. There was no crossing at all the week before (owing to Christmas), and on my dates the ship stopped overnight in Donghae, allowing a night to be spent in South Korea. The cabins on board are quite expensive for what they are. I would recommend the third class dormitories which seemed more comfortable than the more expensive but rather claustrophobic second class 8 berth cabins (very hot). The ship has a good bar which serves snack food and a restaurant that serves a Korean buffet (buy tickets from the Purser's office). Do try the Korean "pizza" and the local rice wine drink called "Makgeolli" served in the bar. The ferry terminals in Vladivostok and Donghae are good and have shops selling food, hard currency and souvenirs. Rules were enforced when leaving Donghae that prohibited carrying even pocket penknives onto the ship. The gangplank is a narrow and steep climb, but the ship's crew will happily carry your luggage up for you if you ask."  See Mathew's illustrated blog about the Eastern Dream at www.matthew-woodward.com/2014/12/kings-of-the-wild-frontier.html .

Recommended guidebooks

Trans-siberian railway guides - buy at amazon.co.uk.

Bryn Thomas' excellent Trans-Siberian Handbook has journey planning information, town guides, train information, the history of the line, and most importantly, a mile-by-mile guide to the sights you can see from the train, to help you get the most from your trip.  The Lonely Planet guide to the Trans-Siberian Railway is also highly recommended.  Buying one or both of these Trans-Siberian guidebooks is well worth it, both for planning your trip and on the go.

Or buy from Amazon.com in the USA .

General country guidebooks - click the images to buy online

You should also take a good general guidebook for the countries you are visiting, and perhaps a Russian phrasebook, too.  I think the Lonely Planets and Rough Guides are about the best ones out there for the serious independent traveller, with plenty of historical and cultural background as well as stacks of practical information on accommodation, places to eat, things to see, visas, transport, dangers and annoyances.  You won't regret buying any of these..!  If you buy anything at Amazon through these links, Seat61 gets a small commission which helps support the site.

Hotels & accommodation

Book a hotel in moscow, siberian cities or beijing..., tripadvisor hotel reviews....

www.tripadvisor.com is a good place to find independent travellers' reviews of the main hotels.  It also has the low-down on all the sights & attractions too.

Backpacker hostels...

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a budget, don't forget the backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld has online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most Indian cities at rock-bottom prices.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from buy from Amazon.com .

The Strong Traveller

Experience The Finest Travel, Food and Lifestyle Stories Around The World

Top 9 Luxury Trains In India With Detailed Itineraries And Prices

Written By Yukti Lunawat.

Train journeys are always enriching and memorable but the experience reaches a whole new level when the heritage of India is explored in luxurious trains that boasts the country’s royal past and grandeur.

India has had a history of luxury trains running across the country. These give a very opulent experience. Each of such trains have something new and different to offer. Each train provides a different experience.

Here is a list of 9 luxury trains in India. Read on to find out more about India’s Luxury Trains!

1. The Deccan Odyssey

The Deccan Odyssey came on the tracks on 16 th November 2004, when it was inaugurated after multiple changes to its design.

The Taj Group of Hotels also joined hands to provide a 5-star experience to its guests, but this time on wheels. It is a brainchild of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). 

It took inspiration from the travelling style of kings and rulers of ancient India, but the designs are more modern now. 

The amenities they offer is nothing short of a 5-star experience. They provide regal class cabins, multi-cuisine restaurants, a sitting lounge, a high-tech conference car and a rejuvenating health spa.

It strives to make every day a memorable experience for travellers. The high-tech facilities make the journey all the more unique and exclusive. 

Itineraries of the Deccan Odyssey

It has an itinerary for 6 different routes. The 6 routes are named the Maharashtra Splendor, , Jewels of the Deccan , Maharashtra Wild Trail , Hidden Treasures of Gujarat, Indian Odyssey and Indian Sojourn .

The Deccan Odyssey operates from October to April and the duration for all 6 routes is 7 nights, 8 days . It takes you to some of the most fascinating destinations in India. 

Maharashtra Splendor:

Day 1 – Mumbai, Day 2 – Nashik, Day 3 – Aurangabad – Ellora Cave, Day 4 – Jalgaon – Ajanta Caves, Day 5 – Kolhapur, Day 6 – Goa, Day 7 – Sindhudurg, Day 8 – Mumbai.

Jewels of the Deccan :

Day 1 – Mumbai, Day 2 – Bijapur, Day 3 – Aihole – Pattadakal, Day 4 – Hampi, Day 5 – Hyderabad, Day 6 – Aurangabad – Ellora Caves, Day 7 – Ajanta Caves, Day 8 – Mumbai.

Maharashtra Wild Trail :

Day 1 – Mumbai, Day 2 – Aurangabad – Ellora Caves, Day 3 – Aurangabad, Day 4 – Ramtek (Pench National Park), Day 5 – Tadoba, Day 6 – Jalgaon – Ajanta Caves, Day 7 – Nashik, Day 8 – Mumbai.

Hidden Treasures of Gujarat :

Day 1 – Mumbai, Day 2 – Vadodara, Day 3 – Palitana, Day 4 – Sasan Gir (Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary) – Somnath, Day 5 – Little Rann of Kutch, Day 6 – Modhera – Patan, Day 7 – Nashik, Day 8 – Mumbai.

Indian Odyssey :

Day 1 – Delhi, Day 2 – Sawai Madhopur – Ranthambore National Park, Day 3 – Agra, Day 4 – Jaipur, Day 5 – Udaipur, Day 6 – Vadodara, Day 7 – Aurangabad – Ellora Caves, Day 8 – Mumbai.

Indian Sojourn :

Day 1 – Mumbai, Day 2 – Vadodara, Day 3 – Udaipur, Day 4 – Jodhpur, Day 5 – Agra, Day 6 – Sawai Madhopur – Ranthambore National Park, Day 7 – Jaipur, Day 8 – New Delhi.

Deccan Odyssey Tariff 2021-2022 & 2022-2023

2. Palace On Wheels

It is also known as ‘India’s Original Luxury Train’. It is voted as the fourth best luxury train in the world. The basic concept of this luxury train is travelling overnight in comfortable AC sleeping coaches and group sightseeing during the day in AC buses.

These were prominent features of this train even when it was the first of its kind and they still hold true. During the British reign, rulers of princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India used to travel in these coaches.

In 1981-82, the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways launched a special heritage tourist train for providing a unique memorable experience to the tourists visiting Rajasthan. 

In September 2017, new train carriages were introduced on the Palace on Wheels luxury train, that are more spacious in size & now guests have the option to book Deluxe or Super Deluxe Cabins.

The train might be from ancient times, but it provides all modern amenities like wi-fi, mini pantry, music channel, a safe, wall to wall carpeting, etc. each cabin has a personal attendant, called khidmatgar. There are Two Resto-Bar lounges and an ayurvedic spa facility on the train. 

Itinerary of the Palace On Wheels

It is an 8-day tour that starts from New Delhi, every Wednesday.

Day 1 – Delhi, Day 2 – Jaipur, Day 3 – Sawai Madhopur – Chittaurgarh, Day 4 – Udaipur, Day 5 – Jaisalmer, Day 6 – Jodhpur, Day 7 – Bharatpur – Agra Cantonment, Day 8 – New Delhi.

Single- INR 48,620 – 64,600 per person per night.

Double- INR 37,400 – 48,620 per person per night.

Super Deluxe Suite- INR 1,00,980 – 1,34,640 per suite per night.

3. Golden Chariot

If you wish to see Southern India in a luxurious style, you should take a ride on the Golden Chariot. It gives an experience of a thrilling adventure across Karnataka with KSTDC specially designed with upbeat activities in mind for the Next Generation. It connects famous tourist spots in Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu, as well as Pondicherry . 

The Golden Chariot has 44 cabins in 11 coaches that are named after dynasties that ruled the region: Kadamba, Hoysala, Rashtrakuta, Ganga, Chalukya, Bahamani, Adil Shahi, Sangama, Satavahana, Yadukula and Vijayanagar. 

It has two restaurants, a lounge bar, a conference room, a gym and spa facilities. It also provides an internet connection via a USB stick and satellite antenna that provides live television service in the cabins. It was also awarded as ‘Asia’s Leading Luxury Train’ in the year 2013.

Itineraries of the Golden Chariot

The Golden Chariot offers two travel itineraries – Pride of the South and Splendor of the South. The train runs from October to March and every trip is 7 nights, 8 days .

Pride of the South:

Day 1 – Bengaluru, Day 2 – Mysore, Day 3 – Nagarhole National Park, Day 4 – Hassan, Belur and Halebidu, Day 5 – Hospet and Hampi, Day 6 – Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami, Day 7 – Goa, Day 8 – Bengaluru.

Splendor of the South:

Day 1 – Bengaluru, Day 2 – Chennai, Day 3 – Pondicherry, Day 4 – Thanjavur, Day 5 – Madurai, Day 6 – Thiruvananthapuram, Day 7 – Alleypey and Kochi, Day 8 – Bengaluru.

For Indian nationals only

Single occupancy: INR 93,372 per person per night, Total (6 Nights) – INR 5,60,230

Double occupancy: INR 53,355 per person per night, Total (6 Nights) – INR 3,20,130

For International travellers

Single occupancy: USD 1,225 per person per night, Total (6 Nights) – USD 7,350.

Double occupancy: USD 700 per person per night, Total (6 Nights) – USD 4,200

4. Mahaparinirvan Express- Buddhist Circuit Special Train

Mahaparinirvan Express is a popular IRCTC Buddhist tourist train. It takes its passengers on a journey full of teaching and learnings from the Buddhist scriptures. The train has got its name from Buddha’s final teachings, the Mahaparinirvana Sutra.

This special train is a revamped version of the Rajdhani Express and offers various types of cabins choices for the traveller to enjoy the journey in. Mahaparinirvan Express starts its journey from Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi after which it reaches Gaya the next morning.

After exploring the Mahabodhi temple, Niranjana river and other sites in Gaya the train heads to Rajgir and Nalanda. Kushinagar, where Buddha preached his first sermon is the next stop after Rajgir and Nalanada.

After Kushinagar, the train reaches Varanasi and then to Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini after which it gears up to take its tourists to the town of Sravasti. From Sravasti, the train heads to Agra to treat it’s onboaders to the view of the magnificient Taj Mahal and then makes its final stop at Delhi.

Itinerary of the Mahaparinirvan Express – Buddhist Circuit Train Tour

Day 1 – Delhi – Gaya, Day 2 – Gaya – Bodhgaya, Day 3 – Bodhgaya – Nalanda – Rajgir – Gaya – Varanasi, Day 4 – Varanasi – Sarnath – Gorakhpur, Day 5 – Nautanwa – Lumbini, Day 6 – Lumbini – Kushinagar – Gorakhpur, Day 7 – Balrampur – Sravasti – Balrampur – Agra, Day 8 – Agra – Delhi.

Note: As this trip includes a day’s tour in Nepal, foreign nationals would require to procure a Nepali visa which can be easily obtained at the border. Also, foreign tourists needs to ensure having multiple entry Indian visas so that the return to India is smooth and hassle free.

For Indian Nationals Only

AC – First Class – INR 12,580 per person per night, Total (7 Nights)- INR 88,060.

