Traveling by train offers a unique charm that flights simply can’t match. These journeys not only provide an affordable way to see the world but also treat passengers to breathtaking vistas. Whether you’re winding through mountains, gliding along coastlines, or crossing vast plains, each route offers its own visual delights. These 17 train rides reveal landscapes that rival the beauty of any first-class flight, proving that sometimes, the journey is indeed more beautiful than the destination. Let’s explore these enchanting routes that promise both adventure and awe.
1. The Glacier Express, Switzerland
Known as the slowest express train in the world, the Glacier Express takes you through the heart of the Swiss Alps. As you sit back in the panoramic carriages, enjoy breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks and charming alpine villages.
The journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz offers a visual feast with its viaducts, tunnels, and magnificent landscapes. Imagine traversing the iconic Landwasser Viaduct, a marvel of engineering nestled amid lush valleys.
This journey offers more than just travel; it’s a moving masterpiece of stunning vistas and timeless beauty.
2. The West Highland Line, Scotland
Imagine a journey where every turn reveals a new chapter of ancient castles and moorlands. The West Highland Line is a storyteller, whispering tales of Scotland’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes.
From Glasgow to Mallaig, traverse lochs and glens, with Ben Nevis standing watch. As the train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, fans of a certain wizard might feel a touch of magic.
This route combines history with the rugged beauty of the Highlands, offering an escape into Scotland’s enchanting wilderness.
3. The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
Step aboard the Rocky Mountaineer and embark on an unforgettable journey through Canada’s majestic Rockies. This train is not just about travel; it’s about experiencing the wild beauty of nature.
From Vancouver to Banff, witness towering peaks, serene lakes, and dense forests through glass-domed coaches. Each moment provides a canvas of colors and textures.
Whether spotting wildlife or marveling at the Spiral Tunnels, this journey makes you feel like a part of the landscape, connecting deeply with the Canadian wilderness.
4. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia
The Trans-Siberian Railway, a symbol of adventure, spans the breadth of Russia. This epic journey offers a glimpse into the diverse cultures and landscapes of this vast nation.
Travel from Moscow to Vladivostok, witnessing the change from bustling cities to tranquil, endless steppes. In winter, snow blankets the scenery, transforming it into a winter wonderland.
This train ride is a testament to the endurance and spirit of exploration, taking you through time zones and landscapes that seem to stretch infinitely.
5. The Coastal Pacific, New Zealand
Ride the Coastal Pacific through New Zealand’s picturesque landscapes, where the mountains meet the sea. This scenic journey takes you from Christchurch to Picton, offering views that capture the essence of Kiwi beauty.
As the train hugs the coastline, marvel at the Pacific Ocean’s azure waves and the distant peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges. Dolphins or seals may accompany you along the way, adding to the natural spectacle.
Experience the harmony of ocean and land, making this route a favorite among nature enthusiasts.
6. The Bernina Express, Switzerland-Italy
The Bernina Express is a journey that transcends borders and elevates the soul. Travel from Switzerland to Italy, crossing the Alps in a vivid palette of colors.
The route from Chur to Tirano includes spiraling viaducts and breathtaking glaciers. Each moment is a frame-worthy spectacle, with contrasts of green valleys and icy peaks.
This UNESCO World Heritage route is not just a trip, but a celebration of nature’s grandeur and the harmony of human engineering.
7. The Flam Railway, Norway
In Norway, the Flam Railway offers a glimpse into the dramatic beauty of fjords and waterfalls. This short but spectacular journey takes you from the mountains to the fjordlands.
As you descend from Myrdal to Flam, the views are dominated by rugged cliffs and tumbling waterfalls. Each turn of the track seems to unveil a new marvel.
This ride is a testament to Norway’s raw and awe-inspiring landscape, offering a compact yet unforgettable scenic experience.
8. The Ghan, Australia
Australia’s Ghan offers more than just transport; it delivers an odyssey through the country’s heartland. Travel from Darwin to Adelaide, where the vastness of the Outback unfolds before you.
