13 Best Sleeper Trains In The World 2023 [Scenic + Luxury]

Invariably you might have asked what is the best sleeper train in the world right now, to give a very quick answer to that, the world’s best train as ranked by Traverllergists.com based on personal experience of most of the train lines as well the collection of data from our users, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: London to Venice came first followed by  Belmond Andean Explorer: Cusco to Arequipa.

Train rides will always hold a special place in people’s hearts. The ability to relax, let go of cares and focus on nothing except staring out the window. This holds true for every single train ride, or at least the vast majority of them. This is true of any hotel on wheels, of course, but it rings especially true of the sleeper train, on which you can go to sleep in one nation and wake up in another.

Aside from the inherent romanticism of taking the train, it is also the mode of transportation that causes the least amount of damage to the environment. When traveling by train, you can observe the transition from urban to suburban to rural to mountainous or arid or flat terrain, which helps you better grasp the interconnectedness of the world.

Overnight train travel offers a range of options, from the simple to the luxurious. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, consider one of the following fantastic overnight train rides.

13 Best Sleeper Trains In The World 2023 [Scenic + Luxury]

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: London to Venice

To start the ranking of the best night trains in the world based on luxury and comfortability, Venice Simplon-Orient Express came first. Because of its impeccable reputation, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is among the most prestigious railway lines in the world. The train cars are luxurious, with deep wood accents, sumptuous velvet seating in dazzling jewel tones, and impeccable service.

Read Also: 7 Best Luxury Train Journeys Europe [Scenic + Comfort]

Although many of the routes could be considered “epic,” the trip from London to Venice seems especially well-suited to first-time train passengers. Guests will ride the company’s British Pullman train through the countryside while sipping cocktails in the lounge car, dining on gourmet cuisine served in the observation car and relaxing in their comfortable rooms.

Read Also: 19 Best Train Rides In Europe [Scenic Ride + Luxury]

2. Belmond Andean Explorer: Cusco to Arequipa

Here is Belmond Andean Explorer in the second position of the world’s best sleeper trains right now. You can ride the Belmond Andean Explorer, the region’s first luxury sleeper train, and meander through Peru from Cusco to Arequipa in style and comfort. Guests will like the bright interiors, which feature white linen and soft leather couches accented with colorful Peruvian textiles. Passengers can arrange a spa treatment or enjoy a meal prepared with fresh ingredients from the area’s farms while on board.

3. Maharajas’ Express: Delhi to Mumbai

Taking a trip on the Maharajas’ Express is like stepping back in time to an era of luxury train travel. The seven-day tour from Delhi to Mumbai includes stops in rural areas like Udaipur, where visitors may enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, and Jodhpur, where they can explore the Bishnoi Village.

Read Also: 11 Best Luxury Sleeper Trains In Europe Right Now

The Presidential Suite, with its two bedrooms and 448 square feet of living space, is the best option for people who want to spread out throughout their stay.

The lavish decor of Maharajas’ Express simulates the Indian rail system convincingly. Guests often visit from Delhi to Mumbai for a total of four or eight nights.

Read Also: 7 Longest Train Journey In Europe [Luxury + Scenic Trip]

Cities like Mysore and Goa are just a couple of examples of the many stops along the way. All 14 of the Maharajas’ Express staterooms have expansive windows for a very breathtaking experience. If you’re looking for the height of luxury, book the Presidential Suite, which occupies a whole carriage.

4. The Blue Train: Pretoria to Cape Town

The trip on The Blue Train from Pretoria to Cape Town is the perfect way to spend 36 hours of holiday time. Suites and public areas are decorated in a somber style, with dark brown leather and emerald green accents creating an ominous atmosphere for passengers.

Read Also: 5 Best Train Journeys In Eastern Europe [Eastern Europe Train Map]

What’s more, each apartment features a luxurious soaking tub, perfect for unwinding after a long day. High tea is also available for passengers before they enjoy a gourmet meal and a nightcap on board.

5. Belmond Royal Scotsman: Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands

Sitting comfortably on the Royal Scotsman train, you will feel the vibe of sitting on the best sleeper train in the world you can ever request for. If you want to extend your train trip by a few days, the Royal Scotsman Edinburgh service offered by Belmond is a great option.

Read Also: 28 Best Train Journey In The World [Luxury + Scenic]

The famous excursion provides passengers with the opportunity to spend four nights on a round-trip journey while being treated by a 24-hour steward.

Nothing compares to witnessing the Scottish landscape out of a window from the Belmond Royal Scotsman. Travel durations on this luxurious sleeper train range from two days to seven days. The most popular option is the four-day tour across the Scottish Highlands.

Tourists get off the train at castles and distilleries, and the train rides through heather-covered fields in between destinations. The Belmond Royal Scotsman is the only luxury sleeper train in the United Kingdom, and as such, it provides visitors with a number of luxuries, including a bar stocked with fifty different single malt whiskeys and the finest furniture.

A full Scottish breakfast and four-course dinner, as well as activities at each location, are included in the price. When guests return to their room from a day of sightseeing at nearby attractions like Ballindalloch Castle or the Rothiemurchus Estate, they will find a super-comfy bed draped in Scottish tartans.

6. Danube Express: Transylvania

The Danube Express is standing by to transport you through Transylvania on a journey that will last for seven days and end at the castle where Count Dracula once resided. Guests have the option to get off the train in Sighisoara for a walking tour of the town, in Sibiu to see the Evangelical Cathedral, and in Bran to see the world-famous Bran Castle.

Tourists can return to the equally spectacular Golden Eagle Danube Express train after a day of exploring the region’s historic attractions. The luxurious staterooms all have king-sized beds, and the ship’s bar lounge has live music and other shows.

