All aboard the world's best train rides: From Michelin-starred dining through Tuscan vineyards to Switzerland's Alpine 'Glacier Express' and the peaks and valleys of Scotland

As more Britons plump for elegant train rides over cramped commercial flights, it seems we are, officially, witnessing a renaissance of rail travel – where white tablecloths, fine dining and plush, red velvet train seats reign supreme.Indeed, as Charles Dickens once said: 'I am never sure of time or place upon a railroad, I can't read, I can't think, I can't sleep - I can only dream.'But with so many routes vying for attention, choosing where to go – and, indeed, how to get there – can be a challenge. To help narrow down the options, Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards has revealed the world’s best train trips, spanning spectacular Swiss routes, chic European journeys and jaw-dropping options further afield.Whether you’re chasing adventure, five-star luxury or breathtaking scenery, these are the train trips to put on your wish list – and the perfect inspiration for your next getaway.1. Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland In the top spot is the Royal Scotsman, A Belmond TrainAs the train weaves through the awe-inspiring peaks and valleys of Scotland, you can settle into your luxury cabin while being serenaded by bagpipes.With 18 sleeper cabins, two dining cars and a lavish Dior spa, the Belmond train offers incredible trips, including a three-night Highland tour passing through Edinburgh, Keith, Kyle of Lochalsh and Boat of Garten, as well as a seven-night Grand Tour of Scotland.In 2026, the train has introduced a 'Tastes of Scotland Culinary Series', a celebration of Scottish cuisine across three exclusive journeys.Shorter journeys start from £4,500 per person, making this a once-in-a-lifetime break for many.2. Rovos Rail, Africa Rovos Rail operates across southern Africa, from South Africa to Namibia and TanzaniaFounded in 1989, Rovos Rail has its headquarters at the Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, South Africa, but it offers train journeys all over Africa.There are three classes of cabin. Pullman Suites come with convertible sofa beds, Deluxe Suites feature a twin or double bed and a lounge area. Royal Suites have king-size beds and a bathroom with a roll-top bath.There are nine different itineraries to choose from, lasting between three and 15 nights.The shorter routes take passengers from Pretoria to destinations such as Cape Town – passing through landscapes such as the Highveld grasslands and Great Karoo desert – and Victoria Falls, traversing Botswana and Zimbabwe en route.The longer trips, meanwhile, carry travellers from the west to the east coast of Africa and along the Copper Trail.3. Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, UK In third place is the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond trainThe Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, offers guests a three-night journey through picturesque landscapes aboard a service boasting 18 'extraordinary' cabins. It travels from London to Cornwall, Wales, the Lakes and beyond.On board, you will find a whole host of amenities adding to the comfort and luxury of your experience.For instance, there's a wellbeing suite, observation car, bar and all-inclusive meals and drinks. 4. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe Venice Simplon-Orient-Express joins the ranking in fourth place Aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, you can travel to destinations including Paris and Venice, with extended routes to Vienna and Prague, in what can only be described as the utmost glamour.1920s carriage accommodation includes historic cabins, suites, grand suites, and the extraordinary L'Observatoire, a private carriage designed in collaboration with world-acclaimed French street artist JR.Each category has been restored or designed to reflect the heritage of the train, with grand suites offering additional space, private bathrooms and 24-hour dedicated butler service.An uber-exclusive Paris-Istanbul journey is the creme de la creme of luxury, taking place only twice a year, and costing around £19,900 per person.5. The Maharajas Express, India Up next - further afield - is India's Maharajas ExpressThe Maharajas Express is one of the country's more luxurious travel options. Here, live bands play music for departing passengers.Measuring almost half-a-mile in length, it runs four routes that take round trips from Delhi, and from Delhi to Mumbai and back.The cabins of the train are set inside carriages named after gemstones, and there are four types to choose from: deluxe, junior suites, suites and a presidential suite.Ticket prices for a deluxe cabin on the three-night Treasures of India itinerary start at $4,000 (£3,025), while the presidential suite costs up to $26,800 (£20,268).6. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada Rocky Mountaineer offers a luxury scenic train ride for those who like to sit back and take in the nature's beautyThe Vancouver-based train line Rocky Mountaineer has been running three routes within Canada (Vancouver to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper) since it was founded in 1990. The first – and most popular – route follows the Canadian Pacific line through the Fraser Canyon and Kicking Horse Pass.The sumptuous trains, gourmet meals and smartly dressed staff proved such a hit that the rail operator branched out with a US route in 2021. 