rocky mountain train tour prices

From mountains to canyons: USA the smart way, on the Rocky Mountaineer train

This new luxury US Rocky Mountaineer train connects the city of Colorado with its beautiful, abundant nature, says Megan Eaves

“Look, bald eagle! Flying right above the Fraser River!” The excited shouts stir me from a gentle lull and I look out of the right-hand window to see the majestic bird with its signature whitefeathered head soaring above the iceblue waters of the river below. I’m on board the Rocky Mountaineer, a new luxury train service connecting Colorado’s capital, Denver, with the adventure outpost town of Moab, Utah.

The excited shouts came from Paul Arnett, a Colorado native and the Lead Host of my railway carriage. Paul is also an unabashed train buff and during the two days that our journey takes across Colorado and Utah, he never hesitates to share his deep knowledge of local wildlife as well as the rise and decline of the railways in the American West. Rocky Mountaineer has been operating luxe, scenic trains in the Canadian Rocky Mountains since 1990, and in 2022 it expanded into the US with its first full season running the ‘Rockies to the Red Rocks’ route between Denver and Moab.

Both cities have seen growth over recent years – particularly Denver, as numerous tech companies and digital nomads have moved here from the coasts in search of fresh mountain air and more space. With them has come a thriving food and mixology scene, signalled by the publication this year of Colorado’s first Michelin food guide. The spacious carriages and big windows on the Rocky Mountaineer make it easy to get up and mingle, so I’ve already made friends with several fellow passengers, including a tourist named Matt, who has travelled here from Kentucky with his family as a birthday gift to his father-in-law. “We couldn’t give them a trip on the train and then not come along!” he laughs.

Holding the heart of the US Rocky Mountains, Colorado has long been America’s outdoor playground, from the rich and famous hitting the pistes in Aspen to trekkers seeking to bag all of the state’s ‘Fourteeners’ – the 58 peaks above 14,000 feet (4267m) in elevation. The new Rocky Mountaineer twoday service crosses over high passes, alongside rushing rivers and through red deserts. And it’s a welcome spot of rail transport in a highway-driven region, particularly for travellers who might not want or be able to hire a car and drive.

Instead, you can hop on the train in downtown Denver and arrive in Moab the next day to tour the unique desert rock formations in its famed Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. This isn’t a traditional sleeper train, though. To maximise the daylight hours in which to gawp at the lovely passing scenery, the Rocky Mountaineer stops overnight halfway along its course in the mountain town of Glenwood Springs. It’s here that we alight after the first day travelling up high mountain passes and through tunnels chiselled out of sheer rock cliffs, all while filling up on frittatas and green-chile pork ribs and taking a guided tasting of local Colorado wines (or alcohol-free craft beers, if you’re me). Paul and his co-host Lacey Leonard are quick to point out the high-elevation vineyards where the wines are made as we pass.

The train descends from the mountains, into ruddy canyons as it carves a winding path toward the Grand Canyon

The check-in process in Glenwood Springs is straightforward, as our luggage has been hand-transferred and delivered to our rooms at the Hotel Denver across the street from the station. We’re given room keys even before de-boarding the train. After a quick freshen-up, it’s off for dinner at the Pullman, an upscale American diner named, of course, for the late 19th-century railway-carriage building company. After dinner, I’m joined by two fellow passengers who are as eager as I am to soak in Glenwood’s namesake hot springs. It’s an easy 15-minute stroll across town through the cool mountain evening to the Iron Mountain Hot Springs, a lush resort that utilises the town’s mineral-rich hot spring water for its 32 geothermal pools.

We head straight for the adult-users only WorldSprings section. Newly opened in May this year, the waters in these pools have been altered to mimic those of famous hot springs around the world. We hop from Iceland’s Blue Lagoon to the bicarbonate-rich Osaek Hot Springs in South Korea, then Europe’s first soaking pool in Vichy, France, and finally the Dead Sea, where we float lightly on our backs looking up at the stars. I finish off with a soak in one of the pools with pure local water – its minerals instantly smoothing my skin and senses.

The second day on the train requires an early start, with a pink glow rising over the Rocky peaks and Venus still high in the sky. The journey from Glenwood to Moab stretches out as the train descends from the mountains and into ruddy canyons following the Colorado River as it carves a winding path toward the Grand Canyon further south. The river widens here from the rock-driven rapids higher up, and these calmer waters are popular with rafters seeking the serenity of a multiday ‘float trip’. Keep your eyes peeled and you’re likely to see the rafters indulging in an old state tradition – the ‘Colorado Salute’ – by mooning the train as it passes by.

Our carriage chef (yes each carriage has its own chef), Joey, explains the day’s lunch will be a ‘tamale pie’ combining a Mesoamerican dish of stuffed cornmeal with modern Southwest flavours like black beans and green chile (not chilli) from neighbouring New Mexico, into a gourmet pie. It’s savoury and delicious – best washed down with another icecold, NA pale ale. Several hours pass gently and, with little mobile service in this part of the world and no wifi on board, you are encouraged to look, listen and rest.

Carolyn Rohaly, Rocky Mountaineer’s Communications Manager, is seated near me and notices the relaxed look on my face. “This is what I love about this journey It really makes you slow down and take it all in. No distractions,” she says. For what feels like endless time, we watch yellow and brown canyons gradually transform into rough-hewn red stone, indicating we’re nearing Moab and the Mars-like rock formations of Arches National Park.

I stand up and snap some photos from the open windows in between the carriages, letting the warm, desert breeze hit my face, and then head into the lounge car next door. There’s just time for a lime and tonic before we arrive.

Take the Rocky Mountaineer yourself

Megan Eaves travelled as a guest of Rocky Mountaineer and Colorado Tourism. colorado.com ; Prices for the Rocky Mountaineer start at £1,414 per guest and seats can be booked online .

The ‘Rockies to the Red Rocks’ route runs from April to October, departing from either Denver or Moab on alternating days. Bookings are full-service and include end-to-end hotels, luggage handling, local transfers and optional activity add-ons, such as tours of the national parks in Moab. From there, Rocky Mountaineer can also arrange an extended road-based tour across Utah to Las Vegas via Zion National Park or north to Salt Lake City.

Read more: The best UK holiday options 2024 from city breaks to beach staycations

Read more: The poshest picnic in the UK: why it’s worth booking Glyndebourne 2024

What it's like to ride the Rocky Mountaineer through Utah and Colorado

May 29, 2024 • 9 min read

Rocky Mountaineer's newest train service runs between Denver and Moab, Utah © Alexander Howard / Lonely Planet

“You’ve never seen Glenwood Canyon quite like this.” Over lunch in Salt Lake City , my guide Shawn Horman explains the singular experience of riding a train through one of Colorado’s most spectacular scenic drives .

“Glenwood is a nice drive,” he continues, referring to the swath of I-70 that snakes through the canyon. “But it’s pretty hectic – busy, winding around curves.” If you’re driving, he says, you have to keep your eyes on the road. On the train, you can sit back and relax and watch the mountains pass by.

I’m in Utah to board the Rockies to the Red Rocks train route, traveling from Moab to Denver . For the next two days, I'll travel over 350 miles through towering canyons, historic towns and desert buttes. It’s the only US route by Rocky Mountaineer , a Canada-based company that also runs train trips from Vancouver to spots like Whistler, Jasper and Banff in British Columbia . Known for its luxury services and glass-domed train cars, Rocky Mountaineer has run train routes in British Columbia since 1990.

What kind of excursions are there?

Shawn’s here to show me around Moab – he’s with Southwest Adventure Tours , an outfit that runs individual and group trips all around the Southwest US . Basic Rocky Mountaineer packages just include the train from Moab to Denver or reverse (from $1699 for the 2024 season), but passengers can purchase add-on excursions to sites like Arches National Park, Canyonlands or even to the Grand Canyon. From Salt Lake City, Shawn and I drive to Moab. A haze from wildfires out west lingers over the city skyline and surrounding Wasatch Mountains.

We spend the day wandering around Arches National Park . After over a decade of travel writing, I've gathered a few cliches to avoid and hack phrases to that come up when writing about special places – "otherworldly," "wonderland" and "surreal" just to name a few.

At Arches, these words all spring to mind. The landscape seems carved by hand, shaped to some blueprint designed to inspire awe. To think that it was simply the right mix of minerals, time and erosion that birthed these precariously balanced rocks, deep canyons and of course the eponymous sandstone arches boggles the mind.

The detour is an excellent start to the trip. With my boots dusted with red dirt, I feel ready to board the train and see more.

What's it like onboard?

The following afternoon, I arrive at the station, excited to see more of the scenery from the comfort of the train. As we board, I notice that the other passengers appear to be mostly retirees, although I do spot the occasional younger couple looking to see the Rockies from the comfort of a train car.

The car is spacious and comfortable. Reclining leather-like seats have plenty of legroom, and every one is a front-row view of the passing landscapes. Tall windows that curve up to the top of the car provide unobstructed views of even the route’s deepest canyons. Each seat has an electrical outlet, so I won't need to worry about maintaining a charge as I snap endless shots of the passing landscapes.

What's SilverLeaf and SilverLeaf Plus?

On the Rockies to the Red Rocks route, service is split between two classes: SilverLeaf and SilverLeaf Plus. The latter features access to a lounge car, which has additional seating and a full bar with a better beer and wine selection than found on the SilverLeaf car. The extra lounge car also has the effect of splitting the passengers between the two cars – once we’re off, most of the passengers head into the lounge for a drink, leaving much of the main car virtually empty. I take advantage of the emptiness to watch the terrain pass on both sides of the car.

Absent on this route is the GoldLeaf service, which is common on the Canada routes and features a two-level passenger car and a galley, where food is freshly prepared. The tunnels on the US route were too small to fit the GoldLeaf cars, so Rocky Mountaineer added the lounge car for its SilverLeaf Plus service, something unique to this route.

What's the food and drink like on the Rocky Mountaineer?

The lounge car buzzes with energy, serving as a social hub where passengers mingle over drinks. Canapés and a fresh caprese salad are precursors to our mains for dinner. Our onboard host, August, describes what's on the menu: a choice of roasted chicken breast with fire-roasted corn and poblano salsa, ale-braised short ribs with pearl onions and foraged mushrooms or a vegetarian option consisting of seasonal vegetables and roasted San Luis Valley potatoes.

The lack of a galley car means the food is prepared offsite and reheated on board. It’s not exactly airplane food, but it’s close. The catering service that Rocky Mountaineer contracts to prepare its dining experience also provides high-end private jet food in Denver. My roasted chicken is attractively plated, with the corn and poblano salsa layered over the chicken and a sprig of fresh rosemary on top. I'm pleasantly surprised.

For drinks, some of the areas best producers are represented. The drink list features wines from Colorado Cellars in Palisade, craft beers from Glenwood Springs and artisanal spirits from Woody Creek Distillery in Basalt, Colorado.

Where do you sleep?

This isn't a sleeper train. That evening, we arrive at the route's only stop: Glenwood Springs. A longtime travel destination known for its hot springs and access to the surrounding Rockies, Glenwood Springs has seen visitors like Al Capone, Doc Holliday and Teddy Roosevelt. The town has retained a bit of the Wild West vibe with its main street of low, brick buildings and saloons.

I head over to the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort to deposit my things before walking down to the hot springs pool, a gigantic swimming complex of one large heated mineral pool and a semi-heated lap pool. Steam rises into the air as night falls.

The pool is warm and huge. Children leap from the edge, and older kids take turns on the diving board. Prior to European arrival, the nomadic, hunter-gatherer Ute people utilized the area's natural hot springs for their restorative and healing effects, naming the spring Yampah or "big medicine." The Ute tribes revered the mineral-rich springs not only for their healing properties but also as a sacred gathering place for spiritual ceremonies and tribal meetings, underscoring their deep spiritual and physical connection to the landscape. In the mid-1800s, gold was discovered in Colorado, and white colonizers began to settle the area. The Utes entered into treaties with the US government, but were ultimately relocated to reservations in Utah and Southwest Colorado.

In the 1880s, a silver baron named Walter Devereux purchased the land surrounding the springs with the help of East Coast and British investors. In 1888 Devereux opened Glenwood Hot Springs, and it quickly became a popular destination for the elite seeking therapeutic benefits of its natural hot springs. It soon became a center of social and cultural activity, hosting lavish events as a gateway for explorers and miners venturing into the Rocky Mountains during Colorado's silver mining era.

Departing Glenwood Springs

The next day, I head out early to catch a glimpse of the train as it arrives in Glenwood Springs. Other passengers mill about, filling disposable cups with fresh coffee from a large thermos on a table outside the station. Moments later we hear the train horn blow, and the locomotive appears from behind a bend in the track. Passengers snap photos as the train squeals to a stop.

As we find our seats, August welcomes us aboard, saying there will be a minor delay while another train ahead cleared the tracks. Breakfast service would begin shortly; our options are a frittata or a golden waffle.

Breakfast arrives as the train travels through Glenwood Canyon. Stretching 16 miles along the track, Glenwood Canyon is one of the more spectacular scenes we pass through, with rock walls that reach more than 1300ft. The sky is clear save for a few small clouds, and the sun appears over the canyon ridge, bathing the brown cliffs in morning light.

As we leave the canyons and peaks of the Rocky Mountains and begin our descent down the Front Range, Denver’s skyline appears through the haze. I head out into the open-air vestibule connecting two cars, where it’s just me, the wind and the view. The train snakes down toward the city, and I think back to Shawn’s assurances that the view from the train is a special one.

Eventually we arrive in Denver, the train coming to a stop in the trendy River North Arts District (ambitions are to pull right into Denver’s historic Union Station, but agreements have not been finalized). The railyard is a dense collection of rails stretched out like sheet music ledger lines in each direction. Passengers load into coach buses that will take them to their hotels for the night. Construction cranes loom in the distance, paused for the weekend on a Friday night. It’s a fitting end to our journey, a future being built, after a brief delay. But still on track.

Which direction? Eastbound or Westbound?

Travelers on Rocky Mountaineer Rockies to Red Rocks have the option to travel either eastbound (from Moab to Denver) or westbound (from Denver to Moab). Both directions offer stunning views, but there are a few factors to consider when deciding which route to take.

Starting the journey in Moab has its advantages, such as the opportunity to explore the nearby Arches National Park before boarding the train. This breathtaking start sets the stage for the scenic journey ahead.

However, choosing to start in Denver also has its benefits. Denver is served by a major airport, making it more convenient for travelers flying in from other destinations. This can simplify your travel arrangements and reduce the need for additional transportation.

Moreover, if you plan to visit Arches or any of the other Utah national parks, pairing it with the westbound route from Denver to Moab can create a more dramatic and satisfying crescendo to the journey. After experiencing the stunning landscapes and historic towns along the train route, you'll arrive in Moab, ready to explore the unique geological wonders of Southwestern Utah.

Alexander Howard traveled to Utah and Colorado with support from Rocky Mountaineer . Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.

This article was first published Aug 24, 2021 and updated May 29, 2024.

Explore related stories

Jun 7, 2024 • 7 min read

Wander through a prehistoric wonderland of colorful rock formations, fossils, and prairies in the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. 

