great railway journeys from the air

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 August 2019 and updated January 2024

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24 of the greatest rail journeys around the world

The world's greatest train holidays to take for an amazing adventure

With more travellers choosing trains over planes these days, we thought we'd take a look at the world's greatest rail journeys for an unforgettable holiday.

Proving that trains aren't just about getting you from A to B, the world's greatest rail journeys take in fantastic sites, picturesque towns and villages, and amazing wildlife.

We all know that rail travel provides a more eco-friendly and often more affordable way of getting around, but you don't have to compromise on style and luxury when you travel by train.

The great railway journeys of the world include incredible train holidays in the UK, such as the Jacobite in the Scottish Highlands, and amazing train journeys in Europe, like the Bernina Express .

They also allow you to experience the finest things in life, like the champagne and gourmet meals served on the British Pullman and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and the impressive picture windows and comfy interior of the Glacier Express .

To show you why we're celebrating the beauty of great rail journeys, we've picked the very best ones in the UK and the rest of the world to take this year or next.

Whether you're looking for Swiss train holidays in summer or winter or far-flung adventures by rail, you'll love our dreamy bucket list escapes.

Check out the greatest rail journeys, from steam train rides in England to scenic rail holidays in Europe.

Jacobite Steam Train - Great rail journeys

The wonderful Jacobite steam train takes rail holidaymakers from Fort William to Mallaig on an 84-mile steam-hauled journey through spectacular Scottish Highland scenery.

You’ll encounter craggy coastlines and sparkling loch waters on a route that’s packed with superlatives.

One highlight is passing over the amazing 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, just like Harry Potter did in the films.

Experience the Jacobite, along with a Loch Katrine cruise and a ride on the Falkirk Wheel during a four-day Scottish steam adventure, which includes the chance to meet broadcaster Kirsty Wark.

FIND OUT MORE

Rocky Mountaineer - Great rail journeys

The iconic Rocky Mountaineer train takes passengers across the dramatic wilderness of Canada’s epic mountain range the Rockies, weaving through tunnels across glacial rivers and verdant woods.

It offers a chance to spot grizzly bears, golden eagles and other alpine wildlife from its panoramic windows for a world-class rail holiday.

There are routes through Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise, Kamloops, Whistler and Vancouver, and because the train only ever travels during daylight hours, you'll be able to enjoy astonishing views of Canada's scenery as you travel.

Ride the Rocky Mountaineer through Canada's stunning scenery on an unforgettable 13-day tour of Canada and Alaska.

Bernina Express - Great rail journeys

An excellent rail line for anyone wanting to take in the beauty of the Italian and Swiss Alps is the breathtaking Bernina Express, which offers scenic European train travel at its finest.

This world-famous alpine train route takes passengers from Tirana in Italy to St Moritz in Switzerland, passing stunning mountain tops and pristine lakes along the way.

The spacious, panoramic carriages provide a unique viewpoint for you to admire the best of Switzerland’s scenery on a rail holiday you'll never forget.

Travel on the Bernina Express to St Moritz on Good Housekeeping's eight-day trip to Italy and Switzerland.

Renon Railway — Great rail journeys

Take a trip on the narrow-gauge Renon Railway in the South Tyrol in northern Italy, a small, hundred-year-old train that transports passengers across the Ritten plateau on an 18-minute journey to Collalbo, a pretty town that's a real magnet for walkers.

Some of the original cars are still operational, whereas others have been replaced with modern counterparts. Either way, you'll get simply superb views of the mountainous scenery.

Try the Renon Railway and other famous train journeys through the Dolomites on Good Housekeeping's delightful nine-day trip to Italy.

Poppy Line - Great rail journeys

One of Britain's best heritage railways is the North Norfolk Railway, or the Poppy Line as it is also known.

The relaxed train journey takes passengers from Sheringham along the coast to Weybourne and through beautiful heathland to Holt.

Its steam trains are run by volunteers and offer a slow-paced holiday in Norfolk. You'll want to check out the 1950s waiting room and restored signal box at Sheringham Station.

Ride the Poppy Line with Lucy Worsley on a tour of Norfolk and Sandringham by rail with celebrated historian Lucy Worsley.

