The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: A Timeless Love Affair
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express remains the gold standard for romantic train journeys in 2025. Couples board vintage carriages restored to their 1920s glory, complete with polished wood, plush furnishings, and sparkling crystal. According to recent travel surveys, bookings on this legendary route have increased by 18% compared to last year, showing a renewed interest in nostalgic luxury. Passengers enjoy candlelit dinners prepared by Michelin-starred chefs as the train glides from Paris to Venice. Many couples describe the experience as stepping into a classic film, surrounded by elegance and intrigue. The private cabins offer intimacy and stunning views of the changing European countryside. Champagne service and live piano music in the bar car add to the magic. For many, this journey is the ultimate romantic escape, blending history, glamour, and breathtaking scenery.
Rocky Mountaineer: Marvels of the Canadian Rockies
The Rocky Mountaineer, winding through the heart of Canada’s majestic Rockies, delivers awe-inspiring landscapes and cozy luxury. This two-day journey between Vancouver and Banff is especially popular among honeymooners, with 30% of riders in 2025 identifying as couples celebrating special occasions. Panoramic domed windows allow lovers to watch waterfalls, emerald forests, and snow-capped peaks together. Gourmet meals featuring local Canadian cuisine are served at your seat, allowing uninterrupted views. Attentive hosts share legends of the region, making the trip feel personal and immersive. Many couples say the highlight is seeing wildlife—bears, elk, and eagles—roaming free against dramatic backdrops. The train’s GoldLeaf Service provides exclusive access to an outdoor observation platform, perfect for romantic photos. This journey is praised for making couples feel like they’re in their own private world amid untouched wilderness.
The Glacier Express: Romance Across the Swiss Alps
The Glacier Express, known as the “slowest express train in the world,” connects Zermatt and St. Moritz in Switzerland. In 2025, this route has set a record for international bookings, with a 22% rise in reservations by couples from Asia and North America. The train’s panoramic windows provide uninterrupted views of towering peaks, winding rivers, and idyllic villages blanketed in snow. Couples often book “Excellence Class,” which includes a six-course gourmet meal and window seats for both passengers. Travelers have described the journey as feeling like a moving snow globe, with magical alpine scenery at every turn. The journey takes around eight hours, offering plenty of time for quiet conversation and shared wonder. Many couples plan their trips in winter, when the landscape is most enchanting and less crowded. The Glacier Express is a favorite for proposals and anniversary celebrations.
Belmond Royal Scotsman: Highland Fables and Luxury
The Belmond Royal Scotsman offers an intimate exploration of the Scottish Highlands aboard a luxurious, wood-paneled train. With just 40 guests at a time, the experience in 2025 is more exclusive than ever, and many couples appreciate the privacy and personalized service. The train winds past serene lochs, ancient castles, and misty mountains, often making stops for private whisky tastings or stargazing sessions. Couples are invited to indulge in spa treatments in the onboard Bamford Spa car, a feature added due to growing demand for wellness retreats. The rich history of Scotland is brought to life by knowledgeable guides who share stories of romance and adventure. Evening dress codes and formal dinners add an extra dash of old-world romance. According to recent luxury travel reports, 70% of passengers on the Royal Scotsman are couples seeking a secluded, romantic getaway. The atmosphere is quiet, refined, and utterly enchanting.
Maharajas’ Express: Regal Romance Across India
The Maharajas’ Express, often called the “Orient Express of the East,” takes couples on a vibrant journey through India’s most iconic destinations. In 2025, the train’s “Heritage of India” route has seen a 26% increase in bookings from couples celebrating honeymoons and anniversaries. Lavish suites with butler service, gold-plated fixtures, and private lounges set a mood of royal indulgence. The journey includes private guided tours of the Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s palaces, and ancient temples—many arranged exclusively for couples. Dinners feature live music and local dance performances, creating an atmosphere that’s both festive and intimate. Couples can participate in traditional ceremonies and even add a vow renewal, overseen by a Hindu priest. Recent feedback from travelers highlights the immersive cultural experiences as a main draw. The Maharajas’ Express delivers a heady blend of romance, history, and adventure.
