While a plane can get you to your destination faster, nothing beats the romance — and window-sight opportunities — of a train ride. Here are the most amazing train journeys in the world.
1. Rocky Mountaineers -Canada
Covering the beautiful countryside of southern British Columbia between Vancouver and Banff, Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West is one of the most scenic train rides in Canada, if not the world. Leaving the cosmopolitan coastal city of Vancouver behind, passengers are treated to breathtaking views – such as the wild waters of Fraser Canyon’s Hell’s Gate and steep trails that run along the Thompson River – in the comfort of luxurious carriages. There is an overnight stay in the lakeside town of Kamloops before they ascend over the stunning snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies and reach beautiful Banff.
2. Glacier Express – Switzerland
Connecting two of Switzerland’s most scenic mountain resorts, Zermatt and St. Moritz, the Glacier Express is the most relaxing way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Swiss Alps. Traveling east from Zermatt, the day trip covers a stunning 91 tunnels and 291 bridges, passing through southern Switzerland’s alpine meadows, pristine mountain lakes, and picture-perfect villages. Trip highlights include the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the trip at 2044 meters. Another is the famous Landwasser Viaduct – a magnificent six-arched structure that measures 61 meters and plunges into a tunnel cut directly into the mountainside.
3. TranzAlpine – New Zealand
All aboard the TranzAlpine for a stage seat to one of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes – the South Island’s Southern Alps. Starting in Christchurch, the TranzAlpine travels northwest through the fertile fields of the Canterbury Plains alongside the Waimakariri River. Then it goes up to the mountains, where it crosses the mighty stairway viaduct. Crossing the magnificent snow-capped mountains of Arthur’s Pass National Park, TranzAlpine makes its way through the subtropical rainforests of the west coast. Finally, you arrive at your destination: the historic mining town of Greymouth.
4. West Highland Line, Scotland
Taking passengers through some of Scotland’s most diverse scenery, the West Highland Line is a great way to experience the country’s wild west coast. Once the train leaves Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, the cityscape quickly succumbs to lush valleys and tranquil lakes. Heading north, the West Highland Line passes through the remote desert of Rannoch Moor before skirting towering Ben Nevis and landing at Fort William. Changing direction and moving west, the train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct (featured in the Harry Potter series) before reaching the busy port of Mallaig.
5. The Ghan – Australia
Australia’s Outback is home to some of the most stunning scenery on the planet, and The Ghan offers travelers the opportunity to experience the vast landscape in pure luxury. Following a path directly through Australia’s fiery red center, The Ghan travels from Darwin in the north to Adelaide – a total distance of nearly 3,000 kilometers. It takes passengers from the Northern Territory’s lush tropical coastline through the red-hued rocks of the MacDonnell Ranges and into the fertile plains of South Australia. A trip on The Ghan also offers off-train excursions, including a boat ride through the Nitmiluk Gorge and a trip to the quirky desert town of Alice Springs.
6. Trans-Siberian Railway – Russia
A staggering 9289 km, the Trans-Siberian Railway is among the longest rail routes in the world. Starting at its western end in Moscow, the Trans-Siberian crosses the Ural Mountains and through the dense Siberian forest. It spans the entire width of Russia and connects the capital with Vladivostok in the east. The eight-day journey takes passengers past landmarks including the magnificent 983-meter-long bridge spanning the Ob River in Novosibirsk (Russia’s third-largest city) and the stunning blue waters of Lake Baikal, the largest water lake. candy in the world by volume.
7. Flåm Railway – Norway
At just over an hour-long, the Flåm Railway may not be an epic journey, but it is among the most beautiful. In fact, it’s one of Norway’s top attractions and is often hailed as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. One of the steepest railway routes in Europe, the railway rises 860 meters from its starting point in the small village of Flåm on the Sognefjord. It passes through deep gorges, waterfalls and high peaks to the mountaintop Myrdal station. Dazzling in summer, the Flåm Railway is even more magical in the colder months, when a blanket of snow turns the journey into a winter wonderland.
8. Rovos Rail’s Namibia Safari (Rovos Rail’s Namibia Safari) – South Africa
A luxury train journey covering nearly 3,000 kilometers, the Rovos Rail Namibia Safari takes in some of the most stunning scenery the Southern African region has to offer. Departing Pretoria, South Africa , the journey takes passengers to the Kimberley – an ancient diamond rush city and home to the Big Hole, one of the largest hand-dug mines in the world. It then traverses the beautiful landscape of the Northern Cape and the Fish River Canyon. As it heads into the Kalahari Desert, the train visits Namibia’s lively capital Windhoek before crossing the Namib Desert and moving on to its final destination in Swakopmund. This final stop is a perfectly preserved Hansa German town situated along the coast of Namibia.
9. Belmond Hiram Bingham – Peru
Traveling through some of Peru’s most romantic landscapes and ending up in Machu Picchu, the Belmond Hiram Bingham is a once-in-a-lifetime luxury train trip. Starting from the ancient capital of Cusco, the Belmond Hiram Bingham crosses the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a stunning valley formed by the winding Urubamba River. It also passes through the small village of Ollantaytambo. It is the final point of the journey, however, this is the real gem: Machu Picchu. This landmark is an ancient Inca citadel and UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated high in the Andes Mountains.
10. Golden Eagle Danube Express – Central Europe and Transylvania
In an epic 14-day journey, the Golden Eagle Danube Express’s Central Europe and Transylvania route traverse a 3200-kilometer pass between Istanbul, Turkey, and Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Crossing eight incredible countries, the Golden Eagle Danube Express is the best way to see Europe in style and includes stops in some of the most beautiful cities on the continent. From Istanbul, the train travels north through the Carpathian Mountains and into Transylvania, passing Bran Castle – also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’.
