Traveling by train combines the romance of classic transportation with the practical benefits of seeing landscapes impossible to appreciate from 30,000 feet in the air. The rhythmic click-clack of wheels on tracks creates a meditative backdrop as you watch the world unfold outside your window.
Unlike the cramped quarters of airplanes or the constant focus required when driving, train journeys allow you to stretch your legs, socialize with fellow travelers, and truly absorb the journey itself. Here is a list of 15 incredible train trips that showcase the best rail travel has to offer around the world.
California Zephyr
The California Zephyr cuts through America’s heartland and the Rocky Mountains on its 2,438-mile route between Chicago and San Francisco. Passengers witness the dramatic transition from the Great Plains to mountain passes that reach over 9,000 feet in elevation.
The observation cars provide stunning views of Colorado’s Gore Canyon and Utah’s red rock country that simply aren’t accessible by road.
Glacier Express
Switzerland’s famous Glacier Express travels between St. Moritz and Zermatt at a deliberately slow pace to maximize the enjoyment of the Alpine scenery. The train crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels during the 7.5-hour journey.
Custom panoramic windows extend to the ceiling, ensuring unobstructed views of the Matterhorn and other iconic Swiss peaks that have captivated travelers for generations.
Trans-Siberian Railway
The legendary Trans-Siberian connects Moscow to Vladivostok across nearly 5,800 miles, making it the longest continuous rail journey in the world. This epic week-long adventure crosses eight time zones and showcases Russia’s vastness, from urban centers to remote Siberian villages.
The winter journey offers snow-covered landscapes that sparkle like crystal, while summer brings the vibrant greens of endless taiga forests.
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Rocky Mountaineer
Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer takes passengers through the spectacular Canadian Rockies in glass-domed carriages designed for optimal sightseeing. The train operates only during daylight hours to ensure passengers don’t miss a moment of the breathtaking scenery.
Travelers often spot wildlife, including eagles, elk, and even bears, against the backdrop of turquoise lakes and snow-capped mountains.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Known affectionately as the ‘Toy Train,’ this narrow-gauge heritage railway climbs from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling in northern India. The train uses a fascinating zigzag system to navigate steep gradients, gaining over 7,000 feet in elevation.
Morning departures offer the best chance to see the sunrise cast golden light on the Himalayan peaks, including Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain.
Belmond Hiram Bingham
Peru’s luxury Belmond Hiram Bingham train connects Cusco with Machu Picchu in elegant 1920s-inspired Pullman carriages. The 3.5-hour journey through the Sacred Valley includes gourmet dining and live local music.
The train threads its way along the Urubamba River, offering glimpses of ancient Incan terraces and remote villages before arriving at one of humanity’s most awe-inspiring architectural achievements.
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The Ghan
Australia’s legendary Ghan traverses the continent from Adelaide to Darwin, cutting through the heart of the outback. The three-day journey covers nearly 1,900 miles of diverse landscapes, from Australia’s fertile South to the tropical North.
Off-train excursions include exploring underground homes in Coober Pedy and taking boat tours through Katherine Gorge, where ancient Aboriginal rock art adorns canyon walls.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express recreates the golden age of rail travel with its restored vintage carriages from the 1920s and 1930s. White-gloved stewards serve champagne as the train winds through the Alps en route to London, Paris, and Venice.
Passengers dress for dinner in formal attire, dining on French cuisine served on monogrammed china with crystal glassware—an experience that transcends mere transportation.
Bernina Express
The Bernina Express connects Switzerland and Italy via one of the highest railway crossings in Europe, reaching 7,400 feet at the Bernina Pass. The four-hour journey includes the spectacular spiral viaduct at Brusio, engineered to help trains navigate steep gradients.
Summer travelers witness alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, while winter brings snow-covered peaks reflected in frozen lakes.
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Coastal Pacific
New Zealand’s Coastal Pacific hugs the South Island’s eastern shoreline between Christchurch and Picton. The train passes through vineyards, olive groves, and along the rugged eastern Pacific coastline where seals often bask on rocky outcroppings.
The contrast between the turquoise ocean on one side and the Kaikoura mountain range on the other creates a stunning visual experience that changes with every curve of the track.
Rovos Rail
South Africa’s Rovos Rail offers various routes across the African continent in restored vintage carriages that combine modern comforts with early 20th-century charm. The Cape Town to Pretoria journey showcases dramatic mountain passes, sprawling vineyards, and wildlife-rich reserves.
Evening meals require formal attire, with local ingredients and South African wines complementing the passing scenery visible through large windows.
West Highland Line
Scotland’s West Highland Line connects Glasgow with Mallaig, passing some of the UK’s most dramatic landscapes. The train crosses the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter films, with its 21 arches curving over the valley below.
Mist-shrouded mountains, mirror-like lochs, and remote Highland villages create an atmosphere that feels lifted from a folk tale.
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Eastern & Oriental Express
The Eastern & Oriental Express travels between Bangkok and Singapore, passing through Thailand and Malaysia’s lush landscapes. Teakwood-paneled carriages feature large picture windows and personal steward service.
The journey includes stops at the River Kwai and Georgetown, balancing on-board luxury with cultural exploration as the train passes rice paddies, villages on stilts, and ancient temples.
Blue Train
South Africa’s Blue Train offers a 27-hour luxury journey between Pretoria and Cape Town. Each suite features a private bathroom with a tub and heated floors, transforming from a lounge space by day to a bedroom by night.
The train slows down at particularly scenic spots like the Hex River Valley, allowing passengers to photograph the dramatic landscapes that transition from the highveld to the Cape winelands.
Empire Builder
Amtrak’s Empire Builder connects Chicago with the Pacific Northwest, following much of the Lewis and Clark trail through America’s northern states. The train passes through Wisconsin farmland, North Dakota prairies, and Montana’s Big Sky Country before entering the spectacular snow-capped Cascade Mountains.
The observation car provides the perfect vantage point for spotting mountain goats, eagles, and the occasional moose against the wilderness backdrop.
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Railway Renaissance
Modern train travel represents the perfect balance between our fast-paced world and our desire for meaningful experiences along the way. These rail journeys prove that transportation can be more than just reaching a destination—it can be an integral part of the adventure itself.
From luxury sleepers to panoramic day trips, trains connect us not just to places but to a more contemplative style of travel that reminds us to appreciate the journey.
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