Jun 4, 2024 • 13 min read

Jun 2, 2024 • 12 min read

May 22, 2024 • 7 min read

May 15, 2024 • 9 min read

May 12, 2024 • 9 min read

May 10, 2024 • 9 min read

May 7, 2024 • 8 min read

Apr 29, 2024 • 5 min read

Apr 29, 2024 • 11 min read

Discover the joy of slower travel

Forget busy airports, traffic jams and lack of legroom: rail travel is your ticket to slow down and enjoy the ride. Traveling by train isn't merely a means of getting from A to B – you'll share carriages with the locals and soak up the scenery before stepping off the platform into the heart of the action. Whether you want to embark on an iconic rail journey like the Reunification Express in Vietnam or zip through Japan on a super-speedy Shinkansen, climb aboard for a slower-paced, lower-carbon adventure.

Whether you’re a die-hard rail nerd or a novice train traveler, get on board because trains are the future of travel. Trains generally produce less carbon emissions than airplanes and fuel-powered cars, and by joining a rail trip, not only will you be taking a more scenic route, you'll be skipping those tedious airport commutes and security queues.

Most trains we take are a mode of transport for local people. Whether it’s an overnight train from Delhi to Varanasi or a misty morning ride through the Scottish Highlands, rail travel doubles as an immersive cultural experience. With a local leader to help bridge language barriers, there'll be plenty of opportunities to interact with your fellow passengers.

You might be able to fly between cities or countries, but are you really seeing them when you’re thousands of feet in the air? In a world that feels like it’s always going at full steam, rail travel invites you to settle in, turn to the window and appreciate the destination you’re in rather than rushing through it.

Up there with onsens, sushi and sumo wrestling, the shinkansen (bullet train) is a must-do activity in Japan. The shinkansen was the world's first high-speed rail and is renowned for its comfort and punctuality – the average delay time is less than one minute per year. Despite reaching up to 200 miles per hour, riding the shinkansen is a totally Zen experience with orderly carriages and polite passenger etiquette. Japanese railway meals, or ‘ekiben’, also put soggy train sandwiches to shame.

Spanning over 1000 miles between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the Reunification Express is an iconic railway line that symbolises the reunification of North and South Vietnam after the war. Weaving through sleepy fishing villages, rice paddies, mountains and cities, this hop-on-hop-off journey showcases the diverse beauty of Vietnam and is a great way to glimpse into daily life.

Are you ready to board the world’s highest railway? Hitting an altitude of 17,000 feet in the pristine peaks of the Tibetan Plateau, the Lhasa Express is about as scenic as rail journeys get. With never-ending views of snow-capped mountains, glistening lakes and vast highlands speckled with yaks, you won’t be able to peel your eyes away from the window. 

With over 160,000 miles of railway tracks, Europe has no shortage of train travel adventures. Whether you fancy rumbling along the world’s oldest railway system in Britain, savoring the lush Swiss countryside on the Gotthard Panorama Express, or uncovering the history and mystique of the iconic train route between Paris to Istanbul , there’s so much to see on an overland odyssey across the continent.

Filter by rating

Berlin to Budapest

Highlights of Italy

Barcelona to Paris

Classic Japan

Is rail travel comfortable?

For the most part, long-distance and inter-regional trains are very comfortable. They often provide more legroom than on planes, air-conditioning, snack bars or vending machines, power outlets and occasionally even wi-fi. 

Regional and metropolitan trains that cover shorter distances are a bit more basic, and because they're often filled with locals travelling for work or a weekend away, your group may need to stand for a short time. But what they lack in luxury, they make up for with convenience and great views. 

Are there toilets on board?

Yes, all trains will have toilets on board, though they may not be the Western-style toilets you’re used to. You should always bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

Are there power outlets on board?

Power outlets will be available on many trains, but it’s a good idea to invest in a portable charger before your trip in case the outlets are out of use or hard to reach. Wi-fi will be available on some, but not all, trains.

Is train travel safe?

As with any style of travel, it's important to exercise standard safety precautions while traveling via train. Your leader will brief you on detailed safety measures before your train journey, but keeping your valuables close by, especially your passport and travel documents, is always a good idea. Don't leave daypacks or personal items unattended. Traveling with a money belt will reduce the chance of petty theft or pickpocketing, and keeping a lock on your suitcase will ensure peace of mind on your journey.

How fast do the trains go?

Train speeds vary depending on the destination you're visiting. Bullet trains in Japan and China can reach a staggering 220 miles per hour, making them fast and efficient. Trains in Europe tend to be a bit slower, travelling around 125 miles per hour in Switzerland and Italy, but slower is OK when you've got epic views out your window. Vietnam’s Reunification Express averages around 30 miles per hour. 

At times, we do use local/regional trains as transport, which tend to move at a more leisurely pace and make lots of stops.  

How fit must I be to participate in an Intrepid rail trip?

Rail trips can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness, and good general mobility will play a big part in making your trip more enjoyable. 

You are expected to be able to carry your own bags for up to 30 minutes and lift them onto the train. Transport hubs may be crowded, and elevators aren't always available, so you'll need to be comfortable handling your belongings on stairs as you navigate from platform to platform. 

Sometimes you'll need to move quickly with your bags, especially if trying to make a tight connection... you do have a train to catch, after all! More info about pacing and physical rating can be found in the Essential Trip Information section of your itinerary. 

How much luggage can I bring?

On Intrepid's rail trips, you will be responsible for carrying your own bags, so it's a good idea to opt for luggage you can easily lift and move around. Many travelers prefer to carry a backpack, as public transport can often be cramped and may not have luggage racks for large suitcases. Luggage is stored in overhead racks on many trains, so the smaller the bag, the easier it will be to lift above your seat.

Be prepared to pack light, as storage space on trains is often limited, and you'll want to avoid blocking aisles or taking up extra seats. In Japan, luggage may be subject to strict size and weight restrictions on the Shinkansen, and oversized bags may incur an additional fee. You can find specifics under the "Packing" section of your Essential Trip Information. 

What are overnight trains like?

Although the idea of taking an overnight train can be overwhelming, it's an exciting way to immerse yourself in local culture... and it often ends up as a highlight for many travelers. 

Overnight trains are clean, comfortable and safe, and depending on the region you're traveling in, compartments typically hold anywhere from four to six passengers in bunks. Clean sheets and a pillow are provided, but you can bring your own if it makes you more comfortable. There are basic washroom facilities with toilets and sinks in each carriage, but it's good practice to bring your own supply of toilet paper, just in case.

Refer to your Essential Trip Information for more detailed descriptions of overnight trains.

What should I pack for an overnight train?

For the most part, overnight trains are comfortable, and you'll be able to survive with the basics. If you're looking to make the journey a bit more pleasant, consider packing:

Extra toilet paper and hand sanitizer 

A lightweight sleep sheet and pillowcase 

A portable device charger 

An eye mask 

Snacks and drinks 

Meals may be provided, but it’s a good idea to supplement, especially if you have dietary restrictions. 

A luggage lock or lockable bag 

Will I have my own cabin or compartment on an overnight train?

While we do our best to keep groups together on overnight trains, there may be circumstances where travelers are split between compartments and carriages. In some cases, you may share with other travelers in addition to group members, which is a great way to meet locals and experience the local culture firsthand. Your leader will always be close by to help you settle in and answer any questions once you're on board.

If you've booked a single supplement, overnight trains are an exception and you will be sharing a compartment with other members of your group.

Are the trains on time?

The punctuality of trains often depends on the local cultural perception of time. While it's very likely that the Shinkansen in Japan will depart and arrive exactly on time, trains in Italy may take a more flexible approach when it comes to timekeeping. The best way to handle this is to simply go with the flow and enjoy the journey. Delays are often minimal, but in the case of a longer delay, there's not much a deck of cards and a few local snacks can't fix. 

Can I take a rail trip with children?

Train travel can be fun and relaxing, and large windows are perfect for spotting popular landmarks. A dining car, snack trolley, or vending machine can provide good respite for hungry kids and adults alike, plus, onboard bathrooms mean fewer emergency toilet situations (we've all been there). Check out our range of Family trips to see which destination suits your family adventure best.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Are Intrepid's rail trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

We're committed to making travel widely accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We ask that you carefully consider whether you are physically and mentally able to complete the itinerary you have chosen, recognising that on many trips, you will be required to carry your own bags on public transport. 

Where we can, we will make reasonable adjustments to the operation of our trips to facilitate the requirements of disabled travellers. Many travelers with disabilities have been able to enjoy our trips by traveling with a friend or companion who can assist with specific needs.

5 things I loved about my car-free journey through Switzerland 

12 epic rail journeys from Intrepid’s brand-new rail theme

Tips and hacks for train travel in Europe

Why train travel is the one experience you won’t want to miss in Japan 

Everything you need to know about a night (or two) on an overnight train

Everything you need to know about overnight trains in India

What to expect when you’re travelling by train in China (and why you should definitely do it!)

Why you should consider a winter adventure in Russia

Canadian Rockies Trains

FAQ: How much does a Rocky Mountaineer Train Trip cost?

One of the most important questions that come up when you’re planning a vacation is, “How much will it cost?” The answer is that the price of the trip depends on a number of factors: when you travel, how many people travel together, whether you choose Silver or GoldLeaf Service on the train, which hotels you choose and when you make your reservations. This last variable is new. Starting in 2025, Rocky Mountaineer will be using “dynamic pricing.” That means that as availability decreases, prices increase, so different dates in the same month may have different prices for the same trip.

I have never been one to rush travelers into making a travel decision. However, if you do want to travel on the Rocky Mountaineer in 2025, you may want to book earlier than you usually do for a trip or you may want to wait and hope that the date you want to travel is not particularly popular, and so you get a bargain.

We are available 7 days a week to answer any price questions you have. We look forward to hearing from you: 1-800-913-9207 / 1-604-900-8671.

How much does the Rocky Mountaineer cost?

The shortest Rocky Mountaineer train package includes two days on the Rocky Mountaineer, breakfast and lunch on the train both days, one night at a hotel in Kamloops, the midpoint on the journey, and transportation between the train station and hotel in Kamloops. The package also includes snacks as well as alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages on the train.

The price of this 2 day / 1 night package, like all Rocky Mountaineer packages, depends on several factors: How many people are traveling? When do you want to travel? Do you want Silver or GoldLeaf Service on the train? Do you want Silver or GoldLeaf hotels?

The following table lists total per person prices for Single travelers, two travelers sharing a room and three travelers sharing one room.

Do I have to pay for the whole trip when I book?

No. You will pay a 20% non refundable deposit when you book . You will pay the balance of the trip 60 days before you travel.

Is there a less expensive time to travel on the Rocky Mountaineer?

Yes. If you travel early or late in the season, in April or October. The most expensive time to travel is the first two weeks in July during the Calgary Stampede because hotel rooms in Calgary are at their most expensive during the Stampede.

Keep in mind as you plan your trip, that Spring comes late to the Canadian Rockies. Lake Louise, for example, thaws around the middle of June. If you travel in April or May, you can expect Winter and early Spring conditions in the Rockies. If you travel in early October, you might also experience a little snow, but you’ll also get to see the leaves changing color.

What is Rocky Mountaineer’s cancellation policy?

You pay a 20% non refundable deposit when you book your Rocky Mountaineer train trip.

How can I cut down on the cost of the trip and still have a great experience?

There are several things you can do. First you may want to travel early or late in the season. You may have snow in April, early May and October, but I’ve traveled in both May and October when there was snow and it didn’t interfere with the enjoyment at all. Of course, if I lived in a place that had a lot of snow during the winter, I may not feel the same way.

You might also consider removing a hotel night in Calgary (if your package has one) and taking the airport shuttle directly from Banff National Park to Calgary airport.

A top-notch train ride: How to choose between Rocky Mountaineer’s most popular routes

For many travelers, no first-class airline suite or classic road trip can compete with the leisurely, decadent experience of crossing some of the world's most scenic landscapes on a luxury train.

And when it comes to the varied, dramatic scenery of western North America (the towering, snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, the Martian-like red rocks of the American West), only one brand dominates the space.

And no, it's not Amtrak.

Rocky Mountaineer, a Canadian company that's been taking travelers on high-end rail tours of western Canada for more than 30 years, launched its first U.S. route in 2021. Called Rockies to the Red Rocks , this itinerary connects Moab, Utah, with Denver, Colorado, and offers travelers a new way to experience the iconic train, which has historically remained in Canada.

I got to experience that journey with my colleague, Summer Hull, last fall. And six months later, I was invited to reunite with Rocky Mountaineer on its classic First Passage to the West route. Tracing a line between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Banff, Alberta, this legendary tour includes a stop in Kamloops, British Columbia, crosses the Continental Divide and corkscrews through the Spiral Tunnels before concluding at Lake Louise and Banff National Park.

But it's not just the destinations that are different. If you're contemplating your first-ever trip with Rocky Mountaineer, here are some other differences to consider.

Related: 11 of the most scenic train rides on Earth

At your service

During my trip with Rocky Mountaineer in the U.S., I got to experience SilverLeaf Plus, the highest level of service offered on this route. For about $500 more than the entry-level fares, travelers in SilverLeaf Plus get access to more local wines and spirits and can spread out beyond the standard observation car and into the lounge cars — perfect for whiling away the hours while admiring the scenery, elbowing up to a bar (on a train!) to order cocktails, playing classic board games and exchanging stories with other travelers.

On the other hand, travelers who opt for one of the classic Canadian journeys can experience the operator's iconic GoldLeaf service. Guests in this class get to spend the journey in a double-decker car: Breakfast and lunch services are organized on the lower level, just like a fine dining restaurant (albeit a bit more turbulent), complete with white tablecloths, while the upstairs is reserved for admiring the scenery in a stunning bi-level glass-domed observation car. These cars can't fit through the lower tunnels in the U.S., so Rocky Mountaineer hasn't been able to replicate this service on its Rockies to the Red Rocks route. At least, not yet.

It's hard to underscore what a difference it makes to not have to take your meals at the same seat you're sitting in, napping in and chatting in for two days or more. Migrating downstairs for meal services harks back to the golden age of travel when flight attendants carved chateaubriands for flyers and entire dessert buffets were presented to guests on the Orient Express.

The GoldLeaf train cars are also much more modern, with wider, heated leather seats that swivel to create more intimate sitting areas for groups, and advanced controls to adjust everything from pitch to lumbar support.

But for travelers looking to save money, the SilverLeaf service — nearly identical to the entry-level SilverLeaf service offered on the American route — is still a far more upscale way to journey along the rails than standard passenger trains.

And even though SilverLeaf Plus is undoubtedly Rocky Mountaineer's version of premium economy, and GoldLeaf is a clear cut above (think: business class on your favorite international airline), I'll admit I missed the lounge cars while ambling along the tracks in western Canada. The lounge cars, with their player pianos and full bar service, snacks and convivial atmosphere, felt far more consistent with the romantic Agatha Christie-esque visions of rail travel I'd daydreamed about (minus the murder, of course).

Related: How to plan your 1st luxury train trip

Fine dining (and drinking)

One of the highlights of traveling with Rocky Mountaineer is the excellent food and beverage program featuring multi-course lunch and breakfast services and unlimited beverages.

During the Rockies to the Red Rocks trip, which offered three breakfast choices and two lunch options, I tucked into a breakfast frittata with roasted yams, peppers and onions, plus a side of veggie sausage (available upon request) and flavorful vegetarian flautas for an afternoon snack. Meals are served at your seat, on tray tables (airplane style, I like to call it) but are dressed up with white linens and elegant flatware.

The highlight, though, was probably sipping a fresh-made bloody mary while munching on bar snacks in the lounge car, plus the assortment of pastries and desserts sourced from local bakeries along the route.

