most scenic railway journeys in the world

24 of the world’s most incredible train journeys

Jan 2, 2024 • 11 min read

As you cross the continental US aboard the California Zephyr, you’ll see prairies, deserts, mountains and canyons galore © Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock

From cutting through the countryside to connecting a country’s great cities, the world’s best railway journeys offer entirely new perspectives on a destination.

Train travel always delivers plenty of magic. Sometimes it’s in the cars, as you meet fellow travelers, or as you eat and sleep with the sound of wheels rolling on the steel rails beneath you. Sometimes it’s outside, in the landscape the train traverses – offering an adventure, an experience, an insight into the heart of a nation.

Our upcoming book,  Amazing Train Journeys ,  rounds up the world’s greatest railway rides. Pulled from its pages, these 24 train journeys are truly first-class.

1. The Reunification Express, Vietnam

Start:  Ho Chi Minh City End:  Hanoi Departs: Daily Distance:  1072 miles (1726km) Duration:  Two days

This is one of Southeast Asia ’s best-loved railways – and one of the  most epic overnight train journeys in the world . There is no more atmospheric way to haul into Vietnam ’s twin metropolises as this train rattles through historic cities and swooshes beside spectacular coastlines.

2. The California Zephyr, USA

Start:  Chicago End:   San Francisco Departs: Daily Distance:  2438 miles (3924km) Duration:   52hrs 40mins

For soaking up the scenic grandeur of the North American continent, nothing compares with Amtrak ’s California Zephyr , one of the US’ best train journeys . This classic three-day ride travels across prairies, deserts, the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada on its way from the Midwest to the West Coast.

3. The Lake Titicaca Train, Peru

Start:  Puno End:  Cuzco Departs: Three times a week Distance:  241 miles (388km) Duration:  10 hours

Traversing the Altiplano, from the shores of Lake Titicaca to the bustling heart of the ancient Incan empire, the railway from Puno to Cuzco cuts a ponderous but picturesque path through the snow-dusted peaks and voluptuous valleys of the Andes, across the epic Peruvian plains , passing hardy bowler-hatted llama farmers and traveling through remote towns and villages.

4. The Beijing-to-Lhasa Express, China

Start:   Beijing End:   Lhasa Departs: Daily Distance:  2330 miles (3750km) Duration:  40 hours

From the futuristic architecture and imperial wonders of Beijing, the Z21 train transports its passengers from the neon lights of urban China  across the Tibetan plateau , where it glides past grazing yaks, fluttering prayer flags, snow-capped mountains and boundless blue skies. At your destination, magenta-robed monks await. 

5. The TranzAlpine, New Zealand

Start:   Christchurch End:  Greymouth Departs: Daily Distance:   139 miles (223km) Duration:  4hrs 30mins

Under five hours, this journey is surely one the world’s finest and most scenic one-day train rides. Commence the TranzAlpine experience in Christchurch, before speeding along the Canterbury Plains and climbing quickly through the snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps, then descend through a thrilling tunnel to emerge among the lakes, streams and rainforests of the South Island ’s West Coast. 

6. The Bergensbanen, Norway

Start:  Oslo End:   Bergen Departs: Four times a day Distance:  308 miles (496km) Duration:   6hrs 30mins

This astonishing train is one of Europe’s best railway rides  – and one of the least well known outside of Norway . It covers the spectrum of the Nordic country’s natural splendor: climbing canyons, crossing rivers, burrowing through mountainsides and traversing barren icescapes.

7. Tazara Railway, Tanzania and Zambia

Start:  Dar es Salaam End:  Kapiri Mposhi Departs: Twice a week Distance:  1160 miles (1860km) Duration:   46 hours

Few trains in the world offer the chance – and we should point out that it’s a chance rather than a guarantee – of spotting big game from your seat. The Tazara ( Tanzania and Zambia Railway Authority) does just that. The highlight, though, is the chance to spend two days watching everyday life out of the window, and enjoying the clamor and chaos when the train pulls to a halt – scheduled or unscheduled.

8. The Sunset Limited, USA 

Start:   New Orleans End: Los Angeles Departs: Three times per week  Distance: 1995 miles (3211km)  Duration:  Two days

The ultimate American railroad ride: east to west, coast to coast, clean through from the bars of New Orleans to the breakers of the Pacific Ocean. If you’ve always dreamed of crossing the States, but don’t much relish the prospect of two weeks spent cooped up in an automobile, then a ride on the Sunset Limited is the answer. Sit back and let America’s landscapes buzz by: from Louisiana’s bayous, past the high-rises of Houston, across the deserts of Texas and Arizona , over the Californian hills all the way to LA’s golden beaches. Saddle up, partner: it’s gonna be quite a ride.

9. The Caledonian Sleeper, UK

Start:  London (Euston) End:   Fort William Departs: Daily Distance:  509 miles (819km) Duration:  13hrs 30mins

Segueing from the sooty suburbs and crowded concrete-lined cul-de-sacs of central London to the crisp air and soaring vistas of the Scottish Highlands via one overnight train journey epitomizes the romance of rail travel. Enjoy the buffet-car banter, be lulled to sleep by the rhythm of the rails, then wake up to bedside views of towering granite peaks. 

10. Mombasa to Nairobi, Kenya

Start: Mombasa Ends:  Nairobi Departs: Daily Distance:  360 miles (579km) Duration:  5hrs 10mins

The Nairobi–Mombasa railway route is among Africa’s most legendary: it even helped foster the modern concept of safari. The rickety old railway has undergone a rebuild in recent years with smart new stations and a new track laid across the Kenyan savannah . What hasn’t changed is the spellbinding journey, with trains departing from Mombasa and passing in the shadow of Kilimanjaro to the cusp of the Great Rift Valley.

11. Tangier to Marrakesh, Morocco

Start:   Tangier End:  Marrakesh Departs: Daily Distance:  360 miles (580km) Duration:  5hrs 15mins

Nothing can fully prepare you for the magnificence Morocco ’s most evocative city – from the clamor and spectacle of the central square, Djemaa El Fna , to the primary colors of the Jardin Majorelle ; and from the peaceful madrassa of Medersa Ben Youssef to the mad profusion of alleyways. There’s no doubting that a railway journey down the spine of this North African nation is a profoundly uplifting experience.

12. The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

Start:   Vancouver End:   Banff Departs: Twice a week Distance:  594 miles (957km) Duration:  37 hours

Clattering across the wild Rocky Mountains along a pioneering 19th-century railroad, this train journey is all at once a geological field trip, sightseeing adventure and wildlife safari. It promises cinematic views of Canada ’s quintessential mountain landscapes, plus a bevy of engineering marvels, from dizzying bridges to logic-defying tunnels. And with luck, you might even spy a bald eagle, moose or grizzly bear. 

13. Alexandria to Aswan, Egypt

Start:   Alexandria End:  Aswan Departs: Daily Distance:  670 miles (1100km) Duration:  16 hours

A ride from Alexandria to Aswan means you will travel the length of Egypt 's rail network – and also undertake an odyssey in the company of the great Nile River , with chances to disembark and explore the relics of empires along its banks . Do keep in mind that, for all their plus points, Egyptian trains are not always known for punctuality. 

14. The Serra Verde Express, Brazil

Start:   Curitiba End:  Morretes,  Paraná Departs: Daily Distance:  42 miles (68km) Duration:  3hrs 30mins

One of Brazil ’s most spectacular train journeys, the Serra Verde Express starts in the architecturally bold city of Curitiba and winds its way through dramatic mountain passes covered with tropical rainforest before it drops you in Morretes in the lush state of Paraná. The half-day trip takes in canyons, jagged mountain peaks and verdant lowlands, and the slow-going locomotive allows plenty of opportunities to photograph the cinematic backdrop while traversing some 30 bridges and chugging through 14 tunnels. Aside from the captivating scenery, the journey provides a fascinating glimpse into the past as it trundles through tiny stations dating back to the late 1800s.

15. The Darjeeling Toy Train, India

Start:   New Jalpaiguri End:   Darjeeling Departs: Daily Distance:  55 miles (88.5km) Duration:  7–8 hours

India ’s narrow-gauge steam railways are the stuff of legend, and the bottle-blue Darjeeling Toy Train is the nation’s lead engine. The ride from the Bengal plains to Darjeeling travels past emerald-green tea plantations and precariously balanced, tin-roofed townships, while clouds tumble down the looming massif of Mt Khangchendzonga. Steam engines are now only used for a small section of the route, yet this iconic mountain journey still serves up a sizable slice of history.

16. The Hokkaidō Shinkansen, Japan

Start:  Tokyo End:  Hakodate Departs: Daily Distance:  512 miles (824km) Duration:  4 hours

The Hokkaidō Shinkansen , one of Japan’s iconic bullet trains , takes you from Tokyo to Hakodate, the southern port of Hokkaidō . Along the way, it zooms past picturesque scenes of rural Japan , through mountains and under the sea. The route is only part of it, though: riding the shinkansen – with its food trolleys and staff who bow upon entering and exiting the train car – is a classic Japanese experience.

17. Colombo to Badulla, Sri Lanka

Start:  Colombo End:  Badulla Departs: Daily Distance:  181 miles (292km) Duration:  9–10 hours

One of many unforgettable things about Sri Lanka is the variety and intensity of the color green throughout the year . And for train aficionados, there is no better way to appreciate the country’s full, verdant spectrum than an all-day rail journey from Colombo’s urban gardens at sea level to tea plantations in the Hill Country , via brain-spinning sensory doses of jungle and forest, paddy field and palm tree, mountain and valley, national parks…and human habitation, too. Expect to move slowly – and enjoy one of the most scenic train trips in the world.

18. Bangkok to Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore

Start:   Bangkok End:  Singapore Departs: Weekly Distance:  1200 miles (1900km) Duration: Three days

A railway journey from Bangkok to Singapore spans three countries, three capital cities, and – without disembarking once – can be completed in under three days. But to go so fast would be to miss the point of this artery along the Malay Peninsula – a line suited to capricious roaming. You always have the option to hop off – to see tropical islands, to scale the cool heights of tea plantations, and to linger in a trio of metropolises that are each entirely different.

19. The Glacier Express, Switzerland

Start:  St Moritz End:  Zermatt Departs: Daily (in season) Distance:  180 miles (290km) Duration:  8 hours

Switzerland is a nation of rail fanatics . And if the Swiss could pick one definitive ride, the honor would surely go to the Glacier Express . This eight-hour journey from ritzy St Moritz to Matterhorn-topped Zermatt unzips the lovely Alpine terrain in the country’s south, corkscrewing up to wind-battered mountain passes, teetering across 291 bridges and rumbling through 91 tunnels. It intentionally moves at a snail’s pace so you take in those out-of-this-world views of meadows, forest, falls and mountains – all through panoramic windows. 

20. The Bernina Express, Switzerland & Italy

Start:   Chur End:  Tirano Departs: Daily Distance:  96 miles (156km) Duration:  4hrs 30mins

We can wax lyrical about the glacier-capped mountains, waterfall-draped ravines, jewel-colored lakes and endless spruce forests glimpsed through panoramic windows on Switzerland’s Bernina Express – but seeing is believing. Rolling from Chur in Graubünden to Tirano in northern Italy , this narrow-gauge train often tops polls of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys. The line has even made UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites – and with good reason.

21. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, England, France, Switzerland and Italy

Start:  London End:  Venice Departs: One to six times per month Distance:  1300 miles (2090km) Duration:  Two days

The promise of traveling from London to Venice cocooned in luxury while sitting in twinkly dining cars with fine china and silver cutlery is surely one that endures in the hearts of all rail enthusiasts. While the Orient Express’ various other 20th-century routes are sadly long gone, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a tantalizing sample of the original on a trip that is surely the best journey back in time ever. But this route gained a new rival in 2023 with the Orient Express La Dolce Vita service  – and, in 2025, a new service on the original route is scheduled to hit the rails .

22. Nova Gorica to Jesenice, Slovenia

Start:  Nova Gorica End:   Jesenice Departs:  Daily Distance:  55 miles (89km) Duration:  Two hours

Here is a near-perfect railway adventure that most people have never heard of. The Bohinj Railway connects two places whose significance can be lost to modern travelers. An unassuming regional train rattling out of a faded-grandeur halt on the Italy– Slovenia border doesn’t even hint at what’s to come. The journey is a spectacular tour of Slovenia’s upland highlights from Nova Gorica, climbing through mountain towns and villages along the Soča River , passing through superb Alpine scenery close to Lake Bohinj , and on past world-famous Lake Bled to Jesenice.

23. The Ghan, Australia

Start:   Adelaide End:  Darwin Departs: Twice a week Distance:   1851 miles (2979km) Duration:  54 hours

Cutting vertically across the Outback heart of Australia , straight through the desolate deserts of the Red Centre, the Ghan is one of the southern hemisphere’s most unforgettable train journeys. This cross-country train service has provided a vital link between Australia’s north and south coasts, traveling north across the country from well-to-do, orderly Adelaide to the tropical, croc-filled creeks of Darwin. Luxurious and legendary, it’s Australia’s elegant version of the Orient Express.

24. Cannes to Menton, France

Start:   Cannes End:  Menton Departs: Daily Distance:  34 miles (55km) Duration:  1hr 20mins

It’s the stuff that travel dreams are made of: a slow train skirting the French Mediterranean coast, through towns whose very names resonate with glamour – Cannes, Antibes , Monaco . On one side of the tracks lies that sparkling sea; on the other, dramatic cliffs interspersed with the gorgeous coastal towns of the French Riviera . You can make a long day of this short trip, hopping on and off to explore a street market, linger at an outdoor terrace, take a breath of history and get a taste of luxury.

This article was first published Aug 5, 2019 and updated Jan 2, 2024.

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10 of the World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys for 2024

Departing the station and embarking on scenic train journeys can provide a superabundance of newfound and stimulating experiences. One of the many captivating aspects of venturing along the world’s most scenic train routes is that it’s as much about the journey as the destination. Experiencing the most scenic train rides in the world bestows ample opportunity to relax in a luxurious carriage, savour a beverage in an observation car, and engross yourself in the often dramatic and breathtaking panoramic views. Let’s look over ten extraordinary scenic rail trips, ranging from one-hour junkets to multiday adventures highly coveted by train enthusiasts.

Scotland’s Jacobite Steam Train: One of the World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys

It is reasoned by many to be among the most beautiful train rides in the world. It offers participants a charming and distinctive two-hour journey from Fort William to Mallaig along one of the world’s most scenic railways. Passengers board this evocative steam train at Fort William before rolling over the tracks, puffing steam, and immersing those onboard in one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Passengers are accorded breathtaking views of Ben Nevis as the journey goes through the rugged landscape, foggy glens, and shimmering lochs. The 1960s carriages offer old-world charm, and the stunning distinctive locomotive known as Black 5s provides first-class scenic train travel.

Canadian Rocky Mountaineer: A Top Scenic Rail Trip

The Canadian Rocky Mountaineer offers the most beautiful train ride, proving time travel is possible. These two-day scenic train trips follow the path of the great 19th-century explorers as you depart Vancouver and head for your final destination, Banff. Following the 1885 Canadian Pacific trail, the Rocky Mountaineer cuts through Western Canada and the Canadian Rockies. Offering first-class Gold Leaf service, passengers can relax in the glass-domed compartment of the opulent double-decker car and savour one of the world’s most beautiful railway journeys while experiencing world-class dining and partaking in unlimited cocktails.

Peru’s Hiram Bingham Orient Express: A Scenic Train Trip to Machu Picchu

This three-and-a-half-hour enchanting voyage is undeniably one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys and curves through breathtaking landscapes as it makes its way from the colonial city of Cusco towards Machu Picchu Pueblo. Daily visitor numbers to Machu Picchu are limited to protect this 15th-century wonder of the world. Still, these scenic rail trips provide the height of luxury train travel as they wind along the Urubamba River valley and treat passengers to mind-blowing views of the verdant green terraces, tree-lined hills and brightly coloured villages, remote ruins, and herding llamas, placing these adventures on the Hiram Bingham Orient Express at the summit of South Americas most scenic train trips.

Japan’s Royal Express: A Scenic Coastal Train Journey

A collection of the world’s most beautiful train journeys wouldn’t be complete without praise heaped upon Japan’s pristine, gleaming blue Royal Express train that takes passengers on what many would consider the country’s most beautiful train ride from Yokohama to Shimoda. These three-hour scenic railway journeys leave the hectic mainline station south of Tokyo, clinging to the spectacular coastline that only gets more scenic the further you go towards the Izu Peninsula. Japan’s most scenic train rides grant passengers picture-postcard views overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Izu Peninsula, and Sagami Gulf, supporting them to be not only the country’s most beautiful trips but also among the most scenic train rides in the world.

