Luxury Trains Featuring Glamorous Bar Cars
Close your eyes and imagine a glamorous train journey. Chances are, the first thing that comes to mind is the elegance of the bar car: a place where travelers can socialize and relax with a glass of champagne to the tune of classical music, perhaps singing as evening falls. On the world’s most luxurious trains, the bar car is often the most opulent space and serves as the social heart of the journey. Here, passengers don their finest evening wear and exchange stories after a day of sightseeing.
Let’s explore seven of the most enchanting bar cars on legendary luxury trains spanning the globe, from Japan’s Seven Stars in Kyushu to Peru’s Hiram Bingham. Continue reading to discover what it means to spend an evening in these lavish spaces—including, most importantly, what’s on the cocktail menu—and join us in toasting one of the most thrilling travel experiences.
The Observation Car of the Britannic Explorer
Slated to debut in July 2025, the Britannic Explorer by Belmond will feature luxurious carriages designed to evoke an English garden, and the bar is no exception. Located within the train’s Observation Car, the inviting space will be decorated with a soothing palette of botanical greens and warm neutral tones, offering a wide selection of banquettes and armchairs for settling in and watching the verdant countryside roll by. When it’s time for a drink, guests will be able to choose from cocktails inspired by Victorian pharmacies, along with a special selection of gins and craft beers from independent breweries and distilleries throughout the UK. And don’t forget to pack your elegant attire: in the evening, the bar will host “lavish parties,” as described by Belmond, featuring a rotation of live artists, elegant themed parties, and seasonal evenings.
The Lounge Car of the Rovos Rail
The bar car of the Rovos Rail—which traverses numerous routes across Southern Africa, many of which include safaris—is a gracious space that exudes classic refinement. A curved wooden bar with polished stools leads to a lounge adorned with quilted leather sofas and armchairs. Large windows frame expansive African landscapes. Passengers frequent the wood-paneled cabin to relax and socialize, perhaps discussing the wildlife they spotted during the day’s game drives or exchanging stories of their worldly travels. The friendly staff are ready to serve rare bottles of African wine or mix up any cocktail travelers can imagine. Being the last carriage on the train, the convivial lounge has an outdoor observation deck attached at the back, an ideal spot for toasting with fellow travelers while watching the African sunset.
The Piano Bar of the Eastern and Oriental Express
Amid its gleaming woods, rich velvet fabrics, and tropical floral carpets, the Piano Bar aboard the Belmond Eastern and Oriental Express offers a luxurious respite where guests can sip colorful drinks. Signature cocktails at the bar include the Hills of Perlis and the Royal Nightcap, a potent digestive served warm. According to Belmond, each cocktail is “inspired by the vibrant cities and landscapes surrounding it” as the train travels through Malaysia. Later in the evening, live musicians warm up the crowd with a mix of Nanyang jazz, vintage Malaysian melodies, and Western music. Guests can dance into the late hours or simply chat with fellow travelers about the day’s activities, such as trekking in the conservation areas of Taman Negara National Park or sampling street food at local markets in Penang. However you choose to spend the night, the Piano Bar remains open as long as passengers desire.
The Komorebi Lounge of the Train Suite Shiki-Shima
Bar Car and Lounge of the Hiram Bingham
One of the most stylish ways to visit Machu Picchu is aboard Belmond’s Hiram Bingham, and it’s no surprise that one of the most elegant spots on the train is the bar car. The space is adorned with stained glass, a polished wood bar seating four, sofas and armchairs, and polished brass fixtures. Beyond the bar lies a lounge space with floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights, offering optimal views of the landscape with a drink in hand. Opt for one of the signature cocktails, such as the Aguaymanto, a twist on the Bellini made with Peruvian aguaymanto berries and orange blossoms, or the Picaflor Andino, featuring pisco uvina and aqará, an agave-based spirit produced in Peru. The atmosphere heats up when the train’s live band starts playing: a three-piece ensemble with guitars and drums performing Peruvian and international music as the train winds through the mountainous countryside.
The Blue Moon Lounge of the Seven Stars in Kyushu
The Bar Car 3674 of the Venice-Simplon Orient Express
The Bar Car 3674 aboard the Venice-Simplon Orient Express exudes an atmosphere of elegant and lavish lounge luxury. This iconic car, built in France in 1931, radiates Art Deco glamour, from mirrored metallic accents to sumptuous blue velvet drapes, sofas, and armchairs. Toasting here is the ultimate VSOE experience. With all this elegance, evening wear is more than appropriate. The train’s pianist “plays until the last guest is ready to retire,” and the post-dinner frivolity continues until dawn, with celebrations still going strong at midnight, when the bar car staff serve the famous Midnight Brunch featuring lobster rolls and truffle club sandwiches.
Similar Posts:
- Halle Berry Dazzles in Vintage Burgundy Glamour: 2025 Cannes Film Festival Look
- Cartier & Kensington Hotel Team Up: Don’t Miss the Luxury French Brand’s Exhibit at V&A!
- Diana Ross Stuns at Met Gala: Dress Features Names of Kids, Grandkids in Family Tribute
- Discover Marrakech’s Coolest Spot: Where Contemporary Design Meets Master Craftsmanship!
- Stunning Fashion Icons: See Who Dazzled at the 2025 Met Gala
Theo is a dynamic fitness coach who brings energy, realism, and flavor to healthy living. His content is about strong bodies, positive minds, and meals that fuel both.