It’s been a messy year for air travel, from increasing costs to headline-making airport headaches.
As rising jet fuel prices put new pressure on airfares and push up plane ticket prices, it could boost alternative modes of travel, such as train travel.
Amtrak is already seeing ridership rise as flights strain travelers’ already-tight budgets, Forbes reported.
Rising air fares aren’t the only factor pushing people to consider taking the trains, either. In the years since the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have already turned to the slow, sustainable option that trains provide —and luxury train operators have noticed, offering a growing variety of opulent experiences worldwide.
These days, luxury trains offer perks far beyond the nicest airplane seats, from plush interiors in first-class cabins to free-flowing Champagne, and, in some cases, vanities decked out with designer toiletries.
Most recently, Amtrak’s launch of the NextGen Acela, which runs faster than the previous Acela fleet, has brought attention to elevated train travel options in the US.
This boom in high-end rail experiences is fueling what travel experts have termed a new “golden age” of train travel.
From hand-carved wall details to lavish spread of meals on board, here’s what traveling in first-class train cabins looks like across the world.
The Paris grand suites on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The grand suites on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which travels through Italy and Western Europe, have 24-hour butler service and marble en-suite bathrooms.
Guests occupying these suites are served free-flowing Champagne and can opt for private, in-cabin dining.
The Istanbul suite on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express
One of the grand suites on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the Istanbul suite, which has hand-carved wall details.
Passengers can dine in their sumptuous suites or venture to one of the train’s four restaurants and bar cars for a gourmet meal or cocktail.
The royal suites on Rovos Rail
The royal suite onboard Rovos Rail, which has routes throughout southern Africa, features spacious accommodations spanning half a train car.
Guests have access to a private lounge area and an en-suite bathroom with a Victorian-style tub. There’s also a mini-fridge stocked with beverages and snacks, as well as a host available on-call.
The GoldLeaf class on the Rocky Mountaineer
The Rocky Mountaineer train, which travels through the Canadian Rockies, offers two classes: SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf. GoldLeaf is its equivalent to first class, and it includes a car with glass ceilings, offering passengers uninterrupted views of the landscape.
GoldLeaf also offers sit-down, gourmet meals, outdoor viewing platforms, and service from tour guides who point out passing landmarks and wildlife.
The suite cabin on the Andean Explorer
On the Andean Explorer, which travels through Peru, a stay in one of the train’s suite cabins is a true first-class experience, complete with a robe and slippers, 24/7 assistance buttons, and a spacious, private room with a double bed, closet, and an en-suite bathroom.
The interior, too, pays touching tribute to Peru with walls draped in linen and cozy leather seating.
The presidential suite on the Eastern & Oriental Express
Passengers who book the presidential suite, the most luxurious cabin onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, can lounge in comfort. The ornate cabins feature an en-suite shower and restroom and are fully air-conditioned.
The suite comes with a minibar and a massive picture window.
At night, attendants turn the couches into beds and equip the room with bathrobes and slippers. After a good night’s rest, passengers can enjoy a complimentary breakfast brought to their door.
The imperial suite on the Golden Eagle
Formerly known as the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, the Golden Eagle now travels through Central Asia on the company’s Silk Road collection after suspending service in Russia.
Its imperial suite is the most spacious cabin on the train, with a lounge area, in-cabin dining, a private en-suite bathroom, a stocked minibar, and heated floors.
The grand suites on The Britannic Explorer
Belmond’s Britannic Explorer travels from London, and guests can select from three separate routes covering Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales.
London-based studio Albion Nord designed the train’s 18 cabins, including three grand suites. These suites feature a double bed, an ensuite bathroom, and a marble dining table. Guests also have access to a personal butler and a complimentary spa treatment.
The suite cabins on La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Since debuting last year, La Dolce Vita trains have traversed through 14 regions of Italy, including Sicily.
One of the accommodations onboard is the suite cabins, which feature a sofa, two armchairs, a full-size bed, and a private bathroom. Guests can either opt for room service or enjoy a selection of Italian delicacies at the dining car, helmed by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck.
The premier class on Eurostar
Eurostar travels between cities, including Amsterdam, Paris, and London.
Passengers who book first class, or “premier,” get a larger seat, plus a free meal and drinks. They’re also allowed to bring more luggage than other travelers and have access to full-service lounges where they can grab a bite or sip cocktails ahead of their journey.
The gran class on Hokuriku Shinkansen
The highest class onboard Japan’s Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train is “gran class,” which has automated, reclining leather seats and comes with free meals, snacks, and drinks.
Passengers can also get comfortable thanks to blankets, eye masks, and slippers.
The prima class on Italo
The Italian high-speed train, Italo, offers a “prima” car with seats with more legroom and elbowroom than cars in other classes.
Passengers can also enjoy free WiFi and pay extra for exclusive lounge access at some Italian train stations. Traveling in “prima” class also includes free wine and Prosecco, as well as reclining seats.
The first class on TGV
France’s TGV train offers first-class cars with more spacious seating than its regular class.
These cars have reclining seats and options to book a solo seat for peace and quiet during a long trip.
First-class car on Amtrak’s NextGen Acela
On the newest NextGen fleet of the Amtrak Acela, passengers can enjoy spacious seats that feature outlets in between seats.
The launch coincides with the introduction of a new first-class menu designed by restaurateur Stephen Starr, which includes items like charred chicken, ricotta ravioli, and crab enchiladas, per Amtrak. The menu is available on all Acela routes.
First-class seats on Fuxing
One of China’s high-speed trains, Fuxing, offers comfy seats and attendants who serve food and drinks throughout the journey.
Compared with the train’s second-class cars, passengers in a first-class car have seats with charging ports and ample room to relax.
Darcy Schild and Elana Klein contributed to an earlier version of this article.
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