Train travel 🚂 forms one of the more scintillating ways to explore the world 🌍, filling every aspect of the train journeys with a unique blend of beauty, cultural immersion, and luxury. The rhythmic sound of a train gliding over tracks is music to the ears 👂 that augments the experience of unwinding and taking in breathtaking landscapes while traveling.
From majestic mountains ⛰️ to valleys covered with lush green grass, most train routes often pass through areas inaccessible otherwise, and this offers nature’s wonders at up-close front-row seats. Here are the most popular train routes that promise an unforgettable adventure 🗺️, balancing comfort with a little old-world nostalgia.
List of 24 Train Journeys Around the World
1. Glacier Express – Switzerland
Start/End: Zermatt – St. Moritz
Distance: 291 km
Duration: 8 hours
The Glacier Express🚂 is often claimed to be the “slowest express train in the world.” It offers slow and beautiful train journeys through the Swiss Alps. Along the way, the scenery unfolds with breathtaking snow-capped peaks❄️, picturesque villages, and groves of valleys🌲 that are just very pretty.
The train is fitted with large windows🪟 to give panoramic views from which the natural beauty of Switzerland reaches its passengers. The journey passes over 291 bridges 🌉and through 91 tunnels, among these, the world-famous Landwasser Viaduct; almost every turn presents a panoramic view. Dining 🍽️on board is equally impressive, with Swiss specialties served while you take in the views at breathtaking vistas.
2. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – Europe
Start/End: London-Venice
Distance: 1,500 km
Duration: 24 hours
A mythic journey by train 🚂 in Europe from London 🇬🇧 to Venice 🇮🇹. Iconic for having luxurious carriages and providing an extremely good service, these train journeys evoke a taste of nostalgia specific to luxury travel of the early 20th century 🕰️.
On board, passengers will be treated to exceptional fine dining 🍷 in lavishly decorated dining cars 🍽️, serving gastronomic delights conceived from local produce. The entire journey is dotted with significant cities 🏙️ along the route where, during scheduled stops, passengers are free to explore the cultural landmarks and bask in the deep history 📜 and heritage of each location.
The antique carriages will be beautifully restored to plush seats 🛋️ and period decorations, creating a touch of old-world opulence and class.
3. Eastern & Oriental Express Southeast Asia
Start/End: Singapore-Bangkok
Distance: 1,200 km
Duration: 2 days
With the comfort of the Eastern & Oriental Express 🚂, one can travel through the vibrant landscapes of Southeast Asia. While the traveler appreciates the regional cultural richness from gourmet meals 🍱 to impeccable accommodations, the train passes through lush rainforests 🌳 and quaint villages, offering glimpses into the bustling life that throngs these villages.
There is also the chance to take a guided tour 🗺️ of temples and markets and to get acquainted with the local population. Antique carriages are furnished with palatial adornments so that visitors can sit back and relax 😌. Each evening features fine dining 🍽️ in the dining car to taste specialties throughout Southeast Asia 🥢.
4. Rocky Mountaineer – Canada
Start/End: Vancouver-Calgary
Distance: 1,200 km
Duration: 2 days
This will be aboard the Rocky Mountaineer 🚂, one of the most highly acclaimed experiences with spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies 🏔️. The travel through mountains, rivers 🌊, and wildlife will make for an awe-inspiring experience of daylight-only train journeys to the desired destination, aboard comfortable seating and gourmet meals 🍽️ onboard.
There are many magnificent views along the route of the train, with the Spiral Tunnels and the Columbia Icefield ❄️ being some of the most iconic. The experienced guides 🗺️ will inform you fully about the history 📜 and geology of the route.
The traveling method also includes outdoor viewing platforms, which allow passengers to venture out into the surroundings and wildlife 🦌, including bears 🐻 and elk 🦙.
Also Read: Travel Tips to Help You Have a Stress-free Journey
5. Rovos Rail – South Africa
Start/End: Pretoria-Cape Town
Distance: 1,600 km
Duration: 3 days
Rovos Rail 🚂 offers luxury travel along South Africa’s lush landscapes 🌿. The old coaches and fine dining make this trip a chance to learn about the brilliant history 📜 and special animal life 🦁 of the country.
Among the features are excursions to the Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal and the Winelands of Stellenbosch. Passengers can relax in stylishly furnished cabins and enjoy fine dining 🍽️ in the classy dining car, where South African specialties 🥩 are served with local wines 🍾.
Travelers are taken on a scenic route across the grasslands of Highveld 🌾 and the dramatic scenery of Cape Winelands.