While traveling from Vancouver to Lake Louise, the dining experience was of an entirely different caliber. In addition to the luxury of not eating at your seat, each meal offered more dishes to choose from, and the food was, overall, more elaborate (Rocky Mountaineer chefs must contend with smaller galleys on the U.S. route). Throughout the two-day trip, I enjoyed plates of Lois Lake steelhead with handmade gnocchi, Moroccan-spiced cauliflower and chickpeas, and avocado toast topped with smoked salmon and a soft-boiled egg.

Though there were no lounge cars with bars, you could order endless beverages, including Canada's answer to the bloody mary: a caesar.

One gripe is that espresso beverages aren't served on board the Rocky Mountaineer. I know space is at a premium, but there is a galley where chefs turn out almost everything (except, specifically, birthday cakes), and I would have loved to sip a foamy cappuccino while watching the Rocky Mountains as we zipped by.

Related: 4 great scenic train rides across the US

Diverse — but equally dramatic — landscapes

There's no comparing the American Southwest and its vermillion-hued rock formations to the snowcapped spires of the Canadian Rockies.

And though both trains cross the Continental Divide and traverse the Rocky Mountains during the journey, no itinerary is better or more scenic than the next. Travelers should decide if they want to bookend a journey on board the Rocky Mountaineer with mountain biking, rock climbing and stark desert hikes in the surreal landscapes of Canyonlands and Arches National Park or if they prefer the cooler mountain temperatures of Canada's western national parks, where similar diversions might include hiking and canoeing or, in the winter, skiing and snowshoeing.

During our journey from Colorado to Utah, we passed through aspens tipped with late autumn gold, mountains covered in evergreens and the blushing sandstone cliffs of Ruby Canyon.

The train hugged the Colorado River as we continued west, steam fog rising from the water in the early morning, and we saw everything from eagles and elk to chipmunks and even bare-bottomed paddlers partaking in the time-honored tradition of mooning the passing train. Our journey concluded at the junction of some of the most iconic parklands in the U.S., including Dead Horse Point State Park, Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park , all marked by impossibly vibrant rock formations and scenic vistas, including gravity-defying hoodoos and natural bridges.

While traveling east from Vancouver to Lake Louise, the scenery was marked by the frothy whitewater rapids of Kicking Horse River, dramatic mountain passes and, perhaps most notably, the astonishing engineering feat of the Spiral Tunnels, which made the spires of the Rockies accessible with trains and provided some of the most stunning views from the entire trip.

As with the U.S. journey, the wildlife we saw in Canada was surprisingly abundant, including bald eagles, elk and osprey.

It's a good thing these trains aren't equipped with Wi-Fi, because it encourages you to put down your devices and keep your eyes glued to the oversized windows.

Whistle-stops

Since Rocky Mountaineer trains aren't equipped with sleeper cars, travelers must disembark in the evening and spend the night in a hotel (these overnights are included in the cost of your stay).

I found Glenwood Springs, Colorado — the scheduled whistle-stop for the Rockies to the Red Rocks route — to be a much more appealing place to visit, in part because you can simply walk off the train and into town. During the stop, travelers can dip in the town's namesake hot springs (which claim to be the largest mineral hot springs pool on earth) and explore the walkable, distinctly Western town center.

The First Passage to the West itinerary includes a stop in Kamloops — a city (population: approximately 100,000) known for hosting sporting events that didn't feel as approachable for a quick overnight. After disembarking, travelers must board a bus to the town center. Admittedly, we arrived later in the evening on this trip and only had time for a quick bite at The Noble Pig, a microbrewery specializing in hand-crafted beers and fried pickles.

But Kamloops does have a distinct edge with its accommodations, which feel appropriate for the Rocky Mountaineer experience. We spent the night at the Delta Hotel Kamloops, a rebranded and renovated property that welcomed guests in 2019. The contemporary downtown hotel is hardly a Fairmont (the iconic grande dame hotels that bookended our stay in Vancouver and Lake Louise ). Still, it felt fresh and featured thoughtful amenities like argan oil Soapbox toiletries and a heated rooftop pool.

Unfortunately, the hotel I stayed at in Glenwood Springs did not meet the high standard set on board the train. Rocky Mountaineer partners with three hotels in Glenwood Springs: Hotel Colorado, The Hotel Denver and Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge. We stayed at the lodge, which was dark and dated.

Regardless of where you stay during an overnight with Rocky Mountaineer, one knockout service remains the same: Your luggage, aside from any hand baggage you keep with you on the train, is driven ahead and placed in your hotel room before your arrival. You'll even be checked in and given keys to your room before leaving the train.

Related: 9 mistakes travelers make on their 1st train trips

Of course, sometimes choosing one trip or another comes down to cold hard cash. Rocky Mountaineer's shortest First Passage to the West journeys, like the one I experienced last month, start around $1,500 per person this year, based on double occupancy. Upgrading to GoldLeaf service would mean starting rates closer to $2,100 per person. Entry-level two-day journeys on the Rockies to the Red Rocks route are similarly priced at $1,400 per person — or closer to $1,980 for SilverLeaf Plus.

In both instances, you can expect to spend about $500 more per person for Rocky Mountaineer's most premium services. With that in mind, the GoldLeaf service feels like a far better use of that extra cash compared to the SilverLeaf Plus product. But entry-level fares on both routes are comparable, meaning travelers should think closely about the scenery and the destinations along the route, including your departure city, arrival city and the whistle-stop.

However, travelers may also gravitate toward the more social, old-timey atmosphere in the SilverLeaf Plus lounge cars.

Traveling with Rocky Mountaineer isn't cheap, particularly when you consider you're on your own for dinner during the whistle-stop. Travelers might liken a journey with Rocky Mountaineer to an all-inclusive stay at a luxury hotel, or even a safari experience. But typically, three daily meals will be included, and the level of luxury will be consistent. The hotels you'll find in Kamloops and Glenwood Springs are far from the luxury you might expect from a $1,500-per-night resort. Many of our favorite all-inclusive resorts on the planet , in fact, are more affordable, and those prices are based on double occupancy.

Since Rocky Mountaineer's prices are per person, a couple can expect to spend upward of $3,000 per person for the two-day journey.

Rocky Mountaineer's pricing becomes much more palatable if you take advantage of the numerous discounts and promotions offered throughout the year. With one of its current promotions (available through June), you can save $780 per couple on Canadian routes and $1,000 per couple on the Rockies to the Red Rocks itinerary.

If these prices are still too eye-watering, travelers can experience the romance of the rails on board a more affordable, no-frills passenger train like Amtrak in the U.S. (the California Zephyr route will trace the same line from Denver to Glenwood Springs, though it concludes in San Francisco instead of the red-rock country of Utah). You'll be on your own for food, of course.

In Canada, Via Rail offers a 20-hour trip between Vancouver and Jasper, Alberta (where onward connections to Banff are available by bus). Travelers can choose from a standard economy fare, an individual sleeping berth or splurge on a private sleeper cabin with three square meals included — the latter of which can easily cost more than a journey with Rocky Mountaineer. Another consideration is that you'll miss an entire day's scenery since Via Rail travels overnight. It's a more expeditious trip, and for travelers in economy, it can certainly be a more affordable option.

Unlike Via Rail and Amtrak, Rocky Mountaineer journeys are far more focused on maximizing the scenery. Since the train only operates during the day, you won't miss a moment. And with its skilled, amiable onboard hosts to provide context and anecdotes, and the train cars designed for enjoying sweeping vistas, it's more like a tour than a mode of transportation.

Bottom line

Though we've only highlighted two of Rocky Mountaineer's routes here, travelers could also book itineraries that originate in, or depart from, Jasper, or extend their trips with packages that include bus transport to nearby destinations and attractions.

Whatever you do, remember to put down your phone – or even your book — and take a look outside the window, whether you're in a glass-domed GoldLeaf car, lounging around with other travelers or standing outside on a viewing platform. After all, taking time to slow down and enjoy the scenery is what rail travel is all about.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2023
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

The Man in Seat 61

Canada's Rockies by train

The rocky mountaineer.

• Buy train tickets
• Buy ferry tickets
• Book a hotel
• Privacy & cookies
•   Home

Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, a guide to the rocky mountaineer.

In 1990, Canada's national rail operator VIA Rail sold off it's Rockies by daylight scenic train to a private company called Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, who renamed it The Rocky Mountaineer .  It's developed into a world-class travel experience operating on 3 different routes through the spectacular Canadian Rockies, with excellent on-board service.  In 1990 the trains carried 10,000 guests, they now carry over 100,000 each year.  Rocky Mountaineer offers regular departures April-October and you can buy one-way tickets.  This page is an insider's guide to the Rocky Mountaineer .

Routes, dates, times & tickets

What are the trains like?

What's the journey like, other trains in canada, which route to choose.

Rocky Mountaineer runs on 3 different routes.  Independent travellers can buy one-way or return tickets between Vancouver and either Banff or Jasper.  You can go eastbound or westbound as each route runs in both directions.  There's no real 'better' direction, as all the trains are designed to do all scenic sections in daylight.

Vancouver - Kamloops - Banff

Branded First Passage to the West, this is the route I'd recommend.  Formerly called the Kicking Horse route after the mountain pass it takes through the Rockies, this is by far the most historically-significant of the 3 routes as it travels over Canada's first trans-continental line opened in 1885, the famous Canadian Pacific Railway .  It's Rocky Mountaineer's original route which they started running in 1990 when the last regular passenger trains on this line were discontinued.  Rocky Mountaineer is now the only passenger train over this famous & historic Canadian Pacific line. 

It's also arguably the most scenic route to choose, as the Canadian Pacific route between Vancouver & Banff has always been considered more scenic than the later Canadian National route between Vancouver & Jasper, although the two routes share the same tracks between Vancouver & Kamloops.  You'll run along the wonderfully-scenic Fraser & Thompson rivers,  pass the site of the 1885 Last Spike and the Continental Divide, cross the much-photographed Stoney Creek bridge, and pass the pretty station at Lake Louise, Morant's Curve (where countless Canadian Pacific publicity photos were taken) and Castle Mountain.  You're likely to see bald eagles, ospreys, and maybe black bears or even grizzly bears .

The Rocky Mountaineer First Passage to the West route runs 3 times a week in each direction from mid-April to mid-October, the journey takes 2 full days with an overnight hotel stop in Kamloops included in the fare.  The train used to run to/from Calgary, but currently only runs to/from Banff.

Vancouver - Kamloops - Jasper

Branded Journey through the Clouds, it was formerly called the Yellowhead route after the mountain pass it takes through the Rockies.  This route uses the second and later of Canada's two great trans-continental railways, the Canadian Northern line opened in 1917, nationalised in 1921 as part of Canadian National Railways.  Between Vancouver & Kamloops the Journey Through the Clouds & First Passage to the West routes are exactly the same - indeed, the two trains sometimes run coupled together.  Also note that this route and the Rainforest to Goldrush route share the few miles of line past Mount Robson and through the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper.  So if you want to make a circular tour, the best combination avoiding duplication is probably the First Passage to the West route Vancouver-Banff, then by bus between Jasper & Banff calling at the Columbia Icefields, then the Rainforest to Goldrush route between Jasper & Vancouver (you can go in either direction).  

The Rocky Mountaineer Journey Through the Clouds route runs twice a week from mid-April to mid-October, the journey takes 2 full days with an overnight hotel stop in Kamloops included in the fare.

Incidentally, Rocky Mountaineer's Journey through the Clouds train takes exactly the same route as VIA Rail's Toronto-Jasper-Vancouver Canadian which runs several times per week all year round .  If you're on a budget, an economy class seat on the Canadian between Vancouver & Jasper starts at around $164 versus over $1,000 on the Rocky Mountaineer , making it a much cheaper way to travel through the Rockies by train between Vancouver & Jasper.  However, the Canadian runs day & night (sleeping-cars are available) so it passes half the scenery in daylight, the rest in darkness.  The Rocky Mountaineer runs the whole route in daylight with an overnight hotel stop in Kamloops so you don't miss any scenery, and of course on-board food & drink is included.

Vancouver - Whistler - Quesnel - Jasper

Branded Rainforest to Goldrush , formerly the Fraser Discovery route , this journey is all about getting off the beaten track into gold-rush and timber country, rather than taking a famous trans-continental rail line.  It takes you along the mighty Fraser River over the Pacific Great Eastern Railway (PGE), started in 1885 and only fully completed in 1952 - no wonder it was nicknamed the Prince George Eventually!  The scenery is truly wonderful, especially the Fraser River canyon, and you may see bald eagles, ospreys and black bears or even grizzly bears .  It runs roughly once a week from mid-April to mid-October, and the journey takes 3 full days with 2 overnight hotel stops at Whistler & Quesnel included in the fare.  Until 2015 this train used to start from Whistler, with passengers using the 5-days-a-week Whistler Mountaineer between North Vancouver & Whistler, but the latter train was sadly discontinued in 2016.  On the plus side, the main Rainforest to Goldrush train now runs direct to and from North Vancouver station and you still get half a day at leisure to explore Whistler, a ski resort and sort of Canadian Zermatt.

Red = Rocky Mountaineer.   Dark Blue = VIA Rail

Light blue = Amtrak .   K = Kamloops

Departures, timetable & fares

First passage to the west.

* The day of the week varies, so always check departures with www.rockymountaineer.com for your dates of travel.  The train no longer serves Calgary.

Silver Leaf starts at $1,247 inc tax, Gold Leaf starts at $1,705 inc tax.

Journey through the Clouds

* The day of the week varies, so check departures with www.rockymountaineer.com for your dates of travel.

Rainforest to Goldrush

You can check departure dates, times & fares at www.rockymountaineer.com .

Silver Leaf starts at $1,721 inc tax, Gold Leaf starts at $2,337 inc tax.

Back to top

How to buy tickets

Book it with Railbookers :  Train travel specialist Railbookers can sometimes get special rates for the Rocky Mountaineer when added to hotels at one or both ends, they can also arrange VIA Rail & Amtrak tickets.  In my opinion their package combining VIA Rail's Canadian from Toronto to Jasper with the Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Vancouver is the ultimate trans-Canada experience.

  US call free 1-888-829-4775, www.railbookers.com .

  canada call free 1-855-882-2910, www.railbookers.com .,   uk call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk .,   australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, www.railbookers.com.au .,   new zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website ..

You can also book with Rocky Mountaineer at www.rockymountaineer.com .

What's the train like?

The Rocky Mountaineer offers two classes of service on each of its routes, Silver Leaf & Gold Leaf .

Which class to choose? 

The Man in Seat 61 says, "The Silver Leaf panorama cars are excellent, food & wine is included, and the scenery is exactly the same as you'd see in Gold Leaf.  The cost alone may decide for you, and you'll be very happy with your choice if you go Silver Leaf.  That said, there are three reasons to consider paying more for Gold Leaf:  First, you sit up high in the double-deck Gold Leaf cars, which can give you a better view over trees and so on.  Second, the food is more extensive, served in a restaurant rather than at your seat.  Third, there's an open air viewing platform, meaning reflection-free photos - for me the incident with the bear proved the value of that viewing platform, nothing between me and a grizzly..."  Take a virtual tour inside the Rocky Mountaineer .

Silver Leaf

Silver Leaf service was introduced in 2011, and replaced the cheaper Red Leaf service on all routes from 2016.  Silver Leaf passengers travel in a single-deck dome car with huge panoramic windows.  The fare includes breakfast and lunch with complimentary beer or wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

This is the premium option.  It's not cheap, and the scenery is the same as you'll see in Silver Leaf, but the onboard experience is excellent and more than meets expectations.  Is it worth the extra over Silver Leaf?  If you can afford it, yes, because of the food, wine, service, and not least, those upper level glass domes give the best all-round view of the Canadian Rockies you can get.

