‘Posh style’ refers to a highly luxurious, elegant, sophisticated aesthetic associated with refinement, and exclusivity. It embodies grandeur and polished elegance, often found in the decor, clothing, behavior, and especially at luxury train excursions. Here in this overview of the Top 10 posh trains across the globe, you can enjoy a variety of graceful designs filled with high-quality materials and elegant color synchronizations, earning their reputation for the most luxurious train ride.
1. SJourney – The First Posh Train in Vietnam
Inspired by the 1930s Indochine period, SJourney meticulously expresses itself through intricate wood interiors, hand-woven silks, and a smart twist of modern touch that exists effortlessly through the overall design.
Cabins are characterized by the use of high-quality materials like fine silks, cotton cushions, marble, and polished wood. In addition, the train includes extravagant elements like the embroidery of a lotus – a symbol of Vietnam’s delicacy, with elaborate color combinations, and contemporary handcrafted pottery.
All around, the attention to detail of this high class train is phenomenal, from fine embroidery, lacquer wall panels, reflecting the train’s commitment to excellence and making it one of the fanciest trains in the world that carries an indefinite luxury through tasteful designs.
Cabin types: The train features Twin and Double Cabins. Each cabin is infused with designs that reflect the elegance of traditional Vietnamese aesthetics, with subtle modern touches for added comfort.
Dining area: The dining cars are adorned with polished wood paneling, and silver table settings, offering an ambiance reminiscent of a fine dining restaurant. The Bar’s rich interiors are complemented by soft lighting and large windows, allowing passengers to enjoy their meals while taking in the scenic views.
Itinerary: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh (or vice versa)
—> Detail Itinerary & Activities
Price:
– Dec 2024: $7.320/person
– Jan 01/2025 – Dec 31/2025: $8.610/person
2. The Belmond British Pullman – United Kingdom
Day trips across the UK, including London to Canterbury and Bath, in the vintage posh train ride known as the Belmond British Pullman. This iconic and vip train offers the ultimate in Art Deco glamour where its carriages are beautifully restored, with plush velvet seating, brass details, and fine wood paneling.
As you step onto the train, you are welcomed with the decor that reflects the 1920s and 1930s golden age of British rail travel. All carriages have their unique name and history, such as Audrey, Minerva, Vera, and Ibis since many of these carriages have been used by royalty and dignitaries. The decor of each carriage is slightly different, offering you a distinct ambiance while maintaining an overarching sense of high-end.
Cabin types: While the Belmond British Pullman does not offer sleeping accommodations like other luxury trains, it provides day travel in style with royalty-like seating arrangements.
Dining area: The dining cars are as exquisitely designed as the rest of the train, featuring authentic British style. Traditional British afternoon tea served on the train is a touch to the posh experience as well.
Itinerary: Various routes across the UK.
Price: From $400 to $700/person for most day trips, such as the Golden Age of Travel experience or journeys to Bath and Canterbury.
3. The Blue Train – South Africa
The Blue Train’s rich history dates back to the 1920s, and today, it remains a symbol of luxury travel. The interiors are meticulously designed to balance classic elegance and modern convenience, offering a lovely experience with world-class service, fine dining, and luxurious cabins.
In detail, the overnight luxury train carries rich mahogany wood paneling and marble finishes that exude charm. The color palette incorporates warm, earthy tones and subtle gold accents, enhancing comfort and refinement.
Cabin Types: Two main cabin types – Deluxe and Presidential. Each cabin is equipped with en-suite facilities, high-end finishes, and personalized service. They feature a cozy seating area by day, which transforms into a comfortable bed at night.
Dining area: Dining cars with bars carry rich interiors that are complemented by natural lighting and large windows, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenic views of South Africa.
Itinerary: Pretoria to Cape Town (or vice versa) or Pretoria to Kruger National Park: 3 days.
Price: From $3,000 to $5,000 USD/person depending on the itinerary.
4. The Seven Stars in Kyushu – Japan
The train’s interior design is a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary luxury from materials like polished brass, lacquered wood, fine fabrics such as silk and brocade. Each carriage is arranged with artistic elements, including stained glass windows, intricate marquetry, and handcrafted pottery. These design components are inspired by traditional Japanese art forms and local Kyushu craftsmanship, adding an authentic touch of cultural beauty.
