Seven Of The Best Sleeper Train Experiences

From palaces on wheels to the latest ‘cruise trains’, it’s easy to hit the rails in style and watch the world go by your cabin window. We keep you on track with our pick of the top sleepers.

- Gareth Clark

1 PALACE ON WHEELS

India; 7 nights

The clue is in the name. With its own spa, mini gym and cabins that look ripped straight from Wes Anderson’ssketchpad, India’s first ‘cruise train’ launched in 1982 and still retains its charm. The itinerary also never dates, as the train noisily creaks out of Delhi and into Rajasthan, dropping in on the tigers of Ranthambore, the dunes of Jaisalmer and pink palaces of Jaipur. Desert forts and a Taj Mahal finale round off a journey that does well to squeeze in so many sights. From US$3,500pp (£2,765) return, based on two people sharing a cabin; the season runs Sept–Apr; palacesonwheels.com

2 BELMOND ANDEAN EXPLORER

Peru; 1–2 nights

A slew of high-end locomotives hit the rails in 2017, but the most anticipated was South America’s first luxury effort: the Andean Explorer. Two years later, it still has no local rival, as few can match its scenic two-day chug between Arequipa and Cusco (it also has one-day routes). With two dining cars and a baby grand piano, it doesn’t lack for atmosphere – in any sense, cabins have in-built oxygen for high altitude. Expect en-suite showers, double beds, a spa and alpaca blankets that keep out the chill at 4,312m as you cruise the altiplano between Lake Titicaca, the condors of Colca Canyon and the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. From US$2,835pp (£2,239) one-way, based on two sharing a bunkbed cabin (two nights); trains run Mar–Jan; belmond.com

3 WINNIPEG–CHURCHILL

Canada; 2 nights