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The G Train Thierry Gaugain

Inside the $500M Private Train Designed by Yacht Specialist


While most of us non-billionaires associate train travel with graffiti and the smell of urine, French designer Theirry Gaugin is bringing the eyes of the mega-wealthy back onto the railways. Known for building some of the world’s most sought after super yacht’s, Gaugain’s new project, The G Train, will become the world’s first private luxury locomotive. Not for hire, this “palace on rails” has been specifically designed for a single owner and is estimated to cost over US$350 million (AU$500 million) to purchase.

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The G Train Thierry Gaugain

Image: Thierry Gaugain

“This train is envisioned for one unique owner,” Gaugain told CNN Travel. “It’s not a public train or a passenger train. “The owner we envision is someone who is aware of the uniqueness of this train and understands that we are not just talking about transportation. It’s about travel, not how fast you get from point A to point B.”

Gaugin feels people have prioritised speed over the actual journey, removing one of the key joys of travelling. “Travel is not about speed,” he notes. “It’s about taking the time, because time is the only treasure we have.” While a true statement, it’s probably been a while since the luxury designer has flown economy class from Sydney to Europe… Regardless, The G Train has everything a baller could want during a land voyage.

A concept for over 30 years, the G Train is the pinnacle of design and engineering. Encompassing 14 cars that add to over 400 metres in length, the train’s exterior is made with new generation technical glass. The smart glass offers an unprecedented visual experience to travellers and can go from transparent to black with the touch of a button, offering instant privacy. Running at a speedy 160 kilometres per hour, four bespoke locomotives will ride on railways across Europe and the Americas, the Mediterranean shores and up to Scandinavia and Russia.

“The train is a stage,” explains Gaugain. “You can change the light, the season or the pace in order to change your relationship to time.”

The G Train Thierry Gaugain

Image: Thierry Gaugain

Accommodating up to 18 overnight guests, the train is split into two sections: the owner’s accommodation and entertainment area and the other for guest and crew quarters. Inside the G Train lives one large VIP suite, three VIP suites and three extra suites, a social room and a VIP saloon. Guests can also access a “secret” garden, where the wings of the train can be folded down to create alfresco terraces, where parties or concerts can be held.

The designer’s reveal further adds to an apparent rail travel resurgence, with various new trains and routes emerging across the globe. For example, Italy’s “Dolce Vita” train is set to run ten routes through the country’s most loved landscapes and “Midnight Trains”, which aim to build a network of services from Paris to 12 different European destinations.

The growing interest in train travel has been correlated to environmental concerns, with people becoming more aware of their carbon footprint. Gaugain isn’t surprised at the recent trend and believes this type of transport will only rise in the future.

“The train isn’t an object from the past,” he says. “Trains are meeting the present right now. Sustainability is one major reason. There is nothing more sustainable than trains when it comes to travelling objects. The plane is way behind, and other means are very energy-consuming.”

“It will become more and more a vehicle for the future. And what we have in mind with this train is to make a vehicle for the future. A marriage of extreme luxury and the best technology.”

After four years of pre-development, The G Train is now available to build for a super wealthy/eco-friendly owner who is tired of private jets.

The G Train Thierry Gaugain

Image: Thierry Gaugain

The G Train Thierry Gaugain

Image: Thierry Gaugain

The G Train Thierry Gaugain

Image: Thierry Gaugain

G train 4The G Train Thierry Gaugain

Image: Thierry Gaugain

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