The Centovalli Railway - Great rail journeys

The Centovalli Railway is one of the lesser-known routes between the lakeside Swiss town of Locarno and the northern Italian city of Domodossola.

The enchanting route will take you past romantic villages, lush green hills, sweeping valleys, and glistening waterfalls. You'll also cross an incredible 83 bridges and viaducts on the 50-kilometre route, including the impressive viaduct at Intragna.

Take a ride on the Centovalli Railway as part of Good Housekeeping's nine-day no-fly tour of the Italian lakes and the majestic peaks of Switzerland.

Bure Valley Railway - Great rail journeys

One of Britain’s most picturesque regions, Norfolk is full of beautiful sights, from the famous Broads to its magnificent stately homes. It's also a great spot for a foodie break, with its rich agricultural heritage and long coastline. As if that wasn’t tempting enough, you can travel by train through Norfolk on a number of historic railways.

The Bure Valley Railway is one of the best. Hop on board a steam train for a nostalgic trip along Norfolk’s longest narrow-gauge railway. The 18-mile round trip runs from the quaint market town of Aylsham and bustling Wroxham, taking you through the delightful Bure Valley.

You can enjoy a ride on the Bure Valley Railway during a five-day trip to Norfolk - where you'll also tour Sandringham with Lucy Worsley.

Rauma Railway - Great rail journeys

Lovers of lakes and mountain scenery will want to add Norway’s Rauma Railway to their travel plans for 2024.

Stretching 114km, the route takes you from the pretty winter sports resort of Dombas all the way to the mouth of the River Rauma at Andalsnes, passing over 32 bridges and through six different tunnels.

During your journey, you’ll glide past rocky peaks, deep valleys, iconic fjords and thick forests, all of the countryside making Norway a special destination for nature lovers. The granite Kylling Bridge is a highlight, with the Rauma River tumbling over the rocks 200 feet below and the dramatic Vermafossen waterfall nearby.

You'll have the chance to ride the Rauma Railway on our week-long cruise around Norway's incredible fjords and enjoy one of the most scenic parts of the country by rail.

Shinkansen - Great rail journeys

Clean, punctual and speedy, the Shinkansen, or Japan 's bullet train, is the fastest and most comfortable route between Tokyo and Osaka, arriving in a record time of just 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Thanks to the incredible feats of engineering, your surroundings will mostly whizz past so quickly that you’ll be lucky to catch a glimpse! Riding the Tokaido Shinkansen is a fascinating cultural experience that makes for a long-haul rail holiday to remember.

Experience the thrill of the bullet train on our 13-day trip to Japan. You'll ride the iconic train from Tokyo to to Odawara, where you'll a boat trip on tranquil Lake Ashi before ascending over 2,000 metres up Mount Fuji.

Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway - Great rail journeys

Transporting you through the atmospheric landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales in beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages, this great rail journey conjures up scenes from countless classics of English literature.

You’ll stop at Oakworth Station along the way, which you might recognise from the 1970 film The Railway Children . It’s barely changed in the decades since and adds to the sense of nostalgia on this charming English steam train journey.

Ride the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway during Good Housekeeping's delightful five-day walking tour of the Yorkshire Dales.

Trinichellu — Great rail journeys

Crisscrossing Corsica are the little trinichellu, small trains mounted onto narrow tracks, which make their way across the island and up and down the coast between Calvi and Ile-Rousse. They're mostly used as a shuttle service for the beaches, providing passengers with glorious views as they're transported to Corsica's lovely coastline, lapped with clear water.

Board the trinichellu in Corté, and the train crosses the Eiffel bridge - or the Vecchio Viaduct to give it its official name - and it seems to zig-zag around the bends all the way to the beach at Ajaccio.

Ride the little trains of Corsica during Good Housekeeping's delightful nine-day holiday, including a ride along the coast to Calvi, where you'll enjoy its beautiful beaches and crescent-shaped bay.

Glacier Express - Great rail journeys

Another must-do Swiss rail holiday is the Glacier Express, a wonderful train that allows you to truly appreciate the romantic scenery of the Swiss Alps. Autumn and winter are great seasons to visit, where the landscapes are enhanced by fiery orange hues or covered in a thick blanket of pristine snow.