AC – Two Tier – INR 10,290 per person per night, Total (7 Nights)- INR 72,030.

For International Travellers

AC – First Class – INR 165 per person per night, Total (7 Nights)- USD 1,155.

AC – Two Tier – USD 135 per person per night, Total (7 Nights)- USD 945.

5. Royal Orient Train

The Royal Orient Train is the oldest luxury train in India and is entrusted with an abundance that stimulates the sense of royalty. This luxury train’s theme is like that of Palace on Wheels.

The train started as a joint venture between the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat and the Indian Railways in 1994-95. They are also set to give their passengers the true taste of luxury and grandeur.

The highlight of this train is its royal richness, which provides the essence of the Raj culture. Journey by this train is an amalgamation of chivalry and unimaginable opulence. 

The cabins are designed in a palatial way. The hospitality professionals are very well-trained. They also have a multi-cuisine restaurant with a bar. Spacious baths, library, and other services that you would normally expect at any 5-star hotel are available on wheels. 

Sightseeing tours and desert safaris add to the unique and memorable experience. 

Itinerary of the Royal Orient Train

The train offers a journey of 7 nights / 8 days .

Day 1 – Delhi, Day 2 – Chittaurgarh – Udaipur, Day 3 – Junagarh – Veraval, Day 4 – Sasangir – Dilwara, Day 5 – Palitana – Sarkhej, Day 6 – Ahmedabad, Day 7 – Jaipur.

Price – INR 9,000 to INR 24,000 per day.

6. Heritage On Wheels

Heritage on Wheels is one of the oldest luxury trains in India. It takes you through the rich culture and traditions of Rajasthan.

If you wish to live like a queen or a king, you should get on board this train. You will travel back in time, not in a time machine, but this time on wheels! 

Some of the popular attractions that one can see when travelling on the Heritage on Wheels are Bikaner, Tal Shekhawati and Jaipur . In Bikaner, it covers Junagarh Fort, Haat, Camel Safari, Lalgarh Palace, National Research Centre. 

You will go to Laxmangarh Fort, Goenka Haveli, Sikar, Churu, Mandawa, Nawalgarh when in Tal Chhapar & Shekhawati. Some of the famous tourist attractions such as Hawa Mahal, Amber Palace, City Palace, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur will also be part of your royal experience. 

Even though Heritage on Wheels is one of the most expensive luxury trains in India, the kind of experience, grandeur and hospitality it offers to its guests is worth every penny.

Itinerary of the Heritage On Wheels

The tour is for 4 Nights/5 Days.

Day 1 – Delhi, Day 2 – Bikaner, Day 3 – Jaipur, Day 4 – Dholpur – Agra, Day 5 – Delhi

Single- INR 36,627 or USD 500 Per Night

Double – INR 21,976 USD 300 Per Person Per Night

Triple – INR 18,313 USD 250 Per Person Per Night

7. Maharaja’s Express

Not everyone is royalty, but everyone can definitely experience it. Maharajas’ Express is known to recreate the lifestyle of the Royal Era. This Indian Luxury Train has four cabins – the Deluxe Cabin, the Presidential Suite, the Suite and the Junior Suite.

It also offers shorter trips to places across Rajasthan. Indian Maharaja Train has 14 Guest Carriages named Moti (Pearl), Manik (Ruby), Heera (Diamond), Panna (Emerald), Neelam (Blue Sapphire), etc.

Anyone who travels on this train will be able to experience the rich cultural diversification of our country, India. The journey will be something that every traveller will cherish for a lifetime. 

Maharajas’ Express is all about giving luxurious facilities to its passengers. They provide highly professional butler services, spacious cabins, jewel-studded beds with attached bathrooms.

It also has amenities like Wi-Fi, Telephone, LCD, DVD players, basic toiletries in Bathrooms, Electronic safety Deposit and much more. They have also received various prestigious awards for their gracious hospitality. 

Itineraries of the Maharaja’s Express

It has an itinerary for 4 different routes. The 4 routes are named the Indian Splendor, , Indian Panorama , Heritage Of India and Treasures of India .

Indian Splendor : (6 nights/7 days)

Day 1 – Delhi, Day 2 – Agra, Day 3 – Jaipur, Day 4 – Bikaner, Day 5 – Jodhpur, Day 6 – Udaipur, Day 7 – Mumbai.

Indian Panorama : (6 nights/7 days)

Day 1 – Delhi – Jaipur, Day 2 – Jaipur, Day 3 – Ranthambore – Fatehpur Sikri, Day 4 – Agra, Day 5 – Orchha – Khajuraho, Day 6 – Varanasi, Day 7 – Delhi.

Heritage Of India : (6 nights/7 days)

Day 1 – Mumbai, Day 2 – Udaipur, Day 3 – Jodhpur, Day 4 – Bikaner, Day 5 – Jaipur, Day 6 – Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore National Park) – Agra, Day 7 – Agra – Delhi.

Treasures of India : (3 nights/4 days)

Day 1 – Delhi – Agra, Day 2 – Agra – Ranthambore, Day 3 – Jaipur, Day 4 – Delhi.

8. Fairy Queen Express

The Fairy Queen is the oldest working Steam Locomotive in the world. It was built in 1855. It has its own charm as it rambles through to Alwar in Rajasthan.

With a mention in the Guinness Book of World Records and a recipient of the National Tourism Award, Fairy Queen easily makes it to the list of most luxurious trains in India.

It was certified as the world’s oldest working locomotive by the Guinness Book of World Records. With many such laurels to its name, one should definitely take a ride on this train. 

The Steam Express is a 60-seater air-conditioned chair car. It has been designed with large glass windows which give a frontal view of the Locomotive.

If you wish to enjoy the scenic beauty en route, you can comfortably sit in the beautiful lounge and make the most of the view. There is a well-stocked up and maintained pantry for onboard catering. The guests can enjoy a host of cultural events that are organized in the evening. 

Itinerary of the Fairy Queen Express

The tour package is for 1 Night/2 Days . 

It runs from October to March and takes you through popular places like the Lake Palace, Sariska National Park and Alwar Museum.

Day 1 – Delhi Cantonment Railway Station – Alwar Station (Overnight stay at a hotel), Day 2 – Visit To Sariska National Park – Return To Hotel – Alwar Station – Delhi.

Price : INR 12,375

9. Royal Rajasthan On Wheels

The most expensive luxury train in India is also the best train to explore India on. The journey of this royal train is for 7 day/8 nights and starts from Safdarjung railway station, New Delhi.

The express then travels to Jodhpur on Day 2, Udaipur and Chittaurgarh on Day 3, Ranthambore National Park and Jaipur on Day 4, Khajuraho on Day 5, Varanasi and Sarnath on Day 6, Agra on Day 7 and then finally reaches Delhi on Day 8. In this journey all the popular and spectacular sights of Rajasthan is covered along with experiencing the royal luxury of Rajasthan.

There are 14 luxury cabins on Royal Rajasthan on wheels. The cabins are divided as Deluxe cabins and Super Deluxe cabins and they have all the amenities that can be imagined off. There is also a royal spa for tourists to be able to enjoy and relax through the entire spellbinding journey.

Itinerary of the Royal Rajasthan On Wheels

The tour package is of 7 Nights/8 Days .

Day 1 – New Delhi, Day 2 – Jodhpur, Day 3 – Udaipur – Chittaurgarh, Day 4- Sawai Madhopur – Jaipur, Day 5- Khajuraho, Day 6 – Varanasi, Day 7 – Agra, Day 8 – New Delhi.

Deluxe Cabin On Single Ocupancy: INR 3,63,300 (Indian Nationals), USD 6,055 (Foreign Nationals).

Deluxe Cabin on Double Occupancy: INR 5,46,000 (Indian Nationals), USD 9,100 (Foreign Nationals).

Super Deluxe Cabin On Single Occupancy: INR 7,56,000 (Indian Nationals), USD 12,600 (Foreign Nationals).

Super Deluxe Cabin On Double Occupancy: INR 7,56,000 (Indian Nationals), USD 12,600 (Foreign Nationals).

If you are bored of the traditional beach or hill-station holidays and want a different experience altogether, you should explore these luxury trains. They have been a part of our heritage, tradition and history. You will not regret spending time on the wheels.

They offer every luxury, adventure and experience that you would normally expect on a holiday. The hospitality that is provided here will surpass your expectations, time and again.

If you wish to ‘live life king size’ in the true sense, get on the train and don’t be surprised when you take back a suitcase (rather a coach) full of memories!

Also Read: Top 15 Workation Destinations and Resorts in India

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is a contributor at The Strong Traveller . She is a 2nd year student and works tirelessly to succeed in all her endeavors. She relishes the opportunity to learn about new cultures through travel, food and art. Writing and painting allow her to express her creativity, while reading affords her the chance to explore a new adventure every time she picks up a book, especially handy in the context of a pandemic.

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6 thoughts on “ top 9 luxury trains in india with detailed itineraries and prices ”.

I never would’ve thought about luxury trains as something I’d ever be interested in but these all look fantastic and oh so lovely. And the itinerary of the trips sound fantastic too. Definitely one day!

Thanks Ab for reading. We thought it would be really amazing to share some details of Luxury trains in India. We’re so glad you liked it!

Wow, what incredible trains to travel in! Such a great post and very informative!

Thank you for reading. So glad that you liked our post! 🙂

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The Orient Express Is Bringing Its Luxury Train Tours to Italy

Bookings for the eight new itineraries have just opened., rachel cormack.

Digital Editor

Rachel Cormack's Most Recent Stories

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Get ready to live the good life on a locomotive in Italy next year.

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La Dolce Vita will offer eight scenic itineraries across the European nation. The all-inclusive roundtrips depart from Rome before journeying to desirable destinations, such as Venice, Matera, Tuscany, Piedmont, Portofino, Abruzzo, and Sicily. The new routes collectively cover over 9,941 miles of track, running through 14 regions and 131 cities.

Labeled “Italy’s first luxury train,” La Dolce Vita pairs old-world Italian glamour with the finest modern amenities. The sumptuous interior is an ode to the craftsmanship of the 1960s and ‘70s. The 12 carriages host no more than 62 passengers at a time, creating a truly intimate travel experience. Accommodation includes 12 deluxe cabins, 18 suites, and one, suitably flashy La Dolce Vita Suite.

The train has gourmands covered, too. Michelin three-star chef Heinz Beck will oversee all the cuisine onboard, while Vinitaly will carefully pick the wines for each journey. The respective menus will, of course, showcase the best Italy has to offer.

You’ll live the good life, indeed.

Click here to see all the photos of La Dolce Vita.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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7 Luxury Train Trips Ideal For Retirement Travel

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• Retirement means more freedom to travel via luxury trains like The Eastern & Oriental Express.
• Train travel aboard various Amtrak trains offers comfort, scenic views, and accessibility suitable for retirees exploring multiple destinations in North America.
• Luxury train options like The Golden Eagle Danube Express provide retirees with a hotel-like experience in Europe.

Hitting retirement means it's time to indulge in the golden age, a time when you can rest, relax, and rejuvenate. A lack of work commitment and new lifestyle changes enable you to enjoy much more freedom. Fewer ties hold you back from doing the things that bring the most joy, such as traveling.