Swiss Alps Bernina Express: A World-Class Scenic Railway Experience

The Bernina Express unquestionably delivers one of the world’s most scenic railway experiences as it moves through the Swiss Alps from the Alpine city of Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in the Italian province of Sondrio. These four-hour journeys represent the world’s most beautiful train journeys and promise insurmountable Alpine panoramas that include stunning snow-capped glaciers, expansive crystal-clear lakes, and flower-filled meadowlands. The train itself offers vast windows that allow passengers to sit back, relax, and take in everything these scenic train trips provide as it heads towards the Poschiavo Valley before crossing the border and reaching the journey’s end in the stunning Italian town of Tirano.

India’s Maharajas’ Express: A Majestic Scenic Railway Journey

The globally acclaimed Maharajas’ Express is possibly the most luxurious rail service available and travels along one of the world’s most beautiful railway journeys. This spectacular quest can last between 4 and 7 days, and it includes voyages between Delhi and Mumbai. Enjoying the same luxury once only experienced by the ruling maharajas, passengers on one of the world’s most scenic railways enjoy brief stops at Ranthambore National Park, where leopards, tigers, and crocodiles can be sighted. These scenic railway journeys will also visit Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, temples, palaces, and forts. As the world’s most scenic railway journeys go, this is at the top of many enthusiasts’ wish lists.

The Ghan: Australia’s Ultimate Scenic Train Adventure

The Australian Outback offers the country’s most beautiful train ride in the form of the Ghan train. This transcontinental phenomenon adventures through Australia’s isolated Red Centre to Darwin in the north. Departing Adelaide, this 3000km journey qualifies among the most beautiful train rides in the world because it offers an exceptionally intimate view of South Australia and the Northern Territory. The Ghan voyages right through the heart of the country on its way to Alice Springs, providing an opportunity to see tropical savannah and open eucalyptus woodlands featuring a thick, tall grass layer.

Germany’s Rhine Valley Rail: A Scenic Train Travel Gem

It may only be a 55-minute sortie between Koblenz and Mainz, but it delivers no end on spectacular scenery and easily makes the top ten most scenic railway journeys in the world. It qualifies among the most beautiful train journeys in the world because it cuts through some of the most picturesque Rhine villages in Germany. This country region is peppered with extraordinary vineyard terraces and storybook castles. Often allocated the title “The Romantic Rhine”, this landscape is astonishingly pretty and comfortably makes the grade one of the most scenic train trips, with the only downfall being you’d love it to be longer.

South Africa’s Rovos Rail: A Scenic Railway Odyssey

Pretoria to Cape Town is often talked about as being among the most scenic train rides in the world and one of the most luxurious. This Rovos Rail journey affords passengers the best of, from onboard accommodation and service to the most beautiful train ride. Those fortunate enough to have passage on one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys are gifted incredible views of the grasslands of gold-rich Highveld, the desolate desert landscapes of the Karoo, and the Western Cape’s vast vineyards. From Devil’s Peak and Lions Head to Table Mountain, scenic train travel doesn’t come more spectacular than this.

Norway’s Bergen Line: A Scenic Railway Spectacle

Norway’s Bergen Line is a nearly 400km railway line that bisects some of the country’s most remote, unforgiving, and astounding landscapes. Passengers can savour these scenic train journeys between Oslo and Bergen after departing the nation’s capital. After leaving this vibrant and lively city, passengers will witness a dramatic change in the scenery as the modern architecture gives way to waterfalls, fjords, and spectacular valleys on these scenic train routes. The world’s most scenic railway journeys here are had as you go further from Oslo, with high-alpine scenery and views of the stunning desolate Hardangervidda mountain plateau.

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13 Most Scenic Train Rides in the World

Take a journey through some of the world's most beautiful landscapes with these scenic train rides, from the Rocky Mountains to the Swiss Alps.

There's never been a better time to explore the world by rail. Some of the world's most scenic train rides were created mainly to take passengers through beautiful, perhaps inaccessible locales, while others connect cities and towns, replacing air travel for shorter trips with convenient downtown stations and frequent schedules. On some trains, the beauty of the interior décor rivals that of the passing scenery, and many train stations are destinations in themselves, with art, vintage architecture, gourmet dining, and classic cocktail venues. Here are 13 of the most scenic train journeys around the world, from Japan to the United Kingdom.

Pacific Surfliner, United States

This Amtrak route hugs the Pacific Coast starting from San Luis Obispo, where you can explore the lively college town or venture out to nearby wineries or a historic mission. From there, ride in comfort for 350 miles of ocean views with beaches, rocky coastline, quaint towns, and little between you and the blue Pacific. In San Diego, visit Balboa Park museums or dine in Little Italy or the Gaslamp Quarter. If time allows, take advantage of train stations along the way that are within walking distance of local attractions. In Santa Barbara, head to the nearby beach or Funk Zone , an artsy collection of boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, or sample California wines as you stroll and sip through the Urban Wine Trail. Union Station in Los Angeles is a destination in itself with historic art and décor, or venture out to Downtown L.A. or the Mexican markets on Olvera Street . Dine or enjoy a cocktail at Traxx while you wait to board for your next adventure.

The Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland

Starting in the Scottish Highlands town of Fort William near Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, this 84-mile round-trip train journey winds through green hills, crystal blue lochs, deep valleys, and quaint villages. A highlight of the trip is the crossing of the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct with its graceful curves and towering columns, overlooking Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument. Harry Potter fans will recognize this view as well as the steam engine and carriages which became the Hogwarts Express, courtesy of West Coast Railways which operates the Jacobite. The train stops briefly at Glenfinnan Station and then passes the lovely towns of Lochailort, Arisaig, and Morar. At the last stop in Mallaig on Scotland’s west coast, passengers have about an hour and a half to explore before the return trip to Fort William. The Jacobite Steam Train runs from April to October, and purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.

Napa Valley Wine Train, United States

Riding through rows of grapevines, across farmland, and past picturesque wineries with a backdrop of green hills is one of the pleasures of the 36-mile round-trip journey from downtown Napa to St. Helena. Board in an industrial section of Napa and enjoy views of the town’s outdoor contemporary art with murals, sculpture, landscaping, and parks promoted by Rail Arts District Napa . Continue through the towns of Yountville, Rutherford, and Oakville with gourmet meals and wines to enhance the journey. It’s a convenient and safe way to explore and taste wines, with a variety of stops and winery tours available. The train cars themselves are part of the fun, adding to the vintage feel of train travel. Mahogany paneling, polished brass, opulent fabrics, and etched glass partitions were just a few additions in the extensive renovation of the historic cars.

Grand Canyon Railway, United States

This 130-mile round-trip journey begins about 30 miles west of Flagstaff in Williams, Arizona and heads north to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park . On the way, passengers are encouraged to get into the Old West spirit with musical entertainment, cowboy characters, and other surprises while the terrain changes from the Ponderosa pine forest of Williams to open prairie and back to Pinion pines near the Grand Canyon. In addition to the spectacular landscape, guests might spot wildlife that includes elk, mountain lions, deer, bald eagles, owls, and California condors. The daily departure time is 9:30 a.m., and the trip takes two hours and 15 minutes. Visitors have about three hours to explore the South Rim, starting with the historic Grand Canyon Depot dating back to 1910. Guests can enjoy ranger programs, a scenic walk along Hermit Road or the Rim Trail, the El Tovar Hotel, and magnificent views in every direction.

The Chepe Express, Mexico

This journey crosses some of Mexico’s most spectacular terrain, much of it inaccessible by other means. Said to be four times the size of the Grand Canyon, Copper Canyon in the northwest state of Chihuahua is actually several canyons, the deepest at 6,167 feet. The length of the ride depends on where you board, but the trip on the Chepe Express from Los Mochis near the west coast to inland Creel will be about nine hours. Opened in 1961 after several decades of construction, the train crosses 37 bridges and passes through 86 tunnels. The landscape includes rugged terrain, mountains, gorges, deep ravines, and even agricultural areas. A few tips: Book your trip in advance or use a tour company to arrange your visit. When heading eastward, sit on the right side of the train for the best views.

Metro-North Railroad Hudson Line, United States

This commuter train originates in New York City’s Grand Central Terminal and travels along the eastern shore of the Hudson River to Poughkeepsie. The trip takes about two hours and passes through historic towns with views of the river, forests, and stately mansions. While daily commuters might take the scenery for granted, sightseers can enjoy the beautiful round-trip journey for less than $50. Heading north out of Manhattan’s Grand Central Terminal — a must-see destination in itself — the train passes Yankee Stadium in the borough of the Bronx and continues along the river through towns well worth the time to stop and visit. Beacon is a walkable artist community offering galleries, boutiques, and the Dia Beacon contemporary art museum. The river and its lush surroundings attracted wealthy individuals to build fabulous mansions, many of which are open for tours. These include Boscobel in Garrison, Kykuit in Sleepy Hollow , Springwood in Tarrytown, the Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park, and Locust Grove in Poughkeepsie. Check tour hours before stopping, and for the best views, sit on the train’s left heading north.

Kuranda Scenic Railway, Australia

This journey takes guests through one of the world’s oldest rainforests in Queensland, Australia. The two-hour trip begins in Cairns and passes scenery that includes trees, waterfalls, mountains, and ravines. Barron Gorge, one of Queensland’s most popular national parks, can be viewed from the train or by driving a short distance from Kuranda at the end of the train line. In Kuranda, guests can shop for locally made art and handicrafts or stop at a café. A bird aviary, butterfly sanctuary, and reptile park are other attractions. Historic Kuranda Station, over 100 years old, is part of the experience, too. Some visitors choose to take the railway in one direction and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in the other to fully experience the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

Glacier Express, Switzerland

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

This train travels between Zermatt and St. Moritz , Switzerland, through the Swiss Alps with breathtaking views of mountains, streams, and quaint towns. Starting in the mountain village of Zermatt near the Matterhorn, the journey continues past rocky peaks, crossing the Rhone into the Upper Rhone Valley. The Oberalp Pass, near the source of the Rhine River, is the highest point of the trip at nearly 7,000 feet. From there, the train descends along the Rhine Valley with one of the most dramatic views of the trip, the Rhine Gorge, sometimes called the “Grand Canyon of Switzerland.” Continuing south through a narrow valley and through the Albula tunnel, the eight-hour journey ends in St. Moritz, Switzerland’s elegant vacation resort city. The train’s panoramic windows make viewing easy, and headphones are provided for narration. Several classes of service are available, and there’s a snack trolley, full meals, and an onboard bar. With an Excellence Class ticket, exclusive amenities include a premium multi-course meal with local wines and a special seating area.

TranzAlpine Train, New Zeland

The four-and-a-half-hour journey between Christchurch and Greymouth on New Zealand’s South Island is run once daily by KiwiRail as one of their Great Journeys of New Zealand. Departing Christchurch at 8:15 a.m., the train passes through farmland, past sheep and cattle, and then on towards the Southern Alps. After about an hour, the climb into the mountains begins, across steel bridges over deep gorges and through short tunnels. There’s a short stop at Arthur's Pass station and then a trip through one of New Zealand’s longest tunnels, over a deep valley, and across another river with views of waterfalls. After a one-hour stop in the small town of Greymouth, the train returns to Christchurch, making the coast-to-coast round trip about an 11-hour journey. Reclining seats, panoramic windows, and skylights make the ride comfortable and rewarding. The café offers food, snacks, beer, wine, and spirits. Heading to Greymouth, the best views are on the right side of the train.

Kandy to Ella, Sri Lanka

This seven-hour trip takes passengers through remote villages, past waterfalls and lush green hills, and through the tea plantations for which the country is known. Originally built by the British in the late 1800s, Sri Lanka’s rail system was originally used to transport tea and coffee for export. Now, the train is a favorite way to explore the country, view the varied scenery, and observe villages and local people along the way. Ella is a hill country village, worth exploring before you board or when you arrive. Kandy, located in central Sri Lanka, is larger with sacred Buddhist shrines and scenic Kandy Lake. Most of the trains offer first-class observation cars with air conditioning, and some provide sleeping berths and reserved seats. From Kandy, the better views are on the right side. Tickets are available at train stations throughout the country, and the schedule can be checked online .

Rocky Mountaineer Rockies to the Red Rocks, United States

Courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer offers four scenic train routes through some of North America’s most stunning landscapes, complete with luxurious cars outfitted with glass dome windows. The Rockies to the Red Rocks route travels between Moab, Utah and Denver, Colorado, with a stop in Glenwood Springs, where you’ll spend the night to break up the trip. Throughout the two-day journey, you can enjoy incredible views while traveling along canyons, mountains, and rivers and enjoying the food and beverage service on board.

Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan

Hirokazu Fukushima/Courtesy of Kyushu Railway Company

Travel around the lush Japanese island of Kyushu in comfort on the Seven Stars in Kyushu train from Kyushu Railway Company. The “ Seven Stars ” name isn’t just a sign of high-quality service; according to the website, it represents the seven-car train, the seven prefectures of Kyushu, and the seven major attractions of the island "nature; food; onsen (hot springs); history and culture; 'power spots' to refresh the mind, body, and soul; humanity; and trains." Pick from four-day, three-night or two-day, one-night journeys that begin and end in Hakata.

Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train, United States

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Take in views of the icy Alaska wilderness aboard Alaska Railroad’s Aurora Winter Train . As you might have guessed from the name, this route gives passengers the exciting opportunity to look for the northern lights once they arrive in Fairbanks, the train’s final destination. The 12-hour journey from Anchorage is long, but large picture windows and comfortable seats make for a cozy spot to sit and watch the frozen scenery pass by.

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18 of the world’s best rail journeys

Some of the world’s wildest and most beautiful scenery is best enjoyed from a train window. From Lhasa to Lima, we choose brilliant and great value routes Top rail trips from the Man in Seat 61

London to Fort William

Duration: 419 miles/13hr Price (single): From £45 The Caledonian Sleeper, one of Britain’s last sleeper services (the other is the Night Riviera to Penzance), is getting a £100m upgrade. The new trains will have double beds, en suites, Highland food and Arran toiletries. They’ll run first on the Lowland route from London to Edinburgh/Glasgow in October, then join the Highland route to Fort William next year. The Highland service, called the Deerstalker, is one of the best train journeys in Britain. After Glasgow, it goes past Loch Treig to the foot of Ben Nevis. From Fort William, the line continues to Mallaig, across the Glenfinnan viaduct – of Harry Potter fame – for ferries to Skye. newtrains.sleeper.scot

Bilbao to Ferrol, Spain

Duration: 267 miles/12½hr Price: From £52 The narrow-gauge Feve line along Spain’s north coast is used mainly by locals and is perfect slow travel. Spend a week or more (a 30-day pass is €88.90), hopping on and off at medieval towns, fishing villages and beaches. The route skirts the coast and twists inland through green valleys. Inntravel has a new one-week self-guided trip by train from Cudillero to Ribadesella (from £595, inntravel.co.uk ). renfe.com

Trondheim to Bodø, Norway

Duration: 453 miles/10hr Price: From £18 The Nordlandsbanen Railway is the longest in Norway, and the only one in the country to cross the Arctic Circle. From Trondheim, it passes farms, forests, mountains, rivers and fjords before reaching Bodø, for ferries to the Lofoten islands. A monument in the Saltfjellet mountains marks the Arctic Circle. From here, passengers can see the midnight sun in summer and, with luck, the northern lights in winter – there is a sleeper as well as two daytime trains. There are nearly 30 stations en route, and the line is included in the Norway Interrail pass (from £155, interrail.eu ). nsb.no

Naples to Palermo, Italy

Duration: 196 miles/9hr Price: £11 There is no need to fly to Sicily. There are direct rail services from Milan (overnight sleeper), Rome and Naples (day and night), with the trains shunted on to a ferry at Villa san Giovanni in Calabria to cross the Messina Strait. These are some of Europe’s few remaining passenger ferry trains. The Naples train skirts Vesuvius, then largely hugs the coastline all the way to the toe of Italy. Pack a picnic, as there is no catering on board. Once in Sicily, the train divides into two, one heading south past Etna on the way to Catania and Siracusa, the other going west to Palermo, the capital. trenitalia.com

Bastia to Ajaccio, Corsica

Duration: 98 miles/3½ hours Price: £19 Corsica has 144 miles of narrow-gauge track, built through mountains over 22 years in the late 19th century. That enterprise, which took an incredible 22 years, has resulted in one of Europe’s most dramatic railways, with 32 tunnels and 52 bridges and viaducts, including one, the Pont du Vecchio, designed by Gustav Eiffel. The most spectacular stretch is between Corte and Bocognano, following the Gravona valley through gorges and past the spectacular 70-metre Bride’s Veil waterfall. Another line, from Ponte-Leccia to Calvi, hugs the north-west coast from L’Ile-Rousse. New flights started on 3 May from Stansted to Ajaccio, Bastia and Figura (from £98, aircorsica.com ). cf-corse.corsica

Mostar to Sarajevo, Bosnia

Duration: 73 miles/2hr Price: £5 Last summer, after two years of rebuilding, the line between Mostar and Sarajevo reopened with air-conditioned trains. This is a great train bargain, with rugged scenery, especially along the Neretva river. While the road sticks to the valley, the train climbs over the mountains, with viaducts, switchbacks and tunnels. From Sarajevo, there used to be a direct train to Zagreb, in Croatia. Negotiations between the two countries continue – check seat61.com for updates. zfbh.ba

Johannesburg to Cape Town, South Africa

Duration: 951 miles/26hr Price: £40 in a sleeper The Blue Train from Pretoria to Cape Town is one of the world’s most luxurious, with prices to match: from £895pp. But there are two non-luxury alternatives on the same route, starting in Johannesburg rather than Pretoria. The Shosholoza Meyl train is the cheapest, but still has sleeping cars and a restaurant. The Premier Classe train (from £189) has private sleepers, all meals included and a lounge-bar car. Passengers see exactly the same views of the Karoo desert, Hex river pass, Cape wine region and Table Mountain, but at a fraction of the cost. shosholozameyl.co.za ; southafricanrailways.co.za

Addis Ababa to Djibouti City, East Africa

Duration: 452 miles/13hr Price: From £26 For a real adventure, try the new line between Ethiopia and Djibouti, which opened last January with new trains and stations, replacing old tracks that shut in 2010. Trains call at Adama in the Rift Valley; cross the Awash river canyon over a 60-metre-high, 155-metre-long bridge; stop off at Ethiopia’s second city, colourful Dire Dawa; then finish at coastal Djibouti City. Tickets have to be booked in person at the station 24 hours in advance, and travellers should allow about 45 minutes for bag checks and immigration controls (you can’t board the train without a Djibouti visa). Ethiopia is planning other cross-border lines, to Kenya, Sudan and South Sudan, by 2020.