Dubbed the world's slowest express train, it's an eight-hour experience that takes you through forests, over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, with the majestic peaks of the Alps all around.

The large windows allow you to take in all the views, with highlights including the arches of the Landwasser Viaduct and the jagged scenes of the Rhine Gorge.

Join Good Housekeeping for a very special ride on the Glacier Express during a five-day trip to Switzerland. You'll enjoy a three-course lunch while you ascend into the mountains, travelling through the dramatic Oberalp Pass.

Mont Blanc Express - Great rail journeys

Glide through the beautiful French Alps all the way to the foot of their tallest mountain, Mont Blanc , on this magical journey that’s straight out of a postcard.

Comfortable carriages with large picture windows will let you take in all of the beautiful views as you travel from Martigny in Switzerland to the French village of Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains – with mighty Mont Blanc views along the way.

You’ll pass over arched bridges, across leafy valleys, through tunnels and by pretty pine forests, and you can connect to the Brevent cable car in Chamonix. This will take you 2,525 metres above sea level for truly spectacular panoramic views of the Chamonix Valley.

Experience the Mont Blanc Express on a relaxing six-day holiday with Good Housekeeping, which includes a stay on the shores of Lake Annecy.

British Pullman, A Belmond Train - Great rail journeys

This opulent train is steeped in history. Its elegant carriages have starred in Hollywood films, formed part of Winston Churchill’s funeral train, and transported several members of the Royal Family.

A ride on the British Pullman, A Belmond Train will have you feeling like a royal yourself. You'll be welcomed aboard this beautifully restored 1920s train with a chilled Bellini cocktail before sitting back in a decadent art deco carriage at a table set with crisp white linens.

The Ghan - Great rail journeys

In 2024, one of the world’s most iconic rail journeys sees the 20th anniversary of the final section of its line opening – the portion from Alice Springs to Darwin. This is probably the best and certainly the most civilised way to discover some of Australia’s vast and breathtaking interior, with off-train experiences available en route now including the Cutta Cutta Caves and Standley Chasm as well as the likes of guided camel tours and scenic helicopter rides.

The Adelaide–Darwin trip, available in both directions, takes three days and two nights, or you can also do The Red Explorer from Adelaide or Darwin to Alice Springs (or vice versa) over two days and one night.

Avon Valley Railway - Great rail journeys

When you picture the English countryside, chances are the image in your head is a lot like the stretch of endless green from the Cotswolds to the West Country. This charming rural region is a land of rolling hills, ancient fields and pretty stone villages – and a lovely way to experience it is onboard the Avon Valley Railway.

Taking passengers between Bitton – which has been restored to match a classic Victorian station – Oldland Common and Avon Riverside, the line operates classic heritage carriages that will take you back to the glory days of rail travel.

It’s the perfect nostalgic activity for a summer afternoon!

Flamsbana - Great rail journeys

To admire some of Norway’s most memorable mountain views without a difficult hike, simply hop onboard the Flamsbana 'Corkscrew Railway' – one of the world’s steepest standard gauge railways.

The spectacular one-hour route takes you from the village of Myrdal – 866 metres above sea level – down to Flam, on the shores of Aurlandsfjord, along tracks that spiral down the hillside.

You’ll glide past cascading waterfalls like the Kjosfossen as you head into the thickly forested valley – usually coated with glistening snow in winter – and come away with brilliant photos of your unforgettable train journey.

Royal Scotsman - Great rail journeys

Enjoy all the magic of the Scottish Highlands in total luxury on Belmond’s opulent Royal Scotsman train, whose ten Edwardian carriages include an elegant dining room, ensuite cabins with sumptuous beds and picture windows, and even Britain’s first spa on a train – so you can relax with an indulgent beauty treatment as you chug past sky-high peaks and dramatic valleys.

You'll see the highlights of the Highlands on your journey, including Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis, the Isle of Bute and Mount Stuart, all the while savouring exquisite dishes inspired by the Scottish countryside, as well as fine wines and luxurious malt whiskies.

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway - Great rail journeys

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the UK’s first-ever national park, the Peak District, on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. It’s Derbyshire's longest heritage railway and will transport you from the gorgeous stone market town of Wirksworth, all narrow lanes and listed buildings, to Duffield, at the mouth of the River Ecclesbourne in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Area.

