The combination of private jet and iconic train journey represents the highest expression of luxury travel: two modes of transport, each extraordinary in its own right, combined to eliminate all friction while maximising the sensory experience of the journey itself. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) — the restored 1920s carriages that travel between London and Venice via Paris and the Alps — has experienced a revival of interest from UHNW clients who seek the tactile authenticity of mahogany, marquetry, and Lalique glass in a way that no modern aircraft can replicate. FFGR Jets has structured dozens of combination programmes that arrive by private jet in time for train departure, coordinating the two modes as a single seamless itinerary.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: London-Venice and Beyond
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates its principal London-Venice service (approximately 32 hours, departing London Victoria) and a growing portfolio of European routes including the Paris-Istanbul service (a periodic special running 3 nights over the full original route), the Vienna-Venice service, and the seasonal Paris-Rome service via the Mont Blanc tunnel. FFGR Jets typically structures the VSOE combination as a fly-then-train programme: private jet to Venice (Venice Marco Polo, with water taxi transfer to Santa Lucia station), VSOE to London, connection to the client's next destination by private jet from Farnborough or Biggin Hill.
The reverse programme — train from London to Venice — begins with a private transfer to London Victoria for the Belmond departure; FFGR Jets coordinates the ground transport timing from the client's London address or from a London FBO for clients arriving from an international sector on the same day as the VSOE departure. The VSOE cabin suites (the new Grand Suites added in 2022, individually designed by world-renowned designers including Maxime d'Angeac and Alexandre Danan) are bookable directly through Belmond or via FFGR Jets' concierge relationship with the Belmond reservations team.
The Glacier Express: Zermatt to St Moritz
The Glacier Express — the self-described "slowest express train in the world," running 8 hours from Zermatt to St Moritz (or reverse) through the Swiss Alpine passes — is the definitive Swiss rail experience. The route passes through 91 tunnels, crosses 291 bridges, and reaches a maximum elevation of 2,033 metres at the Oberalp Pass. The Excellence Class (launched 2022, 8 seats in an exclusive car with private panoramic dome, silver service lunch, and personal host) represents the pinnacle of Swiss rail luxury.
FFGR Jets structures the Glacier Express combination with a private jet sector to Zurich or Geneva (depending on direction), ground transport or helicopter transfer to the Zermatt or St Moritz railhead, and the Glacier Express as the programme centrepiece. The St Moritz connection allows the programme to conclude at Engadin Airport (SMV), a high-altitude altiport (1,775 metres) that accepts light jets in summer conditions and provides a unique private aviation departure at altitude. The Zermatt connection is rail-only (no road access, no airport) — making the train journey the only ground-level entry to the car-free village.
The Maharajas' Express: India by Private Rail
India's Maharajas' Express — a 5-star hotel on wheels operated by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation — runs four itineraries of 7-8 nights through the Indian subcontinent: the Heritage of India circuit (Delhi-Agra-Ranthambhore-Jaipur-Bikaner-Jodhpur-Udaipur-Mumbai), the Indian Splendour (Delhi-Agra-Gwalior-Orchha-Khajuraho-Varanasi), and two others. The train operates from October to April (the Indian winter season); carriages include the Presidential Suite (the most expensive single accommodation on any train in the world at approximately $25,000 USD per night for two, featuring a lounge, dining room, and private dressing room).
FFGR Jets structures India programmes that use the Maharajas' Express as the inland transport backbone: fly to Delhi (private jet from London, 8 hours, or Dubai, 3 hours), board the Maharajas' Express at Delhi Safdarjung Airport special charter terminal, travel the chosen itinerary, and depart from the final city (Mumbai for most itineraries) on a private jet to the next destination. The combination eliminates the logistical complexity of India's domestic aviation system (delays, baggage handling, terminal congestion) while providing the most immersive experience of India's UNESCO heritage sites that exists.
The Rocky Mountaineer and Canadian Rail
The Rocky Mountaineer — Canada's luxury rail service operating between Vancouver and Banff/Jasper through the Canadian Rockies — offers a different scale of landscape experience: 950 kilometres of mountain scenery including the Fraser Canyon, Hell's Gate, the Spiral Tunnels, and the Continental Divide. The GoldLeaf Service (two-storey glass-dome car, outdoor vestibule, dedicated kitchen and dining room) is the premium tier; the train operates April to October and covers the route over two days with an overnight in Kamloops.
FFGR Jets structures Rocky Mountaineer programmes with a private jet to Vancouver (YVR, the international gateway), Rocky Mountaineer to Banff (two-day journey, one night Kamloops), then the choice of a Banff-Calgary sector or a Banff-Kelowna sector by light aircraft to reconnect with the major private aviation network. The Canadian Rockies programme can be combined with a helicopter glacier landing at the Columbia Icefield or a private lodge stay in the Kananaskis wilderness for a complete UHNW Canadian mountain experience.
Design Your Private Jet and Train Luxury Programme
Or by email: contact@ffgrjets.com
