The most comfortable carriages in the world. The most expensive and luxurious trains in the world

Not all trains in the world are unpretentious and primitive. Many simply excite the imagination. It makes you want to ride in such a cozy trailer and look out the window. Traveling?…

The Eastern & Oriental Train

The express route goes through South-East Asia. The fare varies from $2,000 to $9,000.

Traveling by train is pure nirvana. Not only is there a wonderful viewing terrace on the rear platform, but there are also several dining cars decorated in various styles, there is a library, a boutique where you can buy souvenirs. There is also a bar where the most diverse music from all over the world plays.

Pride of Africa train

South Africa is not at all as backward a region as many think it is. It is here that the train "Pride of Africa" ("Pride of Africa") proudly drags its luxurious wagons along the railroads of the arid region. A ticket for it costs up to $10,000 per person, and for a reason.

The train follows the route from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. The train is ridden by the rich from all over the world, who travel on it to remote reserves and areas where prides and hunting grounds for rare African animals are concentrated. In addition to this train, some can only be reached by plane.

"Ice Express"

It is a high-speed passenger train. The route runs through the Alps in Switzerland, and from the window at an altitude of 2033 meters above sea level, you can see the mesmerizing icy landscapes.

The train route starts in St. Petersburg, the train travels through St. Moritz, Zermatt. In total, the trip lasts 7.5 hours. Passengers will see panoramas from 291 bridges and pass through 91 tunnels.

Private trains in Russia from the company "Transsiberian Express"

Private trains that travel along the Trans-Siberian Railway. This is the longest railway in the world. During the journey from the western cities of Russia to oriental train crosses 8 time zones. You can get from Kaliningrad to Beijing, but it will take more than a week to travel. It is on this road that foreigners ride luxurious trains, who, after all that has been shown, consider Russia simply a wonderful country.

Venice Simplon-Orient train

It is also called the Orient Express. The route runs through the cities of Europe: London, Venice, and ends in Istanbul. The maximum ticket price can exceed $9,000.

Train carriages were created in the 1920s. Wonderful chefs from France work on the train. It was this train that Agatha Christie described in her novel.

Belmond train Royal Scotsman"("Royal Scot")

The route runs through Scotland and the Scottish Highlands. The minimum ticket price is $1350. The maximum is $13,000.

Train "Blue Train" ("Blue Train")

And Africa again. This express train is called the "blue five-star hotel" on wheels. From Cape Town to Pretoria, it traverses many beautiful landscapes at great speed. Chefs here prepare specialties from ostrich, lamb, oysters.

Hiram Bingham train

This train takes you through Peru to the famous ruined Inca city of Machu Picchu. The main attraction of the train is the menu. Here, well, very tasty food! The ticket is even inexpensive compared to other luxury trains: $750.

There is always a live orchestra playing here.

Palace on Wheels train

The train runs through the Indian state of Rajasthan. Departs from New Delhi and travels to the end point of the route for 7 days. Previously, the train was used only to transport the government of India, now it is available to any people who are willing to pay for the trip.

"Napa Valley Wine" or "Wine Train"

Private sightseeing train in California drives through vineyards and wineries in Napa Valley. A half-day trip plus dinner costs $189 in total.

In fact, there are more than 1,000 luxury trains in the world. Some of them, described in the selection, can give an idea of what a journey along railway could be much more interesting.

For a place in a 2-seater compartment and 2.8 million if you want to travel in an individual compartment without a neighbor.
This is not a joke, these are the real prices for the Russian Railways train on the Moscow-Beijing route, which departs only a few times a year.
Outwardly - almost ordinary train, but inside... refined interiors, heated floors, spa, gym, personalized service and governesses. In each car of that luxury train "Golden Eagle" there are only 5-6 compartments of different classes, in the composition itself there are 2 restaurant cars, a kitchen car, a bar car and a whole car for staff.
The train runs on two routes: Moscow-Beijing with tickets from 22,350 euros for a seat in a double compartment to 40,000 euros for an individual compartment and monthly from Moscow to Vladivostok at more humane prices... from 14,395 euros per ticket!
And yes, let me remind you, this is Russian Railways!

