You searched for train travel because you want to watch world-class landscapes unfold through a window without the stress of driving or rushing through airport security. These ten train routes offer consistently striking scenery, high-quality onboard experiences, and practical options for regular travelers.
Below is a snapshot of each route, what to look for along the tracks, and practical notes to help you decide which journey fits your schedule, budget, and travel style.
1. The Glacier Express, Switzerland
Route: St. Moritz to Zermatt. This full-day journey through the Swiss Alps crosses 291 bridges and negotiates 91 tunnels, delivering quintessential mountain scenery from start to finish.
- What to look out for: The sweeping Landwasser Viaduct near Filisur, the sheer walls of the Rhine Gorge, and high alpine meadows dotted with isolated chalets.
- Practical tips: Panoramic glass windows make the view the main attraction. Reserve seats well in advance and request the side with the most open mountain views. Summer brings lush green valleys; winter turns the route into a snowbound wonderland.
2. The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
Route options connect Vancouver with Banff and Jasper on two-day or multi-day journeys through the Canadian Rockies. The service runs exclusively during daylight so passengers never miss a vista.
- What to look out for: Glass-domed carriages offering open skies, wildlife sightings like elk, bears, and eagles, and the canyon walls of the Fraser Canyon.
- Practical tips: Trains run from spring through autumn. Upgrading to GoldLeaf service provides an elevated dome-level view and gourmet dining in the lower dining room.
3. Rovos Rail, South Africa
Route: Popular itineraries run between Cape Town and Pretoria, threading through the Karoo desert, winelands, and dramatic escarpments on a restored vintage train.
- What to look out for: Big-sky vistas across the Karoo desert, vineyard valleys, and shifting light over open plains.
- Practical tips: Book well ahead because suites fill early. Excursions are included in the fare, and the open-air observation car at the back of the train is ideal at dawn and dusk.
4. The Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy
Route: Chur or St. Moritz to Tirano, crossing the Alps into northern Italy along a UNESCO World Heritage line. Built to climb steep gradients without cogwheels, it transitions from alpine snowfields to Mediterranean palms in a single ride.
- What to look out for: The Morteratsch Glacier, rushing mountain rivers, and the circular Brusio spiral viaduct.
- Practical tips: Views are spectacular on both sides of the train. Spring to early autumn offers the clearest weather and strongest contrast between snow capped peaks and green valleys.
5. The Flåm Railway, Norway
Route: Myrdal down to the fjord village of Flåm. As one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world, this one-hour ride drops sharply from high mountain terrain to Aurlandsfjord.
- What to look out for: Cascading waterfalls, narrow mountain gorges, and a short stop at Kjosfossen waterfall where passengers can step onto the platform and feel the mist.
- Practical tips: Pair the rail journey with a fjord cruise. Late spring to early autumn brings long daylight hours and high waterfall volume.
6. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia
Route: Moscow to Vladivostok. Covering 9,289 km, this is the world’s longest continuous railway line, shifting gradually from European plains into vast taiga, mountain ranges, and open steppe.
- What to look out for: The endless expanse of Lake Baikal, birch and pine forests stretching to the horizon, and regional culture shifts at every station stop.
- Practical tips: Plan stopovers over several days or weeks to explore regional cities along the way. Cabins range from standard compartments to private suites; summer provides warmer weather for platform exploration.
7. The Maharajas’ Express, India
Route: Luxury circuits through Rajasthan and northern India, linking Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, and Ranthambore. The trip combines elaborate onboard service with organized excursions to historic sites.
- What to look out for: Royal-themed cabin interiors, Rajasthan’s desert landscapes, and scheduled visits to the Taj Mahal and Ranthambore National Park.
- Practical tips: Schedule your trip during the cooler months from October to March. Off-train guided tours are included in the itinerary, but add buffer days on either end to explore your arrival and departure cities.
8. The Belmond Hiram Bingham, Peru
Route: Cusco to Machu Picchu through the Sacred Valley, descending through mountain passes and cloud forest toward Aguas Calientes. The train pairs high-altitude scenery with fine dining and live regional music.
- What to look out for: Incan terrace formations, winding river canyons, and the mountain walls surrounding the Machu Picchu basin.
- Practical tips: Spend a day or two acclimatizing in Cusco before boarding due to the high elevation. Book months in advance during peak season to secure matching entry permits for Machu Picchu.
9. The Ghan, Australia
Route: Adelaide to Darwin. Spanning 2,979 km, this iconic journey cuts straight through the Red Centre of the Australian outback, exposing passenger to massive scale and isolated pastoral country.
- What to look out for: Ochre desert plains, endless horizons, and scheduled off-train stopovers in Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge.
- Practical tips: Off-train excursions break up the long transit time across the interior. Summer heat in central Australia can be extreme, so check climate windows before booking.
10. The West Highland Line, Scotland
Route: Glasgow to Mallaig via Fort William, crossing wild Rannoch Moor and sweeping over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Affordable and easy to access, it works well as a day trip or an entry point to the Scottish Highlands.
- What to look out for: Open moorland, mountain lochs, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Jacobite steam train and film appearances.
- Practical tips: ScotRail operates regular passenger trains year-round on this track. To ride the Jacobite steam train specifically, book months ahead for summer dates.
Tips for Booking Any of These Journeys
- Best seasons: Alpine and fjord routes in northern climates peak late spring to early autumn. Tropical and subtropical journeys are best scheduled during local dry seasons.
- Booking lead times: Reserve private luxury routes (Rovos Rail, Maharajas’ Express, Hiram Bingham, Rocky Mountaineer) several months ahead. Popular scenic trains in Europe also require seat reservations weeks in advance during summer.
- Rail passes vs. direct tickets: Regional rail passes work best for flexible, multi-stop itineraries in Europe or Japan. Private boutique lines require dedicated direct tickets.
- Seat and cabin choices: Seek out panoramic or dome-car seats where available. On overnight routes, private cabins offer essential space and comfort for multi-day trips.
- Packing essentials: Bring layers for changing onboard temperatures, binoculars for wildlife and distant peaks, and camera power banks. Leave breathing room in your schedule for off-train side trips.
