12 Scenic Train Journeys Around the World

Train travel offers a unique way to immerse yourself in some of the planet’s most captivating landscapes, blending comfort with unparalleled views. These journeys traverse mountains, valleys, coasts, and remote wildernesses, providing passengers with front-row seats to nature’s grandeur. From Europe’s alpine passes to Asia’s vast expanses, here are standout routes that redefine scenic rail experiences.

Alpine Marvels of Switzerland

Switzerland stands out for its engineering feats and dramatic terrain, hosting two legendary routes that draw travelers worldwide. The Glacier Express connects Zermatt to St. Moritz over eight hours, moving slowly to showcase snowy peaks, deep valleys, and quaint villages. Panoramic carriages with large windows reveal the Landwasser Viaduct’s graceful arch and the Oberalp Pass’s high-altitude splendor.

Complementing this, the Bernina Express links Chur to Tirano, crossing into Italy via a UNESCO World Heritage line. Highlights include the Brusio Circular Viaduct’s spiral and the Bernina Pass’s icy expanses, with glaciers and emerald valleys unfolding below. These trains emphasize luxury, with reclining seats and onboard dining enhancing the visual feast.

Norway’s Dramatic Fjord Descents

Norway’s railways capture the raw beauty of fjords and mountains. The Flam Railway plunges 867 meters over 20 kilometers from Myrdal to Flam, one of the world’s steepest lines. Waterfalls like Kjosfossen cascade nearby during stops, while tunnels and sheer cliffs create a thrilling descent to the Sognefjord.

The Bergensbanen from Oslo to Bergen covers 308 miles in about 6.5 hours, weaving through canyons, rivers, and icy plateaus. Daily departures make it accessible, revealing Norway’s Nordic splendor from urban starts to coastal ends. These routes shine in winter with snow-draped scenes, ideal for photography enthusiasts.

New Zealand’s Southern Alps Traverse

The TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth is a 4.5- to 5-hour highlight of New Zealand’s South Island. It shifts from farmlands to towering Southern Alps, through gorges, over riverbeds, and into rainforests via thrilling tunnels. This daily service offers a compact yet diverse showcase of rugged beauty.

• Canterbury Plains’ open greens
• Snow-capped mountain climbs
• West Coast’s lush, misty valleys
• Over 20 viaducts for vertigo-inducing views

Passengers rave about the sensory overload, from echoing gorges to serene lakes.

India’s Himalayan Toy Train

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or Toy Train, chugs through tea estates and misty hills from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. This UNESCO site provides glimpses of Mount Kanchenjunga and colonial hill stations, blending culture with scenery on narrow-gauge tracks.

Looping turns and steam whistles add charm, immersing riders in India’s northeastern heritage amid rhododendron blooms and terraced fields.

Russia’s Epic Trans-Siberian Odyssey

Spanning 9,289 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok, the Trans-Siberian is the world’s longest rail journey, taking about seven days. It crosses Ural Mountains, Siberian taiga, Lake Baikal’s shores, and Krasnoyarsk’s peaks, offering a cross-continental saga of wilderness and remote towns.

Partial segments suit shorter trips, but the full route rewards with endless forests, rivers, and cultural shifts from European to Asian Russia.

South American Andean Paths

Peru’s Lake Titicaca Train from Puno to Cuzco winds 241 miles over 10 hours through altiplano plains and Andean valleys. Snow-dusted peaks, llama herds, and Incan remnants frame this thrice-weekly service near Lake Titicaca.

Brazil’s Serra Verde Express from Curitiba to Morretes navigates Atlantic rainforest, canyons, and 30 bridges in half a day, highlighting tropical biodiversity and sharp peaks.

North American Coastal and Rocky Routes

Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer traces Banff to Vancouver, showcasing glaciers, spruce forests, and canyons in daylight-only luxury cars. The Skeena from Jasper to Prince Rupert offers coastal mountains and rivers.

In the US, Amtrak’s Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles hugs Pacific shores, Cascade peaks, and urban bays like San Francisco, spanning diverse West Coast vistas.

Luxury and Planning Essentials

Many routes offer premium classes with meals, guides, and glass-domed cars. Book months ahead, especially summer peaks. Consider seasons: Alps glow in summer, Scandinavia sparkles in winter.

Why Choose Scenic Trains?

Unlike flights, trains allow relaxed absorption of scenery, minimizing environmental impact per passenger. They access hard-to-reach spots, fostering sustainable tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the steepest scenic train ride?

The Flam Railway in Norway, descending 867 meters over 20 km.

Which train is best for luxury?

Glacier Express or Rocky Mountaineer, with panoramic dining.

Are these trains family-friendly?

Yes, most offer accessible cars and stops for photos.

How to book international routes?

Use official sites or aggregators like Railbookers.

Best time for alpine trains?

Summer for clear views, winter for snowscapes.