[title]
It’s no secret that at Time Out, we’re passionate about all things rail travel, but – who knew? – we aren’t the only ones.
The Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards have just been announced, and the magazine’s readers were asked to vote on a whole load of travel categories, including what they deem as the best train journeys in the world.
So, which one steamed ahead into first place? Well, it was the British Pullman, a Belmond train that departs from London Victoria and journeys to historic destinations such Sissinghurst Castle, Bath and the Cotswolds.
In fact, three Belmond trains make the list, with the Eastern and Oriental Express in southeast Asia, the Andean Explorer in Peru, the Hiram Bingham in Machu Picchu and the Royal Scotsman all making the list, too.
In second place was the Rocky Mountaineer, which has four rail routes through British Columbia, Alberta, Colorado and Utah and was recently named as the very best by another study. Want to know what this journey is like? You can read our account of it here.
The 15 best train journeys in the world
- British Pullman, a Belmond Train, England
- Rocky Mountaineer, North America
- Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond Train, Southeast Asia
- Andean Explorer, a Belmond Train, Peru
- Glacier Express, Switzerland
- Hiram Bingham, a Belmond Train, Machu Picchu
- Golden Eagle Danube Express, Europe
- Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a Belmond Train
- Northern Belle, Europe
- Royal Scotsman, a Belmond Train, Scotland
- Golden Eagle, Central Asia
- Rovos Rail, Africa
- The Canadian, Canada
- Bernina Express, European Alps
- Maharajas Express, India
All aboard!
Luxury rail travel can be an excellent way to turn your journey into part of your holiday (if you’re planning to splash out), so here’s our roundup of the world’s most glamorous rail journeys.
Did you see that Germany’s super-cheap monthly rail pass will become more expensive next year?
Plus: These are the best autumn city breaks for 2024.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.