The 6 Most Beautiful Train Cabins in the World
Though hard to remember on a Monday morning commute, the opulence and romance oftrain travelisn’t a thing of the past—just consider these beautiful train cabins. Decked out with dining cars set with polished silver, white tablecloths, and private sleeper cabins with swanky beds and marble baths, these luxury trains have all the trappings of a five-star hotel on wheels and are a far cry from your standard railcars. Plus, they have the added bonus of being able to whisk you away to some pretty spectacular locations—all while you dine or dream. Climb aboard and drift off in one of these beautiful train cabins with all the bells and whistles.
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Photo: STR/AFP via Getty Images1/6Train Suite Shiki-shima – Shiki-shima Suite
With contemporary clean lines and modern minimalist design, Japan’sTrain Suite Shiki-shimaproves that not all luxury sleeper trains need to be inspired by the past. Transporting guests on a range of journeys around Tohoku and Hokkaido, the champagne-hued voyager has 17 sleeper compartments, the best of which is in car seven:Shiki-shima Suiteis spread out over two floors—maisonette style—with traditional tatami mats, washi paper wall, and a wood bathtub fashioned from 300-year-old cypress wood from the landlocked Nagano prefecture. Car seven also houses the single-level (but still spacious)Deluxe Suite Room, which includes a fireplace.
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Photo: Courtesy of Belmond2/6Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train – Grand Suites
Venice Simplon-Orient-Expressneeds no introduction. Mention it and images of Art Deco decadence and Gilded Age glamour froths up like freshly popped champagne. This summer, eight new suites—with marble-clad bathrooms and exquisite marquetry—will join the Europe-based iconic train, which already includes eight sumptuousGrand Suitesin revamped cars from the original Orient Express train created in 1883. The new suites draw individual identities from the passing pastoral landscapes of mountains (Les Montagnes), forests (La Forêt), lakes (Les Lacs), and countryside (La Campagne). However, that’s not the only big news: Next winter, the mythic train will also be traveling from Paris to the snow-capped French Alps for the first time in its history, as part of a newly launched winter route.
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Photo: Courtesy of InterContinental Khao Yai3/6InterContinental Khao Yai – Railcar Suites
While Thailand’s newInterContinental Khao Yai Resortisn’t a moving train, the hotel’s heritage is indisputably linked to the region’s role as a historic rail gateway to northeast Thailand and beyond during the 19th-century reign of King Rama V. Designed by Bill Bensley, the property is debuting in stages and just unveiled 19 new suites, housed within repurposed heritage railcars that were left unused for over 50 years and overgrown with Ficus trees. The railcars now have taken on a new life, care of scenic wallpaper, Thai silk, and airy outdoor spaces—some even with outdoor bathtubs and cooling plunge pools for much-need relief from the jungle’s heat.
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Photo: Courtesy of Accor4/6Orient Express – Presidential Suite
Not to be confused with Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the hospitality group Accor is also launching their ownOrient Expresstrain in 2025 with 17 recently discovered railcars, also from the original train service. The historic railcars will be completely reimagined in a maximalist style by Maxime d’Angeac with jewel-toned velvets, polished mahogany, beveled mirrors, gleaming crystal, and mother-of-pearl accents—not to mention plenty of playful twists like press-for-champagne buttons in the bar car. The pièce de resistance will be the Presidential Suite with gas fireplace, Lalique panels, and a secret “Cabinet de l’Égoïste,” dedicated to indulgences.
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Photo: Courtesy of Kruger Shalati5/6Kruger Shalati – Carriage Suites
The 31-keyKruger Shalatimight be a new hotel, but it’s part of the long history of Kruger National Park, South Africa’s most famous safari destination. Largely crafted from upcycled train cars, the hotel is permanently stationed on the out-of-use Selati Bridge, where trains delivering the first park visitors were previously stationed 100 years ago when Kruger was first established. Although there are seven ground-level Bridge House Suites adjacent to the bridge, the 24 Carriage Suites are the clear choice for rail enthusiasts with soothing earth tones, generous soaking tubs, and massive windows with views over the wildlife-filled riverbanks.
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Richard James Taylor6/6Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train - Suite Cabins
Navigating one of the highest train journeys in the world, the crisp-blueAndean Explorer(another modern classic by Belmond), makes for a stylish basecamp when exploring the impossibly stunning Peruvian Andes. With a double bed, seating area, and bathroom fashioned from local stone, the Suite Cabins are the most luxe option (as opposed to the cozy bunk bed couchettes), but gorgeous design features throughout the train with high-end wood finishes and hand-woven textiles. Also, all 35 sleeper cabins come equipped with built-in oxygen tanks and masks—a real luxury when staving off altitude sickness.