The Seven Stars as the fanciest trains in the world is designed with a focus on spaciousness and luxury. The cabins and public areas are roomy, with ample space for relaxation and comfort. The rich woodwork, combined with the elegant furnishings and warm lighting, creates an intimate yet luxurious atmosphere.
Cabin Types: Two types of luxurious cabins – Deluxe and Standard Suites, both of which are beautifully decorated with natural wood paneling, plush silk cushions, and handmade furnishings.
Dining area: The dining cars and tables are set with fine porcelain, silverware, and crystal glasses, providing a formal and refined dining experience. The design of the dining cars reflects the same traditional craftsmanship and modern luxury seen throughout the train.
Itinerary: Kyushu Island.
Price: From $6.000 to $14.000 USD per person
5. Maharajas’ Express – India
The Maharajas’ Express offers an extraordinary posh travel experience that combines palatial interiors, royal service, and exquisite dining options along with the journey to India’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The train is charmed with ornate interiors, gold accents, and luxurious silk upholstery. The suites feature handcrafted furniture, traditional Indian decor, and exquisite details that mirror the grandeur of Indian palaces.
Designed to mimic the luxurious lifestyle of Indian maharajas. The rich color palette, featuring deep reds, golds, and royal blues, evokes a sense of royalty to define why it is a luxury passenger train. It is a favorite among discerning travelers seeking a posh and immersive journey through India.
Cabin Types: The Maharajas’ Express offers Presidential Suites, Suites, Junior Suites, and Deluxe Cabins, providing different levels of luxury to suit passengers’ preferences. All suite is decorated with rich fabrics, traditional Indian art, and handcrafted furniture, including silk drapes, velvet cushions, and ornate carpets
Dining area: One of the dining carriages is decked with peacock-themed decor, including vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and lavish furnishings. All dining cars provide an intimate setting, perfect for savoring regional Indian flavors and more.
Itinerary: Selection of routes to Rajasthan, Agra, Varanasi, or Mumbai.
Price: Range from $3,000 to $24,000 per person
6. The Royal Scotsman – Scotland
The Royal Scotsman proudly represents the best of Scotland’s soul by charming itself with mahogany paneling, tartan upholstery, and Edwardian and Scottish aesthetics. The signature color palette consists of deep reds, greens, and golds, along with tartan patterns, enhancing the feeling of warmth and comfort.
Emerging to the Royal Scotsman’s interior design is like stepping into a reminiscent of a country estate, with rich fabrics, polished wood, and intricate details that evoke a sense of traveling in a posh, private club.
Cabin Types: Currently, the train consists of Single, Twin, and Double Cabins that carry tartan accents and warm colors that evoke a classic Scottish atmosphere.
Dining area: Two dining cars – The Raven and The Swift Dining Cars are beautifully organized with rich mahogany tables, luxurious fabrics with antique-style decor in mind.
Itinerary: Scotland’s Highlands
Price: Over $7.000 to $15.000 USD/person, based on suite types
7. The Belmond Andean Explorer – Peru
This luxury passenger train features true posh interiors, inspired by Peruvian culture and the surrounding Andean environment, combined with modern amenities. It is a true fusion of Andean culture and Western luxury as you can feel the soft neutral tones, fine alpaca wool throws, and polished wood accents. Shades of ivory, beige, light grays, and muted blues are used throughout the train to create a relaxing atmosphere, delivering one of the top luxury overnight train rides.
The design also harbors rich Peruvian textiles, adding a touch of local craftsmanship to the refined setting. The use of these natural, luxurious materials reflects the train’s connection to Peruvian culture. Overall, the aesthetic is the simplicity and sophistication that integrates the natural beauty of Peru’s landscapes to be the focal point of the journey.
Cabin Types: The Belmond Andean Explorer offers four types of cabins – Deluxe Double, Junior Double, Twin, and Bunk Bed Cabins – each comprises luxurious fabrics, polished wood finishes, and large windows offering scenic views of the Andean landscape.