6. The Ghan – Australia (Adelaide to Darwin)
Start/End: Adelaide-Darwin
Distance: 2,979 kilometres
Duration: 3 days
Probably one of the most renowned train rides around the world 🌍, the Ghan 🚂 takes one through the heart of Australia 🇦🇺, offering a grand path through the Outback. One gets to see the harsh, stark beauty of desert landscapes and unique wildlife 🦘.
The onboard dining 🍽️ and comfortable accommodations provide patrons with the chance to thoroughly enjoy the vast landscapes as well as the cultural experiences 🎭 that come along with such an adventure.
The trip entails notable landmarks such as Alice Springs 📍 and Katherine Gorge 🏞️. Aboard the train, passengers gain insight into the rich history of the Indigenous people and marvel at Mother Nature’s amazing feats 🌅. The Ghan offers adventure with comfort 🎒, making it perfect for people wanting to understand the heart of Australia.
7. The Jacobite – Scotland
Start/End: Fort William-Mallaig
Distance: 64 km
Duration: 2 hours
Featuring in the Harry Potter movies 🪄, the Jacobite 🚂 offers fantastic train journeys across the Scottish Highlands. Passengers will get an opportunity to view breathtaking scenery 🌊 by the lochs and mountains ⛰️, notably crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct.
This steam train tour excites every corner of Scotland’s wild beauty 🌲 with nostalgia and adventure 🗺️. While traveling, one might spot the magnificent Loch Shiel and the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. The old-fashioned carriages and coal smoke give the ride a vintage feel, bringing passengers back into the golden age of rail travel 🚞.
8. Maharajas’ Express – India
Start/End: Delhi- Mumbai
Distance: 3,200 km
Duration: 7 days
Maharajas’ Express 🚂 is one of the most luxurious train travel experiences in India 🇮🇳. This journey will carry passengers through the heart of royal India, visiting palaces, forts 🏰, and vibrant cities 🌆. Lavish interiors and fine dining 🍽️ make a traveler who explores the riches of the subcontinent possible.
A train journey 🚄 that takes the traveler to India’s most recognizable and significant landmarks, such as Jaipur, Udaipur, and Varanasi, with guided tours 🗺️ revealing the richness of heritage and traditions of this country. Plush cabins 🛌, spas 💆, and fine dining 🍷 form part of onboard indulgence contributing to an unforgettable royal journey through India.
Also Read: The Best Hidden Waterfalls in India
9. Bernina Express – Switzerland and Italy
Start/End: Chur-Tirano
Distance: 122 km
Duration: 4 hours
The Bernina Express 🚂 takes pride in its spectacular scenery of the Alps ⛰️ crossing over Bernina Pass. Traveling on a UNESCO World Heritage route, through gashes of mountains, glaciers ❄️, and beautiful villages, this is an absolute feast for the eyes. With long panoramic windows 🪟 passing across some of the world’s breathtaking landscapes, duration can be utilized to view them.
Here worth seeing are the Brusio spiral viaduct and Lago Bianco 🌊, which are so calm that one feels cut off from all worldly things. As the train rises above 2,253 meters 🏔️, passengers can see all such changes in the scenario from lush valleys to snow-capped peaks 🏔️, thus making it one of the most scenic train journeys in the world 🌍.
10. Transalpine – New Zealand
Start/End: Christchurch-Greymouth
Distance: 223 km
Duration: 4.5 hours
The Transalpine 🚂 is one of the most scenic train journeys in New Zealand 🇳🇿. A large variety of landscapes awaits the traveler: from rich farmland 🌾 to mountainous grandeur and beautiful coastlines 🌊.
On this journey, one can witness the magnificence of nature in South Island 🏞️. Travelers can view the marvelous scenery of the Southern Alps, pass through Arthur’s Pass 🚉, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding rivers and forests 🌲. The onboard commentary offers valuable information concerning the region’s history and geography 🌍, enriching the experience overall.
11. Golden Eagle Danube Express – Central and Eastern Europe
Start/End: Budapest- Istanbul
Distance: 1,900 km
Duration: 11 days
The Golden Eagle Danube Express 🚂 is a luxury cruise through Central and Eastern Europe, full of lively cities 🏙️ and cultural and historical landmarks. This luxury train offers classy accommodations as well as fine dining for people discovering the rich cultural heritage that has been preserved in this part of the world.
Scenic vistas and historic towns abound, with guided excursions 🗺️ to such attractions as the stunning Hungarian Parliament 🇭🇺, medieval castles, and gorgeous countryside vineyards. Onboard, luxury travelers can relax in sumptuous cabins 🛌 and relish gourmet fare 🍷, so this is ideal for those who balance the most relaxing comfort with ancient culture and history 📜.
