5 Luxury Train Journeys You Can Take From London to Europe

There’s something irresistibly romantic about train travel—especially when you swap your usual commuter carriage for something far more glamorous. Think plush interiors, fine dining, sweeping views of mountains and vineyards… and you never even have to deal with airport security.

If you’re in London and craving an unforgettable escape, luxury rail journeys offer a slow, scenic, and utterly stylish way to explore Europe. From Venice to the Swiss Alps, these trains make the journey just as memorable as the destination.

Let’s hop aboard the best luxury train journeys you can take from London to Europe.

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (London to Venice and beyond)

This is the train of dreams. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is synonymous with old-world elegance, and it begins its iconic journey from London.

After a short Eurostar trip to Paris or Calais, guests transfer to the lavishly restored 1920s carriages of the VSOE. Think wood-panelled walls, crisp linens, vintage lamps, and liveried stewards at your service.

The journey to Venice takes about 24 hours and includes a formal black-tie dinner onboard, a midnight piano bar, and some of the best views in Europe—from the French countryside to the snow-capped Alps.

Route Highlights: London – Paris – Swiss Alps – Verona – Venice
Accommodation: Art Deco cabins or new Grand Suites with private bathrooms
Dining: Michelin-star level cuisine with seasonal European menus
Starting Price: Approx. £3,500 per person one-way

Pro Tip: They also offer routes to Vienna, Prague, Florence, and even Istanbul—so if Venice isn’t your dream, another city surely will be.

2. Belmond Royal Scotsman (London to Scotland’s Highlands)

Yes, it’s technically within the UK—but we had to include it. You board in London and head up to Edinburgh, where the Royal Scotsman begins its journey through the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

This train is intimate—only 36 passengers—and every detail feels deeply indulgent. Think Edwardian-style cabins, a spa car (yes, you can get a massage while riding past lochs and mountains), and off-train excursions like private castle tours and whisky tastings.

Route Highlights: Edinburgh – Fort William – Kyle of Lochalsh – Boat of Garten – Return
Accommodation: Twin cabins with en-suite, plus a luxury spa car
Dining: Traditional Scottish fare with gourmet twists
Starting Price: Around £5,000 for a 2-night journey

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the open-air observation deck—it’s magic at sunset.

3. The GoldenPass Line (London to Montreux via Geneva or Lausanne)

If you’re headed toward Switzerland, the GoldenPass Line is a treat. Start your journey with a Eurostar from London to Paris, then switch to a high-speed TGV to Geneva or Lausanne. From there, you’ll hop onto the scenic GoldenPass route through the Swiss Alps.

While not a single "luxury train" per se, the entire journey feels first-class—especially if you upgrade to Panoramic Class or the new Prestige Class, complete with rotating leather seats.

Route Highlights: Montreux – Zweisimmen – Interlaken – Lucerne
Accommodation: No sleeper cabins (daytime journey), but 5-star hotels at every stop
Dining: Local Swiss delicacies available onboard or at station stops
Starting Price: Around £300–£500 depending on class and segments

Pro Tip: This is ideal for travellers who want a mix of adventure and luxury with incredible photo ops.

4. Train Bleu Experience via TGV (London to French Riviera)

Start with a Eurostar to Paris, then connect to the TGV Méditerranée—France’s high-speed rail service that whisks you down to the French Riviera in under 6 hours. While the TGV isn’t luxury by default, you can upgrade to First Class, and many luxury providers offer Train Bleu-themed experiences with gourmet catering and curated transfers.

Your destination? Nice, Cannes, or Monte Carlo. You’ll arrive refreshed, pampered, and right in time for a glass of rosé by the sea.

Route Highlights: Paris – Avignon – Marseille – Nice
Accommodation: 5-star hotels at your destination, such as Hôtel Negresco
Dining: Onboard service is decent, but many opt for pre-packed gourmet hampers
Starting Price: From £150 First Class (via TGV), luxury upgrades available

Pro Tip: Time your trip with the Cannes Film Festival or Monaco Grand Prix for ultimate luxury vibes.

5. Orient Silk Road Express (London to Istanbul via Eastern Europe)

Looking for something truly bucket-list worthy? This one’s for the adventurous luxury lover. While this journey takes some planning, it starts with a Eurostar to Paris, then continues through Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, and finally Turkey—all aboard the Orient Silk Road Express or similar long-distance luxury rail.

With multi-country itineraries, you’ll enjoy private en-suite compartments, onboard lectures about history and culture, and off-train excursions like visiting Dracula’s Castle or thermal baths in Budapest.

Route Highlights: Berlin – Budapest – Bucharest – Istanbul
Accommodation: Luxurious twin-bed compartments with private bathrooms
Dining: Eastern European fusion cuisine and traditional feasts
Starting Price: Starts around £5,500 per person for 12–14 day journey

Pro Tip: Some departures offer themes like “Jewels of Persia” or “Grand European Tour.” It’s slow travel on an epic scale.

Final Boarding Call

So there you have it—five unforgettable, luxurious train journeys you can take right from London to some of the most magical places in Europe.

Whether you’re sipping champagne in a Grand Suite on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express or watching Swiss cows from a panoramic window on the GoldenPass Line, one thing’s for sure: this isn’t your average holiday.

It’s the slow lane—but in the best, most glamorous way possible.

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