The scenery along the way is timeless, think tumbling streams, wide valleys and rolling hills as you pass under ancient bridges and along tracks lined with wildflowers.

For lovers of British heritage railways, this is a unique experience in one of the country’s greatest landscapes.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express - Great rail journeys

Perhaps the world's most famous and decadent train, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, is a truly magnificent way to travel. Life onboard is an elegant affair of fine dining and fine wines, where conversation and music continue into the night in the fabled Bar Car 3674, and midnight brunch is served.

There are several routes to choose from that travel between some of Europe's most beautiful cities - the likes of Cannes, Rome, Florence, and Venice, with a new route that'll take skiers from Paris to the snowy slopes of the French Alps from next December, too.

Lucky passengers can gaze out of the window of their cabin and watch incredible scenery roll by from the carriages of one of the most splendid trains of all time.

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Great Coastal Railway Journeys season 2: release date, locations and all we know

Great Coastal Railway Journeys season 2 guide — Michael Portillo gives us the inside track on his new adventures and tells us about his upcoming milestone birthday.

All aboard for Great Coastal Railway Journeys season 2!

One of the most well travelled and colourfully clothed men on television, politician-turned-presenter Michael Portillo not only returns to our screens with a new series of BBC Two’s Great Coastal Railway Journeys this week, but he also celebrates a special birthday.

Here in a lovely, laidback interview, Michael, 69 [at the time of our chat], guides us through his latest jaunts around the British Isles and reveals why he has no plans to retire…

Great Coastal Railway Journeys season 2 — release date

Great Coastal Railway Journeys season 2 debuts on BBC2 on Monday 22 May 2023 at 6.30pm. 

It’s a 20-part series airing Mondays to Fridays over four weeks. Michael’s first leg kicks off in the Isle of Man and finishes in Solway Firth, taking in Liverpool, Morecambe Bay, and Whitehaven along the way. In the second leg of the whirlwind series Michael travels from Middlesbrough to Grimsby, for his third outing he visits Northern Ireland and Ireland, and in the fourth and final week he explores the Jurassic coast finishing his travels in Brighton. See the guide below for more. 

Episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer after transmission. 

Is there a trailer for Great Coastal Railway Journeys season 2?

Not yet, but check back for updates. 

Great Coastal Railway Journeys — the premise

On his latest adventures around the British Isles Michael Portillo delves into the history of the places he visits, enjoys heritage railway journeys, meets colourful locals, samples both cuisine and culture. And sometimes he pushes himself out of his comfort zone… this often involves dressing up or getting into cold water!

Great Coastal Railway Journeys season 2 — interview with presenter Michael Portillo

Michael, a little birdie tells us you have a special birthday coming up….

Michael celebrates his 70th birthday on Friday, May 26 2023

[Chuckling] “No, I’ve just got a birthday coming up and it has a zero in it — I don’t regard it as a landmark! I’m in a curious position that at the age of 69 I recently started presenting a programme on GB News, and [in 2020] I began hosting a radio programme on Times Radio. I’m also delighted that we’re now in our 15th year of Railway Journeys, it’s something I’d like to continue doing. I still feel as though I’m having all these different experiences so that I can find out what I want to do in life!”

Is filming on Railways Journeys a well-oiled machine now?

“We’ve travelled the world and after 15 years we’ve learned how to do it. We’re very disciplined but maybe because we nearly always have a train to catch! When we first made the programmes we were using Bradshaw's Guide [19th-century cartographer George Bradshaw’s tourist handbook] and talking about Victorian Britain. Then we changed the epoch, one time to the 1930s another to the Interwar period. Now the series is about coastal journeys so while it doesn’t have a historic guidebook we’re very much talking about history and the coast, with the terrific advantage of the sheer beauty of it.” 

What can you reveal about your new adventures?

“There are four journeys this time and each of those journeys consists of five episodes, which will be shown Monday through Friday. Our first one begins in the Isle of Man and takes us across to Liverpool, Morecambe Bay and ends at Solway Firth. The second journey begins in Yorkshire taking us down through Scarborough, along the Yorkshire coast and into Lincolnshire. Our third journey takes us around the coast of the island of Ireland from Derry/Londonderry to Rosslare. And in our last journey we bumble along the south coast of England, from Dorset to Brighton.” 

