Why Saudi Princes Charter Entire European Trains For Vacations
Imagine a floating palace on rails—no paparazzi, no airport chaos, just you, your entourage, and the Swiss Alps scrolling past your window.
This isn’t a movie scene; it’s how Saudi princes roll (literally) through Europe. But why choose a train over a mega-yacht or private jet?
Let’s pull back the velvet curtain on the world’s most exclusive form of travel.
1. Privacy: The Ultimate Luxury Currency
For Saudi royalty, privacy isn’t a perk—it’s non-negotiable. Chartering an entire train means zero strangers, zero selfie-seekers, and zero chances of your itinerary leaking to TMZ.
Companies like Belmond (operator of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express) retrofit carriages with blackout windows, soundproof cabins, and private security teams.
Pro tip: The Royal Express in Italy even offers “invisible staff” who restock your Champagne silently. How’s that for discreet?
2. A Moving Five-Star Hotel (With Better Views)
Forget cramped jet cabins. A chartered train is a sprawling mansion on wheels.
Take the Golden Eagle Danube Express: its 22 carriages include a spa, cinema, and dining room serving Michelin-starred meals.
Bedrooms? Think marble bathrooms and 600-thread-count linens.
Chefs onboard tailor menus to royal tastes—think truffle-lent camel meat or gold-leaf desserts. Yes, actual gold.
3. Why Trains Beat Jets and Yachts
Private jets get you there fast, but trains let you savor the journey. No turbulence, no seasickness, and no need to refuel.
Plus, you can host a summit in the boardroom car, then stroll to a cigar lounge as Vienna’s skyline glows at sunset.
Cost-wise, chartering the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express starts at €120,000 for a three-day trip—cheaper than maintaining a superyacht’s crew for a week.
4. The Economic Ripple Effect
When a prince charters a train, Europe’s luxury sector wins. Local vineyards supply wines, Michelin chefs are hired for pop-up dinners, and stations like Paris Gare de Lyon receive “royal fees” for exclusive access.
In 2022, a Saudi group’s €2 million charter of the Belmond Royal Scotsman funded upgrades for Scotland’s rail network. Talk about trickle-down luxury.
5. Their Favorite Routes: From Alps to Rivieras
Saudi princes love blending old-world glamour with Instagrammable backdrops. Top picks:
- Paris to Istanbul on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: A seven-day odyssey through castles and cobblestone villages.
- Zurich to St. Moritz on the Glacier Express: Glass-dome views of snow-capped peaks, with a stop for private skiing in Gstaad.
- Côte d’Azur Circuit: A week hopping between Monaco’s casinos and Cannes’ beaches, all without unpacking.
How to (Theoretically) Book Your Own Royal Rail Adventure
While most of us can’t drop six figures on a train, companies like Belmond and Golden Eagle Luxury Trains offer partial carriage rentals from €25,000.
For the full royal treatment, email their concierge with your budget—they’ll handle the rest.
Peek at Belmond’s charter page to daydream.
FAQs: Burning Questions, Answered
Q: How much does it cost to charter the entire Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
Around €1 million for a week-long trip, including staff, food, and security.
Q: Can they customize the train’s interior?
Absolutely. One prince swapped all seating for Bedouin-style tents during a Marrakech trip.
Q: Do European royals do this too?
Rarely. Saudi princes are the trendsetters here.
Final Thoughts: All Aboard the Billionaire Express
Chartering a train isn’t just travel—it’s a statement. A declaration that money can, in fact, buy serenity, spectacle, and space to breathe.
For Saudi princes, it’s the ultimate blend of tradition and opulence.
So, next time you’re stuck in economy, remember: Somewhere, a prince is sipping camel milk lattes in a gold-plated dining car, and honestly? Good for him.