Gold Leaf passengers travel in modern purpose-built double-deck dome cars.  Upstairs under the glass roof there are 72 reclining seats with loads of legroom an drop-down tables.  Downstairs, reached by spiral staircase or wheelchair lift there are toilets, kitchens, a 36-seat restaurant for breakfast & lunch, and a small open-air viewing platform for fresh air and reflection-free photography.

A pair of attendants in each coach provide live commentary and keep the snacks and complimentary alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks flowing.  Rocky Mountaineer's excellent own-label Sumoc Ridge merlot is very easy to drink - all too easy, really.

Breakfast & lunch are served downstairs in the restaurant in two sittings, included in the fare.  There's a choice of excellent main courses freshly prepared in the kitchen and served on real china.  Lunch comes complete with Rocky Mountaineer's own-label British Columbian red or white wine.

All passengers get a copy of the 'Rocky Mountaineer newspaper', which features a route guide listing points of interest along the way (referenced by mile post), a map, and information about the train, the history of the route, and the wildlife you might see.

The fare includes a hotel room for the overnight stop, and transfers by motor coach to and from the hotel.

Virtual tour

This excellent virtual tour by Willy Kaemena shows the train in its latest form, with its latest blue and gold colour scheme.

Boarding in Vancouver

If you travel from Vancouver towards Kamloops, Jasper or Banff, see location map of the Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver station .  It is located in a former goods yard a little way behind the main Vancouver Pacific Central station used by VIA & Amtrak.  When you arrive you'll find complimentary tea & coffee available, and a row of check-in desks for Silver and Gold Leaf.  Note that the Rainforest to Goldrush route via Qesnel leaves from North Vancouver station .

This section gives you a flavour of what there is to see on each route.  The route guide in your Rocky Mountaineer newspaper on board the train lists these and other highlights, quoting the nearest milepost - the mileposts are black numbers on small white signs placed next to the track every mile.  The miles reset to zero at every railway divisional point.  Approximate times are used here to give you a better idea of the journey.

First Passage to the West :  Banff to Vancouver

This is the most historic and arguably most scenic route operated by the Rocky Mountaineer, previously known as the Kicking Horse route.  It takes the original Canadian Pacific Railway through the Rockies, opened in 1885, indeed it is now the only passenger train operating over the original Canadian Pacific trans-continental line.  You can make the journey in either direction, between Vancouver and Banff, a resort town in the Rockies.  It no longer extends to or from the big city of Calgary.  This account shows a westbound journey, note that the departure times have changed slightly since I made this trip, with an earlier departure from Banff, and that the train is shown here in its earlier colour scheme, with red leaf cars ahead of the gold leaf domes, rather than (as now) silver leave cars.

08:40  Banff station:   Originally known simply as 'siding 29' on the Canadian Pacific Railway, Lord Strathcona named it 'Banff' after his home town in Scotland in 1880.  Banff station is just a few minutes walk from the town centre and 30 minutes walk from the best place to stay in Banff, the famous Banff Springs Hotel .  The station building dates from 1910, a replacement for the original 1886 log cabin.  If you're joining the train here, you check in at the Rocky Mountaineer desk placed just outside the station waiting room, you're given your seat allocation and your luggage is taken from you - it goes by the truck seen in the photo above and will arrive at your overnight hotel in Kamloops before you do. Tea and coffee are available inside the waiting room until the train arrives.  The train left around 09:00 (current departure time is a couple of hours earlier, see the timetable above ).

09:30  Castle Mountain (above right):  On leaving Banff, the train winds through the pine trees along the Bow River, with snow-capped mountains on either side of the broad valley.  Look out for the impressive and imposing Castle Mountain to your right, around milepost 99.  It's an appropriate name!

10:10  Morant's Curve:   At milepost 113, 3 miles east of Lake Louise, the train snakes through what has become known as 'Morant's Curve', although strangely it isn't mentioned anywhere in the Rocky Mountaineer route guide or on any map.  Nicholas Morant was a photographer with the publicity department of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and this was one of his favourite spots for taking PR shots of CPR trains.  If you've ever had a 'railway encyclopaedia' or 'boys book of trains', the chances are that it has an illustration of a Canadian passenger or freight train on 'Morant's Curve', and even today, many of Rocky Mountaineer's brochure photos are taken here.  The other classic location for PR shots of Canadian trains in the Rockies is the Stoney Creek bridge, which we'll come to later.

10:15  Lake Louise:   The Rocky Mountaineer passes the beautiful 'log cabin' style station at Lake Louse, on the left on a track slightly lower than the one that westbound trains now use.  Lake Louise station was used for the station scenes in the film 'Dr Zhivago'.  The lake itself is up in the mountains, out of sight.  The train now crosses and briefly runs alongside Highway 1, the Trans-Canada Highway.

10:25  Continental Divide (above left):  A small monument and wooden sign on the left mark the Continental Divide, and the boundary between Alberta & British Columbia.  Rainwater falling east of the divide flows to the Atlantic, rainwater falling to the west makes its way to the Pacific.  It's the highest point on the trip, 5,332 feet above sea level.  Travelling west, you now put your watch back an hour, as BC is an hour behind Alberta.

09:40 (BC time)  Spiral Tunnels:   The train passes Wapta Lake and enters the first of the two famous 'Spiral Tunnels'.  Inside the Upper Spiral Tunnel, the train describes a complete spiral and emerges further down the mountainside, facing the opposite way.  The train then crosses the deep wooded valley and plunges into the Lower Spiral Tunnel to descend even further.  Long freight trains can even cross over themselves here!  There's a cut-away diagram of the spiral tunnels in your route guide, and the commentary from your carriage attendant will explain it, but it's still disorientating.  The spiral tunnels were built in 1907, replacing a dangerously steep section of line known as the 'Big Hill', where many CPR trains and staff came to grief.

10:15  Kicking Horse Canyon:   The train calls at Field, an important operating centre for the Canadian Pacific Railway, then heads through the Kicking Horse canyon, crossing and re-crossing the Kicking Horse river several times.  The river is narrow, fast running, and blue with meltwater sediment.  The train follows the Kicking Horse river for 30 scenic miles, with many bridges and tunnels.

11:40  Rocky Mountain Trench:   The train now runs through a wide flat valley full of pines - the Rocky Mountain Trench.  The Columbia River is on the left.

13:00  Stoney Creek bridge:   This is the other classic location for illustrations of trains crossing Canada.  It's a beautiful arched steel girder bridge at milepost 76.2, 484 feet long and 325 feet above the creek bed below, built in 1929.  It's the latest of three bridges built on this spot.  The approach to the bridge is dead straight, so there's little opportunity to see or photograph the bridge, and although the line curves sharply to the left immediately afterwards there are so many trees in the way that it's still difficult to get a clear view of the bridge.  A new tunnel (the 9-mile long MacDonald Tunnel) was built in 1988 to increase capacity by by-passing both the Stoney Creek Bridge and the shorter 1916-built Connaught Tunnel, but the Rocky Mountaineer deliberately takes the original route.

15:55  The Last Spike:   The train passes Craigellachie, where on 7 November 1885 the last ceremonial rail spike was driven in, completing the Canadian Pacific Railway and linking Montreal to Vancouver by rail.  Here there's a monument and small museum by the tracks, on the right hand side.

16:20  Lake Shuswap & Osprey Alley:   The train passes Sicamous, 'The houseboat capital of the world' and for some miles runs along the shore of the huge and beautiful Lake Shuswap.  It passes 'Osprey alley', a long line of osprey nests in the tops of telegraph poles and trees by the lake.  Watch out for bald eagles, too.  After Lake Shuswap comes Lake Mara.

18:50.  The mountain give way to gentle hills along the South Thompson River.  The hills are volcanic, but at their feet lie sandstone mounds or 'hoodoos', which are the moraines left by ancient glaciers.  The country is more arid here, rocky and sandy with fewer trees, very different from the morning's scenery.

19:55 Kamloops:   The train pulls into Kamloops for its overnight stop.  Motor coaches meet the train and transfer passengers to their hotels.  There is a choice of two evening entertainment shows (with food) whilst in Kamloops, both bookable through Rocky Mountaineer, but don't overestimate how sprightly you'll feel on arrival at your hotel at 8pm after a day travelling with so much to take in.  Banff to Kamloops is 309 miles.

----- day 2 -----

07:20  Kamloops: Motor coaches pick you up from the hotel and transfer passengers to the station.  You may find a longer train than the one you left last night, as the Journey through the Clouds train from Jasper is usually coupled up to the First Passage to the West train between Kamloops & Vancouver.  This is the main Kamloops station, VIA Rail's Toronto-Kamloops-Vancouver Canadian uses the smaller Kamloops North.  263 miles to Vancouver, says the station sign.

07:55  The Rocky Mountaineer leaves Kamloops, combined with the Jasper-Vancouver train.  It veers right and crosses the Thompson River onto Indian ('first nation') territory, passing a small wooden church on the left that was allegedly used in the film 'Unforgiven' with Clint Eastwood.

Canadian National or Canadian Pacific?   Between Kamloops & Vancouver, the 1885 Canadian Pacific (CP) and the later 1917 Canadian National (CN) trans-continental routes run parallel, usually on opposite sides of the river.  For the first 58 miles west of Kamloops, the Rocky Mountaineer uses CN tracks in both directions, but between Basque and Vancouver there is 'directional running' where CN & CP co-operate, sending all westbound trains including the westbound Rocky Mountaineer down CN tracks on one side of the river, and all eastbound trains including the eastbound Rocky Mountaineer down the CP tracks on the other side.  You see the same scenery, of course, from a slightly different angle, but if you really want to travel on the original 1885 CP tracks (almost) all the way between Vancouver and Banff, you'll need to take an eastbound Rocky Mountaineer.

08:40 Kamloops Lake:   The train runs along the shore of Kamloops Lake - watch out for more bald eagles, and for the coloured rocks at 'Painted Bluff' on the right.

09:25  The train reaches the end of the lake and runs alongside the Thompson River.  The countryside here is even more arid than before - indeed, it passes Ashcroft, the driest town in Canada.

10:35  Black Canyon:   The train passes 'Black Canyon', a section of black lava cliff on the right, with the Thompson river on the left.  After Black Canyon Tunnel, the Rocky Mountaineer crosses the Thompson on a steel girder bridge.

11:30  The scenery now changes again, from dry & sandy back to rocky with pine trees.  The train enters the Thompson River canyon, with CP tracks one side of the river, CN tracks on the other side.

11:55  Avalanche alley (above right) :  The Rocky Mountaineer travels at the very edge of the river under a sheer cliff wall with avalanche protection sheds in several places.  One section of the rock wall is attractively coloured, known as 'rainbow canyon'.

12:05  Confluence of Thompson & Fraser Rivers:   Just after Lytton the train curves to the left over a bridge across the Fraser River.  The confluence of Thompson & Fraser rivers is now on the right.

12:15 Cisco crossing:   At Cisco, CP and CN tracks swap sides of the river.  The CN line crosses first on an distinctive orange-painted girder bridge (above right), the CP tracks then crossing in the opposite direction on a squared-off black steel bridge lower down (above left, lower picture).  Being the first, the CP engineers built their line down whichever was the easier side of the canyon, the later CN engineers had to made do with the opposite, trickier side.

13:35 Hell's Gate:   This is the narrowest and fastest-flowing point of the Fraser River.  On the right on the far bank is the Hell's Gate cafe, with a suspension footbridge across the river below the train and a cable car over the river and up the mountain.

15:15:  We're no longer right next to the Fraser River, which has become very broad.  The train is in a wide flat valley, with farms and greenhouses starting to appear.  The historic site of Fort Langley is just visible through the trees on the left.

16:50  Approaching Vancouver:   The train slows through the freight cars in Thornton Yard, finally curving right over a very long, low steel bridge across the Fraser River with a much higher arched road bridge on the left, which also carries the Vancouver 'Skytrain' metro.  Once across the river the Rocky Mountaineer curves sharply right again, weaving its way through the Vancouver suburbs.

17:40  Arrival at Vancouver:   We've travelled 594 miles from Banff.  Pictured above, the Rocky Mountaineer rolls past the Rocky Mountaineer terminal (on the right, with the buses parked outside).  It then slowly reverses back into it.  The Rocky Mountaineer terminal is a block away from the Pacific Central station where VIA Rail's Canadian arrives.  Rocky Mountaineer's impressive and spacious terminal building was once a diesel locomotive maintenance shed.

Journey through the Clouds :  Jasper to Vancouver via Kamloops

This train travels over the second trans-continental line built across Canada, the Canadian National route between Jasper (in Jasper National Park) and Vancouver, opened in 1917.    Originally known as the Yellowhead route , it's been marketed as the Journey through the Clouds since 2010.

The Rocky Mountaineer leaves Jasper station around 8am, and heads up through the Yellowhead Pass.  This is the easiest pass through the Rockies (in other words the lowest, at 3,718 feet above sea level).  The Canadian Pacific chose a more difficult route through the Kicking Horse pass to the south because of political tensions between Canada and the USA at the time, and a desire to safeguard Canadian territory.

Look out for the highlight of the trip, views of snow-capped Mount Robson to the right of the train.  At 12,972 feet it's the highest mountain in the Rockies.

After running alongside Moose Lake, the train crosses the Fraser River.

For almost 20 miles, the train passes some of Canada's most magnificent mountains in the Premier range, named after early Canadian prime ministers.

The train passes the site marked by a small cairn, where 12 members of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery were killed when two CN trains collided.

The train passes Pyramid Falls (see photo above), where water cascades 300 feet beside the tracks.

The train arrives at Kamloops and passengers stay overnight in a hotel, included in the fare.

Between Jasper & Kamloops the Journey through the Clouds takes exactly the same route as VIA Rail's Canadian , which also (if it's on time, of course...) does this section in daylight, before continuing through the night to Vancouver.  So see the Jasper-Kamloops photos on the Toronto-Vancouver Canadian page .

On day 2 the Journey through the Clouds travels from Kamloops to Vancouver coupled to the First Passage West , see the Kamloops-Vancouver photos above .

Rainforest to Goldrush:   North Vancouver - Whistler -Quesnel - Jasper

This is a less well-known but remarkable route, through the gold rush & timber country of the Cariboo.  Until 2010 this route was marketed as the Fraser Discovery route and until 2015 it started at Whistler and you had to take Rocky Mountaineer's Sea to Sky Climb train between North Vancouver & Whistler, which was also useful for local journeys as it ran 5 times a week and could be used by people just going to Whistler.  Unfortunately, Rocky Mountaineer have discontinued their Vancouver-Whistler train, instead from 2016 the main Rainforest to Goldrush train will start from North Vancouver.

06:15 - 07:15:  Passengers are collected by motor coach from central Vancouver hotels, and driven through Stanley Park and across the Lion's Gate Bridge to the North Vancouver station, a simple siding a block or two away from the original BC Rail passenger station.  BC Rail stopped normal passenger service on his route in 1999.

07:30 Leaving Vancouver:   After leaving North Vancouver, the train passes right under the Lion's Gate Bridge and over a girder bridge across the Capilano River (Vancouver's famous Capilano footbridge, www.capbridge.com , is out of sight further up the valley).  Breakfast is served.

The train runs alongside the sea (on left hand side) until it heads off into the mountains.  It passes through the mile-long Horseshoe Bay Tunnel, built to eliminate a difficult section of line around the headland, emerging onto the banks of Howe Sound.  For some miles the train run along the banks of this beautiful sound (also on left hand side) past the BC Ferries terminal serving the islands.  The trains passes waterfalls and an old copper mine, once the largest copper mine in the British Empire and now a museum.