Is your comfort zone tested?

“I throw myself into things willy-nilly and you see the results when I attempt folk dancing in the Isle of Man! The producers know that I hate to dance and so, year after year, they plan dancing for me. Not for me are the months of rehearsal given to the likes of Ed Balls and Ann Widdecombe on Strictly ! 

“I have enormous fun making the programs. One moment I’m talking about the Battle of the Boyne and another I’m doing something absolutely crazy, like dressing up as a Mod or hugging a swan. [See Michael’s guide below for more on this!] 

Do you think people find you more approachable as a result?

“Yes, I think they do. I remember filming my first Railway Journey near Swindon railway station where they built carriages and all sorts. While there I stopped a man in the street to talk about the lovely buildings and he said, ‘Oh, yes, all closed down by Margaret Thatcher.’ I just completely froze and thought ‘How do I get away from this fellow?’ Whereas now I would just roar with laughter and engage in the conversation, so I’ve definitely become less stiff and more approachable. No one ever calls me Mr. Portillo, they always say Michael.” 

Are you amused when people comment on your trademark, colourful clothing?

“Well, let’s face it, it is part of the brand! I do it entirely deliberately — it’s part of the show as well. I’m slightly surprised that more people don't do it, I certainly enjoy putting together outrageous and colourful combinations. And sometimes there’s a point to it as I might be wearing the colours of the flag of the country I’m in.”

Finally, are you planning a birthday party or have your eye on any railway-related gifts?

“Planning parties is something I like to do and I hold a party every May, but it’s not exactly on my birthday. People send me railway books and so on, but my house is now completely filled. The greatest present will be to not receive any more railway memorabilia, but many thanks to everyone for the gifts over the years!”

Michael’s guide to Great Coastal Railway Journeys season 2

Week 1 — ISLE OF MAN TO SOLWAY FIRTH 

“I’ve a great affection for the Isle of Man’s history, heritage railways and coastline. While there I visit Tynwald Parliament, which is older than the UK Parliament. But the highlight for me is in Solway Firth where I try my hand at traditional fishing with a haaf net. It looks like a football goal with a post in the middle, you stand in the tidal waters and hope the fish rush into your net. I can’t say I had much luck, but it was an extraordinary experience.”

Week 2 — MIDDLESBROUGH TO GRIMSBY

“In Scarborough I went to the lovely Rotunda Museum, which contains a map made in 1815 showing the geology of Britain and where the coal and iron reserves were. When you think about it, this was the foundation of Britain's wealth - the coal powered the steam engines and the factories; the iron ore made the steel that built the ships that supplied the world. Discoveries around our history like this I find deeply exciting. There’s a standout moment in Yorkshire where I met a man in his 80s, who’s swum the Humber 70 times. Inevitably it leads to me getting into a wet suit and floundering around the beautiful waters there!”

Week 3 — GIANT’S CAUSEWAY TO ROSSLARE

“There's a lot of history and a fantastic range of subjects here. In Derry we talk about Bloody Sunday, in Belfast we touch on the movie industry in the docklands and visit Stormont to discuss the Good Friday Agreement. In Sandycove in Dublin there’s a marvellous moment at the Martello Tower, used in James Joyce’s Ulysses, where re-enactors play out the opening moments from the 1922 novel. I’m always thrilled to film in Ireland, we get such a warm welcome and the coastline is stunning."

Week 4 — DORSET TO FISHBOURNE

“Here we cover history, geology and all sorts. Dorset’s Jurassic Coast is marvellous, and has a wonderful richness of fossils. Memorably, in a swannery in Swanage a swanherd wraps a swan around me; I've never had such an experience! In Brighton we cover the history of the Mods and the Rockers - when I was a kid they used to descend on the beach and knock the living daylights out of each other, so naturally we commemorate this. I got dressed as a Mod, but thankfully didn’t battle anyone, it was all very peaceful!”

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Switzerland

A spectacle of natural beauty.

Switzerland is a country that has it all: breathtaking scenery, picture-perfect towns and, of course, iconic trains. It’s one of our favourite countries – an opinion shared by our customers. The railways are the heroes in Switzerland, as you witness the country’s incredible beauty from the comfort of your seat.