When you meet retirement age, it's not the time to grab your pipe and slippers, though; rest assured, your golden years are an epic time to travel. You have more time to chase bucket list adventures, and, hopefully, a nice pot of savings that'll allow you to explore like never before.

Perhaps one of the most comfortable and scenic retirement trip types that allows you to see multiple locations all in one adventure is train travel. Indeed, trains are more accessible than airplanes and way more relaxing than driving a car or recreational vehicle (RV) on a road trip.

While Amtrak train adventures are excellent options for retirees traveling in the United States and Canada, you can even enjoy international travel via trains, as many operators outside North America offer in-country and across-continent journeys in luxury. The travel and experience opportunities presented to you are endless during retirement if you use luxury trains. Here, discover the best luxury trains ideal for retirement travel.

6 Amtrak Trips Perfect For Retirees

Why fly or drive when you can save money and enjoy comfort by taking an Amtrak train to these bucket list travel destinations during retirement?

7 The Eastern & Oriental Express, Asia

Experience the most luxurious train journey in southeast asia on the eastern & oriental express.

The Eastern & Oriental Express is a Belmond train that journeys through Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. It allows passengers to indulge in luxury train travel and stop off at various Southeast Asian destinations. From the city sights in Singapore to unique destinations in Malaysia, retirees can jump off and enjoy plenty of sights before boarding the train for luxury sleep and service.

The train's signature Asian-inspired decor pays tribute to the luxury of the countries it travels through, offering passengers a whimsical opportunity to relax and enjoy a five-star service. Onboard, passengers will be greeted with signature cocktails and crisp glasses of champagne while watching the beautiful landscapes pass by the panoramic windows.

Guests can rest their heads in various suites and cabins, the most luxurious being the presidential suite, offering free-flowing champagne, caviar, and flowers upon arrival, as well as a 45-minute relaxation spa treatment, plush bedding, and luxury toiletries. You won't feel more spoiled or well cared for on any other journey throughout Southeast Asia!

6 The Crescent, USA

Journey through the heart of the american south onboard the crescent.

The Crescent Amtrak train and its journeys are popular among those who wish to explore the cityscapes and world-famous attractions of New York City and the vibrant downtown vibes in New Orleans, an iconic Southern destination with a wealth of world-famous sites . Offering one of the most luxurious Amtrak vacations , this daily train travels between New York and New Orleans, showcasing the American South's diverse cultures and geographical landscapes.

Onboard, retirees can enjoy a 30-hour slot to relax and unwind while soaking up the American South's landscapes from the main cabin windows or their private rooms. Throughout the journey, passengers can indulge in top-quality service, all-day dining, and accessible bedrooms that offer comfort for all.

Between New York and New Orleans, the route's highlights include Greenville, South Carolina, where retirees can jump off and explore the quiet city often referred to as America's best downtown. Another favorite stop is Atlanta, Georgia, a great spot for catching the dancing waters of Centennial Olympic Park’s Fountain of Rings or catching a show at the historic Fox Theater.

14 Best Travel Destinations For Retirees

Retirement is the ideal time to see the places you've been dreaming of for years. Pack a bag and head to one of these top vacation destinations.

5 The Golden Eagle Danube Express, Europe

Travel through central and eastern europe in comfort and style on the danube express.

The Golden Eagle Danube Express provides passengers with luxury, comfort, and style on board its service from Central to Eastern Europe, including destinations like bucket-list-worthy Istanbul , Paris, Venice, Budapest, Uzbekistan, and more. The train is like a hotel on wheels, with well-appointed private cabins, 24-hour cabin attendants, meals prepared by an executive chef, and a lavish lounge bar serving cocktails and champagne.

The Superior Deluxe Class cabins are ideal for retirees seeking comfort and restful sleep. The cabins offer space for four, a well-stocked bathroom, a king-sized bed, daytime seating, air conditioning, and heating, two large picture windows, a personal safe, a double wardrobe, and adjustable lighting. It will feel like a luxurious home away from home while traveling across Central and Eastern Europe.

Whether you travel on the longest route from Yeveran to Almaty (16 days) or enjoy a shorter journey from Budapest to Istanbul (seven days), you can relax in luxurious settings while soaking up the majestic landscapes passing by the windows.

4 The Sunset Limited, USA

The sunset limited is a popular retiree train journey for guided tours and city exploration.

During retirement, you might wish to explore cities that have never made your travel completion list. Those who wish to explore iconic US cities and enjoy guided tours should jump onboard Amtrak's Sunset Limited , which journeys through New Orleans, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. Retirees can enjoy diverse landscapes along the way, witnessing the Mississippi Delta, southwestern US deserts, and the Californian mountains.

The train journey offers guests a sleeper car with private rooms and top dining services. If you stay onboard for the long-haul trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles, it will take around 48 hours, so be sure to choose a private room for sleeping. Throughout your journey, you can also enjoy a dedicated First Class attendant who will cater to every need and host complimentary meals.

Retirees can opt for guided tours and convenient public transport at both ends of the journey to explore the destinations comfortably.

10 European Countries Perfect For U.S. Retirees

In 2024, retiring abroad is becoming increasingly appealing to American retirees, not to mention more affordable than retiring in the U.S.

3 The Rocky Mountaineer, USA & Canada

Climb onboard the rocky mountaineer for a top-notch luxury train experience and breathtaking views of the rocky mountains.

The Rocky Mountaineer train service takes passengers through the Canadian Rockies and the American Southwest. Guests can either journey between Vancouver and Banff or Seattle and Vancouver to witness some of the most amazing landscapes in the USA and Canada combined.

From the panoramic train windows or private cabins, passengers can experience undisturbed views of the Rocky Mountains and its inviting towns while sipping on cocktails, enjoying locally sourced meals, receiving high levels of service, and enjoying storytelling by the crew. Passengers can even get outside on the exterior viewing platform to feel closer to the wonderful nature passing by.

Guests won't sleep on board, as accommodations along the routes are prepared and part of the rail ticket . The hotels vary depending on your route and journey length. Retirees can rest assured that their itinerary, accommodation, and well-being will be taken great care of, as all packages include everything needed from start to end.

2 The Venice Simplon-Orient Express, Across Europe

Explore europe in opulent style onboard the venice simplon orient express.

The Venice Simplon Orient Express is one of Europe's most iconic railroad journeys. It whisks passengers from Venice to London (and more destinations) onboard a luxury hotel-style train. Venice to London (and vice versa) is the journey's most famous route. Yet, the romantic and luxurious train also takes passengers across other alluring European cities, including Florence, Verona, Paris, Brussels, Vienna, Amsterdam, Budapest, and more.

Retirees have plenty of options when it comes to European cities on this train. The freedom of retirement means you could spend weeks or even months traveling on the Venice Simplon Orient Express to explore as much of Europe as possible while enjoying its opulent cabins and other elegant amenities.

Onboard, passengers can enjoy gourmet dining, panoramic views of the diverse European landscapes, grand suites with plush beds, and white-glove staff service. Every need will be catered for, and you can enjoy an incredible trip without lifting a finger.

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1 The Lake Shore Limited, USA

Venture from new york to chicago, witnessing the grand lakes and cityscapes on amtrak's lake shore limited.

The Lake Shore Limited is an Amtrak train that takes passengers from New York City to Chicago on a 19-hour journey. With daily departures, retirees can enjoy the experience at any time that suits them.

Passengers will witness some of the prettiest US shorelines while journeying through the likes of South Bend, Cleveland, and Buffalo. The rail ride explores the Native American Highway and the south shore of Lake Michigan, the Mohawk River, and the Erie Canal to showcase the true beauty of America.

The Bedroom Suite is ideal for those seeking comfort on their journey; the two sofas provide comfort for daytime rest and transform into comfortable beds for retirees to get a good night's sleep. With a first-class attendant, complimentary meals, plush linens, and a private bathroom, there's nothing more you could need on a luxury train trip across the US.

17 Best Sleeper Train Journeys In The World (Luxury & Budget)

• Sleeper trains are a cost-effective option that combines accommodation and transportation, making them ideal for budget travelers or those seeking a luxurious experience.
• From the OBB NightJet in Europe to the Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia, there are sleeper train journeys available around the world that cater to all types of travelers.
• Prices for sleeper train tickets vary depending on the route and level of luxury, but there are affordable options starting at $29, making sleeper trains accessible for many.

Sleeper trains are becoming more popular than ever, and it’s easy to see why. Not only do they combine two key costs for travelers (accommodation and transportation), making a journey more affordable, but there are sleeper trains around the world for all types of travelers.

Whether travelers are backpacking on a budget or looking for a luxurious experience in a first-class cabin, the perfect overnight train exists. These are 17 of the best sleeper train journeys around the world, and there’s something for every type of traveler.

UPDATE: 2023/10/03 14:39 EST BY MARIA BOU INK

17 Of The Best Sleeper Train Journeys In The World (Luxury & Budget)

Sleeper train journeys are limitless, but a few of them are remarkable. Therefore, this list was updated to include additional luxurious and on-budget sleeper train trips around the world, so vacationers can choose the best ones close to them for their next travel.

Brussels To Vienna, OBB NightJet

With budget-friendly tickets, OBB NightJet is one of the best sleeper trains in the world, not only in Europe. The outstanding amenities are the highlight of the service. The cost of the ticket includes a modest breakfast with tea and coffee as well as access to an ensuite bathroom and shower. Additionally, a welcome package with beverages, towels, earplugs, and snacks is given to customers. Moreover, air conditioning and lockable compartments are both provided.

• Prices: Starting at €29 ($30.35) per passenger

Bicycles and dogs are allowed on board.

New York To Miami, Silver Meteor Or Silver Star

If looking for a train experience that includes magnificent scenery, interesting history, and fascinating culture, passengers can make a reservation on one of Amtrak's Silver Meteor or Silver Star trains, which cruise down America's east coast between New York and Miami. Passengers have the possibility to stop along the route to break up the trip's 29-hour overall duration. Highlights include Charleston, where there are many historical museums and superb restaurants; Tampa, where there are many mesmerizing white sandy beaches; and Orlando, where there are many family-friendly activities.

• Prices: Starting at $130 for a one-way trip

Paris To Venice, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Most people have heard of the Orient Express from the famous novel by Agatha Christie entitled “Murder on the Orient Express.” In real life, the train runs across Europe from London to Istanbul. However, the most popular sleeper train route is from Paris to Venice, which takes around 20.5 hours to complete , meaning passengers spend 1 night bunking on the train. Travelers can choose to book a single cabin, a twin cabin, a suite, or a grand suite, depending on their budget.

• Prices: Starting at £3745 (4517.4) per passenger for a twin cabin

Related: 10 Of The World's Most Expensive Sleeper Train Journeys (Better Than A Cruise!)

Hanoi To Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Vietnam is a favorite country to visit among backpackers who are traveling around Southeast Asia. Given how long and narrow the country is, a sleeper train is a great way to get from the northern capital city of Hanoi to the southern city of Ho Chi Minh without riding on a motorbike. This sleeper train route is suitable for the budget traveler, only costing around $40 for the 32 to 37-hour journey .

Depending on how much passengers are willing to spend on a ticket, they can choose from several seat classes. These are 3rd class (hard wooden seats), 2nd class (soft seats with AC), 2nd class (sleeper with 6 beds per compartment, with AC), or 1st class (sleeper with 4 beds per compartment, with AC).