09:50 Cheakamus Canyon:   The train starts to climb, away from Howe Sound up into the hills.  This is the most scenic part of the journey, as the train passes over several high trestle bridges along the Cheakamus canyon (pictured, above) with the narrow fast-flowing river way down below. 

The train passes over the top of 195-feet-high Brandywine Falls.

11:30 Whistler:   The train arrives at Whistler station.  This is in the Creekside area of Whistler, near Nita Lake.  A fleet of buses meets the train and transfers passengers to their hotels in Whistler Village a mile or two away.  You now have the afternoon and evening free to explore Whistler, and you stay there in a hotel overnight.  Whistler is one of Canada's biggest ski resorts, a sort of North American Zermatt.  Cable cars run up the mountains, seaplanes run scenic flights, and there are many outdoor activities in both summer and winter.  The centre of Whistler village is pedestrianised, with many bars and restaurants.

07:30 Leaving Whistler:   The Rocky Mountaineer train leaves Whistler at 07:30 on day 1.  Whistler station is in the Creekside area of Whistler between Alta and Nita lakes, a few minutes' taxi or motor coach transfer from Whistler village itself.  Check-in opens at 06:30, you hand over your luggage (which travels by road) and you are given a boarding card with seat allocation.

08:10 Green River, Birkenhead River:   Breakfast is served as you pass through snow-capped mountains and run alongside the Green River.  The scenery is beautiful, although there are still houses and occasional timber yards here, not to mention a few power pylons!  The Green River soon gives way to the Birkenhead River, also on the right, but flowing in the opposite direction.

08:35 Nairn Falls:   The train crosses a low bridge just above the top of a waterfall in the pine trees, Nairn Falls.

10:00 Anderson Lake:   The train skirts the blue waters of Anderson Lake right by the water along the cliffs.  The tracks follow the shore for 15 miles, with many photo opportunities.

10:30 Seton Lake:   The train passes the end of Anderson Lake and crosses the spit of land known as Seton Portage separating it from another lake, Lake Seton.  Originally one big lake, lakes Anderson and Seton were separated by a landslide over 1,000 years ago.  Lake Seton is a luminous turquoise colour, an effect caused by the sediment washed down by meltwater from the mountains.  The train passes the BC Hydro Bridge River hydro electric plant and a timber yard.

11:20 Lillooet:   Lillooet is a major railway town, and there's a 10-minute locomotive crew rest stop here in the freight yards.

11:35 Fraser River Canyon:   After leaving Lillooet, the train crosses the wide and brown Fraser River on a massive and dramatic girder bridge, 800 feet long and 190 feet above the river.  Immediately after the bridge the train snakes left onto the Fraser's left bank and starts climbing a steep 2.2% gradient for the next 30 miles.  It's one of the longest sustained 2.2% rail gradients in America.  This 30 mile stretch is the highlight of the trip:  The train follows the Fraser River canyon, high up on the mountainside with the river far below.  The sheer scale of the canyon is spectacular.  There are few trees, the landscape is arid an sandy here.

13:00 Cariboo Plateau:   The train finally leaves the Fraser River canyon.  It's now on the Cariboo plateau, and pine trees make a welcome reappearance.  These are the gentle rolling hills of cattle country.

16:00-17:00:  Still on the Cariboo plateau, this is also timber country.  You can smell the sawdust from the many lumber yards.  You pass Lac La Hache and Williams Lake.

18:00 Deep Creek Bridge:   1,194 feet long, 312 feet high, one of the highest rail bridges in North America (in fact, only the Stoney Creek bridge on the Banff-Vancouver route is higher).  You pass many cattle ranches, and can spot many deer in the wooded areas.

20:00 Quesnel:   The train passes lumber yards and the occasional osprey nesting in telegraph poles or tall trees, and arrives at Quesnel (pronounced 'kwanell') for the overnight hotel stop.  Quesnel is the local centre for the Cariboo, and if you've never seen small-town Canada it's well worth an evening wander.  This is easier to do if you're at a town centre hotel such as the Best Western, less easy if you're in a hotel a few miles out (Gold Leaf passengers are currently bussed a few miles out to the Sandman's hotel in an industrial/retail area).  Personally, I'd suggest requesting the town-centre Best Western even if you're in Gold Leaf.  In Quesnel you'll find the longest wooden truss footbridge in the world across the wide and fast-flowing Fraser River, pictured above right - check out the steak house & pub on the hill the other side!  There's also a Greek restaurant, a casino built to look like an old paddle steamer, and a gift shop by the river that's often open in the evenings when the train arrives.  There's a town museum (complete with allegedly haunted doll 'Mandy') which you may or may not find open when the train comes in.

----- day 3 -----

07:40 Leaving Quesnel:   Motor coaches transfer you from the hotel around 06:45, and the Rocky Mountaineer leaves Quesnel around 07:40 when everyone is on board.

08:00 Cottonwood Bridge:   The train crosses the dramatic Cottonwood bridge, 1,023 feet long and 236 feet high, over a valley full of pine trees with a river racing beneath.  The bridge was only completed in 1952, the last major link in the railway from Vancouver to Prince George and Prince Rupert.  The 'last spike' was driven in 8 miles further on, at the slightly smaller Abhau Creek bridge, on 31 October 1952.  Since they started building the line in 1912, it was no wonder the Pacific Great Eastern Railway became known locally as the 'Prince George Eventually'!

09:10:  The Fraser River is sighted again, on the left.  Endless pines and birch trees, and the odd sawmill including a fully automated one at Dunkly.

10:20  Prince George (almost!):   The Rocky Mountaineer makes slow progress through the yards approaching Prince George.  The train heads for a long low steel bridge across the Fraser into Prince George, which is the route passengers trains (when there were any) would normally take.  But immediately before the bridge the train turns right at a triangular junction onto the line leading out of Prince George towards Jasper.  The train is no longer on the Pacific Great Eastern but on the Grand Trunk Pacific.  The GTP is Canada's third trans-continental line, built from Jasper through Prince George to the pacific ocean at the port of Prince Rupert.  Although not in the same league as Vancouver, much freight is still shipped overseas via Prince Rupert.  The GTP was nationalised after its bankruptcy in 1921 and is now part of Canadian National Railways.

12:30:  Lunch is served as the train enters the Rocky Mountain trench, a wide valley between the mountains.  The train follows the meandering brown river through the pines and birches.

16:00:  The train passes McBride, with agriculture now in evidence across the valley.

17:50 Mount Robson:   Another highlight of the trip, the train passes Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Rockies at 12,972 feet.  The Rocky Mountaineer Journey through the Clouds route also passes this spot, so gets this same view of Mt Robson, as does VIA Rail's Toronto-Vancouver Canadian .

18:10:  The Fraser river is now narrower, cleaner and greener.  The valley narrows, with snow-capped mountains on each side. 

18:50 Yellowhead Pass:   The train joins the Jasper-Kamloops-Vancouver main line, and passes through the Yellowhead Pass.  This is the easiest and lowest pass through the Rockies at 3,718 feet above sea level.  The train crosses from British Columbia into Alberta, and the clocks go forward an hour.

20:30 (19:30 BC time) Jasper:   The train arrives at Jasper, at the heart of Jasper National Park.  The station is right at the front of this small town, which grew up around the railway.  Jasper station is used by two Rocky Mountaineer routes and VIA Rail's Toronto-Jasper-Vancouver Canadian .

Bear! bear! bear !

You may see ospreys, bald eagles and deer from the train, and if you're lucky maybe a bear or two.  There are two sorts of bear, black bears are more common, grizzly bears less so.  Keep your eyes peeled!  In Jasper, you'll see many elk just wandering about the outskirts of the town.  Below, the best bear sighting they've had for several years on the Rainforest to Goldrush route, approaching Jasper near Mt Robson.

G uidebooks

Buy Rough Guide from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Or buy direct from the Lonely Planet website , with shipping worldwide.

The Trans-Canada Rail Guide

Trailblazer's Trans-Canada Rail Guide is well worth buying if you're planning a trans-Canada train trip.  It will help you plan your journey, and best of all it includes mile-by-mile lineside route guides showing what to see from the train on all the main VIA Rail & Rocky Mountaineer services.  Buy in the UK from Amazon.co.uk .  Buy in the USA from Amazon.com

Recommended hotels

In vancouver:  fairmont vancouver hotel.

In the centre of downtown Vancouver, next to Christ Church Cathedral and only a few blocks from the Waterfront, the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel is a former railway hotel.  It was started by Canadian National Railways but completed in partnership with rival Canadian Pacific, opened in 1939 by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.  It's another iconic Canadian chateau-style hotel, a true Vancouver landmark.  And if your budget will stretch, Fairmont won't disappoint.

If you want something cheaper, try the St Regis Hotel , also excellently located downtown and also a historic Vancouver landmark, opened in 1913.

In Jasper:  Fairmont Jasper Lodge

First established in 1915 in association with the Grand Trunk Pacific Railroad, it became a Canadian National Railway hotel in the 1920s.  Bing Crosby, Marilyn Monroe, and members of the British Royal family including King George IV and the Queen have stayed here.  It's on Lake Beauvert, a 9 minute drive from Jasper station.

In Banff:  Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Another famous classic hotel, originally built & owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway and designed in the style of a Scottish castle.  If your budget will stretch, it's the most celebrated hotel in Banff and an experience in itself.

Flights to Canada

Overland travel around Canada by train & bus is an essential part of the experience, so once there, don't cheat and fly, stay on the ground!  But a long-haul flight might be unavoidable to reach Canada in the first place.  To compare prices for flights to Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver, check Skyscanner .

Lounge passes

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think!  See www.loungepass.com .

Back to home page

• Photo Gallery
• Testimonials & Reviews
• News & Blog Posts
• Work With Us
• – Rocky Mountaineer Train Information –
• Rocky Mountaineer: Journey Through The Clouds
• Rocky Mountaineer: First Passage to the West
• Rocky Mountaineer – Rainforest to Gold Rush
• – VIA Rail Train Information –
• VIA Rail ‘The Canadian’ Train
• Hotel Information
• Rocky Mountaineer Trains
• VIA Rail Trains
• Private Tours
• Custom Tours
• Tour Add-Ons
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Current Travel Updates
• Travel Insurance
• 4 Day Tour: Rockies Passage
• 5 Day Tour: Rockies Passage Plus
• 6 Day Tour: Rockies Essentials
• 7 Day Tour: Lake Louise Explorer
• 7 Day Tour: Rockies Nostalgic
• 7 Day Return Tour: Lake Louise Escape
• 8 Day Tour: Rockies Adventurer
• 9 Day Return Tour: Rockies Circle Essentials
• 9 Day Return Tour: Train Lover’s Dream
• 10 Day Tour: Rockies Relaxer
• 12 Day Return Tour: Rockies Circle Adventurer
• 13 Day Tour: Rockies Glaciers & Gardens
• – View All –
• 7 Day Canadian Nostalgic: Vancouver to Toronto
• 7 Day Canadian Nostalgic: Toronto to Vancouver
• 7 Day Canadian Prestige: Vancouver to Toronto
• 7 Day Canadian Prestige: Toronto to Vancouver
• 12 Day Canadian Adventurer: Vancouver to Toronto
• 12 Day Canadian Adventurer: Toronto to Vancouver
• 16 Day Canadian Trip of a Lifetime: Vancouver to Halifax
• 16 Day Canadian Trip of a Lifetime: Halifax to Vancouver
• Canadian Rockies Winter Tours
• Eastern Canada Tours
• Rockies Golf Tours
• Southwest USA Tours
• – Rocky Mountaineer Train Tickets –
• Rocky Mountaineer: Vancouver to Banff Train
• Rocky Mountaineer: Vancouver to Jasper Train
• Rocky Mountaineer: Vancouver, Whistler, Jasper Train
• Rocky Mountaineer: Banff to Vancouver Train
• Rocky Mountaineer: Jasper to Vancouver Train
• Rocky Mountaineer: Jasper, Whistler, Vancouver Train
• Submit Booking Request
• Request a Quote

Rocky Mountaineer Information

Information on the rocky mountaineer train cost for all canadian routes, rocky mountaineer train cost 2024.

Due to the small size of Canadian Rockies towns such as Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper and their popularity as tourist destinations, many Rocky Mountaineer train dates during the peak travel season of May to September sell out 6+ months in advance. With the limited supply of space and the high demand, the cost of these train journeys make it a bucket-list item, not an everyday mode of transportation.

Rocky Mountaineer have a worldwide non-discount clause meaning that their train tickets cannot legally be discounted by resellers such as travel agents and tour operators. Once prices for the season are released for the 2 and 3-day rail tickets, they do not change and are not subject to sales or discounts. The Rocky Mountaineer prices for 2 and 3-day train rides in the Canadian Rockies typically increase anywhere from 7-10% year over year so it is always important to book well in advance in order to guarantee yourself the best rates, as well as availability on your preferred dates.

* The price of a seat on the Rocky Mountaineer train does not vary by age. Tickets are the same price, no matter how young or old the person traveling may be.

The best way to get cheaper rates on the Rocky Mountaineer train is to book a multi-day tour package. The reason for this is that packaged holiday prices are subject to additional deals and discounts that rail-only tickets do not qualify for. Due to the timing of the trains, you will need to have accommodations on either end of the trip anyway so including your hotels in a package with the Rocky Mountaineer train in order to qualify for a deal will offer better value than booking your own accommodations separately.

To view the cost of our more involved packaged tours which include trains, hotels, sightseeing tours, and transfers, visit any one of our Tour Pages as our industry-best rates allow us to be transparent in our pricing!

*All prices are listed in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Click here to view current exchange rates

How much does a Rocky Mountaineer train trip cost?

The following rates are available for two-day Rocky Mountaineer train tickets between Vancouver and Banff, Vancouver and Lake Louise, or Vancouver and Jasper.

All routes include overnight accommodations at a moderate hotel in Kamloops as the train does not travel at night.

Rates are per person, based on how many people will be sharing the Kamloops hotel (Single, Double, Triple/Quad sharing).

April and October are the least expensive times to travel on the Rocky Mountaineer train , starting at CAD $2049 in 2024 for SilverLeaf Train Service. The upgrade to GoldLeaf Train Service is also cheaper at this time and is available for an upgrade fee of CAD $720 per person.

August and September are the most expensive time to travel on the Rocky Mountaineer train  with prices for SilverLeaf Train Service at CAD $2499 per person and GoldLeaf Train Service at CAD $3409 per person.

To book one of these train routes, click the button below to find your dates and then submit your request to confirm availability.

Explore Our Popular Rocky Mountaineer Tour Packages

Rockies Passage: Eastbound

This quick 4-day tour takes you aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer for two full days along the historic Canadian Pacific Railway route from…

Rockies Passage Plus: Eastbound

On this 5-day tour through the Canadian Rockies, you will experience two days of world-class service aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. As you travel from…

Rockies Essentials: Eastbound

This 6-day tour will show you all the essential locations you need to see in the Canadian Rockies and takes you aboard the luxurious Rocky…

Rockies Adventurer: Eastbound

This 8-day tour provides you with a total of five nights in the Canadian Rockies with stays in Jasper and Banff. You will have time to explore and…

Rockies Relaxer: Eastbound

This 10-day tour provides you with a total of six nights in the Canadian Rockies with stays in Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff. You will have time to…

Rocky Mountaineer: Vancouver to Banff Rail

A spectacular two-day all-daylight journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer in your choice of SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service. Includes hotel…

Rocky Mountaineer: Vancouver to Jasper Rail

3 day rocky mountaineer train prices.