Kapiri Mposhi to Dar es Salaam, Zambia/Tanzania

Duration: 1,156 miles/46hr Price: From £17 The Tazara train is a great way to go on safari on a tiny budget. The route goes though Selous game reserve, one of the biggest in the world, for the chance to spot elephants, rhinos, hippos, lions, giraffes, zebras and more. That’s transport, two nights’ accommodation and wildlife viewing for under £20! By comparison, the luxury Rovos Rail tour follows the same route from Dar es Salaam before continuing to Angola or Cape Town, from £9,000 for 15 days. tazarasite.com

Los Mochis to Chihuahua, Mexico

Duration: 406 miles/16hr Price: £53 If this route, with its 86 tunnels and 37 bridges, doesn’t give you a reason to look out the window we’re not sure what will. The train rides through the canyons of the Sierra Tarahumara as it runs from the coast to the city of Chihuahua. It’s the perfect route for a cross-country adventure – passengers can make up to three different overnight stops at no extra cost. chepe.com.mx

Sudbury to White River, Canada

Duration: 298 miles/9hr Price: From £36 The epic, two-night Churchill to Winnipeg route – offering passengers the chance to spot everything from polar bears to the northern lights – is currently suspended after flooding damaged track and bridges. However, there are plenty of other Canadian rail adventures, such as this ride, informally called the Budd Car, that links many remote settlements in northern Ontario that are only accessible by rail. The wilderness route goes through rich forests and past shimmering, crystal-clear rivers, all of which travellers can gaze at in comfort through the train’s large windows. The train runs three times a week, and is particularly popular in October for the fall colours. viarail.ca/en

Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska

Duration: 356 miles/12hr Price: From £137 The Denali Star is the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, winding past rivers, canyons and mountains; highlights include the view from the Hurricane Gulch bridge (pictured), and, on a clear day, the sight of Denali, North America’s highest mountain. The journey can be spread over a few days, with nights in Anchorage and the national park (£600 for five nights). The trains runs daily from 16 May to 16 September, and on winter weekends and selected weekdays. alaskarailroad.com

Lima to Huancayo, Peru

Duration: 206 miles/12hr Price: From £87 Most travellers to Peru will take the tourist train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. It’s a fun ride (albeit a busy one) but for a more unusual experience, try the journey from Lima to Huancayo, the charming capital of the central highlands. The second-highest passenger railway journey in the world, it reaches a height of 4,782 metres as it rolls through the Andes. Before planning a trip, however, note that the train only runs once or twice a month; check the website for timetables. ferrocarrilcentral.com.pe

ASIA Mettupalayam to Udagamandalam, India

Duration: 29 miles/5hr Price: About 30p The Nilgiri Mountain Railway to Udagamandalam (or Ooty) hill station is India’s only rack and pinion railway, part of the Unesco-listed Mountain Railways of India. Its blue-and-cream trains ply the steepest track in Asia. The uphill leg takes about five hours, but it’s just three-and-a-half back down. It runs past ravines, tea plantations and forested hills; the train crosses 250 bridges and passes through 16 tunnels. This year, steam trains have been reintroduced, though priced for tourists (weekends to 24 June, from £8.60). Book well in advance. irctc.co.in

Colombo to Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Duration: 190 miles/6¾hr Price: About £3.50 For decades northern Sri Lanka was virtually cut off by the civil war, and second city Jaffna lost population and prestige. But the line from the capital reopened in 2013, and now foreigners and Sri Lankans alike are exploring the city and its fascinating Tamil culture. Intercity trains are supposed to take less than seven hours, though delays are frequent. Reservable first- and second-class tickets go on sale 30 days in advance, but there’s no online booking: visitors need to use an agency such as visitsrilankatours.co.uk . Book well in advance to snaffle a seat in an observation car (selected trains only) with large windows for watching the scenery change from lush to dry, dotted with bright-striped Hindu temples.

Xining to Lhasa, China/Tibet

Duration: 1,225 miles/21hr Price: From £55 The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the highest in the world, climbing to a breathtaking 5,231 metres at the Tanggula Pass. There are direct long-distance trains to Lhasa from several major Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, but it is advisable not to go straight there but to spend a couple of days acclimatising to the altitude in Xining (2,300 metres) along the way. (The train carriages do have oxygen pumped into them, though, and extra oxygen tubes for passengers.) Foreign nationals need a permit to enter Tibet – this is best arranged through an authorised travel agency. The scenery of the Tibetan plateau is breathtaking: arid steppe crisscrossed by frozen rivers, with a backdrop of snow-covered peaks. There are plans to extend the line to the subtropical town of Zhangmu on the Nepal border by 2020.

Poipet to Sisophon, Cambodia

Duration: 30 miles/1¼hr Price: Free (to 31 July) From 2009, there were no passenger trains in Cambodia. Then, in 2016, the southern line from the capital, Phnom Penh, to Sihanoukville in the south reopened. Last month, part of the northern line reopened, too, for the first time in 45 years. So far, there is just a short section in operation, from Poipet, on the Thai border, to Sisophon, Cambodia’s fourth city, but it will be extended south to popular Battambang at the end of the month, then on to Pursat and Phnom Penh (209 miles in total). Best of all, travel on the line is completely free until the end of July. A new route is also being planned between Phnom Penh and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City. When both lines are completed, it will open up train travel between Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Belgrave to Gembrook, Victoria

Duration: 15 miles/2hr Price: £28 Australia has mammoth train journeys, such as the 2,698-mile Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth and the Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin. Puffing Billy is not like those: the century-old steam train chugs through the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne. After the historic Monbulk Creek trestle bridge, it enters a ferny forest that’s home to echidnas and koalas. It is good for families, and a lot more manageable than a cross-country epic. puffingbilly.com.au

Browse The Guardian’s selection of some of the world’s best rail journeys on the Guardian Holidays website

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See the world’s most epic landscapes on these 9 train trips

Rolling through spectacular landscapes, like Australia’s Outback and Zimbabwe’s national parks, the journey matters as much as the destination on these ultimate train rides.

After three decades of riding trains all over the world—rural China , the Swiss Alps, Latin American jungles—I am still thrilled by a classic rail journey. Take The Canadian , where passengers can spend a few days watching the countryside scenery from Toronto to Vancouver via glass-domed cars. From the wheat fields to the jagged Rockies to the thickly forested Coast Mountains, it’s one of the world’s most amazing routes.

Train travel offers an appealing alternative to the hassles of flying and road tripping. Rolling through gorgeous landscapes—sometimes with all the comforts of a hotel on wheels—makes the journey just as enjoyable as the destination itself. Traveling by rail is ideal for families, too, giving your brood time to connect stress-free without distractions.

From Australia to Zimbabwe , there are plenty of stellar rides around the world. Here are nine particularly worthwhile train trips not to miss.

The Canadian

On The Canadian , passengers spend four days immersed in one of Canada ’s greatest rail journeys. The 2,775-mile passage skirts the Canadian Shield , with the best vistas going east to west, from Toronto to Vancouver.

From inside the original 1950s stainless-steel cars, passengers take in the changing landscape: Ontario’s lakes dissolve into Saskatchewan and Alberta’s prairies, which transition into the soaring Canadian Rockies before the scenery unfolds onto Vancouver’s shimmering west coast.

During pandemic times, The Canadian departs once weekly round trip. Sleeper car bookings include sit-down meals in the dining car, with Prestige Class offering hotel-style accommodations with private bathrooms.

( Here are the best North American train trips for families .)

The TranzAlpine

The TranzAlpine bisects New Zealand ’s South Island, racing 139 miles alongside the Waimakariri River and up through the Southern Alps between Christchurch and Greymouth.

The nine-hour route has been popular since the train set off as a passenger line in 1987. Now several classes offer multiple ways to take in the countryside. Living up to its name, Scenic Class has panoramic windows and skylights, plus wider spacing around seats that help open up sight lines throughout the carriage.

Rare for passenger trains, the open-air car lets travelers breathe in the crisp Alpine air or feel the mist across steep valleys. An audio tour adds history and context to the wide-open landscapes whizzing by.

California Zephyr

Rolling from the Windy City to San Francisco , the   California Zephyr climbs both the Rockies and the Sierra Nevada before descending to the Pacific coast on its 2,447-mile traverse across the heartland of America .

The California Zephyr first ran from 1949 to 1970 and was resurrected in 1983 by Amtrak. Since then, this scenic route linking popular resort towns and America’s railroad and gold rush history has remained popular.

In summer 2021, Amtrak brought back traditional dining to six of its sleeper trains. Now California Zephyr passengers who purchase overnight rooms can sit down to a three-course meal on tables draped in white, while traveling through the American West. For a more immersive experience, passengers can head to Superliner cars, where the glass-domed decks make the most of Colorado River views and towering cliff walls.

( A writer finds peace on this 72-hour train ride across America .)

Train to the Clouds

Pack altitude medication for a ride on northern Argentina ’s Train to the Clouds . The third highest rail line in the world climbs to an elevation of 13,800 feet into the rugged Andes Mountains , revealing breathtaking valley views below.

The tour train runs only from the village of San Antonio de Los Cobres to the Polvorilla Viaduct—about 11 miles. But many travelers make it a daylong experience by beginning their trip at the vineyard-laced province of Salta, where they hop on a bus to San Antonio de Los Cobres. From there the vintage line tackles 13 viaducts, 29 bridges, and 21 tunnels—all set against the watercolor Andean landscape.

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Glacier Express

Despite its name, Switzerland ’s Glacier Express ambles along at a leisurely 24 miles an hour. That slower pace helps distill the Alpine experience into eight hours of snowy peaks, mountain meadows, and storybook villages between the ritzy resort towns of Zermatt and St. Moritz.

Along the 186-mile track, the train meanders through three mountain passes, across 291 bridges, and into 91 tunnels. Key sights not to miss include Oberalp Pass near Andermatt, where the train soars to its highest point among the mountaintops; the Landwasser Viaduct cutting through dramatic limestone cliffs; and the Rhine Gorge, often called the Grand Canyon of Switzerland, where you can glimpse the aquamarine Rhine River .

Travelers can’t go wrong with any seat, but for an extra fee, Excellence Class offers single window seats with panoramic views and white-glove dining service throughout the trip.

The Orient Express

Books and movies helped make the Orient Express one of the most famous luxury trains in the world. But after many economic ups and downs, the line was discontinued in the 1990s, and the train (known as the Nostalgie-Instanbul Orient Express then) was abandoned at a station in Poland . Now, 141 years since its debut in 1883, the iconic locomotive is roaring back to life in time for the Paris Summer Olympics, in 2024.

The resurrected Orient Express includes 17 cars, most from the original Nostalgie-Instanbul train. The cars have been restored to their Art Deco heyday, complete with the mahogany marquetry woodwork, Lalique glass panels, hotel-like accommodations, and midnight blue exterior lined in gold that the train was known for.

Itineraries have yet to be announced but will likely include parts of the original route from Paris to Istanbul . Until then, passengers can get a taste of the fine furnishings on La Dolce Vita , the 11-car train owned by the same company, Accor, which rolls through Italy in 1960s style, beginning in 2023.

( Learn how the Orient Express became synonymous with glamour and intrigue .)  

Shongololo Express

Combining safaris and upscale train travel, the Shongololo Express (named for a local word meaning millipede) winds its way through some of Africa ’s famed national parks, wetlands, and historic towns.  

Three multiday itineraries begin at the private Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, South Africa , before rolling on to stops in Namibia , South Africa , Mozambique , Eswatini , and Zimbabwe .

On board, passengers settle into elegant dark wood coaches freshened up in 2016 with new drapes, carpets, and paintings adorning cabins. At the back, an observation car offers floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides and a balcony to the outside.

Palace on Wheels

Decked in silk and luxe trimmings, Palace on Wheels offers a glimpse into the lifestyles of ancient royal rulers as it rolls through Rajasthan, one of India ’s most iconic states.

The weeklong journey begins and ends in New Delhi and tracks a figure eight route through nine cities, among them Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Agra. Stops sprinkled along the way allow travelers to hop off for sightseeing tours at historic temples, forts, national parks, and World Heritage sites, including the Taj Mahal .

( A husband’s love built the Taj Mahal, but it cost him an empire .)

Aboard, 14 comfortable cars reference some of the 23 princely states that composed the region, known then as Rajputana . Passengers can choose between deluxe and super deluxe accommodations, offering either twin or double beds, respectively.

There’s arguably no better way to explore Australia’s Outback than on T he Ghan . Named for the Afghan camel drivers who helped explore the vast bushland in the late 19th century, this historic train cuts through the “Red Centre” of Australia from Darwin in the semi-arid Northern Territory to cosmopolitan Adelaide in the south. All told, The Ghan chugs along 1,850 miles, roughly 54 hours, with stops at Katherine, Alice Springs, and Cooper Pedy.

While it’s tempting to stay aboard The Ghan ’s luxury digs, included side excursions such as hikes through desert parks in Katherine are hard to pass up. For an extra fee, travelers can upgrade to private experiences. One outstanding option? A chopper tour over the rust-hued sandstone monolith, Uluru , in Alice Springs.

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Scenic rail journeys: 16 of the world’s greatest train journeys

The World Travel Guide shares 16 of the greatest train journeys that the world has to offer from across six continents

Trains and railway lines have played such a huge part in shaping human history and industry as we know it today. And while we have since developed more effective ways to transport goods and ourselves across the world, many of us still fall for the romance of the rails. It’s this passion that has seen many railways continue to thrive despite these changes.

So, we’ve compiled a list of some of the greatest train journeys that you’ll find in the world today. Ranging across six continents and numerous countries, these 16 journeys represent some of the best rail journeys that travellers can experience.

North and South Americas

1. the southwest chief, los angeles – chicago, usa.

Stopping in a variety of major popular tourist destinations including Los Angeles, (California), Flagstaff (Arizona), Albuquerque (New Mexico), Kansas City (Missouri) and Chicago (Illinois), the Southwest Chief is an incredible tour of the USA’s ‘old west’. A section of its journey follows the historic Santa Fe Trail where mountains, canyons, deserts, pueblos and ranches are plentiful. You’ll even journey through the famous Cajon Pass, a mountain pass between the San Bernardino Mountains and the San Gabriel Mountains in Southern California, and along the Mojave Desert, the driest desert in North America, in comfort. Bask in the views from your train carriage for the 43-hour journey, which currently has no Wi-Fi on-board, meaning you’ll be fully immersed in your surroundings.

