Prepare to embark on some amazingly epic train adventures. You’ll want a window seat on these routes through the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. These are the world’s 30 most scenic train rides.
El Chepe
This train travels from Los Mochis, Sinaloa up to Creel, Chihuahua, a Magical Town in the heart of the Sierra Tarahumara, passing through the majestic Copper Canyon. The Express service will do an excellent job pampering you as you enjoy the ride to a majestic mountain range.
Snowdon Mountain Railway
When arriving at Hafod Eryri you are welcomed into a modern environment where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful views to the valleys below. During your stopover, you can venture up to the cairn which, at 1,085m above sea level, is the highest point in Wales and England!!
Trans-Mongolian Express
The Trans-Mongolian Railway traces the route of ancient tea caravans, winding its way from Russia to China via the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar. This railway route from Ulan-Ude to the Mongolian border was constructed in the 1940s and 1950s.
Shongololo Express
Shongololo Express began operations in 1995 to provide a touring experience like no other for visitors to Southern Africa. Shongololo tours travel nine countries on the southern African continent: Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and Tanzania.
PeruRail
The Cusco to Machu Picchu route may be one of the best known. However, the best route is the Puno to Cusco journey which cuts across the Peruvian Altiplano and rewards riders with beautiful views of the Andes.
The Bergensbanen
A trip on the Bergen Line offers one of the most magical scenic experiences in Europe. It crosses the Hardangervidda National Park, onto the Hardangervidda plateau, Europe’s largest high mountain plateau.
Shinkansen
Japan is currently home to nine Shinkansen (bullet train) lines and one of the best runs along the Tokaido Shinkansen line between the former and current Japanese capitals, Kyoto and Tokyo. You will be treated to a high-speed but beautiful view of Mt. Fuji as you ride past.
The Canadian
This train follows the rail route that is important to Canada’s history. Built in the 19th century to connect the nation, the Canadian National Railway stretches across prairies and then cuts through the Rockies before arriving on the West Coast.
Lake Titicaca Railway
The train to Lake Titicaca from Cusco takes over 10 hours and is pretty expensive. However, the gorgeous views along the way make up for the down sides.
Maharajas’ Express
The Maharajas’ Express is a luxury train that offers immersive journeys through India’s rich history and vibrant traditions with excursions to iconic landmarks and cultural epicenters.
Jacobite Steam Train
Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, this 84 mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain’s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig, Loch Morar, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis!
Hill Country Line
This train follows the path of Sri Lanka’s colonial tea transporters on the Hill Country Line which offers breathtaking views over lush tea plantations and tiny mountainside villages.
Santa Claus Express
Celebrate Christmas early with this magical ride. This overnight train journey takes place aboard the double-decker Santa Claus Express. It departs from Helsinki and heads farther north and passes Santa’s official residence. You may even see the northern lights.
Alishan Forest Railway
The Alishan Forest Railway is a century-old narrow-gauge railway which features dozens of tunnels and even more bridges. Offering some of the best views of the forest, one of the most popular stretches is the Chushan Line. Ride it early in the morning for sunrise views from Jade Mountain.
The Riviera Railway
This train ride is like a secret passage through the Mediterranean’s most beautiful places. Ride through Nice and Monaco, where luxury yachts and Lamborghinis are the norm. As the train approaches Italy, you can see a captivating transformation from the luxurious Riviera to quaint, cozy Italian allure.
Belmond Royal Scotsman
The Belmond Royal Scotsman is so luxurious it has an onboard spa. After a spa treatment, settle in and watch the scenery as you pass by castles, lochs, and plenty of Highland cattle.
Rocky Mountaineer
The Rocky Mountaineer was made to enjoy the incredible Rocky Mountains scenery. This trip runs to Denver, along the Colorado River, carving its way through the rugged canyons.
Alaska Railroad
The Alaska Railroad stretches from Seward in the south of the state to Fairbanks in its Interior region. You can see the mighty Knik River flow along the Chugach Mountains, and be in awe of the grandeur of Denali.