12. Belmond Royal Scotsman – Scotland
Start/End: Edinburgh-Inverness
Distance: 800 km
Duration: 2 days
The Belmond Royal Scotsman 🚂 offers luxury travelers a private journey in the Scottish Highlands 🇸🇧. On board, fine Scotch whisky 🥃 is served with a five-star meal 🍽️ and panoramic views of the splendid landscape.
Castles 🏰 and historical landmarks are part of the trip, where passengers can immerse themselves in Scotland’s history and culture 🎭. Elegant interior design ✨, combined with personal service 🤵, allows travelers to enjoy a comfortable and lavish experience on board. Some of the stunning activities include seeing scenic glens, lochs, and distilleries 🏭; these will ensure that the Scottish Highlands experience is complete.
13. Sagano Scenic Railway – Japan
Start/End: Arashiyama-Kameoka
Distance: 7 km
Duration: 25 minutes
The Sagano Scenic Railway is one of Japan’s short scenic train journeys through the beautiful gorge by the Hozu River 🌊. Travelers are rewarded with stunning vistas of lush woods and seasonal colors, especially in spring with cherry blossoms and autumn 🍁.
The antique train transforms this lovely journey into a quaint old charm ✨. One can witness the serenity of the river and the natural beauty through photography views 📸 at various places. This can be a perfect experience to explore the tranquility and beauty of rural Japan 🇯🇵.
14. Belmond Andean Explorer – Peru
Start/End: Cusco-Arequipa
Distance: 300 km
Duration: 10 hours
Belmond Andean Explorer 🚂 is a luxury train going through the fantastic views of the Andes ⛰️ within Peru 🇵🇪, offering gourmet meals 🍽️ as well as plush accommodations 🛌 for adventure travelers visiting ancient ruins and breathtaking natural beauty.
Through the picturesque towns 🏘️ and cultural sites, it travels back in time and illuminates the region’s strong heritage. It features the experience of the boarding guides 👩🏫 as they share their stories and traditions regarding the Andean culture 🎉. The view one can indulge in with luscious valleys and snow-capped mountains 🏔️ could make the journey seem like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
15. Jungfrau Railway – Switzerland
Start/End: Kleine Scheidegg-Jungfraujoch
Distance: 9 km
Duration: 50 minutes
The Jungfrau Railway 🚂 will take tourists to the higher train station in Europe 🇪🇺, and it presents fabulous views of the Alps ⛰️. They are beautiful visual experiences of glaciers and snowy tops, making this one of the favorites for nature lovers 🌲.
While the train travels through Jungfraujoch, views of the most recognizable peaks, namely Eiger 🏔️, Mönch, and Jungfrau 🌨️, are included in the views. Climbing up to the summit, the ice palace and observation deck serve for a breathtaking view over landscapes of mountains. One that is truly exhilarating and awe-inspiring and one that no visitor to Switzerland should miss 🇨🇭.
16. Kandy to Ella – Sri Lanka
Start/End: Kandy- Ella
Distance: 90 km
Duration: 6 hours
The train from Kandy to Ella 🚂 is also known for its beauty as it makes winding passages through tea plantations and hill forests 🌳. En route, passengers can see the vibrant culture of Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 while taking in tremendous views of the countryside. The train passes along the beautiful villages and tea plantations 🍵 on stepped landings where the everyday life of the rural areas can be seen.
The journey is quite beautiful in the dawn 🌅 and dusk 🌇 hours when the amber hues brighten the landscape 🌞. The journey is regarded as one of the best in the world 🌍 by train and is one of the favorite tourist destinations among locals as well as guests.
17. Lake Titicaca Train – Peru
Start/End: Puno-Cusco
Distance:386 km
Duration: 10 hours
Come aboard the Lake Titicaca Train 🚂 for a thrilling journey along the world’s highest navigable lake. Enjoy luxuries in comfort while traveling through the sceneries of the Andes ⛰️, complemented by cultural experiences 🎭 and tales of history along the way. Visits to the village can also be made, which allows them to come close to the local inhabitants 👥 and learn of their customs. In this regard, the tour is an enjoyable one that celebrates the natural beauty and richness of the cultures of Peru 🇵🇪.
18. Trans-Siberian Railway – Russia
Start/End: Moscow-Vladivostok
Distance: 9,289 km
Duration: 7 days
The Trans-Siberian Railway 🚂 has been considered one of the most favorite and longest in the world 🌍. This epic journey takes passengers across Russia 🇷🇺 and shows them different landscapes, cultures, and cities.