From sensational views of the iconic Matterhorn from the Glacier Express and a visit to ‘Top of Europe’ on the Jungfrau Express to the mind-blowing vistas from the Bernina Express, travelling by rail through Switzerland takes you to stunning new heights.

"Jaw-dropping landscapes, glistening lakes and chic resorts accessed by iconic railways."

The iconic rail journeys of Switzerland

Glacier express, zermatt and matterhorn.

Mountaintops of Switzerland

The GoldenPass Express

Top of Europe and Highlights of the Rhine

Magical moments on truly memorable tours

While the Swiss scenery is undeniably stunning, we want our customers to return home having experienced even more. Our tours to Switzerland include a wonderful array of unforgettable experiences – some of which are exclusive to Great Rail Journeys. From a private tour of the ethereal Jungfrau Ice Palace to savouring a glass of chilled prosecco in full view of the incredible Palü Glacier, the magical highlights of our exquisite escorted tours will live long in your memory.

The most impressive adventures

Extraordinary rail journeys give you a front-row seat to epic views of majestic mountains and shimmering lakes as they carry you to the heart of Switzerland’s spellbinding beauty.

A Guide to the Legendary Glacier Express

Switzerland’s Glacier Express is a bucket-list experience for travellers and train enthusiasts from all over the world. If you’re planning to include the journey in your Swiss trip, expect to be spellbound by amazing and diverse scenery, including snow-dusted mountains, glacial lakes, picturesque alpine meadows, rushing gorges and more.

Exploring the Bernina Express Heritage

The Bernina Express holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and tourists and is dubbed “the rail experts’ best-kept secret”. This remarkable journey on the UNESCO-listed Albula Line not only offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, but also takes you on a historical and cultural voyage on a winding route crossing from Switzerland to Italy.

On track for a new iconic Swiss rail journey

It’s safe to say that Switzerland isn’t short of iconic rail journeys – however, there’s a new kid on the block in the form of the GoldenPass Express. A hundred years in the planning, this amazing new route travels through the gorgeous Swiss Highlands from the glamorous lakeside resort of Montreux to the alpine town of Interlaken.

We travelled on the Interlaken & Jungfrau Express Tour. The tour was well managed with our excellent guide Ros. Nothing was too much trouble.

First time we've gone with grj (traditional glacier express). the experience was totally positive - great locations and hotels and our tour guide was brilliant., the glacier express holiday itself was nothing short of outstanding. the planned itinerary was tremendous. i recommend this grj holiday to anyone., well organised and clearly the company had put a lot of detailed planning into the tour. certainly would recommend the glacier express tour., the pinnacle of perfection.

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BBC Great Coastal Railway Journeys to explore hidden Exeter

Michael Portillo stopped in Exeter as he explores the UK via the country's railways

• 11:46, 4 APR 2024

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Exeter is set to take centre stage on the BBC's Great Coastal Railway Journeys with Michael Portillo next week. The presenter will take a deep dive into centuries of the city's history.

Michael will be heading underneath Exeter's High Street as he explores the city's Underground Passages. The 425-metre network of tunnels were originally constructed in the Mediaeval period to transport clean drinking water from natural springs into the heart of the city.

It's thought that Exeter's water network was built in this way in order to transport water underneath the city wall. The passages were also vaulted which made it easier to repair leaks and other faults without having to dig up the pipes.

This tunnels supplied the city with water until the mid 19th century when it was damaged by the construction of a new railway line. Since the 1930s, the Underground Passages have been a visitor attraction with guided tours.

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During his visit to Exeter , Michael also speaks with stonemasons at the Cathedral, who conserve the structure's intricate stonework. As the Cathedral was built and repaired over many centuries, multiple different types of stone have been used, much of which comes from parts of East Devon .

Michael then inspects the Exeter Book, which is one of the oldest surviving English poetry anthologies in the world. It was written more than 1,000 years ago by a single scribe and today is kept in the Cathedral Library.

After his whistle-stop tour around Exeter, Michael continues his journey along the South Devon coast, making his next stop in Plymouth .

The episode of Great Coastal Railway Journeys will air on BBC Two at 6:30pm on Tuesday, April 9.

