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In Focus: How the slow travel trend is driving the revival of luxury rail travel

“The sector presents an opportunity for agents to craft bespoke and immersive journeys”

Special ReportApr 22, 2025by Charlotte Brook

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In an age of soaring screen time, jam‑packed calendars and constant connectivity, the chance to slow down and switch off has never been more appealing. In fact, a survey conducted by luxury operator Scott Dunn found that 81% of adults aim to do just that when planning a holiday. This desire for a more unhurried pace – known as slow travel – is growing, and the luxury train sector is poised to meet demand.

This year alone sees multiple advancements in the market: next month, Accor-owned brand Orient Express will launch La Dolce Vita Orient Express, with itineraries across Italy; in July, Belmond will debut the Britannic Explorer, the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales; and in the autumn, the Norient Express is set to become Norway’s first high-end train.

And there is more on the horizon. In 2026, Dream of the Desert will launch as Saudi Arabia’s first luxury train, while long-distance rail tour operator Golden Eagle Luxury Trains will unveil its new Asia service, the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express. With a wealth of new routes and demand rising, there’s no better time for agents to jump on board the luxury rail resurgence.

Enjoying the journey

Travelling at a leisurely 50mph while admiring breathtaking scenery, rail travel ensures the journey is as memorable as the destination – and avoids hectic airports and delayed departures.

However, the slower pace of rail travel doesn’t equate to less exploration. In August 2024, specialist tour operator Railbookers embarked on an 80-day around-the-world trip spanning 13 countries. The journey, featuring seven luxury rail services – including Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, the Maharajas’ Express in India and Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – generated a waiting list of more than 500 people. Railbookers is hosting a second iteration of the trip, now 59 days long, in September and is working on two itineraries for 2026.

The company reported a 68% rise in bookings for luxury rail journeys in 2024 compared with the previous year. “Luxury rail travel is a growing scene and with so many new trains popping up all over the world, year on year we’re seeing exponential growth,” says Gareth Jones, director of product development at Railbookers.

Typically, however, rail itineraries are much shorter in duration – but no less in demand. And as travellers seek more immersive experiences, local and off-the-beaten-path journeys are shaping the sector.

Rocky Mountaineer carried around 85,000 travellers across its one to three-day rail routes through western Canada, the Rocky Mountains and southwestern US in 2024.

“We’re tracking to exceed that this year, with the UK remaining our second-biggest market,” says Nicole Ford, vice-president of communications, stakeholder relations and sustainability. “Travellers are coming to the appreciation that there’s so much more to see and experience in a destination than taking photos of iconic tourist spots,” she adds.

The recent rebranding of Rocky Mountaineer’s US-based train to Canyon Spirit, set to offer an expanded three-day Rockies to the Red Rocks itinerary from 2026, is expected to fuel further growth. For agents who are yet to tap into the sector, Ford advises recommending it to clients who are “well-travelled, curious and looking for culturally enriching experiences”.

In Italy, the highly anticipated La Dolce Vita Orient Express will hit the tracks next month, offering two to three-night itineraries departing from Rome to lesser-known regions such as Matera, Portofino and Montalcino.

“Train travel allows guests to experience destinations in a different way,” says Gilda Perez-Alvarado, chief executive of Orient Express.

Similarly, Belmond’s Britannic Explorer offers three-night itineraries visiting harder-to-reach destinations across the Lake District, Cornwall and Wales. “Bookings have been fantastic, with a big proportion coming from UK clients,” says director of trains and cruise, Gary Franklin. He notes that an uptick in younger clients (aged 30 to 50) has prompted itineraries to be designed around busy schedules, with many running from Friday to Monday. Belmond said it experienced a “record year” in 2024, with a 25% increase for bookings across its train portfolio.

Tailor-made tickets

There’s ample selling opportunity for agents who get on board with luxury train travel, particularly when it comes to customising itineraries for clients.

“It’s rare that anyone would travel abroad solely for the rail journey, so there’s greater earning opportunities for agents to book hotel accommodation, sightseeing and transfers,” says Railbookers’ Jones.

The emerging trend for ‘hybrid holidays’ also promises to be lucrative. Tailor-made operator Audley Travel recently reported that 77% of its partner agents were seeing a rise in bookings for trips with multiple distinct elements. Head of product Alex Bentley says: “We’re seeing rising demand for hybrid journeys that give clients two or three holidays in one, combining rail itineraries with cruise, safari or wine trails, for example.”

This is where the role of agents and operators really shines, as they coordinate complex pieces of the journey according to departure and arrival times, proximity between destinations and seasonality.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has also seen a shift towards hybrid holidays, launching its first river cruise and rail brochure last December after research indicated that 73% of guests are interested in luxury rail travel.

The demand speaks for itself. Managing director Chris Townsend reports that in January the brand secured three trade bookings worth a combined £200,000 for India itineraries including travel on the Mahajaras’ Express. Demand for such journeys increased by 50% in 2024 – a rise Townsend attributes to growing “bucket-list sentiment”. Similarly, itineraries in Europe with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains grew by 27% last year.

With the appetite for luxury rail travel showing no signs of slowing, there’s only one thing left to do: hop aboard.

Agent insight

Ten Lifestyle Group saw a 26% jump in bookings for luxury rail journeys in 2024. David Farrell, head of product and commercial partnerships, shares his knowledge of popular routes and how to package trips.

What do you think is driving demand?

Train travel is one of the most relaxing ways to see a destination. Plus, it’s sustainable, so clients can travel responsibly without sacrificing luxury.

Where are the most sought-after destinations among your clients?

The Rocky Mountaineer has been incredibly popular, especially when combined with time in Vancouver and an Alaskan cruise. Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express – operating in southeast Asia – which we’ve paired with land touring, has also stood out. Rovos Rail in South Africa, with a safari or beach holiday, is another top performer. Customers want the train journey to be the key aspect and to build the rest of the trip around it.

What interest have you seen for new product?

Belmond’s Britannic Explorer has been a big deal for us. There are already people who have missed out this year, so I think demand will remain high.