On travels, it brings a one-of-a-kind adventure for its passengers and becomes a bucket-list journey 📝 for many. It crosses the busiest streets of Moscow to the serene Baikal Lake 🌊, which is the world’s largest and freshest water lake.
Onboard amenities 🛌 make the long train journeys an enjoyable affair, and passengers can interact with locals and fellow travelers, sharing their stories and experiences.
19. Al-Andalus – Spain
Start/End: Seville-Granada
Distance: 200 km
Duration: 5 hours
The Al-Andalus train 🚂 offers a luxurious journey through the heart of Andalusia 🇪🇸, showing off stunning landscapes and historical landmarks. This luxurious train journeys offers beautifully restored coaches and fine dining 🍽️ with charming towns and rich heritage 🌿.
There are also stops for beautiful cities like Córdoba 🕌 and Ronda. The train is decorated luxuriously, service is good, and passengers are surrounded by the beauty of southern Spain with a calm rest within it.
20. Alaska Railroad – Alaska, United States
Start/End: Anchorage- Fairbanks
Distance: 750 km
Duration: 12 hours
The Alaska Railroad 🚂 provides an awe-inspiring ride into the wilds of Alaska ❄️. Passengers can see some of the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges and glaciers ❄️ mixed with wildlife under comfortable accommodations 🛌. Adventure lovers and lovers of beauty want to explore one of the world’s most remote areas, and this train ride is perfect for them.
Dramatic landscapes 🌄 line up the route, including the Denali National Park 🏞️ where one will spot moose, caribou, and bears 🐻. Knowledgeable guides 👩🏫 share stories of the rich history and ecology of Alaska, making the onboard experience an unforgettable adventure.
21. Belmond British Pullman – United Kingdom
Start/End: London-Varying destinations
Distance: varies
Duration: 1 day
The luxurious Belmond British Pullman gives way to classy dining 🍽️ aboard vintage trains across the UK 🇬🇧. Exquisite meals become part of the travel to different destinations, including historic landmarks and landscapes. The elegant atmosphere ✨, combined with sumptuous seating 🛋️ and lavish decoration, promises a noble journey, reminding one of the Great Age of Rail 🚆.
Themed excursions-from stately homes to gorgeous locations precede, accompany, or follow your journey for a complete experience. Fine dining 🍷 is complemented by thoughtful service 🤵 to ensure that you have a great and indulgent train journeys aboard the Belmond British Pullman.
22. The Blue Train, South Africa
Start/End: Cape Town- Pretoria
Distance: 1,600km
Duration: 2 days,
This spectacular train tour 🚂 across South Africa 🇿🇦 traverses the highly diversified territories starting from Cape Town in breathtaking coastal scenery to Pretoria 🏙️, the capital of this country. The living conditions and gourmet cuisine 🍽️ while traveling are just excellent. While traveling, one will see the mixed terrain of South Africa 🌍: it varies from mountains 🏔️ and valleys to agricultural soil 🌾.
This would make great excursions 🚶♂️ for the tour participants to explore places like vineyards and wildlife reservations 🦓, thus giving them a mix of South African nature 🌿, arts, and culture 🎭.
23. Deccan Odyssey – India
Start/End: Mumbai – Delhi
Distance: 3,000 km
Duration: 7 days.
This lavish indulgence 🚂 provides the finest dining 🍽️, gracious cabins 🛌, and guided excursions to ancient monuments and vibrant markets. Travelers who are chosen for a pleasant exploration of India’s heritage 🇮🇳 have an opportunity to see major cities 🏙️ and monuments such as the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, while immersing themselves in local traditions and crafts 🎨.
Embellishing luxury along with some cultural encounters, this is a Deccan Odyssey 🌟 to witness the glory of India in the right way.
24 Hiram Bingham – Peru
Start/End: Cusco-: Machu Picchu
Distance: 112 km
Duration: 3.5 hours
The Hiram Bingham train 🚂 takes travelers to the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu. Famous for luxury and comfort, this train has provided spectacular views of the Sacred Valley 🌄 and delectable dining 🍽️ for travelers.
Guided tours of the ancient Inca city 🏛️ make these train journeys an extremely well-appreciated historic, breathtakingly beautiful undertaking for the visitors. The passengers can enjoy plush seating and exceptional service 🤵; thus, this ride to one of the world’s most iconic destinations 🌍 would be memorable.
Hiram Bingham is not just a train ride; it is the discovery of the rich culture and history of Peru.
Conclusion
The train journeys 🚉 of the world are not about the point of arrival but rather about taking in the sceneries, lands, cultures, and histories📜 of the regions along such rides. Each one of these famous train journeys presents firsthand insight to travelers into the different regions’ lands🌍, cultures, and histories, just making it incomparable.