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How I learned to love the slow route home to Ireland

Journeys are about so much more than getting from A to B, as our writer found when he ditched flying for the train and ferry between Dublin and London

T here’s always a moment in the journey from Dublin to London – which I make every month or two, taking the land-and-sea route via Holyhead instead of flying – when I stop what I’m doing – reading or writing or chatting to the person next to me – and think: you don’t get to enjoy this from 40,000ft.

Sometimes it’s at the Britannia Bridge in north Wales. As the train crosses the Menai Strait from Anglesey I can see, off to my right, a concrete statue of Lord Nelson keeping a lonely watch from the shore, and further upriver the grounds of Plas Newydd country house sweeping down to the water. To the left, on a tiny island with a curved jetty, stand two handsome whitewashed houses that will one day disappear beneath the rising sea levels but for now are holding out against the elements.

I’ll pause again as the train trundles past Conwy, with its hulking medieval castle and absurdly pretty waterfront, home to the smallest house in Britain, and later still as we move along the coast beyond Colwyn Bay, and legions of offshore wind turbines can be glimpsed through the haze.

On the return journey, as the ferry heads into Dublin Bay, I’ll cast an eye at Howth Head as it rises up to greet us, followed by the crimson lighthouse at the end of the Great South Wall and the looming red and white chimneys beyond – the unmistakable sign that we’re about to dock in the Irish capital.

People often ask me why I choose to travel between Dublin and London by ferry and rail instead of flying, which is considerably less time-consuming. I’ll respond by talking about the price, or the breezy check-in process with minimal luggage restrictions, or the direct connection into central London, or the carbon emissions, which by one estimate are about 95% lower than going by plane . But the little details – the things you see, the people you meet and the reveries you enter as the journey’s lulling rhythms take hold – matter to me almost more.

When I moved to London in 2002, the idea of taking the slow route home to Dublin didn’t occur to me. Going by air was quick: you can fly city to city in under 90 minutes, though of course you have to factor in the time it takes to get to the airport, clear security, wander through duty-free, wait to board, wait to take off, and go through the associated rigmarole on the other side. And it’s cheap.

Then, about 15 years ago, a friend tipped me off about SailRail, a package that bundled train and Irish Sea ferry tickets into a single fare – connecting not only to London but to any town across Britain with a station. I was dubious about the duration but the price was keen – these days it’s £102.20 return, but back then it was about half that – so I decided to give it a try.

I’ll be honest: I didn’t love SailRailing straight away. Train travel is one of life’s great pleasures but in Britain it can curdle to frustration in the face of delays, cancellations and broken-up routes. It took me a while to work out how to time my journey so I didn’t have to change trains in Crewe and again, 20 minutes later, in Chester. And Holyhead, for all the surrounding beauty of Anglesey, is not a town that makes the heart leap – not, at least, the stretch between the terminal and the ferry dock, which on even the sunniest afternoon feels oppressively grey.

The ships – Irish Ferries and Stena are the two options on the Holyhead-to-Dublin route – can feel dated and a bit tacky, and if you strike out from Dublin on a match day, you have the choice of watching football supporters getting stuck into cooked breakfasts and pints at 8am or joining them. The crossing can be rough, though it would take a serious gale to unsettle one of the bigger boats when its stabilisers are out. (In that kind of weather, I’d rather take my chances on a 50,000-tonne ferry than a dinky commuter plane.)

If you travel with Irish Ferries, which I tend to do, this unfolds within a literary theme park of unparalleled incongruity. The flagship Ulysses is riddled with allusions to James Joyce’s masterwork: you can eat reheated pizza slices (but not pork kidneys) at Boylan’s Brasserie, drink tequila slammers at the Leopold Bloom bar or engage in soft play at the Cyclops family entertainment centre. (The faster ferry, often cancelled if the wind picks up, is ingeniously named the Jonathan Swift.)

Despite – or perhaps because of – these idiosyncrasies, I kept returning for more. For years, I’d SailRail to Dublin and fly back; the journey out of London Euston tends to be smoother, especially if you catch the direct train to Holyhead departing about 9am. But since moving back to Dublin in 2020, I’ve ditched the air option and now actively look forward to my day meandering across the Irish Sea and down through Wales and England. The journey takes eight or nine hours, but without internet to distract me I usually get a solid day’s work done, or at least have time to read and think.