2. First Passage to the West, Vancouver – Banff, Canada

The luxurious Rocky Mountaineer runs three scenic routes – the ‘First passage to the West’ between Vancouver and Banff, ‘Journey through the clouds’ between Vancouver and Jasper, and ‘Rainforest to gold rush’ between Vancouver and Jasper.

The ‘First passage to the West’ route is our top favourite. The only passenger train that snakes its way from Vancouver to Banff via three stunning national parks (Glacier, Yoho and Banff), Rocky Mountaineer takes you through pristine lakes, remote plains, snow-capped mountains, and the Continental Divide of Americas which follows the ridge of the Rocky Mountains. A unique feature of Rocky Mountaineer is its oversized glass-dome windows; they provide the maximum connection between you and the stunning Canadian landscapes around you, so keep your eyes peeled, as you may catch glimpses of bears, elk and deer roaming across the vast countryside. The train journey takes two days with an overnight at a hotel in Kamloops.

Enjoy the stunning views of the Canadian Rockies from your seat Shutterstock

3. Ferrocarril Central Andino, Lima – Huancayo, Peru

Before the introduction of the line from Beijing to Lhasa in 2006, the Ferrocarril Central line was the highest railway in the world. Despite losing this status, it hasn’t lost its incredible charm. This high-altitude mountain railway line is an outstanding achievement of railroad engineering. Having been built under the auspices of US railroad entrepreneur Henry Meiggs, the line was started in 1870 but due to a lack of funding and the Peruvian-Chilean war, wasn’t finished until 1908. After falling into disarray under nationalisation, the line was privatised in the 1990s and has been continually improved in the intervening years by the Ferrocarril Central Andino consortium. The single-gauge railway stretches for 320km (200 miles), guiding travellers through precipices, gorges and into the Peruvian Andes. It operates from the capital, Lima, to its destination of Huancayo in the Peruvian highlands. For those worried about the altitude, the train handily features a nurse and oxygen masks too.

The Ferrocarril Central Andino Shutterstock

4. Chepe Express, Creel – Los Mochis, Mexico

The Chepe Express runs on the line known as the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway, or El Chepe, and it’s truly one of the great Latin American train journeys. Luxury is the chief differentiator between Chepe Express and other trains running on the same railroad – Chepe Express has reclining seats, a viewing terrace, a bar and lounge, and a double-storey restaurant car supervised by acclaimed chef Daniel Ovadia – you will be well-fed by the time the train ends in Los Mochis at 3:05pm, 9 hours after leaving Creel.

5. Blue Train, Pretoria – Cape Town, South Africa

One of the most luxurious ways to travel across South Africa is via the famous Blue Train. It travels from Pretoria in the north-east to Cape Town in the south-west. The oldest of the nation’s luxury trains (first introduced in 1923), the Blue Train retains an antiquated style and fittings that have only been amended to keep it to modern standards. The carriages are soundproofed and carpeted, a butler service is provided, there are dining cars, and every room comes with an en-suite. It is, essentially, a moving five-star hotel that has temporarily housed world leaders and royalty over the years. Thus, it is on the bucket list of many a traveller. While much slower than grabbing a flight between the two cities, it is undoubtedly the most stylish way to get across the country, plus you will be treated to a glorious moving portrait of South Africa’s landscape. Keep in mind that the dress code is smart casual during the day and smart at dinner.

6. Shongololo Express, various countries in Africa

The Shongololo Express is a rather a luxurious experience and can accommodate up to 72 travellers on 12 and 15-day journeys through South Africa, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The name ‘Shongololo’ is, rather charmingly, derived from the Zulu word for a large brown millipede – analogous to the train’s appearance as it winds its way through the incredible landscapes of southern Africa. The train primarily travels at night before arriving at destinations at dawn to allow travellers to disembark and enjoy a wide variety of activities.

7. The Rauma Line, Dombås – Åndalsnes, Norway

This unforgettable railway offers an incredible trip across rivers, over bridges, through tunnels and even along the tallest vertical rock face in Europe. Taking you from Gudbrandsdal Valley’s mountain station in Dombas to the lovely fjord town of Andalsnes, the Rauma Line offers stunning sights. It runs along and across the beautiful Rauma River that is surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped mountains and will make a quick stop at Trollveggen, allowing keen photographers a chance to snap some memorable photos. Despite running throughout the year as a whole, the sightseeing season operates from May 30 to August 30.

The town of Åndalsnes, where the Rauma Line ends Shutterstock

8. Glacier Express, Zermatt – St Moritz, Switzerland

The most famous of Alpine trains, the Glacier Express is a panoramic journey through the very beating heart of the Alpine region in Switzerland. As the name suggests, the Glacier Express will take you along the glaciers – as well as over nearly 300 bridges and close to 100 tunnels. It’s also a straightforward way to get from the Western to the Eastern Swiss Alps. Offering convenience and jaw-dropping sights, the Glacier Express is a practical, pretty and relaxing way to take in this beautiful region of the world.

The Glacier Express Shutterstock

9. Inlandsbanan, Kristinehamn – Gällivare, Sweden

This wondrous 1,363km (847 miles) railway line will take you from the centre of Sweden to its colder northern regions. Several package tours are available, but the “Discover Inlandsbanan” program is by far our top favourite – it includes travelling through bear forests, cycling in Östersund, journeying to the arctic circle, as well as taking a guided midnight-sun tour to the mining town of Malmberget and Mount Dundret (days are longest from June 4 to July 9). The train also comes with helpful hosts who are very knowledgeable about the surrounding areas. Terrific for those who want a backpacking adventure, the line is only open between June and August, so plan accordingly.

10. The Flåmsbana, Myrdal – Flåm, Norway

The Flåmsbana is one of the steepest railways in the world, it also happens to be one of the most beautiful too. You’ll constantly be amazed by the sights as you journey through snow-capped mountains, observe farms that look like they’re about to disappear off the cliff’s edge and be mesmerised by its many waterfalls and waterways. The train even winds its way through a rather incredible spiral tunnel. At the bottom of the mountain, you’ll find the beautiful Flåm Valley and you’ll also find one of the world’s longest fjord there too – Aurlandsfjord. The journey ends at the high mountain station of Myrdal. It’s quite short, lasting only around an hour and covering just 20km (12.5 miles), but it’ll leave a lasting impression.

The Flåmsbana Shutterstock

11. Bernina Express, Chur in Switzerland – Tirano in Italy

The incredible Bernina Express negotiates 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, taking you from the grandeur of Swiss Alps to sunny Italy in just 4 hours. For most of its journey, the Bernina Express runs along the UNESCO-listed railway line from Thusis – Valposchiavo – Tirano. Watch out for the famous Brusio Spiral Viaduct between Poschiavo and Tirano, as well as various vineyards and orchards on the way to Italy.

Bernina Express Shutterstock

12. Beijing to Lhasa Express, China to Tibet

Launched in 2006, the Beijing to Lhasa Express is an increasingly popular route for those who want to journey through China into the mountains of Tibet. The entire journey takes about 40 hours to complete its 3,757km (2,334 miles) journey – and in that time it crosses eight provinces from Northern China Plain to the world’s highest Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The train doesn’t allow hop-on and hop-off unless you buy different train tickets for various sections. The section between Xining and Lhasa is particularly stunning – taking you through the shimmering Qinghai Lake to the snow-capped Tanggula Mountains, before reaching highs of 5,072m (16,640ft) on the Lhasa side of the Tang La Pass.

Lhasa, Tibet Shutterstock

13. Kandy to Colombo, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the world’s most beautiful countries, and taking a train in Sri Lanka is an inexpensive and hassle-free way to see the country.

The Kandy to Colombo line whisks you from the biggest city in Sri Lanka to the UNESCO-listed Kandy. You will travel through the gorgeous hills of ‘Tea County’. At Kandy, you will find lovely local markets, stroll along Kandy Lake, see the incredible Temple of the Sacred Tooth and take in the Royal Botanic Gardens (a holdover from British rule). In fact, it was the British that brought the railway systems to Sri Lanka – mainly to transport coffee and tea on the same train route to Colombo for international shipping.

Tea plantations, Sri Lanka Shutterstock

14. Maharajas’ Express, Delhi – Varanasi or Delhi – Mumbai, India

Northern India has many splendid sites and the best way to cram all of this in is via the Maharajas’ Express leaving from Delhi. This expensive, luxury train literally rolls out the red carpet for its guests before departing on its journeys. Two tours are available – the Indian Panorama and the Indian Splendour – both are equally excellent and both make a stop at Agra where you will get to visit the magnificent Taj Mahal.

15. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Moscow to Vladivostok, Russia

Perhaps the most famous railway in the world, the Trans-Siberian is over a century old and there is a reason it has endured and continues to be so prominently featured on people’s Bucket Lists. Clocking in at 9,289 km (5,772 miles) the Trans-Siberian is the longest railway line on earth, offering a plethora of amazing and diverse views that span across seven time zones. Highlights include the Yaroslavl (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the Ural Mountains, the jaw-dropping peaks surrounding Krasnoyarsk, Lake Baikal (the deepest lake in the world) and many, many more sights as you travel across the full breadth of Russia. There are also secondary routes on the way, such as the Trans-Manchurian and the Trans-Mongolian railways, both are worth journeying on too.

The railway track along Lake Baikal Shutterstock

16. The Ghan, Adelaide – Darwin, Australia

Last, but not least, we come to Australia and The Ghan, an incredible rail journey that starts in Adelaide, South Australia, and ends at Darwin in the Northern Territory. This 90-year-old service takes passengers across 3,000 km (1,864 miles) in 54 hours and cuts across some of the most remote portions of Australia, specifically the incredible Red Centre and Alice Springs. There is a variety of packages and trips on offer here – everything from a near-direct journey across a few days to trips spread out across three weeks.

The Ghan in Alice Springs, Australia Shutterstock

If you found this interesting, take a look at:

• Bike-friendly cities around the world
• Going underground: 22 of the world’s best subterranean sites
• Take a cultural city break in Europe by rail

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03 October 2021

‘world’s most scenic railway journeys’: 6 stunning routes from the new tv series.

Trundling past glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains, these breathtaking train journeys from Channel 5's new series will inspire your next railway adventure

Bill Nighy’s dulcet tones are back to transport us around the globe in a new series of Channel 5's  World's Most Scenic Railway Journeys , where impressive trains meet magnificent landscapes. Featuring episodes on the Northern Belle along the Welsh borders, Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star, the Inlandsbanan in Sweden, the Far North Line from Inverness to Wick in Scotland, and the Tornado Steam Train from York to Edinburgh; the series kicked off on September 30 with the Indian Pacific – an iconic Aussie rail adventure. Here, we give you a taste of each. 

Aussie Coast to Coast on the Indian Pacific

Indian Pacific rolling through Australian outback (Journeys Beyond)

Borders to Australia have been closed to travellers for well over a year, but Brits are on starter’s orders to get back down there when they open. Journey Beyond, which operates the Indian Pacific , is booking international visitors from mid-2022. The experience is an epic 4,532km transcontinental crossing from Sydney to Perth via the vineyard city of Adelaide. It traverses mountain ranges, passes through arid deserts, goldfields, valleys and subtropical savannahs over four days and three nights, igniting the imagination as one dramatic landscape bleeds into the next.

The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys episode focuses squarely on the Sydney to Adelaide leg, whetting our appetite for travel with stunning footage of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales and the pink bubblegum Lake Bumbunga, and wineries of the Clare Valley and Adelaide itself in South Australia. Those that do break the journey in Adelaide are spoilt for choice when it comes to how to spend the days until the train rolls back into town to take them on to Perth. Driving the Epicurean Way – one of Australia’s best food and wine touring routes, exploring the wildlife paradise of Kangaroo Island or heading north to the Flinders Ranges outback region, all ensure special experiences and a warm Aussie welcome from the locals.

For more information visit journeybeyondrail.com.au

The Northern Belle along the Welsh borders

Northern Belle on Cefn Mawr viaduct

The Northern Belle is as much about the journey itself as the destination, with guests being transported back in time to the golden age of travel ­– the 1930s era of opulence where train travel was truly glamorous. The seven lovingly restored carriages have been crafted by some of the UK’s top experts with every tiny detail being considered.

This luxurious train operates day and weekend journeys around Britain from many departure points; guaranteeing guests exceptional fine dining and fabulous views.

For more information visit  northernbelle.co.uk

Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star

Alaska Railroad's Denali Star (Dave Blazejewski)

Denali National Park is home to some of Alaska’s most famous sights including the tallest mountain in North America – Denali (also known as Mt. McKinley), an unspoilt wilderness of glacial rivers and lots of wildlife, including moose, bears and wolves. The Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, the Denali Star departs Anchorage for the 356 mile journey to Fairbanks making a stop in Denali National Park, and is truly one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys. Steeped in history the Alaska Railroad is rich in legendary stories. 

For more information visit  alaskarailroad.com

The Inlandsbanan in Sweden

Sweden Inlandsbanan by lake

The Inland Line (in Swedish, Inlandsbanan) provides an exciting journey through Lapland wilderness, where you can connect with the magical landscapes and incredible views of inland and Arctic Sweden. Taking in salmon rivers, snow-capped mountains, heritage museums and lakes, this journey is very special indeed. In June and early July, passengers are also treated to the midnight sun.

The train experience can be packaged up with a cruise along the Norwegian coastline which makes for a spectacular trip.

For more information visit res.inlandsbanan.se/en

The Far North Line from Inverness to Wick in Scotland

The Far North Line from Inverness

The Far North Line, the most northerly railway line in the UK, is a rural journey entirely within the Highland area of Scotland. From Inverness, the route traces the spectacular North Sea coast past distilleries and golf courses to Thurso, and then on to the once-mighty fishing port of Wick. The Inverness to Thurso leg takes about four hours and the full Inverness to Wick journey is approximately four and half hours.

Look out of the window for views of Skibo Castle, Carbisdale Castle and Balblair Wood on the shores of Loch Fleet. For a true taste of Scotland on route, purchase The Great Scenic Tasting Box from Inverness Station before you travel and tuck into a selection of delicious local treats.

For more information visit  scotrail.co.uk

The Tornado Steam Train from York to Edinburgh

The Tornado (Henry Elliott)

Built from scratch by a dedicated team of volunteers, Tornado looks like a steam locomotive from a bygone age, but was in fact completed in 2008. Featuring in the movie Paddington 2, Top Gear’s ‘Race to the North’ and the star of two BBC documentaries, this impressive steam train is no stranger to the big screen. In Channel 5’s new series of the World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys the York to Edinburgh route is showcased, highlighting stunning views including the North Sea, River Tweed, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and the cities of Durham and Newcastle.

For more information visit  a1steam.com

For more information about the new series of 'World's Most Scenic Railway Journeys', visit  channel5.com

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The World’s Most Scenic Train Rides

These train rides offer passengers views of some of the world’s most stunning landscapes

Claire Berlinski, Travel + Leisure

Technicolor greens, brilliant saris, ancient temples: these are my clearest memories of riding  India ’s South Eastern Railway many years ago. I still recall the rickshaws and rivers full of locals bathing, as the tropical landscape passed in a constant, captivating blur.

My vivid memories speak to the power and allure of train travel. After all, a railway itinerary allows travelers the opportunity to experience a destination in a way that’s just not possible from the air. Above the clouds, it’s hard to tell the difference between a Mexican canyon and a Norwegian fjord. From a train window, the passing vistas are completely distinct.

Sure enough, says Mark Smith, founder of the train travel website  Seat 61 , many travelers are frustrated with the airlines. “People want to cut their carbon footprint, and they want to avoid the hassle,” he says. “They’re looking for a more relaxing alternative.”

But let’s be clear: some train routes serve up more scenery than others—a lot more. The ride from Calcutta was mesmerizing, but India’s natural beauty shines in its northern mountains as well. There, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway takes riders on an eight-hour ride through jungle and tea gardens to the base of the Himalayas, all from a 19th-century steam locomotive.

Closer to home, the Rocky Mountaineer traverses the dramatic  Canadian Rockies  from  Vancouver  to Calgary. The two-day route passes the snowcapped peaks of the Coast Mountain range, the rushing Fraser River, and down over the Continental Divide to Banff National Park.

Best of all, even the most spectacular train ride offers riders something many travelers crave these days: authenticity. “A flight across  Vietnam  is an identical experience to a plane ride in  India ,  Canada , or  Australia ,” says Smith. “But a train trip gives insight into the culture of a country. The journey becomes part of the experience.”

