The best rail holidays are about more than just getting from one destination to another. They combine iconic train journeys with unforgettable landscapes, unique experiences and the chance to slow down and enjoy the journey itself.

 

Some of the world's most celebrated rail holidays include Journey Beyond's The Ghan and Indian Pacific train in Australia, the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer through the Canadian Rockies, New Zealand journeys featuring the TranzAlpine on selected Grand Pacific Tours itineraries, and Japan rail holidays showcasing the country's renowned shinkansen network on selected Wendy Wu Tours.

 

What makes a rail holiday "best" really comes down to the type of experience you're looking for. Some travellers are drawn to luxury train journeys with premium cabins, fine dining and all-inclusive service, such as the Platinum cabins and ultra-luxury Australis and Aurora Suites available on selected Journey Beyond rail journeys. Others prefer itineraries that combine rail travel with guided touring, cultural experiences or extended stays in iconic destinations. Operators such as APT and Travelmarvel offer rail-focused holidays that combine famous train journeys with broader touring experiences across Canada, New Zealand, Europe and South America.

 

Whether you're dreaming of crossing the Australian Outback, exploring the Canadian Rockies, travelling through New Zealand's alpine landscapes or discovering Japan by rail, an RACV Travel Agent can help you compare the options and find the journey that's right for you.

 

In Australia, Journey Beyond offers some of the world’s most sought-after luxury train journeys aboard The Ghan. Travellers can choose from a range of cabin categories, from Gold through to Platinum, while the new ultra-luxury Australis and Aurora Suites on The Ghan elevate the experience even further. Guests enjoy spacious suite-style accommodation, a dedicated butler, private in-suite dining, a personalised bar, premium Australian wines, luxury linen and exclusive access to the Platinum Club, creating an experience more like a luxury hotel than a traditional train journey.

 

Internationally, luxury rail experiences range from Canada's world-famous Rocky Mountaineer to Southeast Asia's elegant Eastern & Oriental Express on selected Railbookers itineraries. Rocky Mountaineer's popular GoldLeaf Service features custom-designed glass-domed coaches, elevated dining in a dedicated lower-level restaurant and panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies. 

 

APT also features luxury rail holidays that combine premium train journeys with signature touring experiences. Popular itineraries include Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service through the Canadian Rockies, paired with stays in destinations such as Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, with some journeys also including stays at iconic properties such as the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

 

Whether a luxury train holiday is worth it ultimately comes down to your travel style and budget. For travellers who value exceptional service and inclusions, immersive scenery and the chance to slow down and savour the journey, many find the experience to be a highlight of their holiday.

 

Each scenic route offers a completely different perspective on the landscape. 

 

In Canada, Rocky Mountaineer is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, turquoise lakes and deep river canyons. Switzerland's Bernina Express winds through the Alps, while New Zealand's TranzAlpine is celebrated for its breathtaking journey between Christchurch and Greymouth across the Southern Alps. The TranzAlpine is a feature on Grand Pacific Tours’ South Island itineraries, including the 19 Day Signature Rail, Cruise & Coach holiday and Ultimate Rail, Cruise & Coach journeys. Travellers looking to experience multiple famous Kiwi rail routes can also explore New Zealand with Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer, which combines renowned rail journeys with spectacular mountain, coastal and countryside scenery.

 

In Australia, The Ghan Expedition travels between Adelaide and Darwin through the heart of the Red Centre, while the Indian Pacific crosses the vast Nullarbor Plain between Sydney and Perth. For a different side of Australia, The Great Southern showcases coastal landscapes, regional food and wine regions, and relaxed seaside destinations on journeys between Brisbane and Adelaide, with selected departures also operating between Melbourne and Brisbane.

 

Travellers seeking something a little different may enjoy heritage rail experiences with Vintage Rail Journeys, which operates beautifully restored train journeys through regional New South Wales, including destinations such as the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands and Riverina

 

Operators such as APT and Travelmarvel combine rail travel with touring and cruising. In Canada, Rocky Mountaineer is often paired with stays in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, while some itineraries also include an Alaska Inside Passage ocean cruise, allowing travellers to experience both the mountains and coastline in one journey.

 

In South America, APT offers holidays featuring the luxury Belmond Andean Explorer, combining rail travel through Peru with touring highlights such as Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Some itineraries also feature a Galápagos cruise, creating a holiday that blends rail, land touring and expedition cruising.

 

For travellers interested in exploring Europe by rail, Railbookers specialises in tailor-made holidays that combine train travel with accommodation, sightseeing and multiple destinations.

 

APT also combines Swiss rail journeys with its flagship Magnificent Europe river cruise, while Travelmarvel pairs Swiss rail experiences with its popular European Gems river cruise, allowing travellers to experience both alpine scenery and Europe's waterways in one holiday.

 

In Japan, selected Wendy Wu Tours itineraries combine rail travel with guided touring, while Botanica offers small-group holidays that blend rail travel with accommodation, sightseeing and local experiences, providing a different way to explore Japan.

 

In Australia, Journey Beyond combines rail travel with both touring and cruising. Examples include itineraries that pair The Ghan Expedition with an Outback Spirit tour through the Red Centre, or combine The Ghan with a Ponant Kimberley expedition cruise, linking Australia's Outback and remote coastline in a single holiday.

 

Operated by Journey Beyond, the journey travels through the heart of Australia's Red Centre and includes regionally-inspired meals, beverages and a range of off-train experiences along the way. Depending on the direction of travel, highlights may include stops in places such as Alice Springs and Katherine, offering travellers the opportunity to immerse themselves in Aboriginal culture and experience parts of remote Australia that few people ever see.

 

Guests can choose from a range of accommodation options from Gold Single cabins for solo travellers, through to Platinum Twin and the ultra-luxury Australis and Aurora Suites. 

 

Some travellers choose to extend their holiday with a holiday package which combines The Ghan rail journey with an Outback Spirit tour for a longer Outback adventure.

 

Popular Rocky Mountaineer routes include First Passage to the West between Vancouver and Banff and Journey Through the Clouds between Vancouver and Jasper. Rocky Mountaineer travels during daylight hours only, allowing travellers to enjoy uninterrupted views of mountains, forests, rivers and canyons throughout the journey.

 

Travellers can choose between SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf Service. SilverLeaf offers spacious seating, large windows and meals served at your seat, while GoldLeaf includes a dedicated dining room, more personalised service and access to an exclusive lounge area. 

 

Rocky Mountaineer holidays are also available through operators including Globus, APT, Cosmos and Travelmarvel, with many itineraries combining the rail journey with touring through the Canadian Rockies or an Alaska Inside Passage ocean cruise.