2. Here is more information about the cost of tickets, which is indicated on the Russian Railways website.
Don't be surprised that prices are in euros. This train is said to be very popular with foreigners...
This is understandable, I can hardly imagine a mass Russian who agrees to pay more than 1 million rubles for a trip from Moscow to Vladivostok by train

3. This is what the train itself looks like
This is a joint project of Russian Railways, "RZD Tour", an English travel company GW Travel Limited, Transsiberian Express Group of Companies and NPP Zircon-Service LLC. The preparatory phase of the project lasted seven years, and the first train set off in March 2007. During the season, the train makes 12 trips between Moscow and Vladivostok and several trips on other routes.
The Golden Eagle train consists of 19 carriages for 120 passengers and 56 attendants. In addition to residential cars, the structure includes: a diesel generator car, two restaurant cars, a bar car, a kitchen car, a service car, separate wagon for staff. The train is completely autonomous, provides itself with electricity and has a monthly supply of drinking water and provisions on board. Tourists are accommodated in double compartments with a private bathroom and shower. Each car has 5-6 such compartments. The cost of the ticket includes three standard meals a day, as well as drinks, including spirits. Railway all inclusive.

4. This is what an imperial-class coupe looks like

5. And so the silver class coupe.
Coupes of gold and imperial classes are equipped with heated floors. The area of the compartment for the silver one is 5 square meters, for the gold one - 7.

6. Each compartment, regardless of the class, has its own bathroom

7. In the train, as I said, there are two restaurant cars, one bar car, and a luggage storage car. It is there that suitcases, paintings, baskets, cartons go ... Right on the train, you can get a haircut, get a massage, do gymnastics, improve your well-being and appearance with the help of SPA procedures and visit a doctor. The first-aid post on the train is clearly not superfluous, given that the average Golden Eagle passenger is a gentleman of retirement age.

8. In total, five wagons were entirely given over to the needs of starving tourists. Two of them are restaurant halls with tables for four, which can accommodate all 120 passengers freely. The kitchen occupies a whole carriage, located in the middle of the train between the halls. You can go through it along a fenced passage, the wall of which separates the work area of cooks from tourists. All products are taken with them from Moscow, the equipment of a mobile galley allows you to treat tourists with a wide variety of dishes: from fresh pastries to culinary masterpieces from fish and meat. The menu is designed in such a way that not a single dish will be repeated in 47 days. The only drawback is that the menu is common for all, alternative dishes can only be offered to vegetarians or, for example, allergy sufferers. Another wagon is used for the food warehouse.

Another popular place in the train is the bar car, which is linked to one of the dining halls. There is a piano, light and music equipment. Drinks are served to guests free of charge, only particularly expensive drinks will be included in the bill. According to Mikhail the bartender, Russian vodka, which is included in the price of the trip, is of the greatest interest to foreign tourists.
There are four chefs on the train, all of whom have been trained on Orient's Swiss tourist trains.

Well, would you take this train across Russia?
If so, what is the maximum you would pay for a ticket?

Perhaps you are used to train No. 122 on the Kyiv-Nikolaev route and after that Intercity + to Lviv seems to you the most luxurious premium class train, but there are such luxurious trains, the carriages in which resemble not just luxury hotel rooms, but entire mansions queens. Accordingly, a ride on such a train is a very expensive pleasure. But who knows - maybe the goal of buying a ticket for such a train is the motivation to earn more? :)

And an interesting film about the Trans-Siberian Railway

Eight time zones - about 9000 km - overcomes the train of the Trans-Siberian Railway on the way from Moscow to Beijing. Such a route deserves the epithet legendary. For a hundred years, he has been the main witness to turbulent historical events. Traveling along this route is a real adventure, bordering on a mystical experience. We will meet with different cultures and national characters - with the incomprehensible spirit of Russia, hospitable Mongolia and impenetrable China, which is torn between tradition and modernity. From the capital of Russia, we will look into St. Petersburg, which shines in all its glory and can easily compete with Vienna, Prague or Paris in the ranking of the most magnificent cities in the world.