• Prices: Starting at $40 per passenger

Zambia To Tanzania, TAZARA Railway

Train travel might not be the first thing that comes to mind when travelers imagine exploring Southern Africa, but spending a night on the TAZARA Railway’s sleeper train is an excellent way to travel between Zambia and Tanzania. TAZARA stands for Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority. The journey takes two nights, running passengers between Kapiri Mposhi and Dar es Salaam. The trains have sleeper cabins and a restaurant car for a comfortable journey across Africa.

• Prices: A 2nd class sleeper cabin ticket costs 84,600 Tanzanian shillings (around $36.29), and a 1st class sleeper cabin costs 104,000 Tanzanian shillings (around $44.62).

Related: Scotland By Sleeper Train: Why The Deerstalker Is Britain's Best Rail Journey

London, England To Scotland, Caledonian Sleeper

Travelers exploring the UK can forget flying and opt for a comfortable overnight train journey through the Scottish Highlands instead. The Caledonian Sleeper transports passengers from London to various destinations around Scotland, such as Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Inverness. The sleeper cabins are designed to be exceptionally comfortable, complete with a Glencraft mattress.

Passengers can book the more basic Classic Room, which has twin bunk beds and an in-room wash basin, or they can go for a more high-end Club Room, which includes breakfast. If they prefer a double bed to bunk beds, book the Caledonian Double Cabin instead. Passengers should book in advance because these spaces fill up quickly.

• Prices: Starting at £225 ($271.4) for a classic room from London to Glasgow

Moscow, Russia To Beijing, China, Trans-Siberian Railway

The Trans-Siberian Railway is one of the greatest adventures in the world, taking passengers across the vast country of Russia to Mongolia or China. Taking the train from Moscow to Beijing takes 16 days, but there are several stops along the way, including the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar . When riding the Trans-Siberian railway, passengers can choose from a variety of cabin types.

The Standard cabin sleeps 4 people in a bunk bed formation; the Classic and Superior cabins sleep 2 people. Private cabins can also be booked.

• Prices: Starting at €650 ($681.2) per passenger

Related: Is this Europe’s Most Underrated Sleeper Train?

Delhi To Mumbai, India, Maharajas’ Express

The Indian Splendour route on the Maharajas’ Express is a grand tour of India from the bustling streets of Delhi to the majestic buildings of Mumbai that takes 6 nights and 7 days. Destinations along the way include Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. This is a luxury travel experience that doesn’t come cheap.

• Prices: Starting at $5820 for a single passenger in a deluxe cabin

Pretoria To Capetown, South Africa, The Blue Train

The Blue Train route from Pretoria to Capetown, South Africa, takes two nights and offers spectacular views of the African countryside. Train tickets on The Blue Train include all meals, a sleeper cabin, high tea, drinks, and one excursion in Kimberley. Passengers can choose to book a Deluxe Suite or a Luxury Suite, depending on their budget.

• Prices: Starting at R36 945 ($1,915.8) in low season and at R45 145 ($2,341) in high season

Oslo To Bergen, Norway

The train ride from Oslo to Bergen is one of the world's most scenic journeys. The distance between these Norwegian cities isn’t as vast as some other sleeper train journeys around the world, but it’s still possible to book a sleeper cabin for the 7.5-hour trip.

• Prices: Starting at $59 for a sleeper accommodation which a passenger books for themselves (there are no shared cabins with other passengers).

Bangkok To Chiang Mai, Thailand

Traveling in Thailand has never been more accessible since the introduction of the sleeper train running between Bangkok, where most international flights land, and Chiang Mai, the digital nomad paradise of the North . There are two options when booking a sleeper journey on this train: passengers can book 2nd class sleeper seats (with air conditioning) or 1st class sleeper seats (with air conditioning). The 2nd class booking includes a lie-flat seat in a shared train car, while the 1st class seat offers a private cabin. The journey takes just over 12 hours to complete when the trains are running on time.

• Prices: Starting at 1,453 THB ($39.20) for a first-class sleeper

Cusco To Arequipa, Peru, Belmond Andean Explorer

Explore the Peruvian Andes from the comfort of a luxury train car. The Belmond Andean Explorer offers sleeper accommodation for passengers traveling between Cusco and Arequipa. It’s possible to book bunk bed cabins, twin bed cabins, or suite cabins. The train also has a lounge car, an upscale dining car, an observation car for appreciating the impressive landscapes whizzing past, and an onboard spa. The Peruvian Highlands route takes 3 days and 2 nights to complete , from Cusco to Arequipa via Puno.

• Prices: Single occupancy tickets start at around $3,940

Chicago To San Francisco, On The California Zephyr

Embarking on this 2,400-mile (3,900 km) journey takes travelers from the shores of the Great Lakes in Chicago to the Pacific Coast in San Francisco. This route is run by the California Zephyr and takes some of the most incredible terrains the USA has to offer. While travelers relax in their accommodations, the train tackles sheer gorges, hot desert, snowy mountains, and plenty of tunnels and switchbacks. These tracks were the first to cross the Continental Divide to link the Atlantic and Pacific. Now Travelers need to simply arrive at the station in Chicago before 2 pm, and they will be swept away to the West Coast. Book early for the best prices.

• Prices: Starting at $150 per passenger

Brisbane To Longreach, Australia

Many of the best overnight trains in Australia are multiple-day rides, such as the Ghan that runs through Australia's "Red Centre" between Darwin and Adelaide and the Indian Pacific that links Perth and Sydney. The Spirit of the Outback running from Brisbane to Longreach is just over a day long, with much of the trip happening at night when travelers are sleeping. The ride itself takes travelers intimately close to and along the coast before it turns inland to the stunning landscape of Australia's outback.

• Prices: Starting at $140 per passenger

Amtrak Auto Route - Washington D.C. To Orlando, Florida

Amtrak is the national train carrier of the United States and offers a number of overnight sleeper options on its trains . Of these, the Amtrak Auto Route is arguably the most unique. The Amtrak Auto Route doesn't just have accommodation for the passengers to sleep on board, but also its passenger cars. That's right, on this train; people can bring their car onto the train. The Auto Route runs from Washington D.C. to near Orlando and spares passengers from the hassle of driving down to Florida by themselves.

• Prices: Starting at $95 per passenger

Deccan Odyssey: A Palace On Wheels

The Deccan Odyssey is one of the most luxurious train rides in the world . It has been designed as a palace on wheels and explores some of the most iconic attractions in India. Passengers are dotted upon as though they were Maharaja royalty, and the train celebrates the best of the heritage of the Rajasthan region of India. Enjoy impeccable service, rich Indian heritage, and one of the most comfortable train accommodations found anywhere.

• Prices: $8,330 per passenger in a deluxe cabin for single occupancy

Royal Scotsman, Scottish Highlands

The Royal Scotsman may be one of the most luxurious and one of the most expensive train rides in the world. There are multiple rides to select from around the Scottish Highlands, the Scottish Lowlands, and even in England. Like the Deccan Odyssey, the Royal Scotsman is a palace on wheels with a range of package tour options. The train cars of the Royal Scotsman combine Edwardian elegance with the comforts of a country house.

• Prices: Starting at $4,675 per passenger

CALL: +44 20 3640 8887

British Pullman

Luxury British Pullman Train Travel across the UK

Step aboard the British Pullman luxury train and be whisked back to a more elegant era. Experience pure 1920's style opulence as you navigate through the glorious British countryside on one of many themed journeys available throughout the year. With authentic, fully-restored carriages, the British Pullman is "The" train to enjoy a luxury train day trip in the UK. Finished with fine woods and the highest-quality fabrics, the Pullman-style carriages are exceptional in every way, complimented with exceptional service and multiple courses of the most exquisite cuisine. A truly unforgettable journey that will evoke memories you will cherish forever, our British Pullman day trips are the perfect retreat back to a time where luxury was unrivalled in every aspect. The 1920's carriages have sheltered royalty and have even starred on the silver screen. Each carriage is delightfully styled with antique upholstery, vintage lighting with every detail truly taken care of. History has truly been preserved at its finest aboard the British Pullman. The British Pullman offers round-trip, single day luxury train travel departing from London Victoria. A generous selection of journeys means finding your perfect journey is easy; whether you're looking for a luxury train trip to enjoy with friends, or to spend with a loved one, we are pleased to offer a range of journeys suited for every occasion. Our ever-popular Champagne Afternoon Tea offers a luxurious jaunt across the countryside as you enjoy a relaxed and sociable time aboard the British Pullman, while our Murder Mystery Lunch offers an incredible, immersive experience accompanied by delicious food.

If you require more information or assistance with your booking or are interested in a group or corporate journey, please do not hesitate to contact us .

Contact us, we're here to assist

Call us on 020 3640 8887 or email us below

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Price match, book with a deposit, complimentary concierge, human customer services, no hidden costs, journeys worldwide.

The Blue Train | Proudly brought to you by SA-Rail

About the Train

Treat yourself with an unforgettable experience aboard one of South Africa’s leading luxury trains.

During day your suite serves as a lounge where you can relax and enjoy the passing vista, at night it transformed into an elegant bedroom.

Suites & Facilities

En-suite bathrooms Fully soundproofed Individually controlled air-conditioning Underfloor heating

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About the Blue Train

Treat yourself with an unforgettable experience aboard one of South Africa’s leading luxury trains.

This 5 star, 54 hour experience offers you around-the-clock butler service, 2 lounge cars (smoking and non-smoking), an observation car, carriages with gold-tinted picture windows and fully carpeted and soundproofed suites, all with en-suite bathrooms.

Situated behind the train’s engine is the Club car, where you can enjoy a Cuban cigar served after dinner while sipping on cognac, or any drink of your choice. If a game of backgammon, chess or cards is not for you, browse our library selection, enjoy the big screen or get lost in thought gazing up at the star-lit African sky.

Afternoon High Tea and after-dinner drinks are served in the Lounge car, situated in the middle of the train.

When not in use as a Conference car, the Observation car serves as an extension of the Lounge Car.

Dine with friends or enjoy a romantic dinner for two in the elegant Dining car. You can also choose to dine in the privacy of your own suite. Our on-board chefs prepare dishes of the highest standard, regularly refreshing the menu and using only the freshest local ingredients. There is something to suite every taste, including Halaal, Kosher, gluten-free of vegan. Simply notify us at the time of reservation and our chefs will prepare a meal suited to your needs.

Dinner is elegant, with the dress code being formal.  Tasteful background music compliments the evening. The Dining car can accommodate 42 guests in a sitting, with 2 sittings when needed.

During day your suite serves as a lounge where you can relax and enjoy the passing vista, at night it transformed into an elegant bedroom.  Bedding is made from goosedown and 100% percale-cotton.  Modern amenities include individually controlled air-conditioning, underfloor heating and electronic entertainment. The elegance of the suite carries on in the marble and gold-fitted en-suite bathroom, with scented bathsalts and monogrammed towels.

The De Luxe coaches consist of 4 suites, each measuring 4m x 2m.  One of these has a double bed and ¾ bathtub with handheld shower. The rest have twin beds and showers.

The Luxury coaches consist of 3 Luxury suites, each measuring 5,13m x 2m. You have the options of twin beds or a double bed.