See some of the world's most beautiful train rides below:

Other articles from  Travel + Leisure :

• America's Most Scenic Roads
• World's Most Scenic Walks
• World’s Most Beautiful Train Stations
• 10 Breathtaking U.S. Train Trips Recalling the Golden Era of Rail Travel
• Rediscovering the Pleasures (Really!) of an 11-Hour Train Ride

West Highland Line, United Kingdom

Britain’s most stunning railway  links the ports of Mallaig on the  West Coast of Scotland  with Glasgow. The 90-minute journey skirts somber lochs, lonely glens, moors, and castles before arriving at the aquamarine coast with views of the Small Isles Eigg, Muck, and Rum.

Train Trivia: The Glenfinnan Viaduct, approaching Mallaig, was one of the  filming locations for the Hogwarts Express  in the Harry Potter movies .

Insider Tip: The best time to travel is the spring, when the yellow gorse and wild rhododendron are in bloom—unless you suffer from hay fever.

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

The original  Rocky Mountaineer  route from Vancouver  to Calgary follows the 1885 Canadian Pacific train route through Western Canada and the Canadian Rockies. You’ll see pristine wilderness: black lava cliffs and canyons, glacial lakes, turbulent rivers, bighorn sheep, and maybe even a black or grizzly bear.

Train Trivia: The two-day trip overnights in the town of Kamloops, British Columbia, so that travelers don’t miss the panoramas.

Insider Tip: The best views are in the seats in the front of the first Gold Leaf car, where first-class travelers sit in a glass-domed section on the top floor of the train.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India

The romantic eight-hour trip on this whimsical “Toy Train” from the Siliguri, in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, to the hill station of Darjeeling offers views of Himalayan peaks as high as 7,400 feet. You’ll traverse through dense jungle, verdant valleys, tea gardens, and forests of maple, chestnut, pear, cherry, and cardamom trees on this two-foot wide, narrow-gauge line.

Train Trivia: This star attraction of Darjeeling has been featured in Wes Anderson's  Darjeeling Limited  and Bollywood blockbusters such as  Aradhana ,  Parineeta ,  Sagina Mahato,  and  Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman.

Semmering Railway, Austria

Departing from Gloggnitz, the hour-long Semmering crosses the Austrian Alps’ Semmering Pass to Mürzzuschlag. Completed in 1854—before the age of dynamite and tunnel-drilling machines—it passes over 16 viaducts and through 14 tunnels, all carved by hand into the rock. It’s one of the masterpieces of civil engineering from the pioneering days of railway building.

Train Trivia: The railway is legendary in numismatics: it is featured on many coveted collector coins and medals, including the 25 Euro 150 Years Semmering Alpine Railway commemorative coin.

Insider Tip: Check out the Südbahn railway culture museum in Mürzzuschlag to learn more about the railway’s history and innovative engineering. The old-fashioned carriage-style café offers coffee, pastries, Ghega beer, and Südbahn wine.

El ChePe, Mexico

The most modern, comfortable passenger train in Mexico chugs along the  Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico , also known as the Copper Canyon Railway. The 13-hour trip connects the mountainous arid interior of northern Mexico with the Pacific coast, passing sheer canyon walls, waterfalls, high desert plains, and the imposing landscapes of the Sierra Tarahumara.

Train Trivia: El ChePe passes through the six Copper Canyons, which, if they were combined, would be four times larger than the Grand Canyon. The ravines and crevices go as deep as 1.25 miles from top to bottom.

Insider Tip: Temperatures are most comfortable from October to March—summers are hot and dusty. Advance booking is essential.

Douro Line, Portugal

The 19th-century steam train, pulled by a diesel locomotive, clings to the steep, rocky ravine along Portugal’s Douro River. The ride, which takes an hour and a half, offers views of the country’s famous Douro wine region (one of T+L's  best places to travel in 2016 ) and its charming villages, vine-covered terraces, and olive groves.

Train Trivia: The steamer stops at Pinhão, where the station is decorated with exquisite blue-and-white glazed tiles, called  azulejos , depicting local river and harvest scenes.

The Ghan, Australia

This two-day  transcontinental north-south line  brings you from the bushlands and pasture surrounding  Adelaide  through the desert scrub and gum groves of the Clare Valley to the rust-colored Red Centre (home to Uluru rock), and on to the lush tropical zone of the Top End. The ride finishes in Darwin, the laid-back capital of  Australia 's Northern Territory.

Train Trivia: The name  Ghan  is an abbreviation of the railway’s former nickname, the Afghan Express, from the Afghan camel trains that trekked the same route in the 19th century.

Insider Tip: If it fits your budget, go Platinum Class. Gold is one-third cheaper, but Platinum seats come with private cabins and en suite bathrooms.

Bergen Railway, Norway

Northern Europe’s highest railway overlooks some of the most pristine glacier-carved fjords in  Norway . The  seven-hour train  crosses the high mountain range between  Oslo  and Bergen, then runs across the windswept, barren Hardangervidda mountain plateau, the largest protected wilderness area in Europe. Later it descends through lush valleys to the Hanseatic city of Bergen.

Train Trivia: Ninety percent of the energy Nordland Railway uses comes from hydroelectricity or other renewable sources.

Insider Tip: Preorder the tapas menu of trout, salmon, flatbread, cured reindeer meat, reindeer paté, game, and mountain cranberries. For plenty of daylight hours, travel in the summer.

See more scenic train rides on Travel + Leisure :

Other articles from  Travel + Leisure :

• America's Most Scenic Roads
• World's Most Scenic Walks
• World’s Most Beautiful Train Stations

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The world's most scenic railway journeys.

S2.E1 ∙ Scotland: A Magical Journey Through the Highlands

S2.E2 ∙ African Safari

S2.E3 ∙ Mexico

S2.E4 ∙ France - La Ligne de Cevenne

S2.E5 ∙ New Zealand

S2.E6 ∙ Finland

S2.E7 ∙ Sri Lanka

S2.e8 ∙ great mountain railway journeys, s2.e9 ∙ great luxury railway journeys, s2.e10 ∙ great coastal railway journeys, s3.e1 ∙ cornwall's most scenic railway journeys, contribute to this page.

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11 of the most scenic train rides on Earth

It's possible to enjoy spectacular views when traveling by air , especially during takeoff and landing. But there's often not much to see when you're cruising at 39,000 feet.

That's one reason why train travel has long been one of the most popular ways to see the world. It's generally a more relaxed way of getting from one place to the next — no plastic bags filled with tiny toiletries or endless crowds at airport security — and trains can snake through scenic mountain valleys and connect charming, remote villages. They offer steadily panning views of stunning landscapes that are sometimes exceptionally difficult to access any other way.

There are trains you have to take (like the G train in New York City), but sometimes, a journey by rail can be a trip in and of itself. We scoured the globe, reviewed new itineraries and spoke to expert travelers about the world's most scenic rail routes: You know, the kind that makes you want to wax poetic like Paul Theroux.

From an Amtrak train that leaves New York City every morning to an ultra-luxury locomotive that's been transporting people back to the golden age of travel (and, more literally, between two South African cities), these are 11 of the most scenic train rides on Earth.

Rocky Mountaineer in the American Southwest

This iconic luxury train operator, famous for its tours of Western Canada, just launched its first route in the U.S. in 2021. Travelers can journey from Denver, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, on the two-day "Rockies to the Red Rocks" itinerary, which features an overnight in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Because the train only operates during the day, travelers won't miss a minute of scenery from the glass-domed train cars with outdoor viewing decks as the towering Rocky Mountains give way to Utah's almost Martian desert landscape. After all, Moab is the gateway to Arches National Park, named for its surreal sandstone arches and rock formations.

Rates this year start at $1,375 per person, which includes a one-night hotel stay.

Sri Lanka Railways in Sri Lanka

"The ride between Kandy and Ella takes you past colorful villages, lush rolling hills, tea plantations and more," said TPG writer Lori Zaino. "It's a whole cultural experience — locals in my car were singing and clapping the entire time. For an adrenaline thrill, hang out the window (at your own risk) and watch the world go by."

The seven-hour ride is extremely inexpensive and a great way to explore the Sri Lankan countryside. Just be sure to opt for a second-class fare so you can look out the window and enjoy the view.

Book through an agency, like Zaino did, to get your ticket secured in advance (from about $15). Though tickets purchased at the station may only be a few bucks, don't underestimate the convenience of having a seat reserved before you arrive in Sri Lanka.

Pilatus Luzern in Switzerland

Book any train of any type in Switzerland, and you'll probably enjoy uninterrupted views of the Alps, charming alpine villages and glasslike lakes. But for something a bit more adventurous, head to Alpnachstad to ride the Pilatus Luzern, which is the steepest cog railway in the world — ascending to an angle just shy of 45 degrees, though the journey only lasts about 30 minutes.

But you'll be rewarded with spectacular views from the summit of Mount Pilatus and — if you choose — opportunities to disembark and hike, climb or picnic in the surrounding mountains and valleys. Round-trip fares usually start at 72 Swiss francs, or about $74.

Related: 12 things that surprised me about my 1st luxury train journey

The Northern Explorer in New Zealand

Fly into Auckland and board the Northern Explorer , the nation's longest-running passenger train, which chugs through Hamilton, Otorohanga, National Park, Palmerston North and Paraparaumu en route to the capital, Wellington. Exploring New Zealand by rail, you'll see everything from volcanic peaks to the rugged coast while stopping to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or navigate the glowworm-lit chambers of the Waitomo Caves .

"Every time I've done the Northern Explorer train, I've needed to get between the two places but haven't been in too much of a hurry," travel writer and TPG contributor Elen Turner said. After all, the 12-hour journey isn't exactly the fastest way to get around New Zealand. So be sure to expect a leisurely ride. Prices begin at 219 New Zealand dollars (about $125) for adults.

Rocky Mountaineer in Western Canada

"Traveling through the Canadian Rockies on the Rocky Mountaineer train from Banff to Vancouver is one of those 'you only live once' experiences," journalist Michele Sponagle told TPG, describing the luxury train's original and best-known itineraries. "It takes you through the most remote areas — ones you could never access any other way. Imagine postcard-perfect scenery in every direction … (and) be prepared for a forced digital detox since you won't get a cell signal or have onboard Wi-Fi access frequently throughout your journey."

The "First Passage to the West" tour is a four-day journey from Vancouver to Banff that crosses the Continental Divide and passes through the so-called Spiral Tunnels carved into the Rockies. In 2023, fares start at $1,800 per person and include four meals, three nights in hotels, a tour and national park pass, as well as station transfers and luggage handling. Shorter journeys onboard the Rocky Mountaineer start around $1,300 per person.

Belmond Andean Explorer in Peru

Opt for a luxury Belmond sleeper train experience for both stunning views and gorgeous interiors, such as the Andean Explorer, which travels from Cusco to Puno on Lake Titicaca, and the gleaming white stone city of Arequipa.

No comforts have been overlooked on board, and the train is even fitted with oxygen tanks and masks for passengers who find the high altitude uncomfortable. Entry-level cabins are typically available from about $2,000 per person (based on double occupancy) with meals and tours included.

The Blue Train in South Africa

Since the 1920s, South Africa's Blue Train has carried travelers between Pretoria (near Johannesburg) and Cape Town in luxurious cars with panoramic windows — best for admiring the passing vineyards and major attractions like Table Mountain.

"I took The Blue Train back in 2012 with a South African friend," recalled Nadine Jolie Courtney , a luxury travel advisor with Elite Travel International. "I can't imagine a more spectacular way to see the South African countryside … It felt like being transported back in time to an elevated, bygone era of travel, with white tablecloths, private ensuite bathrooms (complete with tubs!), a dress code for dinner and jaw-droppingly gorgeous scenery … The night sky was particularly memorable. I don't know that I've ever seen so many stars, and it felt as if the whole of the Milky Way was visible."

Rates in 2023 generally start between 43,440 and 53,605 South African rand, or $2,500 to $3,000 per person.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado

"I'll never forget the unique Colorado vistas, cliffs and being surprised by what was around the next bend," recalled Swanette Smith, also known as Grandma Points.

Ride a vintage coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive and enjoy stunning views as you crisscross the Animas River, navigate San Juan National Forest and hug the sheer edge of the mountains.

"(It's) short, very scenic," said TPG's executive editor and senior director of content Scott Mayerowitz, who said the 45-mile, 3 1/2-hour ride is really about the views, not the destination. Tickets start at $105.

Shinkansen in Japan

In addition to reliable service and ultra-clean cars, a ride on Japan's bullet train is a great way to see the country's scenery while traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto.

"On my way … I enjoyed a beautiful view of (mountains) and Japanese towns and, if you're lucky, you can spot the famous Mount Fuji," said senior marketing manager Adrianna Qi. (If you're originating in Tokyo, watch for the mountain to appear about 40 minutes into the journey — and be sure to snag a seat on the right side of the train.)

Both Qi and TPG's former senior executive assistant, Christie Matsui, said that you'll want to be sure to pick up a bento box at the train station beforehand. Seven-day Japan Rail passes begin at $214.

Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland

"Aboard the Jacobite Steam Train , which played the role of the Hogwarts Express in the 'Harry Potter' movies, passengers feel like they're on their way to Hogwarts," Canadian travel writer and photographer Johanna Read told TPG . "Starting at the base of Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, the train passes by Scotland's moors and lochs and then slows for photos as it traverses the 21 arches of the curved Glenfinnan Viaduct also featured in the films. The end of the line is the pretty seaside town of Mallaig, rather than Hogsmeade."

Read recommends that travelers on a budget consider the "less magical" ScotRail train, which follows an identical route. "You can (even) take a photo of the Jacobite engine as it departs from Mallaig before hopping back aboard your own train," Read said.

To ride on board the Jacobite Steam Train, however, expect to spend £52 for a round-trip ticket (about $58).

Denali Star in Alaska

Discover the Alaskan wilderness by rail with a ride on the Denali Star, which carries travelers from Anchorage to the gates of Denali National Park for imposing views of the route's namesake, the highest peak in North America.

Only available in the summer season, the Denali Star is a 12-hour, 356-mile journey (from $187 per person, one-way) that traverses the Knik River, navigates the Healy Canyon, passes hundreds of feet over Hurricane Gulch and boasts mountain vistas throughout the journey. The Alaska Railroad also has a popular coastal itinerary in the summer.

For those seeking views of the northern lights, the Aurora Winter Train travels through the backcountry from mid-September to mid-May. Shoulder season fares start at $218 one-way per person from Anchorage to Fairbanks.

Maximizing train travel

It can be harder to redeem points for train travel through the Cape Winelands than for a flight, but it's not especially tricky to maximize booking your adventure.

If you're booking a trip on one of the iconic Amtrak routes in the U.S., such as the Adirondack or Pacific Surfliner, earning and using points is still very much an option on the table either via Amtrak Rewards or a fixed-value points program .

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred Card will earn you 2 points and miles per dollar on your train trips, while the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve earn 3 points per mile on travel.

Built-in credit card protections are also still relevant when booking an adventure by train.

6 of The Most Scenic Train Routes in the World

Trains might take a while for you to get to your destination but the advantage? Scenic train routes that provide gorgeous views! Taking in the various terrains and landscapes as the train passes through is one of the best things about train journeys. See the stunning greenery of a countryside, dark tunnels in the hilly regions, catch a glimpse of beautiful waterfall trails along the journey through scenic landscapes.

Here are the most scenic train routes in the world for travellers who want to enjoy the scenery all along the journey.

• Machu Picchu

After the inauguration of a new service by Inca Rail, the 360° Machu Picchu Train, which began operations on March 1, travellers have a new way to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of Peru. (Read  The Scenic Inca Rail Lets You See Machu Picchu Like Never Before ).

The Flåm Railway, Norway

The scenic Flam train route passes over a river running through the rugged terrain via the longest and deepest fjord in Europe, the Sognefjorden. This is one of the most scenic train routes which runs through the valley of Flåmsdalen connecting Myrdal and Flåm in Aurland and Norway and is a branch line of the Bergen Line.

Glenfinnan Railway Viaduct in Scotland

The film location of Harry Potter Movies. This train was used as the Hogwarts Express that connects London, King’s Cross Station Platform 9¾ and the railway Station at Hogsmeade. The railway built on the viaduct is located at Glenfinnan and attracts thousands of visitors who want to see the beautiful view from the train.

Shimla, India

A toy train on the way to the Queen of Hills – Shimla from Kalka, passing through the beautiful Himalayan mountains of Himachal Pradesh, India. The toy train ride which takes you through the lush green mountains has been listed as a Unesco world heritage site.

Scenic Train Routes from Ella to Kandy, Sri Lanka

The six hours journey from Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka is known as one of the most scenic train routes in the world. Enjoy the incredible views of lush tea plantations and hilly regions along the way. You can also stop at Nuwara Eliya and spend a few days there if time permits before continuing on this epic train journey.