The Caledonian Sleeper
The Caledonian Sleeper departs from the London and takes you to the tranquil Scottish Highlands. There you see the peaks and lochs surrounding Fort William, where you can catch a train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The Venice Simplon-Orient Express is one of the most famous train rides in the world. Experience true luxury while you glide through the Dolomites and Swiss Alps in elegant compartments. In the evening, the bar car sets the stage for a night of early-20th-century-style revelry.
Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West, Canada
The Rocky Mountaineer Company offers some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the Americas on the Rainforest to Gold Rush route. The journey begins in Vancouver and winds north and east for three days. You’ll travel high into the Canadian Rockies, through mountain passes, and vast canyons. The trip ends in the snow-capped alpine peaks of the town of Jasper.
Kandy to Ella, Sri Lanka
This trip from Kandy to Ella runs from eight and a half to 10 hours. It’s only a section of a longer line running from Colombo to Badulla. Even though it’s a dusty, hot, and exhausting trip, it’s an exhilarating experience that’s beyond compare. Carriages fill up with people singing, laughing, smiling, and selling delicious homemade food and drinks.
Kuranda Scenic Railway, Australia
The train embarks from the city of Cairns on the coast for a one-way trip running under two hours. It snakes across the Great Dividing Range to the rural town of Kuranda. You’ll wind through lush forests, past waterfalls, and over precarious bridges. The trip is memorable for the sights, smells, and sounds of the rainforest that penetrate the cabin.
Linha do Douro, Portugal
This 160-kilometer journey runs alongside the Douro River for much of the route. The Douro Valley is one of the most well-known vineyard regions in Europe. The route connects the village of Pocinho, high up in the Alto Douro, and the city of Porto on the Atlantic coast. The trip runs about 3 1/2 hours.
Flåmsbana, Norway
This hour-long trip gets more spectacular the higher the train climbs. The ride goes from sea level at the Aurlandsfjord in Flåm to Myrdal mountain station. There are beautiful meadows and villages to behold. A sparkling blue River flows through the valley. At points, the line passes through some 20 tunnels and teeters on the edge of seemingly impassable cliffs.
TranzAlpine, New Zealand
Considered one of the southern hemisphere’s most scenic train journeys, it crosses New Zealand’s South Island, between Christchurch and Greymouth. The 223-kilometer, five-hour trip crosses Canterbury Plains, moving to the gateway to the Southern Alps. The train climbs the cliffs of the Waimakariri River, through 15 tunnels and over four dizzying viaducts. You’ll pass rivers, lakes, and forests.
Glacier Express, Switzerland
This ride wanders for eight hours across the south of Switzerland between St. Moritz and Zermatt. Along the way, you’ll traverse heart-stopping ravines, through tunnels, and along sparkling rivers. View the full panorama of dazzling Alpine scenery, easily seen through huge windows and glass ceilings. There’s also excellent food available on board.
Serra Verde Express, Brazil
Starting almost a kilometer above sea level in the city of Curitiba, you’ll cross heavily forested mountains into the Pico do Marumbi State Park. You’ll discover a wilderness of cloud forests and crashing waterfalls. You’ll traverse viaducts with seemingly nothing beneath you. Sit by an open window for the full experience of the breeze, aromas, water, and vegetation.
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Pacific Surfliner, USA
Perfect for ocean lovers, you’ll travel between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, with Los Angeles as a halfway point. The trip follows the California coastline almost continually and at points is mere feet away from the ocean. The inland sections feature wide open spaces and farmland. It’s a scenic, relaxed journey running around eight and a half hours.
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Trans-Siberian Railway
Remaining one of the world’s great adventures, the Trans-Siberian Railway stretches nearly 10,000 kilometers between Moscow and Vladivostok. This eight-day journey traverses eight time zones. The ever-changing landscape can feel like a different planet at times as you navigate mountain passes, and skirt lakes and rivers. Taking the trip in winter or summer will deliver a completely different experience.
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