Services and Facilities

• En-suite bathrooms with Italian marble, gold-plated fittings and fully remote-controlled facilities
• Fully soundproofed
• Individually controlled air-conditioning
• Under-floor heating
• Personal butler and 24 hour room service
• GPS system and TV monitor that tracks the train progress and shares the driver’s view
• Interactive entertainment system

The Blue Train Rates & Schedules

Pretoria and cape town.

The Blue Train departs from Pretoria on selected Mondays and Wednesdays and from Cape Town on select Wednesdays and Fridays.  Guests can check in between 10:00 and 11:30, and the train departs at 12:00 arriving at its’ destination at 18:00 on day three. Coffee and tea is served in the pre-departure lounges while boarding formalities are in progress. After boarding, fruit platters are served in your suite. IMPORTANT: Train departure and arrival times are not guaranteed.

*Denotes a cancelled departure

Rates Include

• Two nights onboard the Blue Train
• All applicable snacks, meals & drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic), Cognacs and Cuban cigars
• Blue Train Gift & Certificate
• 24-hour Butler service
• Off the train excursion
• One night’s accommodation in a 5*Hotel (pre- or post-departure)
• Station/Hotel transfer

Rates Exclude

• French champagne
• Telephone calls
• Gratuities whilst on board The Blue Train
• Services not mentioned
• Cannot be combined with other offers

Enquiry Form

• Availability
• Reservation
• Once we have received your reservation request, we will confirm availability and proceed with the reservation. A confirmation invoice with payment instructions will be sent to you via email. Your travel vouchers will be sent to you once full and final payment have been received. *Passenger information should be filled in as per passport/ID as travel arrangements will be issued accordingly and no name changes will be allowed .

Personal Contact Information

• Title * -- Select -- Dr Prof Mr Mrs Ms
• Contact Number *
• Email * Enter Email Confirm Email

Blue Train Departure Information

• Direction * -- Select -- Pretoria to Cape Town Cape Town to Pretoria Pretoria to Durban Durban to Pretoria
• Year of travel * -- Select -- 2024 2025
• Departure Date: Pretoria to Cape Town 2024 * -- Select -- 2 September 2024 9 September 2024 16 September 2024 7 October 2024 14 October 2024 - Cancelled 21 October 2024 - Cancelled 28 October 2024 4 November 2024 11 November 2024 18 November 2024 2 December 2024 9 December 2024 16 December 2024
• Departure Date: Pretoria to Durban 2024 * -- Select -- 23 - 25 September 2024
• Departure Date: Pretoria to Cape Town 2025 * -- Select -- 06 January 2025 13 January 2025 20 January 2025 - Cancelled 27 January 2025 03 February 2025 10 February 2025 17 February 2025 24 February 2025 03 March 2025 - Cancelled 10 March 2025 17 March 2025 24 March 2025 07 April 2025 14 April 2025 21 April 2025 05 May 2025 12 May 2025 07 July 2025 14 July 2025 21 July 2025 11 August 2025 18 August 2025 25 August 2025 08 September 2025 15 September 2025 22 September 2025 06 October 2025 13 October 2025 20 October 2025 27 October 2025 03 November 2025 10 November 2025 17 November 2025 01 December 2025 08 December 2025 15 December 2025
• Departure Date: Cape Town to Pretoria 2024 * -- Select -- 5 September 2024 12 September 2024 19 September 2024 10 October 2024 17 October 2024 - Cancelled 24 October 2024 - Cancelled 31 October 2024 07 November 2024 14 November 2024 21 November 2024 5 December 2024 12 December 2024 19 December 2024
• Departure Date: Durban to Pretoria 2024 * -- Select -- 26 - 28 September 2024
• Departure Date: Cape Town to Pretoria 2025 * -- Select -- 09 January 2025 16 January 2025 23 January 2025 - Cancelled 30 January 2025 06 February 2025 13 February 2025 20 February 2025 27 February 2025 06 March 2025 - Cancelled 13 March 2025 20 March 2025 27 March 2025 10 April 2025 17 April 2025 24 April 2025 08 May 2025 15 May 2025 10 July 2025 17 July 2025 24 July 2025 14 August 2025 21 August 2025 28 August 2025 11 September 2025 18 September 2025 25 September 2025 09 October 2025 16 October 2025 23 October 2025 30 October 2025 06 November 2025 13 November 2025 20 November 2025 04 December 2025 11 December 2025 18 December 2025
• No of Suites * -- Select -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
• Suite Type - Suite 1 * -- Select -- De Luxe Twin bed with shower De Luxe Double bed wtih 3/4 bath Luxury Twin bed with bath Luxury Double bed with bath
• Suite Type - Suite 2 * -- Select -- De Luxe Twin bed with shower De Luxe Double bed wtih 3/4 bath Luxury Twin bed with bath Luxury Double bed with bath
• Suite Type - Suite 3 * -- Select -- De Luxe Twin bed with shower De Luxe Double bed wtih 3/4 bath Luxury Twin bed with bath Luxury Double bed with bath
• Suite Type - Suite 4 * -- Select -- De Luxe Twin bed with shower De Luxe Double bed wtih 3/4 bath Luxury Twin bed with bath Luxury Double bed with bath
• Suite Type - Suite 5 * -- Select -- De Luxe Twin bed with shower De Luxe Double bed wtih 3/4 bath Luxury Twin bed with bath Luxury Double bed with bath
• Suite Type - Suite 6 * -- Select -- De Luxe Twin bed with shower De Luxe Double bed wtih 3/4 bath Luxury Twin bed with bath Luxury Double bed with bath
• Suite Type - Suite 7 * -- Select -- De Luxe Twin bed with shower De Luxe Double bed wtih 3/4 bath Luxury Twin bed with bath Luxury Double bed with bath
• Suite Type - Suite 8 * -- Select -- De Luxe Twin bed with shower De Luxe Double bed wtih 3/4 bath Luxury Twin bed with bath Luxury Double bed with bath
• Suite Type - Suite 9 * -- Select -- De Luxe Twin bed with shower De Luxe Double bed wtih 3/4 bath Luxury Twin bed with bath Luxury Double bed with bath
• Suite Type - Suite 10 * -- Select -- De Luxe Twin bed with shower De Luxe Double bed wtih 3/4 bath Luxury Twin bed with bath Luxury Double bed with bath
• No of Adults * -- Select -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
• No of Children -- Select -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 - 11 years
• No of Infants -- Select -- 1 2 3 4 5 0 - 5 years

Travelers Information

• Guest 1: * Name Surname
• Date of Birth * dd mm yyyy
• Guest 2: * Name Surname
• Guest 3: * Name Surname
• Guest 4: * Name Surname
• Guest 5: * Name Surname
• Guest 6: * Name Surname
• Guest 7: * Name Surname
• Guest 8: * Name Surname
• Guest 9: * Name Surname
• Guest 10: * Name Surname
• Guest 11: * Name Surname
• Guest 12: * Name Surname
• Guest 13: * Name Surname
• Guest 14: * Name Surname
• Guest 15: * Name Surname
• Guest 16: * Name Surname
• Guest 17: * Name Surname
• Guest 18: * Name Surname
• Guest 19: * Name Surname
• Guest 20: * Name Surname
• Child 1: * Name Surname
• Child 2: * Name Surname
• Child 3: * Name Surname
• Child 4: * Name Surname
• Child 5: * Name Surname
• Infant 1: * Name Surname
• Infant 2: * Name Surname
• Infant 3: * Name Surname
• Infant 4: * Name Surname
• Infant 5: * Name Surname

Complimentary Night Hotel Information

• Hotel Booking * -- Select -- Pre-departure Post-departure
• Hotel Option * -- Select -- Apogee Hotel & Spa, Pretoria Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel, Pretoria
• Hotel Option * -- Select -- TAJ Hotel, Cape Town Portswood Hotel, Cape Town
• Extend your stay -- Select -- Yes No
• No. of nights extra * -- Select -- 1 2 3 4

Additional Pre and Post Train Travel Services

• Briefly explain the travel services you require: *
• I have read and accept the Terms and Conditions *
• Promotion Code
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Gratuities are not included in your rate and is at your own discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation in this manner, there is an envelope in your suite that you can insert into a box at the end of your journey. The gratuities will be evenly distributed amongst all the staff on board. A suggested amount would be between R100.00 – R200.00.

Reservations

Upon receipt of your online enquiry, we will confirm availability via email. The email will contain the reservation form which can be completed and emailed/faxed back to us. We will then confirm (in writing) your selected suite and departure date via confirmation invoice. Upon receipt of a 25% deposit, your reservation will be confirmed. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure.

Cancellation

Cancellations received more than 60 days prior to departure date are subject to a cancellation fee of 25% of the ticket price per individual booking or group bookings. Cancellations received less than 60 days prior to departure are subject to a cancellation fee of 80% of the ticket price per guest. Once a ticket has been purchased, a reservation may be changed for a departure at an earlier or later date without a cancellation penalty being imposed. However should there be a rate difference, the client would be requested to pay the difference immediately. Should the rate difference be in favour of the guest, no money will be refunded and the guest will be informed accordingly. If an amendment, cancellation or no-show is caused by an illness and verified by a registered doctor’s letter, we will consider waiving all or part of the cancellation fee according to the merits of each case with a maximum refund amount of 90% of the actual money received. Non-compliance with these booking conditions will automatically cancel a provisional reservation without further notice.

Departure & Arrival times

Pretoria to Cape Town: The Blue Train departs at 16h00 and arrives in Cape Town at 10h30. Check in opens 2 hours prior to departure.

Cape Town to Pretoria: The Blue Train departs at 16h00 and arrives in Pretoria at 10h30. Check in opens 2 hours prior to departure.

Pretoria to Hoedspruit: The Blue Train departs at 15h00 and arrives at its destination the following day at 10h00. Check in opens 1 hour prior to departure.

Hoedspruit to Pretoria: The Blue Train departs at 15h00 and arrives at its destination the following day at 10h00. Check in opens 1 hour prior to departure.

Only South African Rands are accepted. All major credit cards can also be used on the train.

The friendly, efficient and highly-trained staff take great pride in resolving your every query and satisfying your every need. From an early morning wake-up call to a blouse in pressing need, one call and your butler will take care of it all. The Train Manager is also on call at all times. In addition, the two highly-trained on-board technicians are always eager to share their knowledge with you.

Children should be kept under strict adult supervision of either their parents/guardians and should not inconvenience other guests. Unfortunately no special meals are available for children and / or infants on the train.

The Blue Train operates with an Electric locomotive and runs on air cushions.

Dietary Requirements and Cuisine

There is a menu for every taste. Whether you require Kosher or Halaal meals, or gluten-free vegan options, simply make your needs known at the time of your reservation.

Meal seating times

Pretoria – Cape Town: High Tea 16:30 | Dinner 19:00 – 20:30 | 20:45 – 22:00 | Breakfast 06:00 – 09:00 | Lunch 11:30 – 13:00 / 13:15 – 14:30

Cape Town – Pretoria: High Tea 16:30 | Dinner 19:00 – 20:30 | 20:45 – 22:00 | Breakfast 06:00 – 09:00 | Lunch 11:30 – 13:00 | 13:15 – 14:30

Pretoria – Hoedspruit: Dinner 18:30 | 20:30 | Breakfast 06:30 – 09:30

Drinking water

Throughout the journey, your personal butler will consistently supply you with bottled water. It is not advisable to drink the tap water.

