There’s something timeless and magical about traveling by train—especially when the journey offers jaw-dropping landscapes, majestic mountains, coastal cliffs, and untouched wilderness. From snow-capped peaks to tropical forests, these scenic train rides promise not just transportation, but unforgettable travel experiences.
1. The Glacier Express – Switzerland
Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz
Duration: Around 8 hours
Nicknamed the “slowest express train in the world,” the Glacier Express winds through the heart of the Swiss Alps. With panoramic windows, you’ll glide past deep valleys, ancient bridges, and iconic peaks like the Matterhorn. It’s the ultimate Alpine adventure.
2. The Rocky Mountaineer – Canada
Route: Vancouver to Banff or Jasper
Duration: 2–3 days
This luxurious train through Western Canada offers glass-domed coaches and gourmet cuisine. Passengers enjoy breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies, emerald lakes, and vast forests. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that redefines rail travel.
3. The West Highland Line – Scotland
Route: Glasgow to Mallaig
Duration: About 5.5 hours
Famous for the Glenfinnan Viaduct (featured in Harry Potter), this route showcases the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Expect rugged coastlines, lochs, and misty moors as you journey through one of the UK’s most cinematic landscapes.
4. The TranzAlpine – New Zealand
Route: Christchurch to Greymouth
Duration: Around 5 hours
Crossing the South Island’s spine, the TranzAlpine offers stunning contrasts—from the rolling Canterbury Plains to the dramatic Southern Alps and lush West Coast rainforests. It’s a compact but unforgettable ride.
5. The Bernina Express – Switzerland to Italy
Route: Chur (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy)
Duration: 4 hours
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed railway, the Bernina Express climbs over the Alps and descends into the Italian countryside. You’ll pass glaciers, spiraling viaducts, and vibrant mountain villages—all without ever needing a passport stamp.
6. The Flåm Railway – Norway
Route: Myrdal to Flåm
Duration: Around 1 hour
One of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world, the Flåm Railway offers epic views of Norway’s fjords, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Though short, this journey packs a punch.
7. The Blue Train – South Africa
Route: Pretoria to Cape Town
Duration: 2 nights
Known for its elegance, the Blue Train offers a five-star hotel experience on rails. It traverses the beautiful and varied South African landscape—from vineyards and desert plains to dramatic mountains and city skylines.
8. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – India
Route: New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling
Duration: About 7 hours
A narrow-gauge, UNESCO-recognized marvel, this train zigzags through tea plantations, hills, and clouds. The journey offers a nostalgic experience with vintage locomotives and postcard-perfect views of the Eastern Himalayas.
9. The Reunification Express – Vietnam
Route: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Duration: Around 35 hours
This historic route cuts through the length of Vietnam, showcasing rice paddies, coastal towns, mountains, and historic war sites. It’s not the fastest journey, but certainly one of the most memorable.
10. The Coastal Pacific – New Zealand
Route: Picton to Christchurch
Duration: Around 6 hours
Running along the eastern coastline of New Zealand’s South Island, this ride offers a striking mix of sea views, rolling vineyards, and towering mountains. It’s a must-do for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Final Thoughts
The best train journeys aren’t just about the destination—they’re about the views, the rhythm of the rails, and the sense of wonder that only comes from slow travel. Whether you’re dreaming of glaciers, fjords, deserts, or rainforests, there’s a scenic train ride out there ready to take your breath away.