The following rates are available for three-day Rocky Mountaineer train tickets between North Vancouver and Jasper with stops in Whistler and Quesnel.

All routes include overnight accommodations at a moderate hotel in Whistler and Quesnel as the train does not travel at night.

April and October offer the best deal each year, starting at CAD $3929 in 2024 for GoldLeaf Train Service. SilverLeaf Train Service is not available on this route.

Explore Our Rocky Mountaineer Tour Packages Including This Route

Rockies Glaciers & Gardens: Eastbound

This 13-Day tour from Vancouver Island’s lush floral gardens to the remote glaciers of the Canadian Rockies, this tour is our most comprehensive…

Rockies Circle Train Adventurer

This 12-day circle tour includes 5 luxurious days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Beginning your adventure in Vancouver you will travel from the west…

Pricing Details:

• Prices are per person in Canadian Dollars and are subject to an additional 5% Canadian sales tax.
• Standard package prices are based on double occupancy. For single and triple sharing, please request a quote .
• To qualify for any current Specials , please request a quote .
• Upgrades to Premium hotel rooms (5 stars) and Private Tours/Transfers are available. Please  request a quote .
• For custom-built tours, please request a quote   and let us know what you are looking for.

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy preferences.

The Rocky Mountaineer Train

The Rocky Mountaineer showcases rugged alpine terrain and wildlife you can only see by rail, paired with comfy carriages, exquisite meals and excellent service. We'll help you choose the right train trip, then personalize your time in the Canadian Rockies . Luxury, scenery and a dash of adventure? It’s truly the trip of a lifetime. 

Canada's iconic daylight train only travels from sunrise to sunset. With routes to Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Kamloops, Whistler and Vancouver, you'll enjoy spectacular views and impeccable service along the way.

Table of contents

Popular rocky mountaineer train trips in 2024/25.

• Train Schedule
• Quick Fact Sheet
• Rocky Mountaineer Route Map
• Service Levels
• GoldLeaf vs SilverLeaf Service
• Best Seasons
• Photography Opportunities
• Trip Planning
• Trip Add-Ons

Rocky Mountaineer USA vs Canada Train Rides

Frequently asked questions.

The travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations have extensive experience booking tours on the Rocky Mountaineer train routes. They can ensure your itinerary is a perfect match for your interests. When you book with us, you can add tours and excursions to the beginning or end of a trip, resulting in a completely customized travel experience. We offer friendly service and act as your point of contact from the time you start planning your trip until the very last day of your train tour. 

Our Canadian travel experts recommend the following Rocky Mountaineer tour packages to travellers looking for a truly luxurious train experience.

Keep reading or chat with one of our local travel experts. We’re passionate about Canada and can help you at any stage of your vacation planning.

Complete Canadian Rockies by Rail 

See all the highlights of the Canadian Rockies, from Banff and Jasper National Parks to the sparkling waters of Lake Louise. The Complete Canadian Rockies by Rail itinerary departs from Vancouver and includes two days of train travel. 

Miles on train : 559 Miles 

Days on train : 2 

Train Stops: Vancouver, Kamloops, and Jasper 

Discover Whistler and the Canadian Rockies by Rail  

A popular route for photography buffs, Discover Whistler and the Canadian Rockies by Rail takes travellers from Vancouver all the way to Calgary, with train and transfers. Take a scenic tour of Icefields Parkway, walk on a real glacier, spend time in an alpine village or customize your tour with extra activities in Banff National Park or Jasper National Park. 

Miles on train : 707 Miles 

Days on train : 3 

Train Stops: Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel, and Jasper 

Essential Rockies by Train 

For travellers interested in a shorter trip, Essential Rockies by Train lets you soak up the splendour of the Canadian Rockies on a quick excursion. You'll see wildlife, glaciers and waterfalls as you travel through the mountain ranges of Alberta and British Columbia. 

Miles on train : 594 Miles 

Stops: Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff and Lake Louise

Rocky Mountaineer Train Schedule -2024

Rocky Mountaineer train journeys are only available between April and October as the train does not run during winter. There are usually two or three departures per week for each direction of each route. As the train departs the station early in the morning and arrives at the next destination in the evening, guests spend 10-12 hours onboard the train each day.

[ Explore: Rocky Mountaineer Train Trips ]

Rocky mountaineer - fact sheet.

• The Rocky Mountaineer connects British Columbia and Alberta, with stops in Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel and Kamloops. 
• The train runs from mid-April until mid-October. 
• The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight-only train designed so that passengers can experience the most spectacular views and optimal photo opportunities. 
• The routes are designed with an overnight break about mid-way, where guests are transferred to a comfortable hotel. 
• Chef-prepared meals and local BC wines are included on the train, as well as gourmet snacks. 
• Inside Rocky Mountaineer train cars , you'll find comfortable seats and friendly hosts who are ready to answer your questions and point out landmarks along each route. Glass domes give passengers a bird's-eye view of waterfalls, lakes, glaciers and wildlife. Each train also has an outdoor viewing platform, making it easier to see local points of interest. 
• The best time of year to ride the Rocky Mountaineer depends on what you want to see. Late September is the best time if you want to view stunning fall foliage, while May is the best time to avoid summer crowds. 

Download a brochure

Get inspired with sample itineraries, train information, route maps, and travel advice from our local experts.

Maps of Rocky Mountaineer Train Routes

Rocky Mountaineer offers three stunning daylight routes connecting British Columbia and Alberta. We can personalize your trip around one of these train journeys or combine them together. Consult the map of your Rocky Mountaineer route for more information about what stops are included on each itinerary. 

First Passage to the West 

This route connects Vancouver and Banff and is the line the company first established when it was founded in 1990. The Rocky Mountaineer is the only passenger train to travel along this famous, historic section of the Canadian Pacific Railway . Memorable spots along the way include the charming train station at Lake Louise, the Stoney Creek Bridge, the dramatic Fraser and Thompson River Canyons and the location where the last spike was added to the railway in 1885. 

Route map: Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West train trip

Journey Through the Clouds 

This route traverses the later of the two main Canadian transcontinental railways: The Canadian Northern Line, which dates to 1917. It travels between Jasper and Vancouver, taking the breathtaking Yellowhead pass through the mountains. The highlight of the trip is the view of snow-covered Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies. 

Route map: Rocky Mountaineer’s Journey through the Clouds train trip

Rainforest to Gold Rush 

This route connects North Vancouver and Jasper, with stops in Whistler and Quesnel. The train passes through the Fraser River Canyon. This routing was previously known as the "Fraser Discovery Route," and much of the hosts’ involve the discovery of British Columbia's wild timber country and Gold Rush history. It's not uncommon to spot black bears, bald eagles, osprey and even grizzly bears. 

Route map of Rocky Mountaineer’s Rainforest to Gold Rush train trip

#1 Travel tip: Longer train route

Choose Rocky Mountaineer’s Rainforest to Gold Rush route from Vancouver to Jasper if you’d like more time on the train. It takes 2.5 days and has 2 overnight stops.

Download our Brochures and Mini Guides

The rocky mountaineer service levels.

Rocky Mountaineer offers two enticing service levels — Goldleaf and Silverleaf — with features that appeal to every traveller. We can help you decide which service level is right for you. 

GoldLeaf Service 

On GoldLeaf, you can take in Canada's iconic landscape from a bi-level glass-dome luxury coach. During meals, you’ll feast on gourmet creations by Executive Chefs.  

The GoldLeaf cars are double-level, and your assigned seat will be on the top floor, right underneath the dome window where you will have 360-degree views of the scenery around you. Downstairs is the dining room, where you will be served a la carte meals prepared onboard. GoldLeaf cars also feature an outdoor viewing platform where you can step outside for some fresh mountain air. 

SilverLeaf Service 

Winding through the Canadian Rockies onboard a luxury coach, you'll come face to face with magnificent scenery. It can be so breathtaking, you may think you’re dreaming. 

Hot gourmet breakfasts and lunches served at your spacious seat means you won't have to miss a moment of the splendour out your window. Nor will you miss a moment of the latest historical tidbit from your onboard Host. SilverLeaf cars also feature outdoor vestibules between the cars where you can step outside and feel the cool mountain breeze on your face. 

Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf vs SilverLeaf Service

Which is the best option for your Canadian train getaway? To help you decide which level of service is perfect for you, here’s a quick comparison between GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf.

Both SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf include:

• complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• entertaining commentary
• baggage handling in Kamloops and Quesnel

Seasons on Rocky Mountaineer

Spring (april and may).

With views of lush green landscapes and snow-capped mountains, the spring season is a lovely time for a Rocky Mountaineer train ride. The fresh snowmelt from the mountains means that waterfalls and rivers are at their most powerful. Bears emerge from hibernation and other animals become more active as the weather warms up. Flowers also start to bloom, adding pops of colour into the landscape. There are often less visitors during the spring, so it is a quieter time to visit the Canadian Rockies.

Summer (June, July and August)

Summer means longer days, lots of sunshine, and warm temperatures. In the Canadian Rockies, alpine wildflowers appear on the slopes of the mountains and the glacier-fed lakes have completely thawed, showing their crystal-clear turquoise waters once again. This is a popular time of year for those who want to explore the outdoors and enjoy the drier, warmer weather.

Fall (September and October)

Fall is a stunning time of year to travel.Some trees turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red during the fall season, and this kaleidoscope of colours can be witnessed on all Rocky Mountaineer train routes. Early snowfall at higher elevations in the Canadian Rockies adds a magical touch to the picturesque landscapes. In October, it’s sometimes possible to see grizzly bears fishing for salmon by the edge of the rivers.

Winter (November to March)

Rocky Mountaineer does not operate during the colder months. If you’d like to see the breathtaking Canadian Rockies in winter, then there are other train experiences that run year-round.

Photography Opportunities on The Rocky Mountaineer Train

You can capture amazing photos of Western Canada’s beautiful scenery as you travel on Rocky Mountaineer. The luxury train is designed to provide guests with the best sightseeing experience and optimal photo opportunities.

Best Vantage Points on the Train

Both SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf train coaches have glass-dome windows, which means you can snap stellar shots from the comfort of your seat.

One of the advantages of GoldLeaf service is that there are more spaces to take photos from: there’s the upper-level seating area which has full glass-dome windows, the lower-level dining room where gourmet meals are served at tables next to large windows, and the exclusive outdoor viewing platform. When the train is curving round a bend, the outdoor viewing platform is the best place to be for taking photos!

In SilverLeaf, there is a small outdoor viewing area between train coaches. This outdoor area only fits a couple of people at one time, but it’s a great place for taking quick photos of notable sights and getting closer to the scenery.

Photography Tips and Tricks

• The train never fully stops, but it does slow down at scenic spots and for wildlife. We recommend listening to the host’s onboard commentary as they will announce upcoming sights and let guests know when wildlife has been spotted near the tracks.
• When taking photos from inside the train, hold your phone or camera close to the glass. This helps to eliminate any glare from the photo. In addition to the beautiful landscapes outside, the interior of the train can make for interesting photos.
• Wildlife sightings are unpredictable and can happen at any moment! Make sure your camera is set up with your desired settings in advance, so you’re always ready to take photos.
• Make friends with your fellow guests so you can swap photos at the end of your trip! If you missed taking a photo of a certain location or memorable moment, ask to see if someone else on the train managed to capture it. 

How to Plan a Rocky Mountaineer Trip

The first step of planning a Rocky Mountaineer trip is to decide when you want to travel! Each season (spring, summer, fall) offers a different experience and the best time to travel depends on what you’d like to see.

You should also think about your ideal starting location and what other Canadian destinations you might like to visit before or after your train ride. This will help you decide which Rocky Mountaineer trip is best for you.

We recommend booking your trip as early as possible — many dates and Rocky Mountaineer routes sell out months in advance. Speak to one of our local travel experts to learn more about how to plan your train journey.

Packing List

When you are preparing for your Rocky Mountaineer luxury train journey, it’s important to pack a range of light clothing layers — no matter what season you are travelling in. You will travel through various climate regions and the temperature on the train can fluctuate throughout the day. Make sure you bring:

• Comfortable, flat-soled shoes
• Comfortable clothing — you will be sitting down for most of the day!
• A light sweater or jacket
• Hat and sunglasses

Rocky Mountaineer Train Experience Add-Ons

Alaska cruise .

The rail portion of your trip can come before or after your Alaska cruise. A smaller ship allows you to visit more coves and inlets, and offers a more immersive experience in the area. Ask your travel advisor about adding a cruise to your Rocky Mountaineer trip. It involves an easy flight from Vancouver to the port of departure.

Floatplane Sightseeing 

For an extra dose of adventure, hop on a floatplane and glide over Vancouver's skyline or the natural wonders of Whistler in British Columbia. Floatplanes take off from and land on the water, putting you right in the middle of the action.

Helicopter Tours 

Enjoy 360-degree views of the Canadian Rockies while sightseeing via helicopter. You'll gain a new appreciation for Canada's natural beauty as you hover above lakes, rivers and waterfalls. You may even get a glimpse of the local wildlife.

#2 Travel tip: Wildlife viewing

Rocky Mountaineer hosts will make announcements for wildlife sightings and the train will slow down, giving you the opportunity to get your camera ready or head to the outdoor platform.

Places to Visit

From the shimmering waters of Vancouver to the fresh mountain air of Jasper, the Rocky Mountaineer train travels through many of Canada's best scenery and cities. Your Canadian Train Vacation Advisor can help personalize a trip for you that includes the best places to visit in Western Canada. Our Rocky Mountaineer rail packages may include stops in the following places. 

Vancouver 

All of the Rocky Mountaineer trips in Canada start or end in Vancouver. This West Coast city is a popular summer destination due to its mild climate. It's warm, but not so warm that you'd rather spend your whole vacation indoors. Vancouver blends world-class restaurants and cultural attractions with soaring mountains and outdoor activities — everything from easy paddles to challenging hiking trails, giving every traveller something fun to do. 

Jasper 

If you want to spend your vacation relaxing, Jasper is the perfect destination. It's a sleepy mountain town with plenty of places to rest after a morning of paddling, hiking or sightseeing. It’s home to inviting bakeries and a brewpub, as well as several nice dining establishments.  

Banff 

Located in Alberta, Banff is home to Banff National Park, one of Canada's most popular attractions. The town itself is filled with restaurants and shops, but the nearby national park offers tempting outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. If you visit Banff National Park, you'll see lakes, waterfalls, glaciers and mountain peaks.

Lake Louise 

Crystal-clear water and stunning glacier peaks are just a few of the many reasons to visit Lake Louise. Paddling enthusiasts flock to the lake during the summer months, but Lake Louise has year-round outdoor activities. 

Whistler 

Whistler, British Columbia, has fine-dining establishments, trendy shops and other amenities to make your visit to the Canadian Rockies a memorable one. Relax at a local spa or play a round of golf while you're in town. One of Whistler's most popular attractions is the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which links Roundhouse Lodge with Rendezvous Lodge. The Rocky Mountaineer only runs in the warmer months, but Whistler is a famous ski destination. 

Kamloops 

Originally settled by the Shuswap First Nation, Kamloops is a popular stop on several Rocky Mountaineer train routes. Travellers enjoy visiting local wineries and viewing wildlife at BC Animal Park. The stop here on your Rocky Mountaineer trip is a quick overnight visit. You’ll see most of the sights from the train. 