During the day is smart casual. In keeping with tradition it is a compulsory custom to dress formal for dinner to match the sheer elegance of The Blue Train. Eveningwear is elegant and gentleman are requested to wear a jacket and tie and Ladies elegant. During the day dress code is smart casual.

Wi-Fi and Digital Equipment

All suites are equipped with a private digital interactive entertainment system, with an inviting selection of music CDs and big-screen movies on Blue-Ray DVD. Guests can also enjoy a camera-view from the drivers’ perspective from the comfort of your own suite. All suites are fitted with WI-FI service that is complimentary.

On board, The Blue Train is a smoke free zone. The Club Lounge is the only dedicated smoking area.

It is advisable to pack an overnight bag for the journey, as only a limited amount of luggage can be stored in the suite. Butlers will store additional luggage in the luggage car.

The Boutique shop will be open at certain times where guests will be able to buy hand made jewelery and Blue Train branded momento gifts.

Special Occasions

Special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoon, etc is very important and The Blue Train strives to make it extra special. Kindly inform us of your occasion.

Electrical Current and Adaptors

The train has an electric supply of 220V and a 3-point round wall plug is available in every suite. International adaptors are also available. Each bathroom has 110V/220V 2-pin plugs available for shavers.

An electronic safe is provided in the cupboard in each suite.

The Blue Train’s telephone system allows you to contact your butler or the Train Manager 24-hours-a-day. If you wish to make a local or international call, the staff will gladly assist you to do so, at an additional fee.

Temperature

Guest can control their own temperature as each suite has its own air-conditioning system and under-floor heating. Unfortunately The Blue Train’s windows can not open.

No Pets allowed.

Dangerous Goods

For safety reasons no guest is allowed to bring dangerous goods such as firearms, flammable substances, fireworks, poisonous or toxic substance on board The Blue Train unless special arrangements have been made prior to departure and written permission of such arrangement has been given by The Blue Train management to the guest.

Currency Converter

Tel: +27 (0)21 100 3596 Fax: +27 (0)86 598 0812 Email: [email protected] RSA Co Reg: 2007/049324/23

RESERVATION FORMS

Rovos Rail Shongololo Express The Blue Train Kruger Shalati

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Privacy Overview

*Four Night Journey

• The SA Special discounted offers is an exclusive rate valid to any person who resides on the Africa Continent.
• These offers are only applicable in the Deluxe suite category and available on selected Blue Train departures between Pretoria and Cape Town as advertised.
• The rates are quoted per adult sharing .  Single Travelers and Child’s rates are available on request.
• Hotels are in a package budget and prices are quoted on entry level room categories. Should you wish to book a higher room category or an alternative hotel from our list, we will send you a quotation accordingly.
• Packages that includes flights are booked on low cost carriers and are in a budget off R1’500.00 per person. Should the fare be higher, guests would be requested to pay in the difference. Guests are also welcome to request a preferred airline.
• Flights can only be guaranteed once proof of payment have been received.  Please ensure that the correct names as per ID/Passport is provided as name changes are not permitted.
• All travel services remain subject to availability at the time of making your reservation and packages can be withdrawn without prior notice.
• We are not limited to website offers and can assist with any tailor made package.
• Our standard travel terms and conditions apply.

*Higher rates apply

*Higher rate applies

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Prices are subject to availability and can change due to currency fluctuation tax in/decreases.

High season rates may apply and will be confirmed upon requesting a quotation.

The rates are quoted per adult sharing. Single Travellers and Child’s rates are available on request.

Hotels are in a package budget and prices are quoted on entry level room categories unless otherwise stated. Should you wish to book a higher room category or an alternative hotel from our list, we will gladly send you a quotation accordingly.

• We are not limited to website offers and can assist with tailor made packages.

Our standard travel terms and conditions apply.

**DATES IN COLOR DENOTE THE TRAIN WITH A MAXIMUM CAPACITY OF 82 GUESTS – WITH A PARAPLEGIC SUITE (PARTIALLY WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY)

Get 5% discount on all Blue Train departures for August and September 2019 !

Use Promotion Code: LMPROMO Valid from 12 – 16 August 2019 only. *Terms & Conditions Apply

• These offers are only applicable in the Deluxe suite category and available on Blue Train departures between Pretoria and Cape Town from now until the end of 2020.
• High season rates apply from 01 September to 15 November.
• The Free night hotel offer is available on all Blue Train departures between Pretoria and Cape Town from now until the end of 2020, pre or post departures.
• This offer is only valid on entry level room categories and remains subject to availability.
• Should you wish to book a higher room category or an alternative hotel from our list, we will send you a quotation accordingly.
• Rates are quoted per adult sharing .  Single Travelers and Child’s rates are available on request.

Pullman Suite by day

Pullman Suite - Double Bed

Pullman Suite - Double Bunks

Pullman Suite - Single Bunk

*Train stop for operational purposes

Call Us: +44 (0)20 8191 0620   |  Email Us: [email protected]

Rovos Rail Packages and Pride of Africa Train Prices

Suppose you want to immerse yourself in one of the most incredible world-class travel experiences. In that case, Rovos rail journeys onboard the Pride of Africa train will take you through spectacular mountain ranges, the world-famous Kruger Park, and the incomparable Victoria Falls. If a journey on the most luxurious train in Africa is tugging at your heartstrings, check out our Rovos Rail packages for the height of luxury train travel and the best Pride of Africa train prices.

● Please remember that booking as far ahead as you can in advance is essential for These Rovos trips – especially the longer journeys which can fill nearly 2 years in advance ●

View all the Rovos Rail tours we offer to get your trip going.

Cabin Classes

Full details of the cabin classes available on Rovos Rail Trains.

Life On Board

Learn about life on board the Rovos Rail Luxury Train.

Frequently asked questions about the Rovos Rail Train.

Rovos Rail Train Route Map

The map below shows all the routes and destinations these Rovos Rail rail tours cover through South and Central Africa offering travel opportunites like no other.

Rovos Rail Luxury Train Tours

Below are the rail tours we offer that use the Rovos Rail Luxury Train. Just click on any tour to open a PDF containing all you need to know about the trip.

● Please remember that booking as far ahead as you can in advance is essential for these trains ●

14 Nights From US $ 13,600

Contact us for quotes in other currencies

Eastbound | Lobito In Angola To Dar Es Salaam In Tanzania Via Democratic Republic Of Congo & Zambia

Westbound | Dar Es Salaam In Tanzania To Lobito In Angola Via Zambia & The Democratic Republic Of Congo

15 Nights From US $ 13,600

Cape Town In South Africa To Dar Es Salaam In Tanzania Passing Through Botswana, Zimbabwe & Zambia En Route

16 Nights From US $ 16,500

Dar Es Salaam In Tanzania To Cape Town In South Africa Passing Through Zambia, Zimbabwe & Botswana Along The Way

14 Nights From US $ 14,950

Back for 2025, travel the Copper Trail route from Lobito in Angola to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe passing through the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia along the way.

Superb adventure back for 2025 from the impressive Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to Lobito in Angola following the Copper Trail through Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo.

15 Nights From ZAR Rand 206,000

Pretoria To Walvis Bay | Luxury Rail Journey Through South Africa & Namibia

11 Nights From ZAR Rand 165,000

Pretoria To Walvis Bay | South Africa & Namibia – Etosha Pan & Sossusvlei

Walvis Bay To Pretoria | Namibia & South Africa – Etosha Pan & Sossusvlei

11 Nights From ZAR Rand 135,000

Northbound | Pretoria To Victoria Falls Through South Africa, Mozambique & Zimbabwe

11 Nights from ZAR Rand 135,000

Southbound | Victoria Falls To Pretoria Through South Africa, Mozambique & Zimbabwe

12 Nights From ZAR Rand 138,000

Eastbound | A Journey Through South Africa From Cape Town To Pretoria * Includes Golfing options *

Westbound | A Journey Through South Africa From Pretoria To Cape Town * Includes Golfing options *

9 Nights From ZAR Rand 91,000

Westbound | A Round trip Journey from Pretoria and back designed for golfers and non-golfers.

3 Nights From ZAR Rand 44,300

From Pretoria to the spectacular falls including a Safari in Hwange National Park.

4 Nights From ZAR Rand 44,300

From Pretoria to the spectacular falls including Safaris in Hwange National Park and Matobo Hills.

From the spectacular Falls to Pretoria including a Safari in Hwange National Park.

Westbound | From the spectacular Falls to Pretoria including Safaris in Hwange National Park and Matobo Hills.

3 Nights From ZAR Rand 34,500

Northbound | Journey across South Africa from Cape Town to the Capital via Kimberley Diamond mines.

Southbound | Journey across South Africa from the Capital to Cape Town via Kimberley Diamond mines.

2 Nights From ZAR Rand 31,200

Southbound | Journey across the high veld including a game drive before reaching the coast at Durban.

Northbound | Start on the coast heading north to the capital of Pretoria with a game drive and more along the way.

Rovos Rail Luxury train Gallery

A selection of photos below give a flavour of life on board the Rovos Rail Luxury Train.

The luxury train travel company

Contact us about rovos rail luxury train tours.

We look forward to hearing from you and are happy to answer any questions you have – just email or call us or use the form below.

[email protected]

Tel: +44 (0)20 8191 0620

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How Can We Reach You?

How can we help, which rovos rail trips are you interested in, how did you hear about us, about the rovos rail luxury train.

You can relive the romance and elegance of an era gone by when travelers experienced the wonders and magic of Africa in a casual and elegant way. Classic wood-panelled coaches combine modern technology with old-fashioned comfort.

Accommodation carriages, dining cars (+42 seats), a lounge vehicle (+26 seats), small gift shop and a smoking lounge (+-11) are all available on each train. Each train also has an observation car (+32 seats) with an open-air balcony. In keeping with the spirit of an older era, there is no television set or radio onboard.

All travellers are welcome – couples, singles and groups. There are two-seaters, four-seaters, and a single-seater dining car. Guests can eat together or separately in the cars. The observation and lounge cars with large picture windows, sofas, and booths make great places to mingle or just relax.

Many passengers love the formality of fine china, glassware, crisp line and silver and so dress accordingly. Evening attire is more formal, while smart casual is the norm for days onboard. Long journeys offer themed evenings, where guests can dress up or wear smart casual.

A team of enthusiastic chefs are responsible for ensuring that guests have everything they need. The emphasis is on fresh local ingredients, and traditional dishes are a speciality. The meals are served in one-person dining rooms and are accompanied by fine South African wines.

Travel Through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Congo, Botswana, and Tanzania With The Famous Rovos Rail Pride Of Africa Train

Passengers on Rovos Rail journeys begin their Rovos Rail tours when they depart the stunning colonial-style private Rovos Rail station at Capital Park in Pretoria. As the Rovos train traverses away from Pretoria and heads for the African bush, the Pride of Africa train tour passengers can unwind and relax in the lounge and observation cars or head for their deluxe suites as the train travels towards the first of many spectacular destinations on this Rovos Rail vacation.

As the Rovos Rail luxury train passes sleepily through the spectacular scenery, the pace of life slows down as Southern Africa comes to life. Rovos Rail holidays allow passengers to enjoy many of the finest South African destinations, including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Congo, Botswana, and Tanzania. To learn more about Rovos Rail holiday packages and the cost of your dream Rovos Rail tickets, contact a team member at The Luxury Train Travel Company today!