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Some distractions are welcome. When the Icelandic volcano eruption grounded European air travel in 2010, I got chatting to two fellow SailRailers on the train out of London. One, delightfully, was the actor who played Gestapo agent Herr Flick in the sitcom ’Allo ’Allo!. The other became a really good friend – and I often thank the ash clouds of Eyjafjallajökull for introducing us.

More recently I’ve fallen into conversation with touring graffiti artists, septuagenarian world travellers and a woman who found God after getting lost in the middle of the Sahara (she prayed for help and a crow appeared to guide her back to safety). Last autumn, when my partner and I took our whippet-saluki over on a morning sailing (pet-friendly cabins are available on Stena) he was lavished with attention by an elderly Traveller couple who told us about similar dogs they’d loved over the years.

The Traveller community uses the ferries a lot, following a route that Irish people with UK connections have taken for centuries. You’ll also encounter plenty of truckers, as well as students, backpackers and people who are averse to flying. What you don’t get a huge number of, among the SailRail contingent, are British tourists. When I mention the package to friends and colleagues in London, few of them have heard of it. And when I tell them the fare, which doesn’t shoot up for last-minute bookings, they’re astonished: £51.10 from London to Holyhead and then on to Dublin by boat? You’re joking, right?

Still, I rarely recommend SailRail without a string of caveats. It isn’t to everyone’s taste. And it could be so much better than it currently is – the rail connections are unreliable and foot passengers on ferries are often treated as afterthoughts. But despite its foibles I’ve come to enjoy the easy pace of the journey and offbeat crowd it throws together. I’ve even developed a fondness for those Joyce allusions.

And I love that long, slow train ride along the north Wales coast, past castles and wind turbines and island houses doomed to vanish beneath the waves. A journey is so much richer and stranger when you travel close to the ground.

SailRail tickets from London Euston to Dublin Ferryport from £ 102.20 return (+ booking fee) via trainline.com

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Train derails between London Paddington and Reading with delays expected for hours

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Passengers have been warned of severe delays to their commute after a train derailed in London .

A freight train has derailed around West Ealing, west London, and is causing rush-hour disruption between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport and Reading.

Some trains could be cancelled, delayed up to 30 minutes or diverted, National Rail said, with disruption expected until the end of the day.

Elizabeth Line , Great Western Railway and Heathrow Express trains are affected

Elizabeth Line

Elizabeth Line between Abbey Wood and Heathrow Terminal 4, Maidenhead and Reading is affected along with the route between London Paddington and Reading, and Shenfield and Heathrow Terminal 5.

Tickets are valid on Great Western Railway between London Paddington and Reading, Heathrow Express, London Underground and buses and South Western Railway between London Waterloo and Reading.

Great Western Railway

Great Western Railway between London Paddington and Didcot Parkway, Oxford,Great Malvern, Hereford, Cardiff Central, Swansea, Carmarthen, Weston-super-Mare, Bristol Temple Meads, Newbury, Westbury, Frome, Taunton, Exeter St Davids, Paignton, Plymouth and Penzance is affected.

Passengers can take Chiltern Railways between London Marylebone and Oxford or Banbury at no extra cost, National Rail said.

Tickets are also accepted on Elizabeth Line, South Western Railway and London Underground between Paddington, Marylebone and Waterloo stations.

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Commuters heading to Slough, Maidenhead or Twyford should use Elizabeth Line.

Passengers were told to use Great Western high speed services between London Paddington and Reading to complete their journeys.

Stopping services between Didcot Parkway and London Paddington will only operate between Didcot and Reading, while services between Bedwyn and Newbury and London Paddington will only operate between Bedwyn/Newbury and Reading.

Some passengers may be entitled to compensation from their train operator.

It is worth checking with individual companies if they offer Delay Repay or delay compensation.

Legally, passengers are entitled to 50% of the ticket price if arriving to the destination between 30 minutes and an hour late, and a full refund if arriving more than an hour late.

Heathrow Express

Passengers will see delays between London Paddington and Heathrow Terminal 5 until about 12 noon today.

This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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