All aboard: the most exceptional train journeys of 2026

A ticket assigned by lottery, a suite that spans nearly half a carriage, or fourteen days travelling through seven countries: these train journeys define exclusivity far beyond fine interiors. Scarcity, privacy and distinctive routes shape the experience. MASTERS presents five of the most exclusive train journeys of 2026.

1. Train Suite Shiki-shima – Japan

A ticket for the Train Suite Shiki-shima is not simply a matter of booking. For certain journeys, seats are allocated through a lottery system. At its introduction, demand was 76 times greater than availability, and in 2026 a place remains exceptionally difficult to secure. The train carries a maximum of 34 guests and has only seventeen suites, keeping the experience deliberately intimate. The flagship offering is the Shiki-shima Suite: spanning two levels and occupying nearly an entire carriage, it features a traditional Japanese bath made from hinoki cypress wood. Even before departure, the experience remains exclusive. Guests board the train via a private platform at Ueno Station in Tokyo.

Price: the Shiki-shima Suite costs approximately €5,300 per person, based on a rate of ¥950,000 for two guests.

2. Rovos Rail Copper Trail – Africa

The Copper Trail by Rovos Rail is not a regular train service, but a fifteen-day expedition through parts of Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The route operates only once or twice per year and passes through regions where tourism is barely present. This rarity is precisely what makes the journey exceptional. On board are Royal Suites occupying approximately half a carriage, each with its own living area and a full bathroom. Complete compartments are sometimes booked exclusively by families or private groups, giving the train the character of a moving private hotel.

Price: from approximately €24,600 per person for a Royal Suite.

3. Golden Eagle Aurelian Odyssey – Paris to Cappadocia

Fourteen days, seven countries and one exceptional route. The Aurelian Odyssey travels in 2026 from Paris through Central and Southeast Europe to Cappadocia. What makes it remarkable is that the train will travel to the Asian part of Turkey for the first time in approximately ten years.

The exclusivity lies not only in the length and rarity of the route, but also in the special access along the way. The itinerary includes experiences that are difficult for regular travellers to arrange, including exclusive visits and specially organized excursions. In Superior Deluxe Class, guests enjoy spacious cabins with private bathrooms, panoramic windows and personal service throughout the journey.

Price: from €35,500 per person for a Superior Deluxe Suite for two guests.

4. The Ghan – Australia Suite, Australia

The Ghan has long been one of Australia's most renowned train journeys, but in 2026 the new Australis Suite elevates the experience to another level. The suite is approximately three times larger than a regular Platinum Cabin and features a separate bedroom, private bathroom, bar area and 24-hour butler service. Only a limited number of these suites is available per train, making privacy and space a central part of the journey. The experience extends beyond the train as well, with specially curated excursions through the Australian outback and opportunities such as helicopter flights over remote natural areas.

Price: for the three-day journey from Adelaide to Darwin, the Australis Suite starts at AU$12,490, approximately €7,750 per person in 2026. During peak season, this rises to around €8,440.

5. La Dolce Vita Orient Express – Rome to Istanbul

On 22 October 2026, La Dolce Vita Orient Express departs from Rome towards Istanbul for the first time. Over five days and four nights, the route passes through Venice, Budapest and Transylvania before reaching the Bosporus. With a maximum of 62 passengers, the train remains relatively intimate, while the interiors by Dimorestudio draw inspiration from 1960s Italy. Gastronomy plays a central role, with a culinary programme led by three-Michelin-star chef Heinz Beck. As this is La Dolce Vita Orient Express's first international route, the journey in 2026 carries particular significance.

Price: from €20,000 per person for the five-day journey from Rome to Istanbul.