2025: The Year of New Luxury Trains

Icons of rail travel like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), celebrating its 43rd anniversary, and the Royal Scotsman, marking 40 years in May 2025, continue to captivate travelers. However, a new generation of prestigious trains is set to redefine the rail travel experience.

Here are the three new luxury trains set to make 2025 unforgettable. If you're enticed by a luxury train tour, these trains represent the new generation of rail opulence. They commence operations this year and are all available for booking through Discovery Trains, the French specialist in luxury train travel.

1. Orient Express La Dolce Vita : a tribute to 1960s Italy 

Set to welcome its first passengers in 2025, journeys aboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express are already available for booking. This luxury train traverses Italy, offering prestigious routes through iconic cities such as Rome, Venice, Florence, and Milan, providing travelers with an immersive experience of Italian culture and landscapes.

What sets it apart is its unique design, inspired by the Italy of the 1960s and 1970s—a period marked by unparalleled cultural and artistic vibrancy. Unlike many luxury trains that adopt a 1930s retro decor or a modern style, La Dolce Vita features interiors crafted by the Dimorestudio design firm, celebrating the craftsmanship and design of that era.

The train comprises 12 deluxe cabins, 18 suites, one "La Dolce Vita" suite, and a restaurant, all reflecting the elegance and sophistication of mid-20th-century Italian design.

For those seeking a luxurious and culturally rich journey through Italy, the La Dolce Vita Orient Express offers an unparalleled travel experience.

Dimorestudio Design has meticulously selected materials and iconic patterns from the 1960s, such as velvet and geometric prints, to recreate the glamorous ambiance of that era. With 12 luxury cabins, 18 suites, and an exclusive "La Dolce Vita" suite, the train offers an immersive experience combining elegance and comfort.

Passengers will also have the opportunity to savor dishes inspired by traditional Italian cuisine, crafted by renowned chefs. Moreover, as a property of the Accor Group, the official holder of the "Orient Express" brand, this train rightfully carries this prestigious name.

2. SJourney in Vietnam : the first luxury train in the country 

SJourney marks a significant milestone as the very first true luxury train in Vietnam. While the country already offers first-class trains, SJourney raises the standard by providing an experience comparable to other international luxury trains. Passengers can expect gourmet meals included, guided tours, and top-tier comfort throughout the journey.

SJourney offers exclusive itineraries, such as a journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with stops at historical and cultural sites like Ha Long Bay and the Imperial City of Hue. Passengers will also have the opportunity to take part in Vietnamese cooking workshops and traditional tea ceremonies onboard.

A distinctive feature of SJourney is its "Indochine" décor, blending French colonial and Vietnamese influences, evoking an elegant and unexpected nostalgia. This unique atmosphere transports travelers to a bygone era while providing the modern comforts expected of a luxury train.

3. Britannic Explorer: A New Adventure Through Cornwall

Get ready for an exceptional rail adventure aboard the Britannic Explorer, the brand-new luxury sleeper train set to traverse England and Wales starting July 4, 2025. With a capacity of 36 passengers, this train promises unforgettable getaways through picturesque destinations such as Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales.

The Britannic Explorer is operated by Belmond, an internationally renowned company known for its iconic luxury trains such as the Royal Scotsman, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), and the Eastern & Oriental Express in Malaysia. With Belmond at the helm, every journey aboard the Britannic Explorer promises perfection and discovery, embodying the essence of luxury and adventure.

The train features 18 cabins, including three spacious suites, all designed to reflect the natural beauty of Britain. Passengers can also enjoy guided excursions, private dinners in iconic locations, and activities such as hiking and wild swimming.

Onboard cuisine is curated by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, renowned for his restaurant L’Enclume in Cartmel. He has designed a special menu that highlights local and seasonal ingredients, offering passengers the chance to savor refined dishes while admiring the British countryside through the train’s large panoramic windows.

These three luxury trains launching in 2025 embody the new wave of luxury rail travel, blending historical heritage with contemporary innovations to offer unforgettable experiences for discerning travelers. All these journeys are available for booking through Discovery Trains, leading specialist in luxury trains.

While awaiting a new wave of launches in 2026, these trains represent the face of modern luxury rail travel. Among the anticipated projects for 2026 are the upcoming French luxury train Le Grand Tour by Le Puy du Fou, Accor’s Orient Express extending to Turkey, and the desert train in Saudi Arabia, among others.