Quesnel 

Nestled between Prince George and Williams Lake, Quesnel is a popular stop on the route through British Columbia to the Yukon. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Quesnel for some of the best fishing, hiking and canoeing in the world. Like Quesnel, the stop here on your Rocky Mountaineer trip is a quick overnight visit. You’ll see most of the sights from the train.

The Rocky Mountaineer does operate daylight sightseeing trains in both the USA and Canada.   

In the USA, the Rocky Mountaineer only has one rail route, which travels between Moab, Utah, and Denver, Colorado. There is an overnight stop in Glenwood Springs.   

In Canada, the Rocky Mountaineer has three routes through the Canadian Rockies, between British Columbia and Alberta. You can go from Vancouver to Banff, Jasper, or Lake Louise. Overnight stops are in Kamloops, Quesnel, and Whistler (depending on the route). A benefit to taking the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada is the multiple options to choose for your train trip. Our  Circle the Canadian Rockies by Train trip  combines two Rocky Mountaineer journeys for an epic roundtrip train tour.  

Difference in Service Levels 

On the Rocky Mountaineer Colorado to Utah, there are two levels of service — SilverLeaf and SilverLeaf Plus. SilverLeaf Plus includes exclusive access to a separate lounge with upscale drinks and an elevated food experience. SilverLeaf Plus is only available on this USA route. There is no GoldLeaf class on Rocky Mountaineer train trips USA. 

If you want to experience the ultimate in rail luxury in North America, you need to take a Rocky Mountaineer trip in GoldLeaf through Western Canada. GoldLeaf is the most luxurious service and includes a seat in a bi-level glass-dome car with oversized windows. GoldLeaf has a separate dining area on the lower level where you can enjoy your freshly prepared gourmet meals. 

SilverLeaf class in Canada and USA is the same. SilverLeaf includes a seat in a single-level dome car with beautiful views. Regionally inspired meals and drinks are served at your seat.

Destinations  

On Colorado Rocky Mountain train rides, you’ll see desert canyons, sandstone archways, rock formations, and the Colorado River.  

In Canada, the Rocky Mountaineer takes you to Banff and Jasper national parks. You’ll travel through dramatic canyons and mountain passes, past rushing waterfalls and coastal rainforests. The Rocky Mountaineer train journeys in Canada are longer than those in the USA, meaning you have more time to relax and gaze at the ever-changing scenery.  

Once you’ve arrived in the Canadian Rockies, there are many impressive sights to explore on day trips and excursions. Cruise on Maligne Lake in Jasper, tour the famous Icefields Parkway, ride the Banff Gondola, or have afternoon tea at Chateau Lake Louise. You could even experience a thrilling helicopter tour over ancient glaciers, towering peaks, and turquoise lakes.  

What Our Customers Say

The rocky mountaineer exceeded my expectations.

Getting off the train at Winnipeg to temperature of –2 with a wind chill taking it down to –9 and snow! The hotel was outstanding despite the 12 hour delay to the Via rail train an...   read more

Ian and Gareth

Like clockwork from start to finish

We had a wonderful trip. Everything went according to the schedule, all pick-ups and drop-offs went like clockwork. Hotels were as described, some absolutely fabulous, for example...   read more

Christine and Douglas

The natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies amazed us

The natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies amazed us. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner in Vancouver while watching float planes take off and land. The Rocky Mountaineer provided us...   read more

Larry and Myra

Rocky Mountaineer portion was the best part of our trip

Rocky Mountaineer portion was the best part of our trip. We loved the food, scenery, and the story telling by staff and fellow travelers.

Donald and Jenny

The scenery was beautiful

Rocky Mountaineer was great (people and food). The scenery was beautiful. Everyone remembering our anniversary and personalizing it with cards and small gestures was special. The g...   read more

Bob and Judy

Why book your luxury rail trip with Canadian Train Vacations?

We take care of all the details

You want to relax and enjoy your trip, not get overwhelmed by the planning. Let us make all of the bookings for you, including rail tickets, hotels, excursions and activities, meals and transfers.

Independent travel with expert support

Enjoy local expertise and guidance with a personalized itinerary. Your preferences and needs are our priority. We take care of you from the moment you land until the moment you leave.

Get help when you need it

You’ll receive the inside scoop before you even leave home. And you can relax during your vacation because we’re only a phone call away if you have any questions while you’re in Canada.

What is the Rocky Mountaineer?

The Rocky Mountaineer is a train company offering luxury sightseeing tours in Western Canada and the American Southwest. Each route features panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, comfortable seating and delicious meals prepared with fresh local ingredients.

Who owns the Rocky Mountaineer?

Armstrong Hospitality Group, owned by Peter Armstrong, operates the Rocky Mountaineer luxury train company.

How long is the Rocky Mountaineer train ride?

Rocky Mountaineer train tours typically include 2 to 5 days aboard a rail route and 1 to 2 nights in a hotel. It's possible to extend your trip by adding tours and excursions at the beginning or end of your Rocky Mountaineer train ride.

How much does a Rocky Mountaineer train trip cost?

Rocky Mountaineer train prices vary based on the length of your trip and whether you purchase any add-ons. For a standard trip with no extra tours or excursions, our Rocky Mountaineer train trips range from $4,380 USD to $6,930 USD.

Where does the Rocky Mountaineer train start and end?

All Canadian Rocky Mountaineer train journey begin or end at the Rocky Mountaineer train station in Vancouver. The other end-point depends on which route you select. For the First Passage to the West itinerary, it’s Banff/Lake Louise, while for the Journey Through the Clouds and Rainforest to Gold Rush Rocky Mountaineer train routes end it is Jasper.

Is Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf worth it?

Rocky Mountaineer train holidays offer two levels of service: SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf. Although SilverLeaf service includes gourmet meals, panoramic views and personal attention from the tour hosts, GoldLeaf service comes with some extra-special touches that make it well worth the price. GoldLeaf passengers enjoy spacious seats in the upper level of the glass-domed coach and chef-prepared meals featuring local ingredients.

Does the Rocky Mountaineer run in winter?

Rocky Mountaineer train tours aren't available during the winter. The company runs its luxury train excursions from April through October of each year.

Can you sleep on the Rocky Mountaineer?

Rocky Mountaineer train rooms aren't available to passengers. The train only operates during daylight hours, so trips with overnight stops include hotel accommodations. Reservations at a midpoint hotel come standard with each train tour, but passengers have the option to upgrade their hotels on some routes.

What is the most scenic route on the Rocky Mountaineer?

First Passage to the West is one of the best Rocky Mountaineer scenic routes because it takes passengers through the historic Spiral Tunnels and provides sweeping views of the Canadian Rockies. For even more scenery, pair the First Passage to the West itinerary with another Rocky Mountaineer route on a Circle Tour.

Which is better, VIA Rail or Rocky Mountaineer?

VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer both offer quality train service in Canada, but Rocky Mountaineer is a better pick for travellers interested in having a luxury experience in the Rockies.

Where in America can you catch the Rocky Mountain train?

You can catch the Rocky Mountaineer train from Moab in eastern Utah or from Denver, the capital of Colorado. The Rocky Mountaineer Denver to Moab train route is a two-day journey between these cities. You stop in Glenwood Springs overnight.

About the author: Katherine is Product Manager with Fresh Tracks Canada. Having worked in the Canadian travel industry for almost 20 years, she enjoys sharing her local expertise with visitors. She is based in Calgary and one of her favourite Canadian destination is the...   Read more

Explore More Tours

Discuss your Canadian train vacation with a local travel expert

Or call us toll free

Current promotions

Sign up for special offers, monthly Canadian Insider tips, and vacation inspiration.

Rocky Train Vacations

• 1.888.949.3585
• [email protected]

• Rocky Mountaineer General Information
• Rocky Mountaineer Schedule – 2024
• Rocky Mountaineer Pricing – 2024
• Denver to Moab Train Tickets
• Moab to Denver Train Tickets
• Rocky Mountaineer Canada Information
• Photo Gallery
• Planning Your Trip from Denver to Moab
• 2 Day Denver to Moab by Rail
• 4 Day Getaway – Denver to Moab Train Tour
• 6 Day Classic – Denver to Moab Train Tour
• 7 Day Excursion – Denver to Salt Lake City Train Tour
• 7 Day Leisure – Denver to Las Vegas Train Tour
• 2 Day Moab to Denver by Rail
• 4 Day Getaway – Moab to Denver Train Tour
• 6 Day Classic – Moab to Denver Train Tour
• 7 Day Excursion – Salt Lake City to Denver Train Tour
• 7 Day Leisure – Las Vegas to Denver Train Tour
• 8 Day Return Journey – Denver to Moab Train Tour
• Train Tours In Canada
• Request A Quote

Book Your Rocky Mountaineer Vacation

Book now or request a quote.

Sumbit your information below and we will respond to your inquiry by email within one business day. You will receive a written quote by email confirming availability and pricing for your requested tour. If you do not receive this email within 24 hours, please check your junk/spam email folder or give us a call at 1-888-589-3777.

For information on our Canadian tours and routes, visit our partners at Canadarail.ca

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy preferences.

Call Us: +44 (0)20 8191 0620   |  Email Us: [email protected]

Luxury Train Vacations, Luxury Rail Tours & Holidays

Luxury train rides conjure up romantic notions of meandering through the snow-capped Swiss Alps, animated storytelling on-route to Vladivostok on the Trans-Siberian Railway, or departing Gare de l’Est station in Paris aboard the Orient Express. Luxury rail holidays are an incredible way to travel, making it as much about the journey as the final destination. The best luxury train vacations are focused on slowing the pace of life so you can take in the scenery.

The Luxury Train Travel Company offers the finest and most opulent luxury rail journeys across Europe, Africa, North and South America, Asia, and Australia. Luxury rail road tours allow you to sit back and unwind on a luxury sleeper train, enjoy fine dining, and soak up spectacular diverse landscapes from the comfort of a suite or observation car. Nothing quite matches the character or charm of luxurious trains, and we provide the best luxury train trips in the world.

explore the world of luxury trains

Explore the luxury train travel company.

Explore Our Range of Luxury Rail Tours Across the Globe. Learn About The Different Luxury Trains We Can Offer. View Our Tours by Region & Destinations. View our train departure Calendar.

Independent

As a family run company we go to greater lengths to ensure you have the best experience.

We give open and impartial advice and it is important to us that you book the right rail trip for you.

Your trip is financially protected through our ABTA membership, IPP cover and ATOL bonding.

We will not cut corners and take the time to make sure your tour is suited to your requirements.

Select a Train Below to View The Tours

We offer a selected range of the world’s finest trains which you can see below. Click on any train for more full details including cabin classes and tours on offer.

DANUBE EXPRESS

African explorer, deccan odyssey, golden chariot, palace on wheels, maharajas xpress, le grand tour, golden eagle, prestige c. e., glacier pullman, andean explorer, royal scotsman, transcantabrico, costa verde ex., the luxury train travel company, contact us about our luxury train tours.

We look forward to hearing from you and are happy to answer any questions you have – just email or call us or use the form below.

[email protected]

Tel: +44 (0)20 8191 0620

Please complete The Form Below

Please provide as much information as possible so we can respond with the best answer and don't forget to press the submit button at the bottom. We reply to all enquiries within one working day.

How Can We Reach You?

How can we help, which region(s) are you interested in, which train(s) are you interested in, how did you hear about us, exclusive global luxury train tours with recommended expert itineraries for the finest luxury train travel.

Every traveller that boards luxury trains bound for the distant horizon will have their perception of what to expect from a luxury rail tour. Whether it’s taking a popular route or one less travelled to expectations of service and accommodation and intriguing off-train excursions during luxury train rides. Thankfully, through years of engaging with luxury train holiday companies, we have put together curated itineraries for the most predominantly requested luxury rail tours.

Harking back to the golden age of luxury train travel in the 1930s, luxury rail road vacations have been designed to accommodate the ultimate luxurious experience for each guest aboard these dream train journeys. Whether travelling on the Golden Eagle Danube Express on an adventure, the Rovos Rail through South Africa, or the Glacier Pullman Express in Switzerland. Luxury train packages with The Luxury Train Travel Company have itineraries to please every guest and fulfil their luxury train vacation fantasies.

Offering You The Finest Luxury Rail Vacations Across The Globe

Why Choose Luxury Train Holidays with The Luxury Train Travel Company?

Deciding on one of the most luxurious train rides anywhere in the world may be a lifelong ambition, a retirement treat, or a last-minute decision. Whatever the reason behind setting out on any of our luxury rail road tours, you’ll need to be assured that nothing will take away from your relaxation, luxury, or comfort. That is why having The Luxury Train Travel Company take care of booking your luxury rail travel makes perfect sense.

From the moment you contact us to organise any of our luxury rail road vacations, we’ve got your best interests at heart. We want you to immerse yourself in the experience of a luxury rail tour without having a care in the world outside of enjoying yourself. We’ve got your back from luxury train tickets, transfers, and travel times to day trips, excursions, and schedule changes. Luxury scenic train vacations are a chance to kick back, relax, take in the scenery and let us do the heavy lifting.

Featured Luxury Train Tours

Working with the industry’s preeminent luxury rail travel operators allows us to accommodate an outstanding lineup of luxury rail road holidays. You can relax on a journey through four regions in Spain. Begin with a stay in the opulent surroundings of the Parador Santiago de Compostela hotel before disembarking for a 1250km luxury train vacation. Maybe a trip through Montenegro, Italy, Slovenia, Turkey, or Switzerland is a luxury train holiday you’re looking for.

Moving farther afield for luxury train rides and you could head east for Asia. Travel the original Trans-Siberian route from Moscow to Beijing, or travel south and explore central Asia and India. Switch continents and explore Africa by enjoying luxury train journeys from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. The exceptional collection of slowly meandering tours and luxury overnight trains afforded you here are sure to provide the best luxury train packages.

Client Feedback For Our Amazing Luxury Train Journeys

Over the years we have sent many clients on luxury train tours. These luxury train journeys are often important, milestone tours for our clients. Luxury train holidays are ideal for birthdays or anniversaries or perhaps a retirement trip long dreamed of. Consequently, we are acutely aware of how important it is that the right luxury rail tour down to the right cabin is booked and that arrangements proceed as smoothly as possible. We will work with you to recommend the best luxury train vacation options that are available. Below you can see some of the feedback from our luxury rail tour clients.

Luxury Scenic Train Vacations Offering The Most Luxurious Train Rides In The World

Slowly winding your way through the astonishingly rich plains of South African National Parks on luxury rail tours or relaxing with a glass of Champagne on luxury overnight train trips heading toward New Year celebrations in the shimmering city of Vienna. You can recline in comfort in wonderfully decadent train cars, soak up the awe-inspiring scenery and indulge yourself on a luxury train vacation bound for some of the most stunning global destinations.

Passengers aboard these luxury rail holidays can navigate routes across six continents, making stops to absorb many cultural and historical attractions. Enjoy stays in beautiful hotels and ride luxury overnight trains towards cities such as Vancouver, Denver, and Whistler. Take the Rocky Mountaineer train through Jasper National Park in Canada or a luxury rail tour to Canyonlands National Park in Utah. Decide upon your dream destination for a luxury train holiday and get packing for Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Canada, or the USA today!

