International Travel by Train

Traveling overseas can be a bit of a hassle. But you can avoid some of that by booking and traveling the rails. Here are four suggestions for international travel by train.

Rocky Mountaineer to Banff

Rocky Mountaineer’s two-day Canadian trip on the First Passage West route begins in Vancouver, stopping overnight halfway through the journey in Kamloops, British Columbia. From there, passengers make their way eastward through the Shuswap region, enjoying stunning lake views the entire way. Breakfast is included onboard, along with a gourmet lunch and wine service.

The trip ends in Banff National Park, home to rugged, snow-capped mountains, turquoise waters and diverse wildlife. One-way tickets from Vancouver to Banff were recently available starting at $1,720 per person.

Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

The Hiram Bingham train, operated by hospitality company Belmond, brings travelers from Cusco, Peru, to the entrance of the 15th-century citadel of Machu Picchu. Round-trip service comes with access to a cocktail bar and a gourmet lunch. The fare includes a transfer from the train station to the citadel, an entrance ticket to the site and a guided tour guide.

After a day experiencing Machu Picchu’s grandeur, passengers can enjoy complimentary tea service at Belmond’s luxury Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel located next to Machu Picchu. Room rates at this hotel are pricey, averaging about $2,250 a night during the June high season. Round-trip train fare includes a return bus to the train station and a gourmet dinner on your return trip. A September round-trip journey aboard the Hiram Bingham between Cusco and Machu Picchu was recently available for about $1,000 per adult.

La Dolce Vita Orient Express through Italy

For a rail excursion reminiscent of the fabled Orient Express, consider booking a ride on La Dolce Vita Orient Express’s luxurious journey through Italy. Depending on the season, the train takes passengers through various routes on different lines. Cities and regions in the wide range of itineraries include Rome, Portofino, Venice, Siena, Sicily and Palermo.

Accor, the train operator, recently started taking reservations for spring 2025. The trains feature 12 deluxe cabins and 19 suites—all with en suite bathrooms. La Dolce Vita Orient Express also has a restaurant, a lounge and a bar. Prices for a one-night journey start at 3,500 euros (about $3,800) per person for a deluxe cabin and 4,700 euros (about $5,050) per person for a suite. Prices vary depending on travel dates.

Japan by bullet train

Japan’s Shinkansen — commonly known as bullet trains — connect almost every major city in the country. While residents of Japan use these efficient and reliable trains to get around, they also offer a fast and convenient way to tour Japan, currently a popular destination for U.S. visitors because of the favorable currency-exchange rate.

Tickets for the two-hour, 40-minute route between Tokyo and Kyoto, for example, were recently available for about $120 to $160 round-trip. Travelers can purchase tickets in advance through various online platforms or at ticket offices located in major stations.

The trains are punctual, so you’ll always arrive promptly, giving you plenty of time to explore Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage and historic sites, such as the Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple or the Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Get a new perspective with a train vacation

Emma Patch is a senior writer at Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine. For more on this and similar money topics, visit Kiplinger.com.

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