Few travel experiences can match the charm, nostalgia, and immersive beauty of a scenic train journey. Unlike flights, which whisk you over landscapes, or car rides that demand full attention on the road, train travel allows passengers to sit back and enjoy the world unfolding around them. For those seeking a unique and awe-inspiring journey, there are several iconic rail routes worldwide that not only transport you from one destination to another but also take you on a visual feast of breathtaking vistas, dramatic terrains, and remote, untouched beauty. Here’s a closer look at some of the most scenic train journeys you need to experience.
1. The Trans-Siberian Railway – Russia
An Epic Journey Across Continents
The Trans-Siberian Railway is more than just a train journey; it’s a legendary adventure that spans almost 6,000 miles across the breadth of Russia, from Moscow to Vladivostok. It’s the longest railway line in the world and takes around seven days to complete without stopping. Along the way, passengers are treated to vast and diverse landscapes, from dense Russian forests and rolling Ural mountains to the serene waters of Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake.
The journey allows you to cross eight time zones and witness firsthand the cultural and environmental diversity of Russia. Many travelers choose to break the journey along the way to explore cities like Kazan, Novosibirsk, and Irkutsk, each offering unique insights into Russian history and culture. Whether you complete the journey in one go or take detours, the Trans-Siberian Railway promises an unforgettable experience of scenic beauty and cultural immersion.
2. The Glacier Express – Switzerland
Switzerland’s “Slowest Express Train” Through the Alps
Switzerland’s Glacier Express is famously known as “the slowest express train in the world,” yet every minute of this seven-hour journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz is filled with awe-inspiring Alpine views. This scenic route takes you across nearly 300 bridges, through 91 tunnels, and over the famous Landwasser Viaduct, a six-arched bridge that towers over a forested ravine, offering an unforgettable vantage point of the surrounding Alps.
The train’s panoramic windows provide uninterrupted views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and idyllic Swiss villages. Winter or summer, the Glacier Express showcases Switzerland’s stunning beauty with changing landscapes that reflect the seasons. In the winter, everything is cloaked in snow, creating a magical, almost surreal environment, while the summer offers vibrant greens and bright skies that contrast beautifully with the Alps.
3. The Rocky Mountaineer – Canada
Exploring the Canadian Rockies in Unparalleled Comfort
For those drawn to rugged mountain landscapes, the Rocky Mountaineer train offers a luxury journey through Canada’s awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains. Operating from Vancouver to Jasper or Banff, this two-day, daylight-only journey ensures that you don’t miss a single view of the scenic highlights along the way. Known for its glass-domed coaches, the train provides an immersive experience with breathtaking views of dense forests, cascading waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and towering mountain peaks.
The Rocky Mountaineer is particularly famous for its commitment to comfort and service. Passengers enjoy gourmet meals prepared with local ingredients, served at their seats while they marvel at the landscape. Wildlife sightings are common, with passengers often spotting bears, elk, and bald eagles along the route. With a combination of luxurious service and unforgettable scenery, the Rocky Mountaineer is a dream journey for nature lovers.
4. The Blue Train – South Africa
Luxury and Safari Adventure on Wheels
South Africa’s Blue Train is a legendary journey that combines luxury travel with the thrill of a safari adventure. Running from Pretoria to Cape Town, the Blue Train takes passengers on a 31-hour, 994-mile journey that showcases South Africa’s diverse landscapes, including lush vineyards, arid deserts, and stunning mountain ranges.
The train itself is akin to a five-star hotel on wheels, complete with private suites, fine dining, and an opulent lounge car where passengers can relax and take in the passing scenery. Highlights of the journey include the picturesque Winelands near Cape Town and the dramatic landscapes of the Karoo desert. For an added touch of elegance, passengers are encouraged to dress up for dinner, embracing a sense of old-world charm that makes this journey truly unique.
5. The Ghan – Australia
A Journey Through Australia’s Outback
Named after Afghan cameleers who explored the Outback in the 19th century, The Ghan offers one of the most iconic train journeys through Australia. Covering nearly 2,000 miles from Darwin in the north to Adelaide in the south, this epic, three-day journey takes travelers through some of the most remote and rugged terrains in the world.