Dining area: Two beautifully dining cars with large windows, polished wood tables, and elegant upholstered chairs. The dining cars are decorated in soft tones that complement the serene Andean landscape atmosphere.
Itinerary: Cusco, Puno and Arequipa.
Ticket price: $3,000 – $9,000 per person.
8. The Eastern & Oriental Express – Southeast Asia
The Eastern & Oriental Express is described as a masterpiece of colonial elegance, with its teakwood interiors, silk wall coverings, and luxurious marble bathrooms. The suites are illustrated with exotic wood paneling, giving off a colonial-era gentlemen’s club.
Specifically, the train signature itself by blending exotic Asian elements with classic European charm. Each carriage has been developed to evoke the grandeur of the golden age of travel, featuring rich wooden paneling, polished brass fittings, and vintage furnishings.
The color palette includes deep shades of green, cream, and gold, with accents of teak wood and rattan. These elements blend seamlessly with the colonial-style decor, adding an exotic touch to the train’s classic European elegance.
Cabin Types: Features 3 classes – Presidential Cabin, State, and Pullman Cabin. All are, of course, coordinated with subtle Asian influences, such as intricate silk embroidery, lacquered wood, and handcrafted art inspired by the cultures of Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore
Dining area: The train has two beautifully appointed dining cars, with plush seating, fine wood tables, and elegant decor that reflects the colonial charm of Southeast Asia.
Itinerary: Various connecting routes from Singapore, Bangkok or Malaysia
Ticket price: Start from around $3,150 to $7,375/person
9. Rovos Rail – South Africa
Rovos Rail transfers a dream of Victorian-style luxury, with mahogany paneling, antique fixtures, and Edwardian-era furnishings into reality. The carriages are restored to their former glory, with plush seating and luxurious suites.
One of the standout features of Rovos Rail is its spaciousness. The train’s cabins and suites are much larger than those typically found on luxury trains, providing passengers with ample room to relax and enjoy the journey. Large windows ensure that passengers can enjoy uninterrupted views of Southern Africa’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Cabin Types: Rovos Rail offers a range of luxurious cabin options – Royal, Deluxe, and Pullman, each furnished with antique-style furniture, rich wood paneling, and fine linens.
Dining area: Two elegant dining cars – cozy and elegant space where passengers can relax and soak in classic Edwardian style, with plush seating, rich wood paneling, and soft lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Itinerary: Cape Town to Pretoria
Price range: From over $3,000 – $20,000 per person.
10. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – Europe
For Art Deco’s enthusiasts, this Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the epitome of it all. Rich wood paneling, polished brass fixtures, and plush velvet upholstery perfectly harmonize to create an expensive soul of the 1920s atmosphere era.
Each carriage has a unique history, adding to the overall charm and exclusivity of the journey. Many of these carriages have carried royalty, aristocrats, and famous personalities over the years, and they continue to offer a glimpse into the glamour of travel in the past.
Cabin types: All 3 levels of accommodation – Historic Cabins, Suites, and the ultra-luxurious Grand Suites are equipped with fine linen, velvet drapery, and antique fittings to evoke a sense of true European luxury.
Dining area: The train features three distinct dining cars, each uniquely decorated with vintage art, elegant wood paneling, and crystal lighting. After dinner, passengers can relax in the Piano Bar, where a live pianist plays as they sip on cocktails or enjoy a glass of champagne.
Itinerary: Paris, Venice, Verona, Brussels, or vice versa.
Price: £3.000 – £20.000/person
Embark on Infinite Luxury and Posh Trains Rides
When we mention the best posh and luxury train experience in the world, posh style is an essential criterion that defines these exciting journeys. They are not just modes of transportation but a moving works of art, where every element has been meticulously arranged to provide an extraordinary adventure. From the elite interiors paired with intricate aesthetics that hold deep meaning and captivating stories, to the lush fabrics and furnishings, everything is integral to the luxurious ambiance. Ultimately, these luxury train excursions combine elegance, adventure, and unparalleled comfort, making them the ultimate choice for those who wish to explore the world in style.
SEE MORE:
Top 30 Luxury Trains: Discover the Most Luxurious Train Rides in the World
Slow Travel in a Fast-Paced World: The Timeless Allure of Luxury Train Journeys