Watch as the arid plains and striking red deserts tell the story of Australia’s ancient lands. The journey is punctuated by breathtaking sunrises and sunsets that paint the horizon.
This iconic route captures the spirit of adventure and discovery, offering a visual and cultural feast across the continent.
9. The Reunification Express, Vietnam
The Reunification Express links Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, offering a journey through Vietnam’s diverse landscapes. As you travel the length of the country, each window view tells a story of vibrant culture and scenery.
Pass through emerald-green rice paddies, lush forests, and coastal vistas, each more captivating than the last. The train itself, a relic of the past, adds to the charm.
This journey is a vibrant tapestry of Vietnam’s landscape and heritage, making it a cherished experience for travelers.
10. The Copper Canyon Railway, Mexico
Mexico’s Copper Canyon Railway takes you through a landscape so vast and varied it rivals the Grand Canyon. This journey is an exploration of dramatic cliffs and deep gorges.
Traverse from Chihuahua to Los Mochis, experiencing the thrill of crossing bridges and tunnels with breathtaking views. The Tarahumara people, native to the region, add a cultural depth to the journey.
This ride is a symphony of nature and culture, revealing the grandeur of Mexico’s lesser-known landscapes.
11. The Belmond Hiram Bingham, Peru
Named after the explorer who rediscovered Machu Picchu, the Belmond Hiram Bingham offers a regal journey through the Peruvian Andes. This luxurious train transports you to the heart of ancient history.
As you wind through the Sacred Valley, lush landscapes and towering peaks accompany you. The journey itself is a prelude to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.
This train ride is more than just travel; it’s an expedition into the past, filled with the echoes of Incan civilization.
12. The Sunset Limited, USA
The Sunset Limited is a journey through the heart of the American Southwest. From New Orleans to Los Angeles, this train offers a spectrum of landscapes.
Deserts, bayous, and mountain ranges create a constantly changing backdrop. As night falls, the expansive sky provides a canopy of stars.
This route is a cinematic experience, capturing the rugged spirit of the American frontier with each mile.
13. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or ‘Toy Train,’ is a nostalgic journey through India’s scenic tea gardens. From New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, this narrow-gauge train offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
Steep climbs and sharp curves enhance the adventure, while the charm of the steam engine adds a touch of history.
This heritage route is a blend of nature and nostalgia, offering a serene escape into the hills.
14. The Bergen Railway, Norway
Norway’s Bergen Railway connects Oslo to Bergen through spectacular mountain landscapes. This journey showcases the stark beauty of Norway’s wilderness.
Cross the Hardangervidda plateau, where snow-clad peaks and icy lakes dominate the scenery. Each season offers a different view, from lush summer greens to winter whites.
This route isn’t just about the destination; it’s a tribute to the raw, unspoiled beauty of Norway.
15. The Blue Train, South Africa
The Blue Train is synonymous with luxury and elegance. Travel from Pretoria to Cape Town, where the landscape transitions from sweeping savannas to lush vineyards.
This journey offers a glimpse into South Africa’s diverse ecosystems, all while indulging in opulent comfort.
Beyond the plush interiors, the panoramic views are a testament to the continent’s rich natural beauty.
16. The TranzAlpine, New Zealand
New Zealand’s TranzAlpine is a gateway to the South Island’s breathtaking landscapes. Travel from Christchurch to Greymouth, across the Canterbury Plains and into the Southern Alps.
The journey is a tapestry of rugged mountains, glacial rivers, and dense beech forests. It’s a visual symphony that captivates at every turn.
This train ride captures the essence of New Zealand’s diverse beauty and is a photographer’s dream.
17. The Cinque Terre Express, Italy
A ride on the Cinque Terre Express is not just a means to an end but a journey through a painter’s palette. As the train snakes along Italy’s rugged coastline, passengers are treated to views of colorful villages perched on cliffs, nestled next to the azure sea.
Each stop reveals a new vignette of Mediterranean life, with fishermen mending nets and locals strolling along scenic paths. The train itself seems to dance between tunnels and open stretches, offering glimpses of the terraced vineyards crawling up the hillsides.
This short yet stunning journey encapsulates Italy’s charm and natural beauty.
