Hire a private rail car or train carriage for the ultimate in privacy and luxury.
Private rail cars are available in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Russia, the UK and - in significant numbers - the USA, as well as in certain other countries.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
- What is private rail car hire?
- What types of private rail car are there?
- Where are the rail cars available for private hire?
- Who generally hires private rail cars?
- Why hire a private rail car?
- When is the best time to hire a private rail car?
Private rail car (or carriage) hire is the hire of a rail car / carriage for the private use of its passengers, generally with special catering and sometimes including entertainment, theming and, for business clients, corporate branding.
There are four main types of private rail car hire:
- Private rail cars or train carriages attached to scheduled trains.
- Private rail cars or train carriages attached to charter or luxury trains.
- Normal train carriages or coaches in scheduled trains reserved for private use by a group (see also Train Chartering)
- Normal train carriages in trains on private railways / railroads.
Ask us about in which countries the various categories are available.
Private rail cars or carriages differ from country to country. Here are some typical examples from various countries.
Private carriage - Australia
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Private carriages can be attached to the Ghan, the Overland and Indian Pacific Trains.
The illustrated carriage is the Prince of Wales, built in 1919 for a royal visit by Edward, Prince of Wales, recently refurbished, retaining many original features; for up to 10 passengers.
Private motorised rail car - Brazil
These very special rail cars (there are just two of them) are the basis for a unique rail and air tour from Rio de Janiero. Hire one - or both; overnight accommodation is in hotels.
Private Car - Russia
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Travel on Russia's rail network like a modern-day tsar or oligarch in a fully staffed private car with bedrooms, bathrooms, lounge and dining areas as well as kitchen.
Business Car - USA
There are more private rail cars in the USA than anywhere else, in five main categories - business car, coach (seats and some tables), lounge (easy chairs and bar) sleeper (bedrooms / bunks only) and sleeper / lounge. There are a few sub categories such as party or event car.
Business cars are a versatile choice - one is illustrated here (the Tioga Pass). They have up to 6 bedrooms with one or more bathrooms, separate crew cabins, a dining area for up to 12 passengers, a lounge and either an open rear platform or an upper dome deck or neither.
Dining Car- Switzerland
This dining car in Switzerland is ideal for groups of around 40 people, with chef-prepared menus, professional service and extensive bar list.
The following countries are those in which private rail car hire is most common. There are a number of other places where it is possible - ask us for advice.
Australia
Routes available for private carriage hire.
Brazil
Canada
Private rail cars can travel across the Via Rail network.
Russia
Part of the Russian rail network available to private rail car hire.
Switzerland
Part of the Swiss rail network over which private carriages operate.
United Kingdom
Private train carriages can be reserved on many rail services such as London to Scotland.
United States of America
Private rail cars can be hired for these routes in the US.
People and organisations of all kinds appreciate what the private rail car will do for them:
- Heads of state - and of families
- VIPs and celebrities
- Travel organisers for private and corporate clients
- Marketing / PR and location agencies
- Associations and charities
- Artists, writers and other 'creatives'
Private rail cars are popular for:
- Family gatherings
- Romance
- Corporate hospitality
- Customer / employee incentives
- Meetings requiring innovative thinking
- Photo shoots and movie / TV locations
- Product and service launches and promotions
- Avoiding flying or driving
- Escapism, planning the novel, thinking...
We urge prospective clients to talk to us as soon as possible; the more notice we have, the better opportunity we have to offer you the optimum car for your needs.
Private Rail Cars - the best way to travel on earth
Go to privaterailcars.net for more information.