7. British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England Belmond British Pullman passenger trains take you through the stunning UK countryside'Onboard the British Pullman train, each rail experience is a journey back to the golden age of travel to create lasting memories across the UK,' says the operator's website.With restored 1920s and 1930s carriages, you can expect fine dining and an atmosphere of opulence.This winter, book a Christmas lunch experience from London Victoria Station through the British countryside, accompanied by a five-course meal and wine to top it off.8. Golden Eagle Danube Express, Europe In eighth place on the list is the Golden Eagle Danube ExpressOnboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express, dubbed a luxury 'hotel on wheels', you can take the exquisite journey from Istanbul to Paris (alongside other shorter route options).The train's website professes: 'You’ll journey from the shores of the Bosphorus to the boulevards of Paris, crossing landscapes shaped by empires, trade and cultural exchange. 'Along the way, discover the architectural heritage of Sofia and Belgrade, experience a private concert in Vienna, explore Slovenia’s extraordinary Postojna Cave and raise a glass in the vineyards of Champagne.'Be prepared to pay, though – the mammoth journey costs from a reported €19,900 (£16,684).9. The Ghan, Australia Joining the list is The Ghan, which crosses the vast Australian terrainThe top train in Australia is The Ghan, which goes from north to south.With 44 carriages and two locomotives all measuring at 0.7 miles in length, The Ghan is one of the longest trains in the world.The journey takes four days and three nights, and departs on Wednesdays and Saturdays from March to November.Occasionally, the train stops early morning (around 5.30am to 6am) if there's a particularly good sunrise.Prices start from £2,119 per person. 10. Northern Belle, UK The Northern Belle is a top choice in the UKThe Northern Belle was launched in 2000 and has since gained a reputation as one of the world's most luxurious trains.With 1930s Pullman-style carriages and luxe interiors, taking a trip on this train is a real ride back in time.And for the upcoming festive season, the day-excursion trains are offering a Christmas Lunch journey from £445, with a champagne welcome and seven-course meal.11. Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia The Eastern & Oriental Express train travels through Southeast Asia, linking the trio of tropical countries of Thailand, Malaysia and SingaporeThe Eastern & Oriental Express train journeys start and end at a combination of three locations: Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, and Bangkok, capital of Thailand.The leisurely train journey takes in the rubber plantations and palm trees of the Malaysian countryside and the paddy fields of Thailand, where golden temples and statues of the Buddha can be glimpsed between the trees. The carriages of the train are painted a handsome dark green and gold. The staff, too, are elegantly attired in Thai-inspired uniforms. Cabin stewards and waiters wear crisp white jackets and richly coloured silk waistcoats while female staff are dressed in long skirts with pink silk jackets. 12. Glacier Express, Switzerland Switzerland's Glacier Express is a Christmas and winter treatWith its eight-hour journey, Matterhorn views and unobstructed Alpine panoramas, there's no wonder this is one of the most sought-after Christmas rides.Those wanting to hop onboard will have to be quick off the mark, though: the Glacier Express frequently sells out during the peak Yuletide season, especially during the weeks of Christmas and New Year.If you're keen to jump on board to enjoy the landscape between Zermatt and St Moritz, you'll need to be prepared.Bookings can be made up to 93 days in advance for first and second class. It's worth bearing in mind, though, that to travel on the Glacier Express you need both a seat reservation and a valid ticket. Prices for both of these combined can start from CHF 213 (£193).13. La Dolce Vita Orient Express, Italy La Dolce Vita Orient Express made its debut in 2025Last year, La Dolce Vita Orient Express, the first Italian-made luxury train, made its debut – with much fanfare. The interiors are designed by Milan's Dimorestudio and pay homage to Italy in the 1950s and 1960s, the time of actors such as Sophia Loren.You can certainly see the glitz and glamour in the cabin and train design too, with a nod to the art deco period and a definite air of luxury.Guests can indulge in gastronomy served by Michelin-staredr chef Heinz Beck.The eight itineraries to choose from span the vineyards of Tuscany, to the beaches of Sicily and the canals of Venice.14. Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train, Peru Up next is the Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train, in PeruThe Belmond Andean Explorer is a super-luxury piece of transport, taking passengers from Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, to the reflective beauty of Lake Titicaca, onto Arequipa, a Unesco World Heritage site.Customers can choose from a range of cabins for their accommodation, including suite/double, twin and bunk bed configurations.These bedrooms all come with their own en suite toilet and shower.There are also two dining cars where chefs from Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, will serve up dishes using locally sourced ingredients from the Peruvian Andes.Prices start from £2,500.15. Indian Pacific, Australia Rounding out the list is the Indian Pacific, AustraliaIn Australia, the fabulous Indian Pacific sleeper train goes across from Perth to Sydney. The distance? A staggering 4,352km (2,704 miles). The first Indian Pacific rolled out of Sydney on February 23, 1970, becoming the first direct train to cross the continent.