A New Golden Age of Travel

A steward greets passengers with a warm smile, welcoming them aboard the train. Inside, polished wood, art deco details and deep green and blue upholstery create a cozy elegance. Soft carpets lead to private cabins, radiating old-world charm. As the train begins to move, champagne glasses clink, and the soft notes of a piano from the bar car evoke the golden age of rail travel – all before the holiday has begun. 

Compare this scene aboard one of the many new luxury train lines to the chaos that usually signals the beginning of a vacation, and it’s easy to see why there’s a rising movement in luxury ‘slow travel.’ Alleviating the displeasure of navigating the mayhem of airport check-in, security and boarding, premium train services have tapped into the business of time and pleasure. 

Speaking at the Walpole British Luxury Summit in April, Belmond’s head of global brand and marketing Arnaud Champenois tied the growth in luxury train travel to the ‘quiet luxury’ trend of 2023. “Last year was about quiet luxury, now we talk about slow luxury and slow travel,” he said. 

In an ‘on-demand economy,’ where time is among the most sought-after assets, slow travel – requiring extended periods of free time – naturally positions itself as a key luxury item of the future. 

Spanning the 1870s to the 1930s, the ‘Golden Age of Travel’ marked an era where railroads transcended their utilitarian roots to become symbols of luxury, innovation and adventure. Trains evolved from means of transportation into opulent vessels of comfort and style. Travel by rail was a journey where the experience rivalled, or even eclipsed, the destination itself.

Several years of travel restrictions have made way for a wave of nostalgia and ‘bucket list’ travel plans, both from voyagers and the companies providing these ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experiences. Now, with four new luxury train lines set to open within the next two years, a return to the golden age of travel appears imminent, making it the perfect time to embrace the journey as the destination. 

Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express

Following a four-year hiatus, Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express rejoined the tracks this year, taking guests through southeast Asia on its Essence of Malaysia tour. The three-day trip through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Penang offers guests a flow of changing views, from traditional farms to rice crops and fishing villages. Adding to the luxury feel of the voyage, a new Dior spa is situated in one of the 16 carriages, providing guests with a menu of Malayan wellness experiences.

Norient Express 

Little has been released about Norway’s foray into the luxury train industry, however the Norient Express is anticipated to begin hosting guests from October 2025. Starting in Bergen, the six-day journey will navigate difficult-to-reach locations, taking guests to Oslo and Trondheim, crossing fjords, valleys and mountain plateaus.  

The Golden Eagle Silk Road Express

Inspired by the historic Silk Road network, the train will navigate the trading routes dating back to the second century BC. Expected to begin in 2026, the journey will offer guests a chance to experience historic parts of China and Tibet. As with all luxury trains, the opulent design and decor of the train is a drawcard for those looking to journey back to the golden age of train travel. With a pale blue, crimson and gold exterior, the train itself appears to be straight out of a Wes Anderson film, while the interiors offer a beautiful blend of modern comforts with rich wooden walls and golden accents. 

Belmond Britannic Explorer

Scheduled to open in July 2025, Belmond’s Britannic Explorer is touted as the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales. Offering three-and six-day journeys traversing through the Lake District, Cornwall or Wales, passengers can discover some of the most picturesque parts of the UK.