In a world where luxury used to mean flashy hotel lobbies and private jets, there’s a new trend stealing the spotlight—and it’s moving a lot slower than you’d think.

Today’s high-end travelers are ditching the marble floors for wooden train carriages, and it turns out, slow travel is the new status symbol.

The global luxury travel market is booming and is expected to hit a jaw-dropping R7.4 trillion by 2028.

But instead of obsessing over gold-plated everything, modern jet-setters are chasing experiences that feel meaningful—think immersive adventures, sustainable travel, and cultural richness.

And that’s exactly where luxury trains come into play.

The Rise of Slow Travel on the Rails

Luxury train journeys have officially made a comeback, and not just as a quirky novelty.

They’re now one of the hottest trends in global travel, offering an elegant, unhurried way to explore the world.

A recent report by Japan Rail Pass dove into online reviews, social media trends, and search data to rank the most popular luxury train rides around the world for 2025.

Spoiler alert: Canada, South Africa, and Switzerland are leading the way.

All Aboard the Top Five Luxury Trains of 2025

Here’s a quick tour of the trains that made the cut:

🚞 Rocky Mountaineer (Vancouver, Canada)

Topping the list is Canada’s pride, the Rocky Mountaineer.

With glass-domed coaches, gourmet meals, and jaw-dropping views of the Canadian Rockies, it’s not just travel—it’s theater on tracks.

Over 60,000 Instagram hashtags and 48,000 monthly searches speak for themselves.

“We want guests to feel like they’re part of the landscape,” a spokesperson shared.

🍷 Napa Valley Wine Train (California, USA)

Coming in second is a dreamy ride through California’s wine country.

Vintage charm meets fine wine as you glide past vineyards, glass in hand.

With a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor and almost 30,000 searches a month, it’s a favorite among wine and travel lovers alike.

🏔️ GoldenPass Express (Montreux, Switzerland)

Switzerland’s GoldenPass Express takes the third spot.

Offering sweeping views of lakes and snow-capped peaks, every window feels like a live postcard. It’s the definition of scenic serenity.

🇿🇦 Rovos Rail (Pretoria, South Africa)

In fourth place is South Africa’s very own Rovos Rail—a moving five-star hotel steeped in vintage glamour.

With wood-panelled interiors, world-class dining, and panoramic routes, it’s a proud moment for South Africans.

With over 13,700 hashtags and 17,000 searches a month, it’s clearly captured global hearts.

“It’s not just a trip,” says a Rovos Rail rep, “It’s a return to the golden age of rail, but with today’s luxury.”

🌅 The Ghan (Adelaide, Australia)

Last but not least, The Ghan slices through the Australian outback from Adelaide to Darwin.

According to Railbookers Group, it’s an unforgettable cross-country journey through wild, untamed landscapes.

Why Are Travelers Slowing Down?

So, what’s behind this return to rail?

According to Haroun Khan, founder of JR Pass, today’s travelers aren’t just looking to get from A to B—they want the journey to be the highlight.

“There’s been a real shift,” Khan explains.

“People want immersive travel experiences.

Trains offer that perfect mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and nostalgia.”

And it’s not just about ticking destinations off a list anymore.

It’s about soaking it all in—the views, the food, the quiet moments between stops.

South Africans Can Ride the Wave Too

For South Africans, there’s something deeply rewarding about seeing Rovos Rail rank among the best in the world.

It’s a reminder that we don’t need to leave the continent to experience luxury at its finest.

With the luxury travel market only set to grow, there’s no better time to hop aboard one of these iconic journeys—whether it’s through the Rockies, or the vineyards of Napa.