Unforgettable Luxury Train Tours & Luxury Train Packages You Will Treasure For Your Lifetime

Our finely crafted luxury train journeys have been faultlessly curated through years of industry knowledge and experience to ensure that the reality of your luxury train holiday surpasses your expectations. Some passengers have waited a lifetime to go on luxury scenic train vacations, while others book luxury rail road vacations that promise a lifetime of fantastic memories. Whichever of our luxury train packages suits your tastes, we’re sure that the routes you’ll take and the destinations you see with be unforgettable.

Set off on a romantic luxury rail tour through India on board the Deccan Odyssey bound for the majestic Taj Mahal and then take luxury overnight train trips to the holy city of Varanasi. Marvel at the landscapes afforded you on luxury rail road holidays in South America, where you can visit the shores of Lake Titicaca in Peru and the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco. Luxury rail vacations are a splendid way of creating unforgettable memories.

Discover New Places & Experiences With Our Luxury Train Holidays & Luxury Rail Tours

Setting off on an adventure to discover new places is always tremendously exciting. Many people think only about the destination, but with luxury rail travel, passengers are indulged from the moment they step on board these luxury trains. Luxury train rides ensure that every second of a vacation is an adventure, with stunning scenery, making stops in new cities, enjoying good company, and spoiling yourself with gourmet food in the dining cars. The best luxury train trips in the world are a feast for the senses.

Whether it’s your first luxury train tour or your fiftieth, there are always new destinations, routes, and trains to discover. We are fortunate to work with the leading luxury train holiday companies and can offer the world’s best luxury train vacations. Across six continents and dozens of countries, you’ll always have new luxury train rides to immerse yourself in and unique experiences to unearth and explore with The Luxury Train Travel Company.

Exceptional Luxury Train Journeys & Luxury Train Vacations To Be Remembered

Vacations and time spent with loved ones are about having a wonderful time and creating memories that last a lifetime. Luxury train journeys are an enchanting way of slowing down the pace of life, taking a step back, breathing, and having time to appreciate everything around us. Ride along in the world’s most luxurious trains. Unwind in your cabin, complete with polished wood furnishings and creature comforts. Relax at an onboard spa, in the bar car, and eat great food.

Luxury train rides are about the journey as much as the destinations you see along the way. Luxury rail vacations are, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go on an adventure and explore new countries, cultures, and destinations. Luxury rail road holidays ensure you can do all of the above at the height of comfort and style. The best luxury train trips in the world will leave you feeling refreshed and energised at the final stop upon the conclusion of your luxury train tour.

● RECOMMENDED ●

Click to download our calendar of luxury train departures as a pdf file.

One of the best ways to learn which trips depart and when is to download our train calendar page where you can scroll through departures in date order and view each tour.

THE MOST POPULAR QUESTIONS

Luxury train holidays & luxury train vacations faqs, what luxury train tour destinations do you offer.

We offer luxury rail road holidays that include New Year in Vienna, luxury train tours of castles in Transylvania, luxury train packages for Africa, India, Spain, Switzerland, Asia, the Americas and Australian luxury rail journeys.

What is the best luxury train vacation?

What the best luxury train trips in the world would be is a matter of opinion, but here at The Luxury Train Travel Company, we have our favourites. Boarding The Danube Express for Venice to Istanbul is a beautiful luxury train tour. Passengers get to visit nine countries, with breathtaking scenery, including Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey, while enjoying gourmet meals, a champagne bar, and luxury cabins with en suite bathrooms.

What is the most luxurious train journey in the world?

We provide the best luxury train vacations available, and all the trains used for our tours are very opulent. The individual cars are superbly maintained, the food on board is superb, the fixtures and fittings are very high-quality, and the staff are all customer-centric professionals. The feeling of luxury is a combination of all the elements working together. Whether you take a luxury train vacation in Australia or India to Canada or Peru, you’re assured of the height of luxury and the vacation of a lifetime.

How much do you charge for luxury train vacations?

Our luxury train packages start from as little as £2205 for a 9-night trip on the Orient Silk Road Express through Uzbekistan. At the other end of the scale, luxury rail holidays can cost more than £25,000 if you want to stay in the finest suite onboard and go on longer journeys.

Why should I experience luxury rail travel at least once in my lifetime?

The golden age of luxury train travel was the 1930s, and we tend to think of the Oriental Express. Go back 30+ years, and The Blue Train and Royal Scotsman were famous for travellers looking to visit new exciting destinations in luxury. These days we live in such a fast-paced world that it’s nice to take a step back, relax, travel, and once again enjoy luxury rail journeys to some fantastic places. There can’t be anything more therapeutic for the sole than slowly meandering through the Canadian Rockies, winding down the Silk Road, or heading towards the Taj Mahal on a luxury train vacation.

How do I get started if I want to book a luxury train holiday?

If you would like to look further into taking a luxury scenic train vacation, then you can contact our customer-centric team today. You can discuss the details with us, and we’ll ensure you get the luxury train holiday you’ve always dreamt of.

Why is it best to purchase a luxury train tour from a professional operator rather than buy luxury train tickets by myself?

It’s perfectly possible to purchase luxury train tickets yourself, but there are significant advantages to booking luxury train holidays through a professional operator. Professional operators like The Luxury Train Travel Company have many years of experience organising luxury rail vacations. With these expensive holidays, your trip would be financially protected through our ABTA membership, IPP cover, and ATOL bonding.

Keep Up to Date

For news on availability, new departure dates, trains and routes just fill in your email below.

About the Accommodation

TRAVEL ADVICE from governments and other organisations is here ;

About the Golden Eagle Train

This fabulous hotel on wheels is a fully en-suite train operating in Central Asia. The Golden Eagle's rail cruises allow one to travel in splendour amidst opulent décor. The panoramic windows ensure the best views of the passing countryside, whilst enjoying delicious cuisine .

The Golden Eagle travels through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and more.

Itineraries, Prices & Dates 2024

Caspian odyssey.

Yerevan to Almaty: Yerevan - Lake Sevan - Tblisi - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Mtskheta - Baku - Cross the Caspian Sea - Ashgabat - Darvaza Gas Crater - Khiva - Bukhara - Samarkand - Tashkent - Almaty

16 days/15 nights. Explore the countries on both the eastern and western shores of the Caspian Sea – Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

With their location at the crossroads of trade, religion, language and the arts, these countries are home to fascinating modern cultures as well as some of the world’s most ancient and timeless architecture.

Please contact us for full tour details.

Dates and Prices 2024

2024: Yerevan to Almaty. 21 September - 7 October

Republics of the Silk Road

Almaty - Lake Issyk-Kul - Bishkek - Tashkent - Bukhara - Merv - Ashgabat - Darvaza - Khiva - Shahrizabz - Dushanbe - Samarkand - Margilan - Rishtan - Kokand - Tashkent

14 days / 13 nights. Follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo and seek out the fabled treasures of the Silk Road with this experiential voyage along one of the world's most iconic routes. Journeying aboard the opulently appointed Golden Eagle, step back in time to the grandeur of yesteryear and the mystical lands which have enchanted adventurers for millenniums.

We will travel through the magnificent "Five Stans" - a fascinating patchwork of countries, stitched together by a shared history of Sovietisation, yet fiercely independent in identity. From the magnificent mosques and bustling bazaars of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to the breath-taking verdant expanse and ethereally tranquil landscapes of Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, this incredible 14-day adventure is your invitation to one of the world's greatest train journeys.

1 hotel night in Almaty 12 nights on board the Golden Eagle

2024: 5 - 18 October

Prices are per person in US$ Dollars, but payment in £ Sterling (UK residents) and Euros (Eurozone residents) is available. See Booking Conditions for our full payment terms. Prices pre Club Discount .

Treasures of Uzbekistan

Tashkent - Kokand - Rishtan - Margilan - Bukhara - Nukus - Khiva - Shahrisabz - Samarkand - Tashkent

11 days / 10 nights. Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Seljuk Sultans…step back in time and trace the footsteps of history’s most infamous dynasties through the Treasures of Uzbekistan. An exquisitely mismatched country, Uzbekistan boasts a fascinatingly contradictory cultural architecture – palatial, Islamic grandeur collides with mud-walled houses and monoliths of Communist rule. Aboard this immersive, 11-day odyssey, escape into a land of contradiction and discover the awe-inspiring culture at its core. Learn the ancient art of silk-making in Margilan, experience the hauntingly beautiful melody of a Kazakh folklore performance in Tashkent, and follow the trail of the fierce Huns, Turks, and Arab warriors as you explore the Desert Castles of Ancient Khorezm.

2024: 16 - 26 September

Prices are per person in US$ Dollars, but payment in £ Sterling (UK residents) and Euros (Eurozone residents) is available. See Booking Conditions for our full payment terms. Prices pre Club Discount

Golden Eagle Accommodation

Imperial Suites: The Imperial Suites are the most spacious cabins available onboard the Golden Eagle.

Golden Eagle Imperial Suites have large and luxurious fixed King Size bed as well as a dedicated sitting area with dressing table. There are no Twin Bed Suites.

Suite facilities include private en-suite facilities with large power shower, underfloor heating and complimentary bathrobes, slippers, toiletries; individual air-conditioning; wardrobe and dressing table; DVD/CD player with LCD screen; safe; two large picture windows.

Guests will also have a dedicated butler service, a selection of complimentary drinks from the premium bar list (excluding premium wines); towels and linen changed daily; included laundry service and room upgrades to the next available category at our selected hotels as per the itinerary.

• Area: 120 sq ft (11.1 sq m)
• Width: 17ft 4ins (3.6m)
• Length: 6ft 7ins (2m)
• Bed Width: 5ft/1.5m; sleeps 2 in (UK) King Size bed
• Bed Length: 6ft 2ins (1.9m)
• Cabins per car: 1 (plus 3 Gold Class Cabins)

Gold class: Gold Class cabins are among the largest rail cabins anywhere in the world. 5 cabins per carriage.

Fully en-suite, the bathrooms contain a separate shower cubicle.

Sleeps 2 in either lower standard (4ft 6) double bed or bunk style. Remote controlled air-conditioning and heating, recessed lighting, wardrobe, personal safe, private en-suite bathroom with full power shower and underfloor heating, DVD/CD player with LCD screens, towels and linen changed daily, complimentary tea/coffee/mineral water in cabin, drinks from the Bar Car included from the Standard Bar List, laundry service available for a fee.

Here is information about Gold Class Cabin 5 in the Gold Class carriage. This carriage is slightly smaller than the other Gold cabins.

Silver Class : Silver cabins are more compact but have similar facilities with a fully en-suite wet room. 6 cabins per carriage.

Sleeps 2 lower standard (4ft) double bed or bunk style; remote controlled air-conditioning and heating; recessed lighting and wardrobe; personal safe; private en-suite bathroom with wet-room' style shower and toilet; DVD/CD player with LCD screens; towels and linen changed daily; complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water in cabin; laundry service available for a fee

Restaurant Cars

Opulence is key in these two beautifully appointed restaurant cars which provide a venue for chefs to serve carefully-prepared meals using only the finest local ingredients. Whether it be the world-renowned 'Borsch', caviar or Omul - a fish unique to Lake Baikal - they offer a culinary experience representing the very best of Russia. Meals are complemented by wines from around the world, as well as - naturally - vodka.

The social heart of the train is of course the bar car, a great place to relax and settle into the unhurried pace of life on board. Unwind in comfortable surroundings and watch the world go by as you get to know your fellow passengers; the bar stays open until the last person leaves. Enjoy refreshments whilst briefings are given on the places to be visited, or talks on local history and culture, as well as language lessons.

Shangri-La Express - China (5 nights on the Silk Road):

This modern train has twin-berth cabins, comfortably furnished and traditionally decorated with varnished wood and brass reminiscent of a different age. Each includes a 'Pullman' table and deep armchair alongside a large picture window; a perfect place from which to take in China's ever-changing scenery. A state of the art shower car complements the two washrooms/WC's in every sleeping carriage.

Meals are served in the train's spacious restaurant cars, with a western breakfast followed by a wide range of authentic Chinese specialities at lunch and dinner, using only the finest local ingredients. As well as soft drinks, tea and coffee, meals are accompanied by a selection of wines from around the world. Equally special is the unique ambience of the piano bar car, where our resident pianist is always happy to take requests. Staying open until the last person leaves, the bar is the perfect place to get to know your fellow passengers… or simply wile away some time, reading or taking in the scenery while enjoying your favourite drink.

38 sq ft (3.6 sq metres): Sleeps 2 in bunk style beds: Wash basin facility shared between 2 compartments: Toilet/wash facilities are available at the end of each sleeping carriages: Separate state-of-the-art shower car with individual compartments. Each compartment features shower, mirror, hairdryer and changing area: Towels, robes and slippers provided: Towels and linen changed regularly: Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water in cabin.

Golden Eagle Catering

Most breakfasts and evening meals are served on the train, with a mixture of international and regional catering. Lunches are either on the train or in restaurants, depending on the itinerary. There is a generous allowance of wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee with all lunches and dinners both on and off the train (except where stated otherwise).

General Information

Frequently asked questions.

Detailed Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian FAQs can be found here .

Included in the Price

Accommodation as per the itinerary, both on board the train and in hotels; all meals, be they on the train or otherwise, starting with dinner on the first day (on some tours this may differ slightly, please refer to the specific itinerary); wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee with all lunches and dinners both on and off the train (except where stated otherwise); all arrival and departure transfers; guided off train sightseeing excursions; the services of experienced tour leaders; complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water 24 hours a day, all gratuities; the services of a doctor (except where stated otherwise); porterage between the hotels and stations.

Gold Class Cabin 5

The 5th cabin in the Gold carriage has a slightly different layout to the other Gold cabins due to its placement within the carriage. The 5th Gold class cabin is 68sq ft (compared to 77sq ft in a regular Gold Class). It is marked as Cabin 5 on this diagram.

The layout of the cabin is slightly different with a larger bathroom area and slightly smaller cabin area compared to regular Golds. The cabin still offers all the amenities and services as provided for guests occupying the full-size Gold cabins, including the Gold alcoholic drinks package. A reduced rate may be available if booking this particular cabin.

All gratuities are included in the tour price. Passengers are asked to refrain from offering gratuities to crew/hoteliers/drivers etc.

There is limited storage space inside the cabin for luggage storage. Soft-topped luggage is easier to store. Clients can have assistance to store their luggage.

During the day, dress is casual both on and off the train. In the evening we suggest smart casual.

These must have 6 months' validity.

These are not included. Please take into consideration the time needed to obtain visas and the number required depending on which countries the train passes through. Visas can be obtained through the train for a fee.

Travel insurance is required before travel and documentation shown.

Unforeseen events/changes

Itineraries, routes and times may change at any time for reasons outside the control of the train company. Every effort will be made by train staff to minimise any impact; the Luxury Train Club cannot accept any responsibility for any changes. The Club aims to keep itineraries as up to date as possible.

Coronavirus Notice

Go here for general travel and health advice from governments, WHO and other organisations. Go here for updates about Golden Eagle cleaning processes .

Booking & Reservations

All prices are at publicly-quoted rates. Club Member discount, join free by subscribing to our newsletter.

Contact us to book your Golden Eagle journey.

Join Our Mailing List:

And be a Club Member for exclusive offers and luxury train news

66,393 people have already joined

If you are having problems subscribing, please email [email protected]

Book your luxury journey

A useful guide to plan your journey, click here to view the luxury train club video, belmond royal scotsman exclusive luxury train, 2024 luxury train offers luxury train club, ​venice simplon-orient-express special offer 5 july 2024, travel agents, travel agent bookings, group travel, private rail carriages, train charters & group travel.

Join The Club

for exclusive offers and luxury train news. 54,283 people have already joined

Sign up to the club for free