The Top 10 Trains to Jump on Board for your Next Big Trip!

There are so many different forms of transportation to choose from, and each carries its own perk. You can shorten that travel time by flying between your destinations, or if you’re looking to meet other travelers, gain a sense of community by cruising from place to place. If the countryside is what you want, then drive down the coast through the rolling landscapes, but what if you can’t decide? Well combine all those benefits into one, and listen for the call… All aboard! Make a train part of your next itinerary! Combine the high-speed thrill down the tracks, with the passing views of breathtaking landscapes. Gain a sense of community as you eat exciting new cuisine in the dining car, and share cocktails in the lounge. Combine this traditional form of transportation with the culture of an exotic country, and the luxury you would expect of a 5-star hotel. Where do you find this? Check out our Top 10 Trains across the globe, and finally, plan that action packed trip!

Peru: Hiram Bingham

With the luxury you would expect from the Orient Express, The Hiram Bingham train will let you travel between Cusco and Machu Picchu in style. Leaving from Poroy Station; 20 minutes outside of the city, travelers have a much more relaxed departure. Arrival to the station begins with the delicious Peruvian cocktail, Pisco Sours, and a medley of music and dancing. With a beautiful bar and observation car, you can watch as the train descends through the breathtaking scenery. Down through the Sacred Valley, onto the magnificent foothills of the Andes Mountains, and past the colorful villages and lush fields, you will have endless opportunities for ideal photo shots. With an outdoor platform where live music is often played and the ultimate comfort inside with plenty of seating, you can sit back with a Pisco Sour, relax, and enjoy the evening. With a 42-seat dining car, indulge in the delectable Peruvian cuisine during brunch on the way to Machu Picchu, and then dinner on your return. Enjoy local wines and liquors, surrounded by gorgeous china, silver, and linens, and simply bask in the fantastic ambiance of the Hiram Bingham.

Africa: Blue Train

            The Blue Train is an African treasure that travels between Pretoria and Cape Town. The 27-hour journey covers 994 miles and will bring you across the magnificent landscapes of South Africa. There are two train sets, with one taking up to 74 passengers, and the other up to 58 passengers. The Blue Train has two incredible accommodations. The deluxe suites have either a double bed with a bathroom and tub, or two twin beds with a shower. Step up to the luxury suites, and enjoy the relaxation and room with three compartments, all of which have a shower and a tub. All accommodations come with an audio CD player, large-screen DVD systems, air-conditioning, and for cold weather, additional heating is provided under the marble tiles of most bathrooms. The 42-seat diner treats you to gourmet African cuisine. With multi-course meals, enjoy an extensive wine list, and complimentary drinks both in the dining room and at the bar. With two beautifully decorated classic lounges, you can either enjoy the main lounge which serves afternoon tea daily, or the club lounge which is the only area you can sit back with a tasty cigar. There is no better way to enjoy an afternoon drink than in the rear lounge car, with a giant window that gazes out onto the landscapes. Give into the love and excitement of Africa on the Blue Train.

Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Laos: Eastern and Oriental Express

Thought to be carrying on the Golden Age of travel, the Eastern and Oriental Express seeps adventure and luxury. Traveling through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Laos, this train covers 1,262 miles of majestic mountains, lush forests, lively towns, and breathtaking temples. There are several routes you can take through these beautiful South-East Asian destinations while staying in the comfortable cabins that the Eastern and Oriental have to offer. From the comfortable pullman cabins to the deluxe presidential cabins, all accommodations are fully-air conditioned, with full bathrooms and showers. The magnetic décor, 24-hour steward service, international electric sockets, and a personal safe and hairdryer are a few extras that will enhance your trip even more. Get lost in the passing landscapes of the observation car, where you can enjoy a cocktail within the colonial “veranda” ambiance. With internationally renowned chefs, enjoy the lavish cuisine on the two dining carts, where you will have a delectable lunch and dinner. Your breakfast of croissants, coffee and tea, juices, and fruit will be elegantly served to your compartment each morning. While traveling through the lands of mysterious and ancient South-East Asian culture, let yourself sink into the luxury of the Eastern and Oriental Express.

India: Palace on Wheels

Take a spin through enchanted India on the Palace on Wheels. This luxurious train will take you on a cultural tour through Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur, and Agra. Equipped with 14 fully air-conditioned deluxe saloons, bask in the world-class amenities that the Palace on Wheels has to offer. Each room has a combination of four twin bedded chambers, channel music, attached bathrooms with a shower, running hot and cold water, wall to wall carpeting, and fantastic décor. The 14 coaches allow for the rest and relaxation you seek with aesthetics and interiors that represent that of the royal past. Each saloon has a mini pantry and lounge, with refreshments, and hot and cold beverages. With two restaurants, the Palace on Wheels offers delectable cuisines that offer native tastes from India, China, and continental dishes. From Keoladeo Ghana National Park to the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace), the Palace on Wheels will carry you through the history of exotic India in style.

Ecuador: Tren Crucero

Travel through Ecuadorian History on the Tren Crucero. This 54 passenger train has a beautifully constructed traditional design, traveling to and from Quito and Guayaquil. Through the enchantment of Cotopaxi National Park, the Tren Crucero will bring you past amazing sites, and to exciting guided excursions. Enjoy a light appetizer on the first two carriages, furnished with comfortable tables and chairs. For a warm pick me up, head to the third carriage where you’ll find an aroma-filled coffee bar and a toasty lounge. This relaxing setting will let you take in the scenery and talk with your fellow travelers. The last carriage will take your breath away. The open terrace with large panoramic windows will make you feel like you’re flying through the majestic landscapes alongside the train. On your way to Guayaquil, stop and have lunch at an authentic local hacienda, and then on the trek back to Quito, you’ll stop at a fun coastal ranch. You’ve seen Ecuador for the enchanting Galapagos, so now see the magnificent inland on the Tren Crucero.