View Our Immersive Rovos Rail Package Options Offering Some of The Best Pride of Africa Train Prices Around!

A Pride of Africa rail tour is a dream vacation for many, and if it’s your first time or you’re fortunate enough to have traveled on the Rovos train before, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether to visit Table Mountain National Park, do an early morning game drive, visit a diamond mine museum, or stop over at the Addo Elephant Park, a Pride of Africa train holiday can have it all.

If The Pride of Africa train holidays are on your bucket list, view our range of sensational Pride of Africa luxury train packages. We have curated what we believe to be the best Rovos Rail packages, along with some of the most competitive Rovos train prices. Check out the Rovos train tour with the perfect itinerary for you, secure your tickets for 2024 or beyond, and start packing your bags for an incredible luxury journey around South Africa.

Experience Safari, Diamond Mines, Waterfalls, Spectacular Wildlife, and Immersive Culture with Our Many Rovos Rail Package Options

Whether you choose a package that will see you take the Rovos Rail train from Pretoria to Cape Town on the wild Atlantic coast, Pretoria to Victoria Falls, or a Rovos Rail journey past the valley of a Thousand hills towards Durban, you can’t help but to be captivated and in awe of all you’ll see from the observation car on board this luxury train. Our Rovos Rail packages allow you to immerse yourself in the spectacular culture and participate in some incredible off-train excursions.

You can relax on the Pride of Africa Rovos Rail train in a royal suite and enjoy some fine South African wines as the train crosses Southern Africa. Rovos Rail trips allow ample opportunities for passengers to enjoy a game safari, visit the famous copper trail, take a sunset river cruise, take a bush walk, and stop by the site of one of the world’s notorious diamond rushes. Rovos train journeys open up countless unforgettable off-train experiences in South Africa and the Northern Cape.

Our Rovos Rail Luxury Train Tours Will Exceed Your Expectations in Every Way With Unimaginable Scenery and 5-Star Cuisine

Regardless of whether you are departing on your first Rovos train tour or a seasoned traveler onboard, the Pride of Africa Rovos Rail train never fails to charm its passengers. From the luxury of a royal suite with double or twin beds, the lounge, and observation cars to the dining cars , the luxury passengers are greeted by is truly special. You’ll have ample time to take in the spectacular scenery on the Rovos train between stops and excursions.

Dining onboard is also another one of those Rovos Rail specials in 2024 and beyond. The Pride of Africa train dining cars continue with elegant Victorian-style decor complemented by fresh crips linen and flawless service. The incredible chefs will prepare a fabulous array of dishes that include local delicacies and include game served with fresh seasonal ingredients that you can feast on with some fine South African wines.

The Pride of Africa Train Offers Iconic Pre-War Luxury Travel With Some Essential Modern Embellishments

For the vacationer looking for the highest level of luxury train travel luxury, current Rovos Rail prices provide the opportunity to revel in pre-war Victorian opulence with some modern-day conveniences to ensure total comfort. Enjoy Rovos train journeys from the lounge car or a royal suite that gives you half a carriage, twin or double beds, en suite bathroom, and all the creature comforts needed to make Rovos Rail holidays unsurpassable in quality and style.

One of the truly spectacular experiences onboard a Rovos train is being open to the elements on the observation car. It allows your senses to positively come to life with the sights and sounds of Southern Africa as you travel through the African bush. The price of the Rovos rail package you choose will vary depending on your route and off-train activities, but no other train journey provides the unique and luxurious experiences that are to be had from a Pride of Africa train ride.

Learn More About Pride of Africa Train Prices, Schedules, and Our Rovos Rail Specials for 2024

Check out the Rovos Rail schedule in 2024 and book your Rovos Rail tickets for that retirement treat, anniversary surprise, or simply to have a well-deserved holiday of a lifetime onboard one of the world’s most luxurious trains as it journeys through South Africa. Revel in the abundance that is on offer in Southern Africa, from the culture, wildlife, and world-class destinations, and you might be surprised by the Pride of Africa train cost.

The Luxury Train Travel Company has numerous Rovos Rail holiday packages for 2024. Departing from Pretoria with end destinations including Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Durban, Walvis Bay, or Rovos Rail journeys from Victoria Falls and Dar es Salaam to Lobito, you’ll be left amazed by the detailed itineraries available. See the Fish River Canyon, Hwange National Park, and Madikwe Game Reserve, or stay in the Victoria Falls Hotel after you check out with our Rovos Rail trips and Rovos Rail specials.

Interested In Our Rovos Rail Holidays And Embarking On A Pride Of Africa Luxury Train Journey?

If you’re interested in treating yourself to one of The Luxury Train Travel Company once in a lifetime Rovos Rail specials in 2024. Take a closer look at our carefully curated Rovos Rail luxury train holiday packages. You can begin to imagine yourself departing the magnificent Edwardian-styled Pretoria railway station in South Africa and heading out into the South African bush on the luxury adventure you’ve always dreamt of.

Our latest Rovos Rail holiday packages will give you opportunities that only these luxury South Africa train tours can offer. Take a golf safari and play rounds at Leopard Creek and Durban Country Club, take a guided walking tour or sunset cruise, or cross the spectacular 427-meter-long Kafue Railway Bridge. Pride of Africa train holidays offer a host of incredible experiences, and all you need to do is choose which Pride of Africa rail tour catches your imagination the most and book your tickets.

THE MOST POPULAR QUESTIONS

Pride of africa train and rovos rail specials faqs, what countries does the pride of africa train tour visit.

Privately owned, Rovos Rail has been operating out of the city of Pretoria since 1989. The Pride of Africa luxury train travels several spectacular routes throughout South Africa and ventures into other African nations, including Zambia, Namibia, Tanzania, and Botswana.

What is the cost of a Rovos Rail package?

Rovos train cost can vary significantly depending on which Rovos Rails tours package you wanted to book. The 4-day and 3-night Cape Town journey can cost around $1500 if you travel in a pullman suite, or you can 14 nights on The African Trilogy Pride of Africa train tour can be $13-14000 if you choose a deluxe suite. The price of the Rovos Rail package will depend on the number of destinations and length of The Pride of Africa train holiday.

Is Rovos Rail all-inclusive?

When considering the cost of Rovos Rail package choices, almost everything you could want is covered in the cost of The Pride of Africa train ride ticket. You’ll see from the detailed itineraries exactly what is included from arrival to the end of a tour. If you wanted to visit a diamond town or a historic village, take a city tour, or maybe stay longer in The Victoria Falls Hotel at the end of your Rovos train tour, extra costs would be incurred.

What is the difference between Rovos Rail and Blue Train?

Although the Blue Train and Rovos Rail offer passengers many of the same facilities, such as luxury lounges and a beautiful dining car, The Pride of Africa train holidays operate on more routes and give passengers a greater choice of destinations as well as having more opulent Royal suites.

Do I need to book your Rovos rail holiday packages in advance?

It is best to book your Pride of Africa train holiday as far in advance as possible because a Pride of Africa rail tour has limited places onboard, and they are highly popular and sell quickly. The Pretoria and Cape Town journey is a 4-day and 3-night and has a relatively low Rovos rail cost, so if this is the package you choose, try to book several months in advance to ensure you get a ticket.

What is the Rovos rail schedule for 2024?

The Rovos Rail schedule in 2024 will include the Cape Town journey from Pretoria in April, May, June, July, August, and September and the return route in the same months. You can also book Rovos Rail tickets for Pretoria to Durban and Pretoria to Pretoria, passing via the Hluhluwe game drive and Ladysmith. We are also taking bookings for the Dar es Salaam Rovos Rail trips. These are just a few of the Rovos Rail tours that are operating year-round in 2024, and if you have a specific route you want to experience or a specific date when you need to travel, contact a team member at The Luxury Train Travel Company for detailed, up-to-date information regarding Rovos Rail train schedules and The Pride of Africa train cost.

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Explore the world by rail: 10 best international scenic train rides

August 28, 2024 // By Katie Jackson

By Katie Jackson August 28, 2024

Once the only means of getting from point A to B, train travel has never been trendier. Of course, the U.S. has some of the best scenic trains . However, companies in other countries are also investing in scenic railways to keep up with demand. Why not add Japan's most beautiful scenic train rides (home to the world’s only 7-star train ) to your bucket list? Or, consider European classics that cut through the dramatic Swiss Alps or wind their way along Germany’s West Rhine River.

From New Zealand to Canada, there is a track and train for every style of traveler. Whether on a tight budget or looking for luxury, here are the best international scenic railways and routes.

Glacier Express, Switzerland

The Glacier Express bills itself as the world’s slowest express train, so savor the panoramic views from St. Moritz to Zermatt as you sip on premium wines from Graubünden . The eight-hour journey includes three Swiss Cantons and 91 tunnels.

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You’ll also cross an astounding 291 bridges, many of which are architectural feats given the extreme topography. Tickets start at $180. If you want the five-course regional meal, you’ll have to upgrade to Excellence Class (from $530).

Jungfrau Railways, Switzerland

At $127 for a 45-minute journey, it’s not cheap. Still, this thrilling climb through the Bernese Alps from Grindelwald to Jungfraujoch is worth every penny and ear pop. How many people can say they’ve been to the top of Europe? To avoid altitude sickness, stay hydrated. Also, pack sunscreen. Jungfrau Railways operates year-round; the sun is just as intense in winter.

Santa Claus Express, Finland

Forget the North Pole. In Finland, Santa Claus lives in Lapland — Rovaniemi, to be exact. While it’s located on the Arctic Circle, getting to Santa Claus Village from Helsinki couldn’t be easier or more scenic, thanks to the beloved Santa Claus Express . Tickets for the 15-hour journey start at just $25. Choose from traditional or sleeper cars, and take advantage of creature comforts like Wi-Fi, power outlets, and showers on this scenic train ride.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

This luxury train is a time machine to the glamorous 1920s when the rich traveled by rail to Europe’s finest cities. London, Amsterdam, Paris, Prague, or even Istanbul — the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will get you there in style. Just be prepared to spend at least $3,600. All 18 Insta-worthy carriages are well-appointed, and the culinary offerings are world-class.

Rovos Rail, South Africa

Rovos Rail , a luxury hotel on tracks, prides itself on its bespoke train “safaris” that start in South Africa and end as far away as Tanzania. Whether you choose a two-night itinerary or a two-week itinerary, you’ll be treated to some of the Mother Continent’s most stunning vistas on these scenic train rides.

Off-train excursions include game drives, golfing, and even a visit to Victoria Falls. Rates vary wildly by season but expect to pay at least $800 per night.

Oriental Express: Wild Malaysia, Southeast Asia

Passengers on the Eastern & Oriental Express from cosmopolitan Singapore to the dense jungles of Malaysia enjoy 24-hour private steward service. The train also features the only Dior spa in Southeast Asia.

Most passengers rave about the Taman Negara National Park tour and the Penang excursion. Rates for this scenic train ride start at $3,750.

Great Journeys New Zealand

Whether looking for sweeping views of the South Island’s wild Kaikōura Coastline or the best vantage point for viewing the North Island’s famous volcanoes, Great Journeys New Zealand has a route for you. There’s also a cross-island scenic train ride that traverses the rugged Southern Alps. Tickets start at $120. For the best views, spring for a seat in the Scenic Plus Carriage.