The main pride of this canal-crossed city is the famous Hermitage, which houses one of the world's largest art collections. With each next kilometer of travel to the east, time slows down. Yekaterinburg, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk and Irkutsk are the next stops along the way. We will visit Baikal, the deepest lake on our planet, where dozens of rare species of animals and plants have found refuge. Then Mongolia awaits us - a country of endless steppes and virgin nature. Through the inhospitable Gobi desert, we will finally reach China. The final touch of the trip - sightseeing Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China.

Train lovers are a special category of travelers. On railroad trips, especially over long distances, they find their romance. Especially if such a trip passes through exciting route in luxurious surroundings with stops along the way and overnight stays in luxury hotels and with exclusive excursions. Kind of cruises on the railroad.

So what are these VIP trains like, and how much does it cost to ride them?

ATOR Bulletin has compiled a list of the most luxurious trains of the current season, based on: traveler reviews, train characteristics, their novelty and length of the route, the range of services provided, the number of objects that can be visited during the trip, and most importantly - the cost of the trip.

BELMOND NORTHERN BELLE (UK, LONDON - CHESTER)

Entering this train, you seem to be transported to the last century. The Belmond Northern Belle reflects the style of the Belle trains popular in England in the 1930s and the famous Pullman cars of the Venice Simplon-Orient Express train.

The highlight of this itinerary is sumptuous leisurely lunches, traditional afternoon teas and great views from the train window. As part of the trip, tourists visit the Royal Crescent in Bath, Canterbury bridges, museums and art galleries Edinburgh, as well as historic York.

This year was made new route where the train will depart: a four-day trip from London to Chester via the Lake District will cost from $1 937.

This first luxury night train in South America, having made his first trip in May of this year, was able to truly push the boundaries of the concept of "luxury". The design of the cars reflects traditional Peruvian motifs, and you can admire the scenery from the windows of the panoramic open-top car. The train can accommodate only 68 passengers.

By the way, in the largest compartment of the train there are comfortable double beds and leather armchairs where you can relax. The train menu was designed by the chefs at the Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Cusco. It is noteworthy that it will change every season.

A two-day trip from Cusco to Arequipa will cost "only" $1,388, top ticket prices " high level» - $4200.

This luxury train route connects the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta.

Passengers of the Golden Leaf class travel in a two-level carriage with a transparent roof. The top level offers breathtaking views of the lakes, pine forests and the mountains that the route passes by. On the lower floor of the train, gourmets will appreciate local cuisine from internationally trained chefs. The menu features local produce such as Alberta beef and Pacific salmon paired with the finest wines.

An interesting detail: passengers do not sleep on the train. Every night they are taken to a hotel for an overnight stay, and during the day the journey continues.

The Rocky Mountaineer operates on five rail routes, stopping points include Vancouver, Banff and Lake Louise, Calgary, Jasper and Whistler.

Minimum price starts from $1 200 for a two-day trip and reaches up to $9000 for a 13-day trip in deluxe class. You can also include a cruise in the program.

A route full of charm, romance and adventure. The path of this luxurious train between Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand runs through cities full of shops, past golden temples and tiny provincial stations.

All compartments are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms. They feature cherry wood and hard elms, wood inlays and filigree mosaics. The train provides a round-the-clock service available by phone.

Special attention should be paid to the cuisine: the French chef has created his own dishes especially for Eastern & Oriental Express, which have received rave reviews around the world for combining Western and Eastern culinary traditions.

In the 2017 season, they promise to introduce a number of innovations on the route: the dress code of dinners with black tie will change to a more relaxed “tropical elegance”, and passengers will be entertained in the format of musical accompaniment by Singaporean DJ Mr. Has.

A three-day trip will cost an average of from $2 170.

The Rovos Rail Tourist Express is the equivalent of privilege and luxury. Traveling with taste even in the lost places of South Africa (although they are almost gone) is an art, so two weeks on this train will take you back several centuries. The train consists of vintage carriages assembled in 1911 in Europe for members of the royal family. Exquisite car interiors recreate the atmosphere rail travel old times, while the compartments are equipped in accordance with modern ideas about comfort. And if the pullman-mini-coupe (7 sq.m) has only a toilet room and a shower, then in the royal suite (16 sq.m), in addition to the shower, there is also a luxurious bathtub.

