Belmond

Belmond operates four iconic luxury trains that rank among the world's most prestigious rail experiences, each one a destination in itself rather than merely a way to get somewhere. Unlike agencies that book berths on trains others own, Belmond owns and operates these properties directly, controlling every detail from the vintage rolling stock to the onboard service, dining, and itineraries. The company's train division brings together properties ranging from fully restored 1920s Art Deco carriages to modern sleeper trains built with contemporary comfort, all unified by a philosophy of slow travel through some of the world's most compelling landscapes.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express stands as perhaps the world's most storied luxury train, with roots tracing to 1882 when it first connected Paris and Constantinople. Belmond acquired and restored the train beginning in 1977, launching commercial service in 1982 with meticulously refurbished 1920s and 1930s sleeping, restaurant, and observation cars. The original restoration cost approximately $16 million and involved acquiring and restoring 35 vintage sleeping, dining, and observation carriages sourced from across Europe. The continental service operates seasonally from March through November with a fleet of 18 carriages, including 12 sleeping cars and three dining cars. The classic route connects London to Venice via Paris and Milan, with the most ambitious itinerary offering a five-night journey between Paris and Istanbul retracing the train's legendary original route. The train features the iconic Bar Car '3674' with its 1920s wood paneling, multiple dining cars, and the L'Observatoire observation carriage where passengers watch European landscapes unfold. Sleeping accommodations range from compact single cabins to Grand Suites with en-suite bathrooms, and all meals with wine selections prepared by the onboard sommelier are included. The Istanbul journey, offered two or three times yearly, starts around £35,000 for a solo traveler in a basic cabin, reflecting the journey's length and exclusivity. Modern amenities have been added through 2024, including air conditioning throughout, upgraded locomotives sourced from Italian and French railways, and contemporary safety systems integrated without compromising the train's authentic character.

The Royal Scotsman brings similar luxury to Scotland's Highlands, operating as a sleeper train with ten mahogany-clad carriages designed in Edwardian style. Journeys range from two to seven nights, with itineraries including the Taste of the Highlands, Western Scenic Wonders, Clans Castles & Isles, and the Grand Tour of Scotland. Each guest receives a private en-suite cabin, and the journey includes all meals and drinks aboard plus thoughtfully selected land excursions such as distillery tours, Highland estate visits, and wildlife experiences. Some itineraries feature Michelin-starred dining. The train operates seasonally, typically from spring through autumn, and the all-inclusive pricing means no hidden costs beyond the journey package itself.

The Andean Explorer represents South America's first luxury sleeper train, launched in May 2017 and operating between Cusco and Puno at the edge of Lake Titicaca, with extensions to Arequipa. The train climbs to 15,700 feet as it crosses the Andes, and overnight journeys allow travelers to experience the landscape's drama without sacrificing comfort. Accommodations are offered at three levels with double, twin, and bunk bed options, all with en-suite bathrooms designed in contemporary style. Passenger amenities include two dining facilities, a piano bar featuring Peruvian wines and spirits, a full spa car providing treatments and massages, and an open-air observation deck where travelers can experience the high-altitude scenery directly. The itineraries include stops at Lake Titicaca's floating islands inhabited by the Uros people, visits to the Sumbay Caves, and optional excursions to the nearby Colca Canyon where condors soar overhead. The train uses refurbished vintage carriages that previously operated as the Great South Pacific Express in Australia from 1999 to 2003 before being transported to Peru in 2016. The multi-day Andean Explorer journeys offer options ranging from one to several nights depending on the chosen itinerary, and they operate year-round, making the route accessible to travelers with different schedules. The combination of high-altitude scenery, access to indigenous communities and pre-Columbian sites, and Belmond's all-inclusive service model makes the Andean Explorer a unique luxury option unavailable elsewhere.

The Eastern & Oriental Express operates seasonally between Singapore and Malaysia with two distinct routes designed around the seasons. The Essence of Malaysia itinerary runs from November through February and features departures from Woodlands Train Checkpoint in Singapore, with stops in Penang and island visits to Langkawi and Pulau Payar. The Wild Malaysia route operates from March through October and includes excursions to Taman Negara, one of the world's oldest rainforests, plus stops in Penang. Both are four-day, three-night journeys that combine train travel with carefully arranged land activities. The service began in 1993 following an agreement between Orient-Express Hotels and the railway authorities of Malaysia and Thailand, and Belmond acquired it as part of its luxury portfolio. The train offers cabin types ranging from Pullman cars with single or bunk beds to spacious State sleeping cars with twin-bed compartments and a Presidential suite. All cabins include en-suite bathrooms with showers and modern air conditioning. Dining takes place in two separate dining cars named Malay and Adisorn, where the kitchen prepares a blend of regional and international cuisine. The train features a spa car offering treatments, a bar car, and a gift shop. Current fares begin around $3,140 per person for entry-level Pullman accommodations, with meals and onboard beverages included in the price. The Eastern & Oriental Express appeals particularly to travelers seeking an introduction to luxury train travel or those with limited time who want an immersive Southeast Asian experience compressed into four days.

What distinguishes Belmond's train operations from competitors is the depth of investment in the trains themselves. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express required roughly $16 million in acquisition and restoration when James Sherwood began the project in 1977, and Belmond has continued upgrades including modern air conditioning and new locomotives sourced from Italian and French railways. Each train functions as a self-contained boutique hotel on wheels, with the property's character and service standards consistent across every journey. Bookings are made directly through Belmond's reservations team, and the company handles all logistics, meals, excursions, and land arrangements as one integrated experience rather than a train ride plus separate hotel and tour bookings. The company does not franchise its trains to other operators or sell individual seats through third-party agencies, ensuring quality control.

Belmond's train portfolio appeals to travelers prioritizing authentic railway heritage, immersive regional experiences, and the distinctive appeal of multi-day journeys where the train itself becomes the focal point rather than background transportation. The routes span from classic European routes steeped in early-20th-century elegance to remote regions like Peru's high Andes and Malaysia's rainforests where few other luxury options exist. Each itinerary is designed around the region's character and Belmond's network of hotels, with the train journeys sometimes serving as connectors between Belmond properties or standalone experiences. First-time luxury train travelers often begin with the Royal Scotsman or one of the shorter Andean Explorer itineraries before graduating to the multi-week possibilities offered by longer Venice Simplon-Orient-Express routings or extended Andean journeys.

These are trains to book well in advance, often six months to a year for peak season departures, and they represent the gold standard for luxury rail travel worldwide. Belmond's direct ownership of these properties, combined with a century of accumulated knowledge about train operations and the brand's broader luxury hospitality expertise, positions the company at the top tier of the category.