A global ranking of the best luxury train journeys around the world has seen Journey Beyond’s The Ghan ranking in the top five.
Experts at Japan Rail Pass analysed popular luxury train trips from around the world, collating and comparing factors such as TripAdvisor reviews, Instagram hashtags and global search to reveal a list of the world’s most sought-after luxury train journeys in 2025.
Journey Beyond Executive General Manager Marketing Justine Lally says, “We are thrilled to share The Ghan has been recognised not only in ‘The 10 Best Luxury Trains Across the Globe’ but also in the annual TIME Magazine List of World’s Greatest Places 2025″.
“For over 95 years, The Ghan has been an integral part of Australia’s travel experience, taking guests on an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes and remote outback regions, providing a unique way to explore the heart of our country.”
Rocky Mountaineer took out the top gong as the world’s best luxury train journey, with a score of 8.88 out of 10.
The findings stated, “passengers can expect to view the breathtaking Canadian Rockies and Pacific Northwest through glass-domed carriages, with luxury food inspired by the regions it passes through”.
Napa Valley Wine Train, which runs through California’s Napa Valley, came in second with the report stating it has “vintage carriages and restored interiors, offering a leisurely journey past vineyards, charming towns, and rolling hills”.
Third place went to GoldenPass Express: Montreux, Switzerland.
Stated as a “luxurious journey that takes passengers from the resort town of Montreux to Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland, transitioning from lakeside vistas to mountainscapes – all visible through the train’s panoramic windows”.
Rovos Rail’s Pretoria, South Africa journey came in fourth place.
The report stated it “encompasses vintage charm, with a wood-panelled interior and fine dining aboard”.
Royal Suites on the regal train take up half a carriage and have a private lounge and ensuite with a Victorian bath. There’s also a dedicated hostess and bar fridge.
Rounding out the top five was The Ghan, which travels between Darwin and Adelaide, through the Red Centre.
Earlier this year, Journey Beyond announced Platinum Class Suites called Australis and Aurora will be available on all three of its trains – The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern – from April 2026.
The new cabins will have personal butlers, personalised bars, dedicated bedrooms with a queen bed, and an ensuite.
Wood Bagot Principal, Rosina Di Maria, who created the new suites, says the design was based around understated Australian luxury with horsehair lighting and corrugated wood finishing.
There will also be a new Platinum Club, featuring new dining and lounge areas, including a wine bar, with free-flowing Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année.
The top 10 luxury train journeys for 2025 are:
- Rocky Mountaineer: Vancouver, Canada
- Napa Valley Wine Train: Napa Valley, California
- GoldenPass Express: Montreux, Switzerland
- Rovos Rail: Pretoria, South Africa
- The Ghan: Adelaide, Australia
- Venice Simplon Orient-Express
- British Pullman
- The Canadian
- Twilight Express Mizukage
- Belmond Andean Explorer
For more information about The Ghan, visit Journey Beyond Rail.
