17 Incredible Train Journeys That Should Be on Every Traveler’s Bucket List

They say it’s not the destination that matters; it’s the journey, and there is no doubt about it. Riding a train gives you a chance to enjoy amazing views right from your seat as if you’re moving through a living postcard. It’s a special way to see the world’s beauty, and it’s an experience you should try at least once with the people you care about. Here are some of the most beautiful train rides around the world to consider for your next trip.

The West Highland Line, Scotland

On your way to Mallaig from Glasgow, you will pass beautiful scenery, like mountains and lochs, within a 5-hour journey. You will also cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was featured in the Harry Potter films. You can catch the train from Glasgow’s Queen Street Station. It is considered one of the most scenic train routes in Europe.

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

This train ride from Vancouver will take you through the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. This family-friendly train runs through the daylight with a night stay at Kamloops to ensure you don’t miss any scenery along the way. The following day, the train continues toward Alberta, passing through canyons and lakes and ending the evening in Lake Louise. There are also many other routes available to choose from depending on the duration and sights.

Andean Explorer, Peru

Hop aboard the Andean Explorer for an unforgettable ride through Peru’s stunning landscapes, from Cusco to Puno. The train makes a night stop in Puno and then makes its way to Lake Titicaca the next morning. The journey ends in Arequipa on the third day, where you can explore its charming colonial streets and volcanic landscapes.

Glacier Express, Switzerland

Those who want to see the Swiss Alps in all their glory must travel between Zermatt and St. Moritz by train. You can board the train at either stop and get ready for the journey that crosses over 250 bridges, takes you through 91 tunnels, and passes between mountains. It’s a slow-paced journey, giving you ample time to capture the beauty of Switzerland. The train offers comfortable seating suited for people traveling with kids.

TranzAlpine, New Zealand

The passengers on board this train get to see some incredible sights as they roll through the Southern Alps on the South Island of New Zealand. Watch out the window as you pass by towering mountains, winding rivers, and lush forests on your way from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, ending at Greymouth.

California Zephyr, United States

California Zephyr offers one of the greatest train journeys in America, taking around 51 hours from Chicago to San Francisco. Starting in Chicago, you’ll travel through the plains of Nebraska and the Rockies to Denver and many other beautiful destinations before ending in San Francisco. It’s a long ride, which may be tiring for people with families, but the cabins are very comfortable, and you can also book a family bedroom with meals.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

This fancy train journey is truly a treat for the eyes. This trip isn’t just about the destination but also the luxurious experience of early 20th-century rail travel. You can catch the train from multiple cities, such as Paris, Florence, Amsterdam, and many others. The duration of this train ride can be one day to many, depending on what you would like to see.

Train To The Clouds, Argentina

Starting from Salta, this one-day round trip takes roughly 15 hours to ascend the Andes in Argentina. You can board the train at Salta in the morning and spend a day journeying through tunnels and viaducts over 13,000 feet above sea level. Among these 13 viaducts, the Viaduct Polvorilla is the most famous and is considered one of Argentina’s greatest engineering works of the last century.

Palace On Wheels, India

Another luxury train, ‘Palace on Wheels,’ not only offers beautiful scenery but also provides the feeling of traveling as a “Maha Raja.”, meaning a Prince in the Indian language. This train lets you explore India’s rich history and culture, stopping at cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Agra. Book your cabin, board New Delhi, and embark on this luxury train ride.

Bernina Express, Switzerland – Italy

Switzerland is a paradise on earth, so imagine how it would feel to discover it by train. The train goes from St Moritz or Chur to Tirano, and your eyes won’t be able to handle the beauty of glaciers, mountains, lakes, and Swiss Alps scenery. It’s a short four-hour journey but offers an incredibly scenic route linking Switzerland and Italy.

Train des Pignes, France

Take a short yet captivating three-hour journey through Provence from Nice to Digne-les-Bains. Starting in Nice, this train takes you through olive groves and pine forests, offering a peaceful side of the Riviera away from the crowds. It’s perfect for a day trip into the center of Provence.

GoldenPass Express, Switzerland

From Montreux to Interlaken, you can travel through GoldenPass Express in about five hours. You can board in Montreux in the morning, and by afternoon, you’ll be in Interlaken after passing through picturesque towns like Gstaad and Gruyères. The train has comfortable seating, which is ideal for families traveling with their little ones.

The Blue Train, South Africa

The Blue Train runs between Pretoria and Cape Town and takes you through the breathtaking landscape of South Africa. It is considered one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world, featuring two lounge cars (smoking and nonsmoking), offering butler service, carriages with gold-tinted picture windows, carpeted compartments, each with en-suite attached bathrooms, and more.

Flam Railway, Norway

The Flam Railway is considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, and rightly so. The train runs from Aurlandsfjord and goes up to the high mountains at Myrdal station. In a short trip of approximately 2 hours, you’ll witness the breathtaking fjords, snow-covered mountains, waterfalls, and more. The railway stops at various tiny villages, including the must-see spots; Myrdal and waterfall.

The Ghan, Australia

The Ghan offers an incredible journey that spans the heart of Australia from Adelaide to Darwin, or Alice Springs, or vice versa. As you travel, you’ll witness the breathtaking landscapes of the Outback, with its iconic red desert and ancient rock formations. This isn’t just a train ride; it’s a chance to connect with the land and its history, encountering remote communities along the way.

Seven Stars, Japan

Running through the island of Kyushu, the Seven Stars train offers a luxury travel experience like no other in Japan. It takes you on a scenic journey through beautiful landscapes, including lush green forests, relaxing hot springs, and charming little villages. With its elegantly designed interiors, delicious gourmet meals, and onboard entertainment, this train ride is one of the best in the world, offering an unforgettable experience.

The Shongololo Express, Southern Africa

Hop on the Shongololo Express for an adventurous ride through Southern Africa, traveling through South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, and Mozambique. You’ll get to see everything from deserts to savannas and explore historic towns and wildlife reserves along the way. The train has comfy cabins, dining cars, and offers guided off-train excursions.