The Ghan offers stops and excursions, allowing passengers to explore the country’s unique landscapes and indigenous culture. Highlights include a stop in Alice Springs, the heart of the Outback, and excursions to Katherine Gorge, where passengers can take a boat cruise through stunning canyons. This journey is a sensory immersion in the wild beauty of Australia’s red desert plains, dramatic gorges, and expansive skies.
6. The West Highland Line – Scotland
Through the Heart of Scotland’s Highlands
The West Highland Line is Scotland’s most scenic railway route, taking passengers from Glasgow to the fishing village of Mallaig, with stops at iconic sites such as Fort William and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. This scenic journey, made famous by its appearance in the Harry Potter films, allows passengers to witness the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, complete with rugged mountains, pristine lochs, and picturesque castles.
The train’s route offers stunning views over remote wilderness areas, where deer and other wildlife can often be seen grazing. The West Highland Line is especially popular in the fall, as the landscapes turn vibrant shades of red and orange, making this journey an autumn spectacle worth experiencing.
7. The Bernina Express – Switzerland and Italy
An Alpine Journey Across Two Countries
The Bernina Express is a high-altitude train route that takes passengers from the Swiss town of Chur to Tirano in Italy. Crossing the Swiss-Italian border, this UNESCO-listed railway line passes through dramatic Alpine scenery, including glaciers, winding rivers, and charming mountain villages. One of the highlights of the journey is the circular Brusio Viaduct, a spiraling bridge that offers a unique engineering marvel against the backdrop of the Alps.
Unlike the Glacier Express, the Bernina Express runs year-round, with each season offering its own unique sights. In winter, the snow-covered landscapes create a winter wonderland, while the spring and summer months bring out lush green valleys, wildflower meadows, and crystal-clear rivers. This cross-border journey is an excellent way to experience the culture and landscapes of both Switzerland and Italy.
8. The Flam Railway – Norway
Norway’s Spectacular Journey Through Fjords and Mountains
The Flam Railway in Norway is one of the steepest railway lines in the world and takes passengers on a breathtaking 12-mile journey from the fjord town of Flam to the mountain station at Myrdal. Although it’s a short route, the Flam Railway packs in incredible scenic highlights, including views of towering waterfalls, lush valleys, and traditional Norwegian farms.
This route offers a glimpse into the dramatic landscapes of Norway, where rugged mountains and deep fjords coexist in spectacular harmony. It’s especially popular in the spring when the snow begins to melt, creating powerful waterfalls that cascade down the mountainsides. The Flam Railway is a must-experience journey for those fascinated by Norway’s fjord landscapes and dramatic topography.
9. The Coastal Pacific – New Zealand
Exploring New Zealand’s Dramatic Coastline
New Zealand’s Coastal Pacific train offers a stunning four-hour journey from Picton to Christchurch along the eastern coastline of the South Island. This route is known for its scenic ocean views, with the tracks running close to the Pacific Ocean for much of the journey. Passengers can also enjoy views of the Kaikoura Mountain Range, home to rich marine life and famous whale-watching sites.
During the journey, passengers have the opportunity to spot seals, dolphins, and sometimes whales along the coastline. The train itself offers large, panoramic windows, ensuring that you don’t miss any part of the stunning scenery. The Coastal Pacific is a perfect way to experience New Zealand’s coastal beauty while exploring the country’s rugged landscapes and unique ecosystems.
Final Thoughts
These scenic train journeys offer much more than transportation; they are immersive experiences that capture the essence of some of the world’s most beautiful and remote landscapes. Whether it’s the grandeur of the Swiss Alps, the rugged beauty of the Australian Outback, or the mystique of the Russian wilderness, these journeys allow travelers to connect with nature, history, and culture in ways few other forms of travel can. For anyone looking to embark on an unforgettable adventure, these scenic train routes promise views that will leave you spellbound and memories that will last a lifetime.