THE WORLD’S BEST LUXURY TRAIN RIDES REVEALED FOR 2025
- Brian Westlake
- May 9
- 2 min read

Today’s travellers chase cultural immersion, sustainability, and slow-paced journeys that let them take in the view. Enter the luxury train revival.
To find the most sought-after rides, Japan Rail Pass has crunched the numbers on top luxury trains worldwide, using TripAdvisor reviews, Instagram tags, and global search volumes. The result is a top 10 list of the most in-demand luxury train experiences in 2025.
Australia’s own The Ghan comes in at number five, scoring an impressive 8.5/10 — just behind the famed Rovos Rail in South Africa.
Here's the top five luxury train trips
Rocky Mountaineer (Canada) – With a score of 8.88/10, this iconic ride tops the list. Travelling through the Canadian Rockies, it features glass-domed carriages and regionally inspired meals. The train racks up over 60,000 Instagram hashtags and 48,000 monthly searches.
Napa Valley Wine Train (USA) – Vintage carriages and vineyard views earn this California-based train a score of 8.81/10. It’s tagged in 17,000 Instagram posts and searched 29,000 times a month.
GoldenPass Express (Switzerland): This route travels from lakeside Montreux to Interlaken and blends water views with mountainscapes, scoring 8.62/10.
Rovos Rail (South Africa) – Known for its elegant wood-panelled interiors and fine dining, Rovos Rail earns 8.55/10
The Ghan (Australia) – This legendary route spans from Adelaide to Darwin, crossing the heart of the country. It averages 22,000 monthly searches — the second highest in the study — and boasts a 4.3-star TripAdvisor rating.
Japan also features prominently in the top ten, with the Twilight Express Mizukage taking ninth place.
Haroun Khan, Founder of JR Pass, says Japan’s growing reputation for experiential rail travel is helping to reshape how people explore the country.
Haroun Khan, Founder of JR Pass, said: "When people think of trains in Japan, high-speed travel might immediately come to mind.
"But including the Twilight Express and Seven Stars within the world’s most luxurious train rankings showcases the finer experiences that rail travel in Japan can bring.
"With sightseeing and experiential travel being key motivators for tourists to visit Japan and other beautiful destinations, blending this with embarking on rail journeys is quickly becoming a favourite for tourists, whether looking for a luxury experience or simply appreciating slow, immersive travel.
"We’ve seen a clear shift in demand toward these kinds of journeys, not just as transport, but as destinations in themselves.”