US Train Journeys: What They Are and Why India’s Luxury Trains Steal the Show
When people think of US train journeys, long-distance rail trips across America’s vast landscapes, often featuring scenic routes like the California Zephyr or Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. Also known as American rail travel, it’s a way to see the country slowly, one landscape at a time. But here’s the truth: if you’re looking for luxury, history, and pure opulence on rails, you’re not going to find it on a US train. You’ll find it in India.
Palace on Wheels, a luxury train that runs through Rajasthan, offering royal suites, private butlers, and guided tours of ancient forts and palaces. Also known as India’s most luxurious train, it’s not just a ride—it’s a time machine back to the era of maharajas. Compare that to a typical US train journey: comfortable seats, decent food, and maybe a view of the Rockies. Nothing wrong with that—but it’s not the same thing. The luxury train journeys, high-end rail experiences that combine five-star service, curated cultural excursions, and exclusive access to heritage sites. Also known as premium rail travel, they’re designed to make the journey the main attraction—and India leads the world in this category.
Why does this matter? Because if you’re planning a trip and you’re drawn to the idea of train travel, you’re not just looking for transportation—you’re looking for an experience. US trains get you from point A to point B. India’s luxury trains make you feel like royalty along the way. You’ll ride through deserts where kings once ruled, sleep in cabins that once hosted emperors, and eat meals prepared by chefs who’ve served royal families for generations. That’s not a train ride. That’s a cultural immersion on wheels.
And it’s not just about the Palace on Wheels. Trains like the Golden Chariot and the Orient Express are often mentioned together—but only one of them actually runs through the heart of India’s heritage. The Orient Express is French and Italian elegance. The Palace on Wheels is Indian grandeur. One is a museum piece. The other is a living tradition.
So if you’re researching US train journeys, you’re probably wondering: is this worth it? The answer depends on what you want. If you want quiet, slow travel with wide-open skies and small-town charm, then yes. But if you want to step into a palace, wear silk in your cabin, and have a guide explain 500-year-old carvings while you sip chai—then you’re not looking for a US train. You’re looking for India.
Below, you’ll find real stories from travelers who’ve taken both. Some came for the American routes. Others stayed for the Indian ones. You’ll see why a two-day trip to Rajasthan can leave a deeper mark than a week on a US rail line. And you’ll learn what to pack, when to book, and why the most luxurious train in the world isn’t even American.
