23 Scenic Train Journeys Around the World

Train travel offers a unique window into the world’s diverse landscapes, allowing passengers to relax while witnessing dramatic vistas unfold. These routes combine engineering marvels with natural beauty, from serpentine tracks hugging cliffs to luxury cars gliding through remote wilderness. This guide highlights standout journeys, drawing from global rail icons that captivate adventurers and sightseers alike.

Why Choose Rail for Your Next Adventure?

Rail journeys stand out for their sustainability, comfort, and immersive experiences. Unlike air travel, trains provide panoramic views and stops at hidden gems. Many feature onboard dining with local cuisine and guided excursions. In an era of fast-paced trips, these slow travels encourage mindfulness amid stunning backdrops.

• Sustainable option: Lower carbon footprint than flying.
• Scenic immersion: Large windows frame unobstructed views.
• Luxury appeal: Gourmet meals and plush cabins elevate the ride.
• Cultural access: Routes pass historic sites and vibrant communities.

Europe’s Majestic Rail Routes

Europe boasts some of the continent’s most engineered rail lines, threading through Alps, fjords, and historic heartlands.

Bergensbanen: Norway’s Fjord Climber

This route from Oslo to Bergen spans 496 km in about 6.5 hours, departing multiple times daily. It ascends steep gradients, crosses viaducts over ravines, and skirts frozen plateaus. Highlights include the Finse plateau at 1,222 meters and Hallingskarvet mountains. Winter brings snowscapes; summer reveals lush valleys.

Glacier Express: Switzerland’s Alpine Gem

Connecting Chur to Tirano, this 8-hour narrow-gauge wonder traverses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. Panoramic cars reveal Rhine Gorges, Oberalp Pass, and Bernina Alps with glaciers. A UNESCO site, it dips into Italy amid lakes and peaks.

Royal Scotsman: Scotland’s Luxe Highlands

A luxury train roaming the UK, it offers multi-day trips through glens, lochs, and castles. Cabins feature tartan decor; excursions include whisky tastings and falconry. It’s intimate, with under 40 guests.

North America’s Vast Wilderness Tracks

From prairies to Rockies, these lines capture continental scale.

California Zephyr: USA’s Cross-Country Epic

Amtrak’s 3,924 km journey from Chicago to San Francisco takes 52 hours daily. It crosses Nebraska plains, Colorado canyons, Utah deserts, and Sierra Nevada. Observation cars spotlight Glenwood Canyon and Moffat Tunnel.

Rocky Mountaineer: Canada’s Peak Panorama

Routes like Vancouver to Banff showcase glass-domed cars over rivers, forests, and Spiral Tunnels. Day trips allow hotel nights with mountain views. Wildlife spotting includes bears and eagles.

South America’s Andean Marvels

High-altitude rails reveal ancient cultures and towering ranges.

Lake Titicaca to Cusco: Peru’s Altiplano Traverse

This 388 km, 10-hour trip three times weekly climbs from Puno’s lakeside to Incan Cusco. It passes snow peaks, llama herds, and remote villages at over 4,000 meters.

Hiram Bingham: Peru’s Orient Express

A luxurious 3.5-hour run from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Art Deco cars serve pisco sours and ceviche amid Sacred Valley views. Includes site entry.

Asia’s Coastal and Mountain Rails

Diverse terrains from Vietnam’s shores to India’s hills.

Reunification Express: Vietnam’s Coastal Haul

From Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, 1,726 km over 2 days daily. It hugs beaches, rice paddies, and Hai Van Pass. Bunkers offer atmospheric overnight vibes.

Darjeeling Toy Train: India’s Steam Heritage

Narrow-gauge steam from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling loops through tea plantations and Himalayan foothills. UNESCO-listed for engineering.

Africa’s Luxury Desert Crossings

Savannas and outback define these opulent voyages.

The Ghan: Australia’s Red Heart

Adelaide to Darwin, 2,979 km in 3 days. Plunges through deserts, with off-train safaris and Aboriginal art stops. Gold-class suites pamper.

Pride of Africa: South Africa’s Safari Special

Rovos Rail’s multi-day trips from Cape Town to Kruger. Mahogany cars, fine dining, and game drives. Spans vineyards to bushveld.

Blue Train: South Africa’s Coastal Elite

Pretoria to Cape Town in 27 hours. Diamond suites overlook mountains and oceans. It’s Africa’s pinnacle of rail luxury.

Oceania and Beyond: Unique Tracks

Island nations deliver rainforest and canyon spectacles.

TranzAlpine: New Zealand’s Spine

Christchurch to Greymouth, 223 km in 4.5 hours. Crosses Southern Alps via 16 tunnels and viaducts, with Waimakariri River gorges.

Serra Verde Express: Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest

Curitiba to Morretes, 110 km in 3.5 hours. 14 tunnels, 30 bridges through canyons and jungle. Ends with seafood in lowlands.

Luxury Trains: The Ultimate Indulgence

Elevate with these icons blending history and extravagance.

• Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Restored 1920s cars from London to Venice. Art Deco glamour, multi-course dinners.
• Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian: Moscow to Vladivostok luxury, with caviar and excursions.

Multi-continent trips like Railbookers’ 60-day odyssey link Rocky Mountaineer, Orient Express, and Maharajas’ Express.

Practical Tips for Train Travelers

Book early for peak seasons. Pack layers for altitude changes. Choose seats for views. Download rail apps for live tracking.

FAQs

What is the longest scenic train journey?

The California Zephyr at nearly 4,000 km or Trans-Siberian variants top lists for endurance and views.

Are these trains family-friendly?

Many like Rocky Mountaineer offer kids’ menus; luxury ones suit couples more.

How eco-friendly is train travel?

Trains emit far less CO2 per passenger than planes, especially electrics.

Can I bring my bike or pet?

Varies; Europe often allows bikes, pets rarer on long-hauls.

What’s the most luxurious train?

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express or Pride of Africa for opulence.