Welcome aboard a time machine… as we take a look at the Golden Age of Trains and return to the 1950s and 60s, when icons like the Santa Fe Super Chief, The Orient Express, the Canadian and California Zephyr defined luxury rail travel. This documentary style episode explores what first class train travel was really like during the Golden Age of railroads, when glamour, service and competition for wealthy travellers shaped some of the most legendary trains in history.
From white glove dining and spacious seating to attentive onboard service, this was an era when rail journeys were experiences in their own right. Rail companies competed fiercely to attract the well heeled traveller, creating trains that became symbols of national pride and technological confidence.
The 1950s and 60s are widely regarded as the Golden Age of Rail Travel, producing famous services such as the Orient Express, the Santa Fe Super Chief, the California Zephyr, the Canadian, and the 20th Century Limited. In Britain and Europe, names like the Flying Scotsman and the Golden Arrow became synonymous with refined travel.
You can watch our video on that amazing train themed resort in the Jungle here:
Watch the earlier episodes in our Golden Age of Travel series:
Part One
How Cruising Used To Be
Part Two
The Golden Age of Air Travel
🚂 Trains featured in this video:
Train 1: The Santa Fe Super Chief – The “Train of the Stars.”
Train 2: California Zephyr – The legendary “Silver Lady.”
Train 3: The Golden Arrow (Flèche d’Or) – Luxury rail from London to Paris.
Train 4: The Vesuvius Express (ETR 300 Settebello) – Italy’s 1950s “Super Streamliner.”
Train 5: Autorail Panoramique (SNCF) – France’s iconic glass-roofed journey.
Train 6: The Canadian – Across the Rockies in ultimate mid-century style.
In this video :
00:00 – Introduction : Golden Age of Rail
02:40 – Train One
08:42 – Train Two
13:22 – Dressing for Travel
14:05 – Train Three
20:12 – Ritzy Travel Guide on Social media
20:47 – Train Four
23:26 – Train Five
25:19 – Train Six
28:07 – Where Happened to the Golden Age?
30:20 – A Brilliant Train Themed Hotel!
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ABOUT ME:
Hi, my name is Bill. The aim of this channel is to give interesting, and helpful insights into travel. We do not sell vacations. The information provided in this video, and all other videos on our channel, is for general entertainment purposes only. While I strive to offer helpful travel tips and advice, I am not a professional, and the content should not be considered as professional or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional, travel, or legal advisor before making decisions related to travel, legal matters, or any specific circumstances. I am not responsible for any actions or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided in this video. Please contact your travel agent, hotel, representative, or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.
3 Comments
Would you like to have been there, back in the day? Did you travel on any of these trains? Let us know. We always love to hear from viewers!
One error Cal Zephyr was never routed through Arizona in the West for the mountain routes it would be Colorado, Utah, Nevada and California.
Several times I rode the California Zephyr back in the 60's from Chicago to Grand Junction, Co. Night and day compared to Amtrak – not even close! Thanks for another great video.