The Vietage by Anantara, Vietnam

While the Vietage by Anantara runs on state-owned tracks, that’s about all it has in common with the country’s commercial trains. For starters, there are only two passenger cars, each seating six. Second, quiet luxury is the unspoken theme.

Tickets start at $420, including an exquisite afternoon tea and a complimentary 15-minute back and shoulder massage. The newest route, which takes five hours, covers the coastline between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon.

VIA Rail Canada Winnipeg to Churchill, Canada

Regarding trains in the Great White North, the Rocky Mountaineer is the first to come to mind. But Via Rail Canada's Winnipeg to Churchill scenic trail ride is just as unforgettable. For starters, it feels more off-the-beaten-path. Plus, it ends on Hudson Bay in Churchill, the world's polar bear capital. If you’re lucky, you’ll also see the aurora borealis. Rates for the two-night trip start at $350.

Spirit of the Outback, Australia

Australia’s outback can be overwhelming if you try to see it by car. That’s why locals and travelers rely on the Spirit of the Outback . Give yourself three to four days to explore Brisbane before boarding this scenic train ride, where you’ll spend the next 26 hours traversing through Queensland’s vast and beautiful backyard en route to Longreach. Tickets start at $95.

About Katie Jackson

Katie Jackson is a full-time travel writer and editor whose work has been published by USA TODAY, Travel & Leisure, The Sunday Times, Fodor's and Outside Magazine. She's lived in Southeast Asia, Europe and Central America but home is currently in Montana where she dotes on her massive Leonberger and spends most of her free time hiking and cycling. Her favorite destinations include Northern Thailand, Tenerife and South Africa. 

Read more about Katie Jackson here.

Connect with Katie via: Website | Instagram

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Travel vietnam in this luxury train with fine wine and 3-course meals.

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The Vietage Sit-Up Bar With View

Train travel is all the rage, with Belmond making headlines for its luxe offerings from Scotland, Italy, to Malaysia. In Vietnam, the North-South railway line courses the entire length of the coast. In recent decades, it has become a popular option for tourists to see the country while skipping the carnage and carbon footprint of flying. Now, travelers originating in both Hoi An and Nha Trang have a premium option connecting the two cities through Quy Nhon: The Vietage by Anantara . Launched in 2020 as a way to whisk guests from Anantara’s Hoi An Resort to its newest property, Quy Nhon Villas in Binh Dinh Province, the private carriage debuted its latest route in May 2024, linking the 3 cities across the approximately 315-mile route.

The clientele includes well-heeled travelers who want to skip the airport and journey in style. Couples looking to add a smart leg of slow travel to a romantic trip for their honeymoon. And slow travelers who hate the carnage of airports, and wish to reduce their carbon footprint.

To make the trip more sustainable, Anantara , a part of the Minor hotel group, has enacted a plan that includes strict waste management programs, recycling, and community support programs. Both resorts connected by train, Anantara Hoi An and Quy Nhon Villas, have received Green Growth 2050 certification, with the former receiving Platinum status (the first and only in Vietnam) and the latter earning Gold.

Train on a bend in central Vietnam.

The train staff source ingredients from within Vietnam, eschewing luxury imported foods except Wagyu beef and salmon. On a recent menu, the duck terrine featured a sauce with Da Lat strawberries and a cranberry jam infused with Hoi An spices. Fruit, vegetables, and herbs, along with seafood come from the local fields and waters around Quy Nhon. Teas and coffees are sourced from local, ethical brands from Vietnam, while the still and sparkling water is filtered, carbonated, and bottled at the on-site plant at Anantara Hoi An. Waste and scraps return to Hoi An in the evenings to be segregated into either recycling, compost, or general waste. Anantara’s zero single-use plastic policy applies to The Vietage, too.

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Finally, the Dollars for Deeds program donates $1 per ticket to The Kianh Foundation, a not-for-profit charity providing a full-time, customized, special needs curriculum for children with disabilities in the Quang Nam Province of Central Vietnam. Of course, train travel in and of itself, limits one’s carbon footprint as compared to air travel. (Read more about sustainable travel here .)

The interior car on The Vietage.

The Vietage covers an approximately 330-mile span of Central Vietnam, connecting Hoi An, Quy Nhon, and most recently, Nha Trang. Through big picture windows, guests watch rural life unfurl as the train phases through thinning cityscapes into an emerald-hued countryside of rice fields cut by rivers and ponds. Motorbikes pile up at railroad crossings; sampans, or traditional wooden fishing boats, traverse rivers, and waterways; farmers donning conical nón lá hats made of woven leaves, work the fields planting rice–or is that the Vietnamese version of a scarecrow in a red cotton shirt and hat?

The Vietage around a bend in Vietnam.

Forested mountains offer a scenic backdrop, hinting at the hinterland’s topography, while red brick towers rising from distant fields inform its history. The region, along with nearby swaths of Laos and Cambodia, was once was once the domain of the forgotten kingdom of Champa, the towers, its former citadels and temples. At its peak between the 7th and 10th centuries, the Cham controlled key routes of the spice and silk trade, eventually falling to the Vietnamese in the 1400s.

Each of the two carriages features six private compartments with two seats (or one sleeper on the night journey) to accommodate a total of 12 passengers. Gray upholstered banquettes framed in dark wood are partly shielded by rattan cane screens and thick cream-colored curtains. The elegant design pays a nod to Indochine style, thanks to Hoang Le Ha, director of ShapeUs Studio in Ho Chi Minh City. Each booth has an international electrical outlet and large picture window. The well-appointed bar car features a semi-circular stone slab framed in black leather stools.

Dinner of beef and wine on the Vietage.

Morning travelers heading south on the route from Hoi An to Quy Nhon enjoy a light breakfast of warm pastries including croissants and pain au chocolat served with local coffee or tea. A few hours later, staff pre a three-course menu selected in advance. Dishes take inspiration from regional flavors and ingredients such as Quy Nhon seafood salad with green papaya, carrot and mint, and a green bean and quinoa salad peppered with lemongrass, tofu, peanuts and Hoi An chili sauce.

Mains include Hoi An chicken rice, and a braised wagyu beef neck accented with local vegetables of carrots and zucchini with green tea and sesame jus. Desserts infused the flavors of Vietnamese fruits like a dragon fruit compote atop a passion fruit tart, and strawberries sourced from the famous mountain city of Da Lat, served with coconut yogurt and local basil.

Wines by the glass range from a sparkling from Australia, Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Chardonnay from Chile, and an Italian Primitivo. Spirits enthusiasts can dive into a selection of Vietnamese gins highlighted through specialty cocktails, a gin and tonic, or simply neat to sip and explore. Guests looking to bump up their wine experience can select from a reserve bottle list featuring Champagne, white Burgundy, Barolo, and Bordeaux.

The Vietage Bar Car.

As far as amenitites, it’s a trainn car, so it’s light on extras—but a small massage room provides a moment of calm while guests receive a 15-minute shoulder and back rub in a kneeling chair. Beneath the seat is a box with blankets, a neck pillow, and slippers. Complimentary Wi-fi keeps you connected, though you’re better off living in the moment by disconnecting.

Anantara’s The Vietage makes two trips daily, a morning run, and an evening route, linking Hoi An and Nha Trang, while stopping at Dieu Tri Station outside the port town Quy Nhon, along the way.

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The 8 Coolest Train Trips You Can Take

All aboard!

With air travel continuing to be more and more unstable, many are reverting to the old ways of transportation for their next getaway— road trips , cruises, and, yes, train travel . Both in the United States and worldwide, there are many scenic routes that are worth the lengthier journey. Imagine hopping on and off a train between vineyards in Napa, ascending more than 10,000 feet for a stellar view of one of the world’s most famous mountains, or enjoying a murder mystery-themed train that doesn't skimp on either luxury or entertainment.

Whatever your preferred journey may be, these eight train trips are definitely bucket list-worthy.

Gornergrat-Bahn

Switzerland is synonymous with train travel, thanks in part to the impeccably clean coaches, reliably accurate timetables, and striking landscapes found in every region. Visit Zermatt, a car-free village at the base of the Matterhorn. While the city itself offers an impressive view of the mountain, a ride aboard the Gornergrat-Bahn climbs more than 10,000 feet into the Alps for an even better view. From here, you can view glaciers, ski runs, and the amazing Alps as far as the eye can see, plus enjoy immersive experiences, an onsite restaurant, and more.

British Pullman

Belmond trains are in a class of luxury all their own, and while any route is sure to memorable, this England-based journey transports passengers back to the 1950s. While sipping champagne and enjoying a five-course meal, things begin to seem amiss as costumed actors wander the cars adding to the mystery. Spend your time both enjoying the Kent countryside and helping solve a murder in this clever immersive experience.

The Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West

The Rocky Mountaineer operates luxury train routes throughout the Rocky Mountains in both the United States and Canada. You can’t go wrong with any journey, but the “ First Passage to the West ” is extra special. Beginning in Vancouver, passengers can see snow-capped mountains and glistening waters before routing through the lakes in Kamloops. Ultimately, passengers arrive in Banff National Park and the beautiful Lake Louise.

GoldenPass Express

Switzerland has no shortage of stunning routes, but the brand new GoldenPass Express journey shouldn’t be missed. Connecting the Interlaken region (which is largely German) to Montreux (which is more French), the train introduces innovation in both technology and design, as well as a new passenger class. The Prestige Class includes seats that heat, recline, and even swivel so passengers can change their view. The route is included with the popular Swiss Travel Pass.

Napa Valley Wine Train

You’ll need to leave the keys behind during a visit to Napa Valley’s historic vineyards, so the Wine Train has your transportation covered. Board a 100 year old train car for a six-hour journey through the valley, stopping at a handful of prominent vineyards for tastings along the way. While on board, enjoy a welcome glass of bubbles, a four-course meal, and plush interiors while cruising through stunning landscapes.

Eurostar from London to Paris

The innovation of this trip alone earns it a spot on the list. While the interiors may be comparable to a commuter airplane, the high-speed journey connects two bustling cities in a trip that takes just over two hours. The journey is possible thanks to the Channel Tunnel, which opened in 1994 and burrows 75 meters underneath the English Channel. At 31.5 miles long, it’s the world’s longest undersea tunnel.

The Orient Express La Dolce Vita

A tale as old as time, the Orient Express began operation in 1883, charming travelers with its unparalleled decor and quality dining options. While a replicated experience won’t be available until 2025, climb aboard the La Dolce Vita journey through Italy operated by the same company. Destination options include stops in Venice, Rome, Siena, Portofino, Montalcino, and more.

Hiram Bingham

The Hiram Bingham train from Belmond is an ultra-lux way to travel to the Lost City of the Incas. Beginning in Cusco, Peru, traveling through the Sacred Valley, this roundtrip adventure ultimately arrives at the entrance of Machu Picchu. You'll also enjoy a cocktail, brunch and gourmet Peruvian lunch, as well as stunning views both in the early morning and evening.

Kellie Walton is a freelance writer based in Nashville, Tennessee. When she’s not eating and adventuring her way around the world, she’s busy telling stories related to all things travel – including city guides, hotel and restaurant recommendations, travel hacks and tales of her own adventures (and misadventures).

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