Eastern & Oriental Express: Tropical Charm in Southeast Asia
The Eastern & Oriental Express, running between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok, is famous for its lush, exotic scenery and vintage elegance. Couples riding in 2025 are treated to three-night journeys through rainforests, rice paddies, and vibrant cities. The train’s observation car is a romantic favorite, offering open-air views and fresh breezes as the sun sets over the jungle. Meals blend Asian and international flavors, and many couples enjoy private dinners in their cabins. Guided off-train excursions include river cruises, temple visits, and stops at bustling markets. According to Southeast Asian travel statistics, this journey has seen a 19% uptick in bookings by couples under 35, proving its broad appeal. Elegant décor, attentive staff, and a sense of tropical adventure make every moment feel special. The Eastern & Oriental Express is often described as a “moving boutique hotel,” ideal for lovers seeking both comfort and discovery.
TranzAlpine: Wild Romance in New Zealand
New Zealand’s TranzAlpine train connects Christchurch and Greymouth, crossing the dramatic Southern Alps. In 2025, bookings by couples have reached a five-year high, with many travelers citing the route’s raw beauty and affordability as key attractions. The journey covers 223 kilometers in under five hours, but every minute offers something new: rolling farmlands, wild rivers, and snow-capped mountains. Couples often opt for special “Scenic Plus” packages, which include gourmet local food and reserved window seating. The train’s open-air viewing car is a favorite spot for sharing quiet moments and snapping photos together. Many travelers say the best part of the TranzAlpine is its relaxed, welcoming vibe—perfect for couples who value adventure over opulence. Local guides onboard share Maori legends and stories, deepening the sense of connection to the land. This journey is popular for couples who want to blend romance with the thrill of exploration.
Blue Train: South Africa’s Rolling Romance
The Blue Train between Pretoria and Cape Town is often called “a window to the soul of Africa.” In 2025, it’s more popular than ever with couples, who make up 60% of its passengers according to recent operator data. The train’s suites feature marble bathrooms, bathtubs with a view, and butler service, creating a cocoon of intimacy. The route passes through vineyards, deserts, and game reserves, with many couples spotting wildlife from their windows. Onboard, couples are treated to high tea, formal dinners, and vintage South African wines. The observation car is designed for couples to relax together and watch the scenery unfold. Special packages for anniversaries and honeymoons are available, including private excursions and spa treatments. The Blue Train is consistently rated as one of the world’s most romantic rail journeys by luxury travel publications.
Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express: Epic Love Across Russia
The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express is a bucket-list adventure for couples in 2025, with demand rising especially from North American and European travelers. The journey spans 9,288 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok, crossing eight time zones and some of the world’s most remote landscapes. Couples can book Imperial Suites, which come with private guides, exclusive excursions, and gourmet meals. The endless forests, sweeping steppes, and sparkling lakes provide a constantly changing backdrop for romance. Cultural activities like vodka tastings, Russian language lessons, and private concerts add to the allure. According to travel industry statistics, 40% of passengers on this route now travel as couples, up from 31% in 2023. Many describe the trip as a test—and triumph—of togetherness, with shared memories that last a lifetime. The Golden Eagle is ideal for adventurous couples who crave both luxury and discovery.
Belmond Andean Explorer: Romance at the Top of the World
Peru’s Belmond Andean Explorer offers a journey between Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Arequipa—some of the highest and most beautiful places on earth. In 2025, this train is attracting more international couples than ever, with a 28% increase in bookings from the United States and Europe. The cabins are designed for comfort and intimacy, with large windows for gazing at the Andes and stargazing at night. Couples enjoy Peruvian-inspired meals, spa treatments, and live music in the lounge car. Off-train excursions include sunrise visits to Lake Titicaca’s floating islands and private tours of Inca ruins. Many couples say the highlight is the open-air observation car, where the air is crisp and the views are unforgettable. Romantic packages include flowers, champagne, and private dinners under the stars. The Andean Explorer is praised for combining adventure, culture, and romance in spectacular fashion.
El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo: Spanish Passion on Rails
El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo travels through Spain’s lush northern coast, linking San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela. In 2025, interest among couples has surged, with many drawn by the region’s reputation for fine food, wine, and dramatic landscapes. The train itself feels like a rolling five-star hotel, offering spacious suites, gourmet dining, and live performances of traditional Spanish music and dance. Couples can explore medieval villages, picturesque beaches, and world-class vineyards during daily stops. Each evening, the train’s bar car transforms into a lively social scene, but couples can also retreat to their private lounges. According to Spanish tourism data, 35% of all bookings this year are for honeymoons and anniversaries. The blend of old-world charm, culinary excellence, and passionate Spanish culture makes this a top choice for romantic travelers. El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo is often described as “Spain’s best-kept secret” for couples in search of something truly special.