Africa: Rovos Rail

Explore all of Africa on the Rovos Rail. This high-class machine can conquer many different routes, but traveling from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam is one of the most famous train journeys in the world. Hit the wonders of South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania, while absorbing magnificent landscapes, crystal waters, and endless African wildlife. From the Madikwe Game Reserve to the Victoria Falls, bask in the excitement that Africa has to offer, from the comfort and luxury of the Rovos Rail. Find rest and relaxation in the royal, Pullman, and deluxe suites; all with comforting air-conditioning, pleasant décor, and a bathroom with a shower and/or tub. Large observation cars at the end of the train are constructed with open-air balconies and enlarged panoramic windows. After taking in the fresh air, sink into the deep sofas and wing-back chairs, and enjoy the comfort of the lounge cars. These cars are used for lectures during the Dar es Salaam journey and have a discreet, yet eclectic gift shop. Before you head to dinner, enjoy that exotic cigar on the club car, and then at the ring of the gong, throw on that formal wear, and head to one of the beautiful dining cars. With classic wood trimmings and button-leather seats, eat in complete opulence. Let yourself travel through some of the more fascinating countries of the world, and enjoy the history, culture, and elegance of the Rovos Rail.

Copper Canyon, Mexico: Chihuahua-Pacifico Train

            Thought to be one of the most scenic train rides in the world, The Chihuahua-Pacifico Train that dives through Copper Canyon in Mexico is a thrilling journey. Traveling through 85 tunnels, and over 37 bridges, the “El Chepe” traverses 408 miles through the Sonoran-Sinaloan transition tropical forest, the Western Sierra Madre, skirts the Copper Canyon, and ends in the mystic Chihuahuan Desert. Traveling through some of the most biologically outstanding and diverse habitats on the planet since 1961, the Chihuahua-Pacifico Train provides passengers with world-class service. In 1998, Ferrocarril Mexicano (Ferromex), owner of the CHEPE train, completely renovated the railway and the Express First Class railcars. Every train has two or three passenger cars with 64 seats, a dining car with meals a la carte, and a full-service bar. Food and beverages are not included in the price, but the cars have both air conditioning and heating, with the extreme comfort of reclining seats, and eco-friendly toilets. Furthermore, every car has its own porter to provide first-class service and attention to each boarded passenger. Need an escape? The Chihuahua-Pacifico Train in the Copper Canyon should do the trick.

Argentina: Train to the Clouds

One of the highest railways in the world, the Train to the Clouds (Tren a las Nubes) is located in Northwest Argentina. Reaching a height of 4,200 meters, the train travels 134 miles starting from the city of Salta, passing through the Valle de Lerma, on to the Quebrada del Toro and finally reaching La Puna. With spirals, twists, and turns, the Train to the Clouds brings you on an adventure through Argentinian history. With 468 passengers, the Tren a las Nubes has an assistant for each car and a very helpful tourism information guide on board. With a snack bar and restaurant, you can enjoy a cup of coffee while gazing at the majestic landscapes rushing by or indulge in a tasty menu with various three-course meals. Over 16 hours, you’ll make two stops where you’ll visit local villagers who have amazing craftwork, clothes, and regional products at a picturesque market stand. Jump on board for the excitement of a roller coaster, and the serenity of Argentina’s beauty.

India: Deccan Odyssey

There’s nothing like inhaling the exotic aromas of India from the luxury of the Deccan Odyssey. Over the course of seven nights, take a journey through the enchanted areas of Mumbai, Sindhudurg, Goa, Vasco, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, Ajanta and Nashik. Rest in comfort in one of the three accommodations provided; queen bed deluxe cabins, twin bed deluxe cabins, and the presidential suites. With each option, you’ll enjoy an electronic safe, attached bathroom with a shower, channel music, wall to wall carpeting, and fantastic décor. With two restaurants, give into your taste buds with fantastic Indian cuisine. Enjoy the rest and relaxation that the Deccan Odyssey provides, and head to the bar and lounge to converse with those fellow travelers. With a full bar, observe the amazing scenery as it rushes by. As for the reason the Deccan Odyssey stands out above them all; it’s the first train to introduce a spa on such a fast form of transportation! With an array of rejuvenating therapies, the spa offers everything from massages and beauty treatments, to a sauna or steam bath. Make your reservation today for the Deccan Odyssey, and enjoy a 5-star resort on wheels.

Peru: Andean Explorer

Starting and ending with Peru, we can’t leave out our 2^nd favorite train from the country, the Andean Explorer. Full of life and luxury, this train travels up through the mountains, clouds, and highlands. From Cusco to Puno, the Andean Explorer heads through green landscapes full of willow and eucalyptus trees.  You’ll visit the Andahuaylillas church, one of the crown jewels of the colonial Cusco. From passing the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes to the saturated landscapes of the Andean culture, this train will be a time machine through years of Peruvian wonders. While gazing at the passing treasures, enjoy onboard entertainment, and a gourmet lunch. Get thrown in the Peruvian culture with a fantastic and fun fashion show of native clothing. After the rush of elevations as high as 14,150 ft, put your feet up and take a deep breath with a soothing afternoon tea. The Andean Explorer will let you experience the Peruvian countryside in a more intimate nature. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity, and plan your trip today.

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