7. The Canadian: Toronto to Vancouver

The Canadian is your best bet if you’re looking for a train ride with breathtaking views. The trip from Toronto to Vancouver takes four days and four nights, with overnights at Sudbury, Sioux Lookout, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper, and Kamloops.

Cityscapes, forest panoramas, river valleys, mountain peaks, and everything in between await passengers as they travel.

Hardly will there be any recommendation on the best sleeper trains in the world or Europe without the mention of The Canadian Train.

For overnight trips, passengers can stay in one of the cabins that sleep up to four people and feature private toilets, and can be used as lounge areas during the day. Guests are not required to leave their rooms, but they are encouraged to do so in order to enjoy a fantastic meal and raise a glass to their exciting journey.

8. The Ghan: Adelaide to Darwin

A trip aboard The Ghan Expedition from Adelaide to Darwin will deliver you to the heart of the Australian outback. The four-day, three-night tour will transport passengers across the continent, and it will include both on-board and off-train activities, such as visits to such destinations as Alice Springs and Coober Pedy.

Indulge in a regionally inspired cuisine paired with locally sourced wines as you ride throughout Australia and take in views of some of the world’s most desolate environments. Making the most of your trip requires booking at the platinum level, where you will have access to the largest suite and receive individualized attention.

9. Eastern & Oriental Express: Singapore to Bangkok

Journey on the Eastern & Oriental Express from Singapore to Bangkok and spend three wonderful days in luxury travel. Everything on board the luxury train is furnished in an old style, from the floral upholstery to the polished wood paneling.

Guests can socialize in the bar car, which is decorated to evoke an era when jazz was king and where the stewards pour Champagne like it’s going out of style.

The observation car offers a quieter place to take in the surroundings. Additional beautiful furniture and slippers are provided in the rooms and suites for your comfort and relaxation.

Suites may be transformed into private lounges during the day, complete with a sofa, rattan chairs, and a desk by the window ideal for when you get the muse to write that great romance novel.

10. Golden Eagle, Russia

If you’re looking for a luxury train, go no farther than the Golden Eagle. For those who wish to fully enjoy Russian grandeur, nothing beats a two-week journey across eight time zones on the Golden Eagle. The luxurious amenities on board this train include a piano player, gourmet meals, and private toilets.

The two-week trip aboard the Golden Eagle may seem daunting, but the daily pauses ensure that passengers never have to worry about getting bored. The highlights of the Golden Eagle’s itinerary include visits to the Mongolian capital and Lake Baikal, the largest lake in the world.

11. Seven Stars, Japan

Taking the Seven Stars train through Japan is the best way to see the country in peace and comfort. Seven Stars’ capacity is limited to just 30, so the luxurious amenities and impeccable service are reserved for an exclusive clientele.

You can choose between a one-night stay or a four-day trip across southern Japan by rail. You can look forward to stunning Japanese furnishings and a fun schedule that takes the stress out of organizing a memorable trip to Japan.

12. Rovos Rail, Africa

South Africa’s Rovos Rail offers an equally limitless selection of premium sleeper trains. If you’re not in a hurry to see the sights of South Africa, the Rovos Rail is the train for you.

While most people use the Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria, the route includes stops in other countries, such as Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

13. The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

Rocky Mountaineer passengers often find themselves at a loss for words as they ride through the Canadian Rockies. This luxurious sleeper train offers four unique routes and a wide range of customizable packages.

This luxurious sleeper train offers a wonderful way to experience the splendor of the highlands, with its glass-domed dining room and gourmet cuisine. Most passengers choose to travel from Banff to Vancouver on Rocky Mountaineer.

Nonetheless, the breathtaking sights of the Canadian coast may be seen along the Coastal route that runs between Seattle and Vancouver. There isn’t a Rocky Mountaineer route that won’t be luxurious.

What Is The Best Sleeper Train In The World?

The best sleeper train in the world right now is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: London to Venice. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a legendary overnight sleeper train that is arguably the most luxurious and well-known of its kind. Travelers can ride this ancient railway from London to Venice, but there are many other routes they might take.

What Is The Most Comfortable Train In The World?

The most comfortable train in the world right now is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Otherworld comfortable trains include the following:

  • Blue Train: Pretoria to Cape Town.
  • Golden Eagle: Moscow to Vladivostok.
  • The Ghan: Adelaide to Darwin.
  • Rovos Rail: Southern and eastern Africa.
  • The Rocky Mountaineer: Banff to Vancouver.
  • Belmond Royal Scotsman: Scottish Highlands.

Which Country Has Sleeper Train?

This is one of the few routes in the whole Nightjet network which spans Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy—that features double-decker buses. Given that riding the upper deck of a European train is one of life’s great pleasures, being able to spend the night there is the stuff of childhood fantasies.

What Is The Best Night Train In Europe?

The best night train in Europe currently is the Venice Simplon Orient Express, London-Venice (via Paris).

Conclusion

An invaluable lesson learned on a train is that sometimes it’s okay to just sit back and let life happen to you. Taking a train is about as romantic as vacationing can get.

Calm and deliberate, it can reveal what lies beyond your window. Further, it shifts the emphasis from arriving at a specific location to the process of getting there. Of all, there are always ways to improve upon even the best vacation. And if you’re taking a rail journey, doing so in style requires reserving a luxurious sleeping compartment.

The world is plenty of high-end train operators ready to take vacationers on the trip of a lifetime. Grab a ticket and get to the terminal in time for the conductor to shout, “All aboard!” Want some motivation to help you reach your goal? We’ve compiled a list of nine of the world’s finest overnight trains on which to travel in style.