Canadian Rockies Railway

This train journey is the best way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the otherwise inaccessible terrain in the Canadian Rockies. The Canadian Rockies is a popular destination with five national parks which features lush rainforests and deep canyons.

Read more:   22 Of The Most Beautiful Train Stations Around the World

• Canadian Rockies
• Scenic train routes

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8 Scenic Train Rides Around the World That Immerse You in Gorgeous Landscapes

While flight is the quickest form of travel, trains show you the world in a slower, more scenic fashion..

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While road trips require the active focus of the driver, train travel has the unique advantage of a slow travel experience that is every bit as relaxing as it is rewarding. These eight domestic and international scenic train rides travel through some of the most beautiful places on the planet, from the Grand Canyon to the Swiss Alps.

Construction of the railroad started in 1903 and ended in 1923 when President Harding drove the golden spike into the line near Nenena, signifying the completion of the nearly 500 mile line.

Courtesy of Alaska Railroad/Mike Criss

1. Alaska Railroad

Alaska, USA

• Start: Anchorage
• End: Fairbanks
• Distance: 356 miles
• Time: 12 hours
• Buy a ticket: alaskarailroad.com

Have you ever wanted to see Alaska ‘s otherwordly splendor? Onboard the Alaska Railroad , take in the sights unobstructed from all angles of a domed car. With a daily schedule, the Denali Star route departs Anchorage for the 356-mile, 12-hour journey to Fairbanks, with stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park .

The train crosses the Knik River, backed by the Chugach Mountains. South of Talkeetna, catch views of Denali soaring above the Susitna River. And just north, the tracks veer into the backcountry Hurricane area with views of the snaking Indian River and Hurricane Gulch from the top of a 296-foot bridge. Broad Pass offers eye-popping views of the Alaska Range from all around.

2. The Blue Train

South Africa

• Start: Pretoria
• End: Cape Town
• Distance: 994 miles
• Time: 54 hours
• Buy a ticket: bluetrain.co.za

South Africa ‘s historic Blue Train covers nearly 1,000 miles of scenic track from Pretoria to Cape Town. It crosses the escarpment of the Cape Winelands with its vineyards and Cape Dutch towns and on to Cape Town. The train winds through the Great Karoo Desert, a sparsely populated area marked by vast open plains, savannah, and grassland, giving the whole experience a nostalgic feel—punctuated by fine wine and elevated meal service.

The Ghan has been crossing the outback for more than 90 years.

Photo by Paul-Alain Hunt/Unsplash

3. The Ghan

• Start: Adelaide
• End: Darwin
• Distance: 1,740 miles
• Time: 3 days
• Buy a ticket: journeybeyondrail.com.au

Depart from Adelaide in South Australia for a three-day chug that includes vibrant greenery and rugged red desert. The journey crosses Australia from south to north, traversing dramatic gorges and curious rock formations of the ancient mountains of the Flinders Ranges. Moving through the outback, it passes through the Red Center, the region home to two of Australia’s best-known natural landmarks, Uluru and Kata Tjuta, and stops in Alice Springs in the middle of the remote desert. And then, as the train approaches the northern coast, the landscape changes to tropical forests and wetlands.

Grand Canyon offers a trip from Williams, Arizona, to the Grand Canyon on restored historic passenger cars.

Photo courtesy of Grand Canyon Railway

4. Grand Canyon National Railway

Arizona, USA

• Start: Williams
• End: Williams
• Distance: 130 miles
• Time: 8 hours
• Buy a ticket: thetrain.com

Once a means of transporting ore through the Wild West, the historically significant Grand Canyon Railway dates back to 1901. The full-day, 130-mile round-trip journey departs from Williams, Arizona, west of Flagstaff and heads to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim with abundant opportunities along the way to spot wildlife, including bald eagles, mountain lions, and elk, in addition to the dramatic canyon landscape. (Riders on this day trip also have plenty of time to get out and explore the area on foot.)

The Glacier Express travels through three cantons in Switzerland.

Photo by Andrew Spencer/Unsplash

5. Glacier Express

Switzerland

• Start: Zermatt
• End: St. Moritz
• Distance: 180 miles
• Buy a ticket: glacierexpress.ch

The spectacular Glacier Express travels through the Swiss Alps between the alpine village of Zermatt and the holiday resort St. Moritz, weaving through natural landscapes and charming Swiss towns. The narrow train hugs the mountains and valleys for an immersive view of the countryside. It passes through Alpine landscapes at the base of the Matterhorn in the Valais region, heads up the Oberalp Pass (the route’s highest point at about 7,000 feet), and offers vistas of the Rhine Gorge, Switzerland’s version of the Grand Canyon . The iconic train has both panoramic and skylight windows for enjoying the scenery.

All seats on the Rocky Mountaineer are in panoramic dome cars.

Photo by Chantal de Bruijne / Shutterstock.com

6. Rocky Mountaineer Rockies to the Red Rocks

Colorado, USA

• Start: Moab, Utah
• End: Denver
• Distance: 369 miles
• Time: 2 days
• Buy a ticket: rockymountaineer.com

Rocky Mountaineer operates luxury train experiences on various scenic North American routes, offering daylight-only rail journeys for maximum immersive viewing experiences. While the operator historically ran on the Canadian rails, this 2021-launched route showcases the majesty of the American West. The train runs alongside the Colorado River and through a series of canyons with dramatically steep and rugged rock walls as windows frame mountain vistas, desert cliffs, and rock formations. Keep your eyes open for bighorn sheep in the high passes.

The Pacific Surfliner services more than 10 round trips between San Diego and Los Angeles daily.

Photo by arisdla/Unsplash

7. Pacific Surfliner

California, USA

• Start: San Diego
• End: San Luis Obispo
• Distance: 351 miles
• Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
• Buy a ticket: amtrak.com/routes/pacific-surfliner-train

Amtrak’s iconic Pacific Surfliner offers a 351-mile trip through San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties—29 stations in all—with stretches of the route abutting the coastline in Southern California. In addition to offering convenient urban stations (including Anaheim for Disneyland), it offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Southern California’s rolling hills. This trip makes for an enjoyable way to roll through the region’s diverse natural beauty—without the brake lights of gridlock traffic for which the area is also known.

8. West Highland Line

• Start: Glasgow
• End: Mallaig
• Distance: 134 miles
• Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
• Buy a ticket: scotrail.co.uk

This scenic train ride leaves Glasgow to go deep into the west coast wilderness—passing through places where no roads were ever built. Take the West Highland Line to Mallaig to travel the Glenfinnan Viaduct used in the Harry Potter films for the Hogwarts Express. As you ride through a visually arresting landscape of steep-sided lochs, heather moors, and mountains, watch for red deer silhouetted against the skyline or camouflaged in the foliage. Some stations are exceptionally remote, with little else save expansive nature for miles around.

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The World's Most Scenic Railway Journeys

Actor Bill Nighy narrates unforgettable train rides through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. From Canada's snow-capped peaks to the... Actor Bill Nighy narrates unforgettable train rides through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. From Canada's snow-capped peaks to the stunning coast of Wales and the breathtaking natural wonders of Northern Spain, meet the engineers who keep these trains running and the many characters who work, travel, and live along these exotic and far-flung routes. Show More

Season 1 (6 episodes)

Season 2 (22 episodes)

Season 3 (10 episodes)

Cutting through the magical beauty of Norway, this train journey begins in the capital, Oslo, and takes us all the way to Bodø inside the Arctic Circle with tales of trolls, Nazi's, reindeer and Vikings along the way.

Ride through Canada's iconic Rocky Mountaineer train in a jaw-dropping loop that takes the viewers from Vancouver to the heart of the Rockies.

The Cambrian Line is the UK's hidden secret - a rail line of spectacular views steeped in history and nostalgia. The train starts in Pwhelli and heads along the lines that were built in the slate industries heyday

Switzerland

From Tirano in Italy, this route spirals upwards in the Alps into Switzerland and St Moritz to pick up the Glacier Express, which crosses the Landvasser Viaduct

A glorious mountain and coastal route in the sun of Northern Spain, which is also a gastronomic tour on and off the train exploring a huge range of local delicacies

New Zealand

This stunning journey will take the viewers through the heart of South Island's best scenery.

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The 9 best train journeys around the world

Feed your wanderlust with our ultimate guide to the world’s greatest railway adventures

Is there a more romantic way to travel than riding the rails? Trains changed how we travel, and the innate magic of watching landscapes unfold out of the window is difficult to beat. With climate change an ever-increasing threat and the long-overdue backlash against budget flights taking hold, the world’s railways have never been more enticing. Travelling by train is a brilliant way to see the world without worrying about causing irreparable damage.

The best train journeys in the world are also beautiful, although those nine letters don’t do justice to the glory found here. This is the train travel Hall of Fame, a collection of journeys encompassing everything that makes this famous mode of exploration inspiring and exciting. Riding the rails is travel as it should be, and these routes are nomadic dreams come to life.

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🚂  The best train journeys in Europe 🚅  The best train journeys in Asia 🚉  The world’s most spectacular train stations

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The best train journeys in the world

1.  Qinghai-Tibet Railway from Xining to Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region

Few trains can take your breath away, but climbing to more than 5,200 metres, the Qinghai-Tibet railway from Xining to Lhasa can leave passengers more than a little tight in the chest. On the highest train in the world, compartments are fitted with gold nozzles pumping in purified oxygen to alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness as passengers gaze at the yellow plateau and electric-blue skies. Suede-soft mountains are dusted with snow, and raggedy-looking yaks dot the landscape, coloured prayer flags twisting in the breeze. As the train curls around the Kunlun Mountains, its interiors darken from the shadows of looming ice and snow before the final descent into Lhasa. 

2.  The Skeena from Jasper to Prince Rupert, Canada

A well-kept secret, the Skeena runs between Jasper in Alberta and Prince Rupert in the furthest reaches of British Columbia. Over two days, the train winds around the Rocky Mountains, their white peaks blazing in perfect sunshine, their bodies reflected in water as still as glass. Armies of Douglas fir march down to the lakes’ edges, and passengers will likely spot moose, caribou, golden eagles and a brown bear or two. Although popular with tourists who enjoy the domed panoramic viewing car, three-course meals and constant wine, the train is also a lifeline for First Nations people who have no other mode of transport in this desolate region. Like mushroom pickers, fishermen and hikers, they emerge from the trees and flag down the train, which has to stop – even between stations.

3.  Sagano Scenic railway in Kyoto, Japan

The antithesis of Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains, this nineteenth-century narrow-gauge railway chugs along at 15 miles an hour, offering passengers close-up views of the Hozu River. In spring, the delicate scent of cherry blossoms drifts off pink explosions of sakura , but one of the most popular times to travel is in autumn when Japanese maple trees take on a range of colours as though the forests were on fire. Flaming in shades of orange, papaya and dark red, the mountainsides look as though they’ve been splashed with cans of paint.

4.  Reunification Express from Hanoi to Saigon, Vietnam

With a creak and a wail, the Reunification Express rolls out of Hanoi station, taking two nights to travel along the backbone of the country down to Saigon. From behind limp-curtained windows, passengers are drawn through the guts of Vietnam , granted views into kitchens, backyards and alleyways, where chefs hose pans, mothers plait children’s hair and tiny coloured vests dry on makeshift washing lines. Between Hué and Da Nang, jungle rises up around the train, waxy leaves slap the sides, and hot sunshine flashes in between barred windows. And below, the South China Sea opens into an expanse of hazy blue, a finger of cream sand running along its frothy edge.

5.  Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles, USA

Sailing out of the seaport city of Seattle , the Coast Starlight curves down the western edge of America, showcasing the best views, food and conversation that Amtrak has to offer. Get comfy in the sightseer lounge with a view of the Pacific Ocean, where turquoise hues bleed into one, and tiny waves peak in the blue. Buskers strum guitars, students play poker, and retirees chat to young travellers about their days on the old railroads. Serving everything from enchiladas to shrimp in lobster sauce, the dining car is the hub of the action where unlikely friendships strike up, and strangers swap stories until the train barrels along the final stretch of sunlit coast and sides into L.A. Union Station .

6.  Mandovi Express from Mumbai to Madgaon, India

Running down the southwest coast of India , the Konkan Railway is a feat of engineering excellence, with the Western Ghats flanking one side and the Arabian Sea sparkling quietly on the other. Submerged between coconut groves, palm trees and great swathes of wet greenery, trains travel with the doors flung open and warm air billowing up the aisles. The Mandovi Express is one of many services on this route, but it’s widely known for housing the best pantry car on Indian Railways, with vendors traipsing up the aisles carrying baskets of hot pakoras, chicken lollipops and pots of fresh biryani with yoghurt.

7.  Cannes to Ventimiglia, France

A commuter service running between the resort town of Cannes and the lovely old border town of Ventimiglia, this double-decker train is usually filled with elderly shoppers carrying bread in paper bags, students en route to university in Nice and tourists on day trips to the beach. But for the unaccustomed, it’s a fabulous 90-minute journey along the French Riviera during which passengers can watch the Ligurian sea twinkle like a sheet of diamonds around curves of beach where tanned bodies play volleyball and pipe-smoking men play pétanque . From the top deck, you can peek over wrought-iron balconies, see bundles of magenta bougainvillea pour down walls on thin streets and listen to the sound of supercars growling through Monaco.

8.  The Death Railways from Bangkok to Nam Tok, Thailand

During World War II, the Japanese used prisoners of war to construct a railway connecting Thailand and Burma – with the aim of invading India. Under wretched conditions, the men built 372 miles of track, with one death for every sleeper laid. With a harrowing history, a segment of the railway continues to run today from Bangkok to Nam Tok through some of Thailand’s most spectacular scenery. With branches thwacking the windows and vendors hawking sticky rice and chicken satay on board, the train runs along trestle bridges, over wide rivers with floating villages bobbing around, and even across the infamous bridge on the River Kwai. There is a museum at the end where passengers can listen to testimony from survivors and walk along old sleepers still visible through the dirt.

9.  Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to London

Probably the most famous train in the world, the Orient Express is a theatrical performance for those who long to hark back to a golden age of travel. With lacquered marquetry, varnished walls and personal stewards to make up the cabins, the train sweeps passengers into a reverie of pure decadence. Over the clink and shiver of glasses on the table, passengers dine on foie gras, chicken oysters and chunks of sweet lobster tail while the train curves through the Dolomites and around Lake Geneva, with passengers waking in Paris to a basket of warm croissants and fresh coffee. Unable to travel through the Channel Tunnel, the train deposits passengers in Calais, but there’s a British Pullman service waiting in Kent to carry passengers along the final leg to London Victoria, accompanied by salmon and cucumber sandwiches and pots of hot tea.

Monisha Rajesh is the author of ‘ Around the World in 80 Trains ’, which is published by Bloomsbury.

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The Best Train Trips in the World: 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards

By Todd Plummer

Ah, the allure of train trips . Adventurers and the eco-conscious are drawn to this glamorous, old-world mode of exploration for the impeccable slow-travel vibes, but there’s also something to be said about the perspective found onboard a train; you’re experiencing the landscape and scenery in a way that you can’t experience in any other mode of travel. A train trip often brings you where everyday roads cannot, whether it’s through untouched Malaysian jungles on the revamped Belmond Eastern & Oriental itineraries relaunching in 2024, or high into the Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer. For our 36th annual Readers’ Choice Awards —which capture the travel experiences our readers love best, from hotels and airlines to cruises , islands , and luggage —we called on all of you to rank the best of the best rail journeys out there. Here, dear readers, is how the dice fell.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

20. Inca Rail, South America

If you’re interested in taking a train to Machu Picchu (and unless you’re a mountain goat, we suggest you do), Inca Rail offers a level of convenience that is difficult to match—and it’s also worth mentioning that the First Class service is priced more accessibly than other luxury operators servicing the same route. While on board, you can expect a tasty menu prepared with organic ingredients grown right in the Sacred Valley, live Peruvian music, ample windows through which you can admire the staggering Andean scenery, and a spacious Observatory Lounge complete with open-air balcony. For fresh and frothy Pisco sours this good, this is one train that’s well worth the price of admission.

19. Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Spain

Take in all the sights and flavors of Spain ’s iconic northern coastline on this luxurious sleeper train, which over the course of a week makes its way between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela. You’ll enjoy on-board cuisine that celebrates each of the distinct regions through which this train passes, from Galicia to Basque Country. A unique aspect of this train is that it remains stationary overnight, allowing for late-night excursions and explorations that are uncommon on other sleeper train experiences.