The “trick” of the train is the observation car (“The observation car”). It is located at the rear of the train and is equipped with a special glazed rear wall, thanks to which you can fully enjoy the magnificent landscapes of Africa without leaving the car.

In 1989, after restoration, Rovos Rail made its first journey. In one trip, the train is ready to take away up to 72 passengers. Itineraries ranging from 48 hours to 28 days, including destinations such as Cape Town, Durban, Dar es Salaam, Victoria Falls, Namibia, African Golf Collage connecting Pretoria, Kruger Park, Durban and Cape Town, Golf Safari.

Rovos Rail can be booked for private events and hunting safaris.

The cost of tickets depends on the length of the route and class compartment - from $1365 to $10,000

This transcontinental train connects the western and eastern coasts of Australia in its route. The epic three-day journey starts in Sydney and ends in Perth (or vice versa), passing through Blue Mountains and the great plain of Nullarbor.

There are three levels of privileges on the train: for example, platinum-level passengers can count on a free transfer from home to railway stations and back on a personal car for a distance of up to 50 km. In addition, these guests receive exclusive access to the Platinum Club dining car, where other passengers are booked to enter.

Travel costs vary from $2125 to $3375.

What could be more interesting than to cross almost all of Eurasia on a luxurious train "Imperial Russia"?

The unique tour was developed for the 400th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty, so the train is not just beautiful - it is stylized as the era of the Russian Empire in the 19th century. Brocade chairs with carved wooden backs, red carpets and room decoration create an atmosphere of chic and understated elegance.

During a trip along the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, travelers will enjoy rich excursions in cities along the way (Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk and others), a picnic on the shores of the world's deepest Lake Baikal, gourmet dinners in a restaurant car and a bar car, live music, and a magnificent orchestra will escort Imperial Russia on its way.
Starting this year, "Imperial Russia" follows three routes from Moscow - to Vladivostok, Ulan Bator and Beijing.

Average travel cost - from 5070 euros ($6160).

The most famous luxury train in the world needs no introduction. The first trip of the revived Orient Express from London to Venice took place on May 25, 1982: royals and celebrities became its passengers then.

These days, the vintage Art Deco carriages from the 1920s and 1930s have been completely restored to their original grandeur and the elegance of a bygone era.
In addition to London and Venice, destinations also include Verona, Berlin and Istanbul (once a year). Train tickets including stay at the Belmond Cipriani Hotel cost from $6 500.

In November of this year, the trip route will be combined with a visit to the Vienna Ball.

BELMOND ROYAL SCOTSMAN (SCOTLAND)

The luxury train is designed for 40 passengers and follows one of the many routes.
AT sleeping car there are 14 doubles, two doubles and four singles State Cabins, each with inlaid trim. All compartments have their own bathroom with shower, sink and toilet, hot water, toiletries and fresh towels.

Since April this year, Royal Scotsman has launched the world's first specialized SPA car - The Bamford Haybarn Spa, which includes two treatment rooms. Passengers will be offered several types of massages, manicures and pedicures, as well as The Bamford Bespoke Facial, a 55-minute procedure aimed at restoring, rejuvenating and renewing the skin.

A five-day trip on the classic route "Edinburgh - Keith - Kyle of Lochalsh - Boat of Garten - Edinburgh" will cost from $6 600.

Opened in 2010, the route runs between Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Mumbai and Lucknow.

The train with a capacity of 88 passengers consists of 23 luxury carriages. There is a SPA-salon, a fitness center, a business center, Wi-Fi and air conditioning. The two dining cars serve cuisines from all over the world, including Indian, Chinese and original Mewari cuisine.

The train is particularly proud of its Presidential Suite, which consists of a large living room, a master suite with a double bed, and a suite with twin beds. The toilet cabin is equipped with a bath, and during excursions to the cities of a particular route, guests can use the services of a personal guide and a luxury car.

Three days in a luxury carriage $7 700 , and the presidential suite will cost $25 800 from a person. The train runs from May to September.

In addition to its tours of the Golden Triangle of India (Agra, Delhi, Jaipur), this year the train also goes to the south of the country to the picturesque landscapes of Goa and Kerala.