This Ultra-Luxury Train Company Offers Unique Rides You Wouldn't Believe

Traveling by train in the United States is getting a major upgrade — that is, if you can afford the price tag. Lunatrain, a startup travel company based out of Philadelphia, is giving passengers access to luxurious, private railcars that feel more like riding in a private jet than along the iron rails of Amtrak. After all, not only do the cars offer a comfortable and cozy ride, but some even come with glass rooftops that offer unobstructed views of the rushing landscape. And while sleeper cars are mostly associated with European adventures, Lunatrain's options offer multiple private bedrooms, kitchens, and dining areas complete with fine china, as well as media rooms featuring flat-screen televisions.

The first Lunatrain experience rolled down the track in January 2026. Many more opportunities are coming thanks to the company's online marketplace, Halloway, which is dedicated connecting passengers looking to elevate their travel experience and those who own and have refurbished the railcars. 

A lot of the cars available to book date back to the 1950s, with some boasting private balconies that travelers can use when the train is at a standstill. And while the cars are privately owned, they're available to attach to Amtrak trains at prices starting at $10,000 per trip. This makes sense, considering Lunatrain's founder and CEO, Mike Avena, describes the experience as "above first-class service."

As of this writing, Lunatrain offers access to luxury railcars on dedicated Amtrak journeys, including some of Amtrak's most scenic routes. In January, the company launched its first trip from Oakland to Los Angeles. Coming in April, it's offering a similar luxury experience on a route from New York to New Orleans, and another from New Orleans to New York in May. The price tag for these trips is approximately $28,000 per car, for up to six travelers. 

It's worth noting, however, that these are limited, curated departures rather than permanent scheduled routes. This means that interested travelers should keep an eye on Halloway for new departures and plan ahead to secure a spot.

Luxury trips by railcar are not a new concept. In fact, several already exist in the United States. However, what Lunatrain hopes to accomplish through Halloway is to create a central hub that makes booking the experiences easier for both the traveler and the railcar owners. Better yet, Halloway also says it has railcars that can suit any kind of excursion, even those requiring concierge services.