18. Glacier Express, Switzerland

It’s been said that the Glacier Express is the slowest express in the world–it takes eight hours to traverse the 180-mile journey–but boy, do the views here invite a slow journey. Connecting the resort towns of Zermatt and Saint Moritz, the train provides an up-close perspective of some of this mountainous country’s most iconic natural features, including the Matterhorn, Piz Bernina, and the Rhine Gorge (dubbed Switzerland’s Grand Canyon). Book in Excellence Class and you’ll be served Champagne at your seat, followed by a six-course meal complete with wine pairings.

17. The Canadian, Canada

Take in every mile of the vast Canadian landscape from The Canadian , a special sleeper service offered by VIA Rail, the country’s national rail carrier. Keep in mind that this train is more about sightseeing from the cars than actually getting off and doing anything. But if you’re traveling in the comfort of Prestige Class—with your own private cabin, private washroom and built-in TV screen monitor with video selection—you’ll be perfectly content to take in the journey from the privacy of your very own picture window.

Caitlin Morton

CNT Editors

Jessica Puckett

16. The Ghan, Australia

Completed in 1929, The Ghan runs through the heart of the Australian continent , from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north. It may have only started running its current route in 2004, but its history dates to the 19th century, its name harkening to the Afghan camel trainers and riders who first helped chart a course through the country’s interior. The three-day all-inclusive journey sees the train lilting its way through Australia’s Red Centre with diverse landscapes passing by. Travel through the expansive ridges of the MacDonnell Ranges, witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Simpsons Gap, and visit the opal town of Coober Pedy.

15. JR Kyushu 36+3, Japan

This train’s unusual name derives from Kyushu being the 36th-largest island in the world, and there being three key stakeholders on this journey: the passengers, the local community, and the rail company, JR Kyushu. It isn’t a sleeper train, instead offering a series of weeklong roster of one-day itineraries around the perimeter of Kyushu–a do one, do them all, or do as many as you like situation–but the journey is no less enriching for it. The inside feels like a ryokan, featuring immaculate woodwork made from local techniques, comfortable furniture, and a mix of private and communal spaces. It’s a gorgeous way to get off the beaten track on this gorgeous Japanese island, packing in a number of stops and towns into a single day of productive–yet comfortable–sightseeing.

14. Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia

The E&O is the stuff of train enthusiasts’ legends, and in February 2024, this storied train will at long last resume service after its pandemic-era pause–sort of. The train’s journey originally connected Singapore and Bangkok, but as of the new year will offer journeys through the jungles and coastlines of Malaysia, but all originating in and returning to Singapore. It isn’t the classic E&O route, but these new itineraries will offer deeper explorations of Malaysia than ever before, including guided snorkeling on Langkawi and excursions to Taman Negara National Park. Despite the new itineraries, the train still has all the old world touches that people love: Order a Singapore Sling in the Bar Car, take it to the outdoor viewing platform as the Malaysian jungle rolls on by, and you just might forget what year we’re living in.

13. Northern Belle, Europe

It’s all about the food—and the scenery, too, but mostly about the food—onboard this lovingly restored 1930s train , which zig-zags its way across the English, Scottish and Welsh countrysides. Each of the journeys on offer are day trips, so they require less of a time (and money) commitment than other luxury trains. But what the Northern Belle lacks in length she more than makes up for in quality: The meal services are exquisite, offering fine dining crafted mostly from U.K. suppliers, so you can enjoy classic British fare as the heaths, meadows, and dales roll on by.

12. The Maharajas' Express, India

There are luxury sleeper trains, and then there are luxury sleeper trains like the Maharaja’s Express , where a greeting of marigold garlands and rose petals showered at your feet kicks off the journey before your personal butler escorts you to your room. The Junior Suite rooms are surprisingly spacious, especially by train travel standards, and come with full-sized closets, comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and satellite TVs. Both of the on board watering holes–the Safari Bar and the Raja Club–have plenty of chairs, comfy sofas, books and board games. Each day of the itinerary includes special opportunities to experience India through the train’s luxurious and singular perspective: like an early-morning champagne breakfast on a private hillside overlooking the Taj Mahal.

11. Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland

It’s about the journey, not the destination, right? Nowhere is train travel more indulgent—or convenient!—than on Belmond’s Royal Scotsman , which departs from and arrives at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station. With only 40 guests onboard, the train circumnavigates the heart of the Scottish Highlands, passing such landmarks as the Kyle of Lochalsh and Cairngorms National Park. There’s even a dedicated spa carriage, where the specialists are trained to synchronize their motions with the natural lilts and tilts of the train. If that’s not luxury, we’re not sure what is.

10. Belmond Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, South America

Named after the U.S. explorer who supposedly “discovered” Machu Picchu in 1911, the Belmond Hiram Bingham train line is as grand as the man’s claims. The round-trip journey connects the city of Poroy (just west of Cuzco) to the Lost City and Sacred Valley of Machu Picchu. The Belmond Hiram Bingham turns on the turn-of-the-20th-century charm, from gleaming polished wood and brass surfaces to lavish meals and accommodations, which offer plenty of space to stretch out: the perfect setting for viewing the mountains and rivers zooming past the window.

9. Golden Chariot, India

Experience a mix of Southern India’s greatest hits and lesser-explored destinations on board the iconic purple and gold Golden Chariot , which connects the Indian states of Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. All itineraries depart from Bengaluru, with options for both three-night and six-night journeys. This train’s strength is its access to off-beat attractions than what you’ll find on the well-worn Golden Triangle, such as the ruins of Hampi. With sparse crowds, and a comfortable train to retreat to at the end of each day, it’s an approach to India that captures all the magic this country has to offer.

8. Golden Eagle Danube Express, Europe

A pioneer in luxury trains for three decades, Golden Eagle is perhaps best known for its Silk Road and Trans-Siberian routes, but the Danube Express unlocks an approach to Southern and Eastern Europe which is no less breathtaking and engaging. The “Castles of Transylvania” route from Istanbul to Budapest is particularly unique–spend all day learning about Vlad the Impaler’s history through guided tours, then spend all night luxuriating in the comfort of the bar car or in the privacy of your room. It’s a combination of Europe’s best cities and most dramatic natural landscapes that is hard to experience in one go any other way.

7. Rocky Mountaineer, North America

Traveling in a coach outfitted with picture windows and glass-dome ceilings means that a Rocky Mountaineer journey leaves no sight unseen as you traverse the dramatic scenery between Vancouver , British Columbia and Banff or Jasper, Alberta. Sample local Canadian beer, wine and snacks as you kick back and enjoy the ride. The staff’s friendly service and animated storytelling help bring the landscape to life. It’s personal touches like those which keep travelers coming away from this trip amply satisfied time and time again. Since it was founded in 1990, Rocky Mountaineer has transported more than two million guests, making it the largest privately-owned premium tourist train in the world.

6. Rovos Rail, Africa

This extravagant railway has been traveling throughout Africa for over thirty years. The experiences start before you even board—when departing from Pretoria, Rovos Rail travelers are granted exclusive access to a private lounge, where Champagne and canapés greet them—and a strict “no cellphone” rule is maintained for your own good. Enjoy the moment(s) provided by this line, which range from cozy digs to formal-attired evenings, as well as full-sized, freestanding clawfoot tubs in the most grand compartments. All Rovos Rail journeys include off-train cultural, historical and safari excursions so guests can experience all the wonders that Southern Africa has to offer. The three-night Cape Town journey is a classic, but if you’re feeling extra adventurous and have a few more nights to spare, opt for the newer fifteen-day “Trail of Two Oceans” itinerary, originating in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, crossing Zambia, traversing a sliver of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and concluding in Lobito, Angola.

5. Belmond Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train, South America

Weaving through the Peruvian Andes at 14,000 feet, the Belmond Andean Explorer transports passengers between Arequipa and Cusco on one- and two-night journeys. There are just thirty-five cabins on board, each outfitted with alpaca wool blankets and handwoven fabrics for an authentic yet luxe feel. Two dining cars and two bar cars serve the whims of every guest with bites like alpaca tortellini and (of course) champagne. The train also makes excursions to Lake Titicaca , where guests can learn about local customs, visit Incan ruins, and take in breath-taking views.

4. British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England

The British Pullman ’s experience is magical no matter where you’re seated. Once you depart London , you’ll embark on a journey through the bucolic British countryside, touring cities and towns like Cambridge, York, and Canterbury along the way. The restored carriages date back to the 1920s and 1930s, so expect Art Deco touches, polished interiors, and classically prepared multi-course meals—this is the same train line that has served British royalty and government officials for years, after all.

3. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

Year after year, the world’s most iconic locomotive continues to be a standard-setter in luxury. Of course, the decadent interiors are a fantasy of 1920’s Art Deco design, but it’s the impeccable service that keeps this train firmly ensconced in a class of its own. Bags are whisked off from the platform and magically reappear in your cabin, no glass ever runs empty, and the beds seem to make themselves anytime you step outside of your cabin. By day you can revel in the scenery of French countrysides and Swiss mountain scenes, and by night, the formal dress code feels anything but stuffy—in fact, playing dress up and making your way to the Champagne bar is, we think, one of the coolest experiences anyone could have on a train. For 2023, this over-the-top train is getting even more luxe updates, including eight new suites, two of which are original 1920s and 30s carriages carefully restored by expert French craftsmen and designers–so there’s no time like the present to book that bucket-list trip.

2. Palace on Wheels, India

India’s best-known train, the Palace on Wheels , offers a number of trips that range from a couple days to week-long excursions. Embarking from New Delhi through the Land of Kings, trips take you through the famed Pink City of Jaipur, in Rajasthan, where guests are greeted by majestic UNESCO sites like the Amer Fort as well as 16th century palaces. You can also visit Agra, home to the Taj Mahal and the perfect stop for a tour of some of the country's most iconic sites. Along the way, enjoy regional cuisine in well-appointed, colorful carriages decked out in Indian textiles.

1. Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan

Train lovers consider this opulent Japanese locomotive among the most spacious and comfortable of them all. Every inch of Seven Stars' Kyushu train—from the beds, to the bathroom sinks, to the woodwork, to the porcelain dinner plates—is handmade by Japanese artisans, and the service is simply exquisite, with each journey limited to a positively intimate twenty passengers; but it’s not just about the onboard experience with Seven Stars. These four-day, three-night trips travel a circuit around the island of Kyushu, making stops at the region’s best shrines, onsens, porcelain studios, and more, so you truly feel like you’re exploring an authentic side of Japan , far away from the more obvious tourist tracks.

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• The 10 most beautiful train journeys in the world
• < Travel inspiration

Travel inspiration

By David Szmidt April 5, 2023

By David Szmidt | April 5, 2023

Last update: May 19, 2023

What is the most scenic train journey in the world? We’ve chosen some of the most amazing routes in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australasia for an epic adventure by train

From one-day sightseeing trips to spectacular, week-long rides that cross entire continents, we’ve found ten train journeys that are crying out for a window seat. Castles, mountains, rivers, plains, and even rainforests can be seen on your way as you ride the rails on these ten beautiful routes.

North America

Rocky mountaineer’s first passage to the west, canada.

The Rocky Mountaineer company provides a number of trips and holidays by train, and the First Passage to the West is the most well-known. From Vancouver , the routes take you high into the Canadian Rockies, through mountain passes and vast canyons, and across the wilds of British Columbia. Into Alberta and onto Banff, you’ll see some of the most jaw-dropping scenery anywhere in the Americas.

There are curated packages depending on what you’re looking for. From the basic two-day trip from Vancouver to Banff, you can also opt for extra sightseeing tours, or to do a four to five-day round trip. Their Rainforest to Gold Rush route is even longer, again starting in Vancouver, but winding its way north and east for three days, traveling via Whistler and ending in the town of Jasper, surrounded by snow-capped alpine peaks.

Pacific Surfliner, US

A US road trip without having to do any driving? Sounds good, right? Well, that’s pretty much what’s going on here: 560 kilometers of Southern California coast between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, with Los Angeles being the rough halfway point.

It follows the coast almost continuously, the line being mere feet from the ocean at points. The inland sections cross farmland and wide open spaces, as well as wild contrasts such as industrial areas on the outskirts of the cities. It’s not the longest journey on this list — end-to-end is around eight and a half hours — but it’s a great way of traveling from place to place over a longer time at a scenic, relaxed pace.

Linha do Douro, Portugal

The Linha do Douro takes its name from the Douro River which, for much of this route’s 160-kilometer length, runs alongside. The Douro Valley is one of Europe’s most well-known regions of vineyards , with thousands of acres covering the landscape all around.

The route connects two very different places: the village of Pocinho, high up in the Alto Douro, and the city of Porto on the Atlantic coast. The whole journey takes around three and a half hours, but the trains are nicely regular, so there are plenty of chances to hop off and explore some of the towns en route, or even do a part of the route by boat.

Flåmsbana, Norway

This isn’t much of an adventure, but it certainly is a pretty route. In 20 kilometers and about an hour, the train takes you from sea level at the Aurlandsfjord in Flåm to Myrdal mountain station. The Flåm Valley is home to beautiful villages, meadows and flowers; the higher the train climbs, the more spectacular the scenery becomes.

Following a sparkling blue river that crashes and flows down the valley, the line teeters on the edge of seemingly impassable cliffs, heading through 20 tunnels cut into the rock, and emerging at the Kjosfossen waterfall where the train stops for passengers to take photos.

Glacier Express, Switzerland

One of the most beautiful countries in Europe in terms of scenery, Switzerland is also famous for its railways, which are clean, punctual, and — through sheer luck of being in such a mountainous country — spectacular. Wandering for eight hours across the south of the country between St. Moritz and Zermatt, the line winds its way through dazzling Alpine scenery, across narrow bridges crossing heart-stopping ravines, through tunnels, and alongside burbling rivers.

It’s a thoroughly modern service, with excellent food available on board, and views enhanced by the fact that the carriages have huge windows and glass ceilings, meaning an even more panoramic experience. You’ll rarely have rolled into any destination more stylishly.

Trans-Siberian Railway

The grandfather of them all — almost 10,000 kilometers of railway stretching between Moscow and Vladivostok. Commissioned on the whim of Emperor Alexander III, it was already being written about in awed terms before it was even completed, as adventurers and railway enthusiasts rode sections of the journey in anticipation.

Time hasn’t dulled its appeal, although the current political situation has made things more difficult. What hasn’t changed is the sheer scale of it. The journey takes eight days and spans eight time zones , navigating mountain passes, crossing steppe, and skirting rivers and lakes. The ever-changing landscape is a different planet depending on the season as well, so a glorious, colorful summer journey is a completely different experience from a winter trip across ice fields and past frozen bodies of water. If you choose to do it, it remains one of the world’s great adventures.

Kandy — Ella, Sri Lanka

Taking anywhere from eight and a half to 10 hours, Kandy to Ella is in fact just one section of a longer line that runs from Colombo to Badulla. Initially built by the colonial British to transport goods such as tea, the line is now a vital transport link for locals.

It’s dusty, it’s hot, it’s exhausting, but it’s also exhilarating as carriages fill with people singing songs, selling delicious homemade food and drinks, laughing and smiling. The train heads through the hills, and through the open windows, you can see dots of people in brightly-colored saris working on the tea farms. You can, if you want, ride this route in a first-class carriage, but why would you do that? This is one route where the stiff, stuffy world of first class goes against the whole point of the journey.

Australasia

Kuranda scenic railway, australia.

Similar to the Flåmsbana above, this is a short pleasure trip more than a grand adventure, with a one-way trip taking just under two hours. It’s absolutely worth it, though, as the train winds its way from the city of Cairns on the coast up and across the Great Dividing Range to the rural town of Kuranda, situated deep in the Wet Tropics rainforest.

The sights, sounds and smells of the rainforest pour in through the train windows into the period carriages as you snake your way through lush forests, across precipitous bridges and past crashing waterfalls. There’s a commentary as the journey continues, letting you know what you’re seeing, and teaching you about the history of the rainforest and the railway.

TranzAlpine, New Zealand

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Great Journeys New Zealand (@greatjourneysnz)

Not only an example of New Zealand ’s love of a deliberately misplaced letter Z (see also: Split Enz ), the TranzAlpine is also one of the southern hemisphere’s most scenic train journeys. The route crosses the country’s South Island, between Christchurch and Greymouth, and takes around five hours to complete its 223 kilometers.

Beginning by crossing the patchwork fields of Canterbury Plains, the train rumbles towards Springfield, the gateway to the Southern Alps. Previously, the line had ended here, before planning, engineering and bravery constructed a track through the mighty mountains. Via the township of Arthur’s Pass, the train climbs along the cliffs of the Waimakariri River, through 15 tunnels and over four dizzying viaducts. Once over the mountains, the landscape turns lush and green as you pass rivers, lakes and forests before finally arriving at Greymouth.

South America

Serra verde express, brazil.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Serra Verde Express (@serraverde_oficial)

Running from the city of Curitiba almost a kilometer above sea level, the Serra Verde is a route that began in the 19th century through the Belgian-French company Chemin de Fer Bresilien acquiring permission to build a railway to open up trade routes. It now exists as a train carrying tourists for three hours down to the town of Morretes.

It begins in the heavily-forested mountains and heads into the Pico do Marumbi State Park. A tropical wilderness of crashing waterfalls and cloud forests, make sure you get a seat by an open window to experience the full sensation of the breeze, the smells of vegetation and water, and the thrill of flying over viaducts with seemingly nothing beneath you. That, by the way, means getting a cheaper ticket — the only class that’s air-conditioned (and therefore has sealed windows) is the top Litorina de Luxo class, so get anything but that. What’s the point in being sealed in on a trip like this?!

Did you like this article? Find more on Kiwi.com Stories .

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These Are the Most Beautiful Train Rides in the World

From rainforests to deserts, and everywhere in between.

Hopping on a plane may be convenient, but nothing is more romantic than a long train ride through the countryside. After all, in what other instance is the journey just as beautiful as the destination? And since trains often traverse lesser-known towns and landscapes, you're more likely to catch sight of something off the beaten path, not least because railroad tracks are often laid in locations where foot traffic isn't common. Of course, not all train journeys are created equal, but these will have you staring out the window in awe. Read on for the most beautiful train rides in the world.

Hudson River Rail Excursions

Nevada Northern Railway

Just four hours outside of Las Vegas in Ely, Nevada, this historic steam train takes its passengers back in time. Just as it has done for nearly a century, the Nevada Northern Railway journeys through the Robinson Canyon towards the Ruth Copper Mining District for a ride that's teeming with history. In addition to normal daytime rides, the rail line also offers a nighttime tour, dubbed the " star train ," where riders can take in the beautiful night sky sans light pollution. The train will make a stop so that passengers can view the night sky using a telescope. (Note: this tour sells out up to a year in advance, so book early !) For sky gazers with an earlier bedtime, the line also offers a " Sunset, Stars, and Champagne " trip, which arrives and leaves the station a bit earlier. As its name suggests, guests will be able to enjoy a glass of champagne as they watch the sky transform from day to night.

Pacific Surfliner

Tourists and locals alike should check out Southern California's Pacific Surfliner route. Operated by Amtrak, the coastal trek stretches from San Louis Obispo to San Diego, with stops in major cities like Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Irvine. An eight-plus journey from beginning to end, the route offers unreal views of the Pacific Ocean and makes a host of attractions accessible along the way (think: beaches, wineries, and major stadiums).

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Originally opened to transport gold and silver ore mined from Colorado's San Juan Mountains, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is now a popular historic railway with "unparalleled scenery," as its website describes. The train has been in continuous operation since 1882. Passengers can expect views of the Animas river (pictured here), the iconic Horseshoe Curve, and the High Bridge.

The Glacier Express

Get your camera ready. Departing from St. Moritz and ending in Zermatt, The Glacier Express takes passengers through the Swiss Alps and every type of landscape, from age-old forests to picturesque towns and, as the name suggests, pristine glaciers. You'll also see popular sites like the Landwasser Viaduct (shown), the Rhine Gorge, otherwise known as the "Grand Canyon of Switzerland," and the famous Matterhorn. And while the sites alone are enough to entice any traveler to hop aboard, the luxe train offers one of the most opulent classes of train travel. The Excellence Class rivals even the most lavish hotels, offering five course meals, unlimited drinks and coffee, and a bustling bar car for cocktails with a view.

Rocky Mountaineer

The Canadaian Rocky Mountaineer operates four distinct rail routes, all more beautiful than the next. The trail takes passengers through the Rocky Mountains the connect British Columbia and Alberta, offering stunning views of forests, fields, peaks, and valleys along the way. Perhaps the most popular of their offerings, GoldLeaf service allows passengers to take in 360-degree views from a glass-domed double-level train car. There's even an outdoor viewing platform, perfect for taking in the fresh mountain air.

Jacobite Steam Train

Starting near Britain's highest mountain, Ben Navis, and ending in the busy fishing port of Mallaig, the Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland is a must-see. Along the 84-mile journey, you'll make stops in quintessential villages like Glenfinnan, Lochailort, Arisaig, and Morar. Harry Potter fans, take note: The Jacobite was an inspiration for the Hogwarts Express.

Napa Valley Wine Train

Equal parts restaurant and museum, the Napa Valley Wine train takes you through some of California's most beautiful wineries on a 36-mile long roundtrip excursion train ride between Napa and St.Helena. For riders who want 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, book the Vista Dome, an observation-style dining car steeped in luxury.

Grand Canyon National Railway

Departing daily from Williams, Arizona, the Grand Canyon National Railway features western musicians, cowboy characters, and beautiful views before delivering you to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. And because Grand Canyon Country features landscapes at varying elevations, you'll see a variety of different environments, from the Ponderosa pine forest that surrounds Williams to a wide-open prairie.

Copper Canyon Railroad

The Copper Canyon Train was designed to connect the Pacific Ocean with Mexico’s central desert territory and has been a popular trip with tourists since its inception. The four-hour route traverses snow-topped mountains and primeval forests as it journeys through Mexico's Cooper Canyon, a site four times bigger than the Grand Canyon, to the coast.

Kuranda Scenic Railway

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a two-hour journey that begins in the coastal city of Cairns and ends in the town of Kuranda. Along the way, you'll experience waterfalls, mountains, and hundreds of species of flowers, trees, and wildlife, as well as one of the world's oldest rainforests, located in Queensland, Australia.

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The Most Epic Train Journeys in the World

Posted: April 7, 2024 | Last updated: April 7, 2024

Scenic train rides

Train travel evokes a sense of wonder and nostalgia often unmatched by other forms of modern transportation. Flying is amazing, but you’re thousands of feet in the sky, far away from the land below. Driving is helpful for stopping as you please, but you’re focused on the road, unable to fully share in the passing scenery.

On a train ride, you simply sit back and enjoy the landscapes as they roll by. It’s a step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life because the experience receives your full attention. 

You don’t typically choose to ride a train because it’s the most convenient or affordable option (in many cases it’s not), but because you want a unique and memorable experience.

If you want to enjoy one of these 15 scenic train rides, it will likely take some planning. But it is indeed possible to  take your dream trip without creating debt . 

After the list of epic rail journeys, we’ve shared a list of money moves you can make in preparation for future train travel. Applying these tips could help you achieve the financial freedom you need to take one of these incredible train rides.

1. Inca Rail First Class – Machu Picchu, Peru

The Inca Rail First Class train isn’t the only way to make it to Machu Picchu, Peru, but it’s one of the best. Large, comfortable seats and massive windows help you relax and enjoy the ride from the town of Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu.

Of course, to even get to this point of your journey, you’ve likely already passed through the ancient Incan capital of Cusco and the beautiful Sacred Valley region. 

This train ride helps to build the anticipation even more as one of the final steps before seeing Machu Picchu for yourself. Heading into the Andean jungle while following the Urubamba River is a great precursor to the big event up in the mountains.

In addition, Inca Rail First Class passengers are provided with meal service and drinks during the nearly two-hour train ride.

2. Adirondack Scenic Railroad – New York, United States

Upstate New York is an ideal destination for immersing yourself in beautiful foliage and visiting quaint towns and villages seemingly untouched by time. The Adirondack Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for a train ride along the Adirondack Scenic Railroad.

Choose from one-way or round-trip itineraries between Utica and Thendara (Old Forge) and enjoy train travel through lush forests and over multiple rivers and streams. A one-way journey takes about 2.5 hours, whereas a round trip takes about 4.5 hours. Be sure to include time in your itinerary to visit and explore the Old Forge area if you want a true upstate New York experience.

3. California Zephyr – United States

If cross-country train trips are your thing, add the California Zephyr ride to your bucket list. This train journey, operated by Amtrak, runs from Chicago, Illinois, to Emeryville (San Francisco), California, and takes more than 50 hours to complete.

The itinerary also includes stops along the way in Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. It’s possible to create a customized itinerary for part of the journey, like jumping on in Denver, Colorado, and getting off in Reno, Nevada.

Many of the scenic highlights include mountain ranges like the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevadas. Near the end of your journey you’ll also be able to see the San Pablo Bay and Carquinez Strait.

4. Pacific Surfliner – California, United States

The Pacific Surfliner, also operated by Amtrak, offers a stunning train journey along 351 miles of California’s Pacific coastline from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. Take your time to enjoy views of pristine beaches and rolling green hills from the comfort of your reclining seat.

Potential stops to visit along the way include Grover Beach, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Los Angeles and Anaheim. Each destination has its own range of activities and highlights. The beach is located just two blocks from the Santa Barbara rail station or you could head to the Channel Islands National Park from Oxnard.

5. Sri Lanka Railways – Sri Lanka

If you’ve seen photos of passengers hanging out of a blue train surrounded by dense, green foliage, you’ve likely seen the Sri Lanka Railways journey from Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka. 

Although it may not be recommended to hang from objects moving at high speeds, you wouldn’t want to miss the views on this train ride between the central city of Kandy and the small southern town of Ella.

The ride takes about seven hours and offers views of tea plantations, green hills, bridges and villages. It’s recommended not to book first class tickets for your itinerary, as you won’t have the experience of mingling with the locals and having open windows.

6. The Jacobite – Scotland, United Kingdom

The Jacobite steam train is run by West Coast Railways, an independent train operating company based out of Lancashire, England. This train ride takes you on an 84-mile round-trip journey between Fort William and Mallaig in the Scottish Highlands.

The Scottish Highlands are a global destination known for their impressive natural beauty, including striking lochs and windswept hills. However, The Jacobite train in particular is famous for its starring role as The Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films.

For the full magical experience, book a first class “HP” compartment carriage for your own private compartment with a large viewing window. This will help you take in the sights, including the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

7. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – Europe

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, operated by Belmond, offers modern luxury travelers the opportunity to experience a journey reminiscent of famous train rides of the past. 

This train can take you through many popular European cities, though it depends on which booking you select. London, England, to Venice, Italy, is a classic route, but you may prefer Paris, France, to Venice or Paris to Verona, Italy.

Whichever route you select, you’ll enjoy panoramic scenes of lush vineyards and mountain landscapes as you travel through Western Europe. You’ll pay more for this luxury experience, but getting to take in the scenery from your own private cabin might be well worth the cost.

8. Snowdon Mountain Railway – Wales, United Kingdom

For a shorter train journey with unbelievable views, consider a ride with Snowdon Mountain Railway in Wales. A small diesel carriage takes passengers nearly the whole way up to the summit of Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales.

The journey takes about 45 minutes and ends at Clogwyn Station, where you can take time to enjoy the views of Snowdonia National Park. The park is within driving distance of Liverpool, so it could provide a welcome escape from the city if you’re interested.

9. Northern Explorer – New Zealand

The longest running passenger service in New Zealand is ready to give you a taste of everything the North Island has to offer. For a full-day journey, take the Northern Explorer train from Auckland to Wellington, with seven stops in between. Of course, if you’re coming from the South Island, you’d take the train in the opposite direction from Wellington to Auckland.

Highlights on your trip may include spending time in both cities, but also taking in the unique views of New Zealand. Gaze out across the rocky Kapiti Coast, admire the white cliffs above the Rangitikei River, and marvel at the Ruapehu active volcano in the distance. If you have the time, be sure to make a few stops.

10. Korail V-Train – South Korea

South Korea’s Korail offers a variety of train routes for traversing different parts of the country while enjoying the scenery along the way. The V-Train follows a route through different valleys in a mountainous region of the country between Buncheon and Cheoram.

Three observatory cabins provide ample space to enjoy the passing scenery and there’s a mini cafe if you need refreshment. The V-Train runs at a slower pace than typical transporter trains so you can take your time with sightseeing.

11. Mount Fuji Shinkansen – Japan

Japan’s Shinkansen, or bullet train, is an experience in itself with a top speed of nearly 200 mph. But the journey becomes more special when you include sights along the way, such as Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain and an active volcano.

If you’re traveling by train between Tokyo and Kyoto, consider your seating selection so you get the best view of Mount Fuji as you speed by. You want to be on the right side of the train car if you’re coming from Tokyo and the left side if you’re coming from Kyoto. Of course, it’s best to hope for a clear day so the massive mountain is visible.

12. Bernina Express – Switzerland

Do you dream of viewing and crossing the incredible Alps landscape from the comfort of a train car? If so, consider the Bernina Express, by the Swiss Rhaetian Railway company, to bring your dreams to life. The train journey begins in Chur, Switzerland, and ends in Tirano, Italy.

Along the way you’ll cross 196 bridges and pass through 55 tunnels, all while enjoying pristine alpine landscapes and panoramic views. Highlights include multiple viaducts, views of glaciers, and passing the highest point of the journey at 2,253 meters (about 7,400 feet) above sea level. The full journey takes about four hours.

13. Bergen Railway – Norway

If you’re exploring the Scandinavian lands of Norway, take the opportunity to travel from Bergen to Oslo by train on the Bergen Railway. This train ride takes about seven hours, has 22 stops, and passes through 180 tunnels. In addition, you’ll see plenty of amazing scenery, including potential views of forests, lakes, mountains, fjords, rivers and waterfalls.

For an additional boost of pleasant views, get off the train at the Myrdal stop and take another train to Flåm. This side adventure has been called one of the top 10 train journeys in Europe, as well as the best train journey in the world.

14. Rocky Mountaineer – Canada

The Rocky Mountaineer is a Canadian company that offers three rail journeys in Canada and will soon offer one U.S. rail journey as well (coming August 2021). The most popular route is from Vancouver to Banff/Lake Louise. This ride takes you through the Spiral Tunnels, next to mountains and past stunning lakes.

If you want to break up the trip, book a package deal that includes overnight stays along the way. This can help you enjoy the journey more by spending time in the beautiful provinces of British Columbia and Alberta.

15. Rovos Rail – South Africa

African safaris aren’t limited to lodges and vehicles with four-wheel drive. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for a scenic train ride with Rovos Rail in South Africa instead. You’ll have different itineraries to choose from, but the Cape Town to Pretoria option is likely one of the most epic.

This ride is an 11-day journey that includes an ostrich farm visit, a boat cruise, multiple game drives, city tours and more. In addition, your private sleeper coach makes it easy to enjoy the South African landscapes as you pass by, including the beaches, lakes, and rolling hills of the famous Garden Route.

How to save money on train travel

Train travel can often be expensive, especially if you have to factor in flying to another country and then booking your train tickets. Fortunately, you have options to reduce your train travel costs, including using credit cards.

Here are a few tips to help you save money on train travel.

1. Use credit cards

Many of the best travel credit cards offer rewards for travel purchases, which often includes train tickets. Using the right credit card for booking train travel could net you valuable rewards you can use for future travel redemptions such as flights or hotel stays. 

In addition, if you’re taking a flight or staying in a hotel as part of your train journey, having a credit card with specific perks or benefits can be helpful. Airport lounge access or complimentary elite status at a hotel or could help you save money on parts of your itinerary or simply have a more enjoyable adventure.

2. Earn points

Using specific credit cards to book train tickets, like an Amtrak credit card, can help you earn points and reduce overall travel costs. If you want to save up for a train trip, though, many of the best cashback credit cards offer better rewards on everyday purchases. 

You also have the option to earn points from partnerships with train companies. For example, Amtrak partners with hotel, retail, and car rental companies to provide everyday ways to earn points you can put toward future train tickets.

3. Skip the flight

If you’re already planning to travel to another country or city and have an open itinerary, consider taking a train instead of a flight if geography allows. This will put the money you save from not flying straight into an enjoyable train journey.

4. Pack supplies

The train’s concession or restaurant area can be tempting, but you’ll likely save money if you bring your own food and drinks. Be sure to check ahead of time what the restrictions are for food and beverages on any train ride, as some companies may not allow you to bring your own.

Bottom line

If you’re putting together travel plans, remember to include train travel as an option. Not every train ride will be the same, but it could be a fun opportunity to switch up your typical routine and have a new experience. You’re especially likely to have a memorable trip if you include one of the exciting rail journeys mentioned above.

Keep in mind that train travel doesn’t have to be financially overwhelming if you’re prepared for what to expect. It may be less expensive to travel by train in certain countries, but you have to get to those countries first. So earning points or miles now to cover your flight and hotel expenses could leave more room in your budget for the train rides you want to take.

This article originally appeared on  FinanceBuzz.com   and was syndicated by  MediaFeed.org .

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