Whether you’re mad about locomotives, a lover of luxury trains, or simply appreciate the slow beauty of gliding along the tracks at your leisure, train travel is having a major moment right now. Sustainability and responsible travel are very important to us, so this laidback, eco-conscious alternative to driving or flying is the perfect way to enjoy your holiday while doing your bit for the planet. Not sure where to start? Read on for our round-up of the 12 most scenic train journeys in the world…
- The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- The Rovos Rail
- The Bernina Express
- Amtrak Coast Starlight
- Eastern & Oriental Express
- The West Highland Line
- The Rocky Mountaineer
- The Train of the Clouds
- The Bergen Railway
- The Ghan
- The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
- The Shinkansen
1
The Venice Simplon-Orient Express
London – Venice
Positively oozing romance and glamour, this Art Deco style train harks back to a time of elegant travel. Passengers can embrace sophistication while relaxing in sumptuous wood-panelled carriages, surrounded by the sounds of piano music and the tinkling of crystal glasses. It can be hard to tear your eyes away from the sleek interior, but take a look outside and you’ll be treated to views of leafy vineyards in France, the dramatic Swiss Alps and the sparkling Venice Lagoon on arrival in Italy.
Looking for more info? Take a look at our itinerary aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient Express.
Image by Faustine Poidevin.
2
The Rovos Rail
Pretoria – Cape Town (South Africa)
The Rovos Rail is one of the most luxurious ways to discover South Africa. This lavish railway service combines a beautiful, retro ambience with the rugged outdoors and incredible wildlife, which are just a glass pane away. Vintage armchairs, deep Victorian baths and upscale dining are the order of the day (with some of South Africa’s finest wines on the menu, of course). The classic route goes from Pretoria to Cape Town, travelling gently through buzzing meadows, sculpted vineyards and towering mountains.
Keen to find out more? Check out this Rovos Rail itinerary.
Image by Dave G. Houser.
3
The Bernina Express
Chur - Tirano (Switzerland and Italy)
Next up on our list of the most scenic train journeys in the world is the Bernina Express, a 96-mile railway that runs from Chur in eastern Switzerland to Tirano in northern Italy. This route is famed for its views of towering mountains, electric blue lakes and sprawling forests, all blanketed in a sparkling layer of snow. The train features floor-to-ceiling windows, meaning you won’t miss even a glimpse of the landscape as the crimson train whizzes through tunnels and over bridges in the Swiss Alps. Still not convinced? Don’t just take our word for it – a large part of the line was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, so you know it’s the real deal.
Want to delve deeper into the snowy Swiss scenery for yourself? Take a look at our Swiss Alps by train itinerary.
Image by Nicolas Quiniou.
4
Amtrak Coast Starlight
Seattle - Los Angeles (USA)
Cruising through three magnificent states in just 35 hours, the Coast Starlight journey is a highlight reel of the largest cities along the west coast of the USA. The train passes through the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Mountains, sails alongside the Pacific Ocean, glides through the Big Sur and dives into the heart of several cities. As if the shiny views weren’t enough, there’s plenty to keep you busy onboard this double-decker train, be it elegant dinners, wine and cheese tastings, or family movie nights in the train’s very own theatre.
Interested in America’s railways? Read our blog on the USA’s best train trips.
Image by Robert Haidinger/LAIF-REA.
5
Eastern & Oriental Express
Bangkok – Singapore
After a four-year hiatus (that seemed to last for an eternity to us), the Eastern & Oriental Express is back with a bang. On this luxury service, you’re just as likely to be found sipping signature cocktails at the bar as you are staring at the emerald landscapes of Southeast Asia from the observation car. Dripping in glittering green and gold and swimming in Cherrywood panelling, the train boasts contemporary local cuisine and stellar service at every turn. The classic three-night trip from Bangkok to Singapore passes through Malaysia en route and takes in an array of delightful sights, including sprawling rice fields, lush plantations and the famous bridge on the River Kwai.
Inspired? Check out this ten-day Singapore & Bangkok itinerary.
Image by Lavinia Cernau.
6
The West Highland Line
Glasgow – Fort William and Mallaig (Scotland)
Sweeping across the mountainous west coast of Scotland, this incredible journey takes its travellers into the heart of wind-blown moors. The West Highland Line’s route is considered one of the most breathtaking in the world, venturing along steep hills, placid lochs and the towering heights of Ben Nevis. Although the whole line is a feast for the eyes, the view of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which towers over the serene depths of Loch Shiel, is undoubtedly the climax of the ride – it’s no wonder they deemed it magical enough to appear in four Harry Potter films.
Image by Korng Sok/Unsplash.
7
The Rocky Mountaineer
Vancouver – Banff (Canada)
Luxurious yet laidback, the Rocky Mountaineer rolls past the stunning Canadian Rockies in all its wild, unabashed glory on this two-day jaunt. Canyons, snowy peaks, streams and green valleys are all on the agenda, and if you keep your eyes peeled, you may even see some of the region’s wonderful wildlife, including bald eagles, grizzly bears and moose. To enjoy the best views, venture into the train’s Gold Leaf cars, complete with domed glass ceilings and panoramic vistas.
If towering mountains and awe-inspiring nature are your thing, take a look at this suggested Rocky Mountains itinerary.
Image by Sophie Cambridge / Pexels.com.
8
The Tren a las Nubes (The Train of the Clouds)
Salta (Argentina)
The name of this train journey offers some clue to the dizzying heights it reaches during its three-hour circular route of Salta. Defined by a lengthy climb up the Quebrada del Toro gorges, it’s one of the highest railways in the world and crosses fascinating landscapes comprising marbled rock, layered mountains and dusty high-altitude desert. The train negotiates 29 soaring bridges, 12 viaducts and countless spirals, but the star of the show is the highest point: Polvorilla Viaduct, which overlooks magnificent views of the Andes.
Image by Edith Polverini / Getty Images.
9
The Bergen Railway
Oslo – Bergen (Norway)
Driving the 300-odd miles between the Norwegian capital and Bergen by car is no mean feat: the journey is punctuated by sharp drops, snow squalls and chunks of poor road on the hard plateau of Hardangervidda. The Bergen Railway, on the other hand, is a blissfully carefree affair and definitely one of our favourite scenic train journeys in the world. The journey consists of seven hours of non-stop beauty, with fjords, waterfalls, rivers and snow-blanketed hills as just some of the highlights. If you’re scared of heights, proceed with caution: the most thrilling moment of the trip is the sharp descent towards Flam, said to be one of the steepest journeys by rail in the world.
Image by Manfredo Pinzauti / Getty Images.
10
The Ghan
Adelaide – Darwin (Australia)
The Ghan's journey is as legendary as it is long. Measuring 1,851 miles from Australia’s north coast to the south coast through the astonishing Australian outback, this three-day trip delves into the fiery red centre of the country, enjoying the best sights of the bush. Think rugged wilderness miles from civilisation, giant mountains punctuating the skyline and vivid shades of crimson and ochre as far as the eye can see, all under a piercing blue sky.
Image by Peter Schaefer / Getty Images.
11
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
New Jalpaiguri – Darjeeling (India)
Affectionately nicknamed the ‘Toy Train’, this charming blue steam train chugs along a narrow valley at the foothills of the Himalayas. As you travel the seven-hour journey from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, you’ll pass by sprawling tea plantations and lush, pristine forests. With an average speed of nine miles per hour, you’ve got all the time in the world to sit back, relax and admire the extreme beauty of West Bengal.
Image by Aroy Barman/Getty Images/iStockphoto.
12
The Shinkansen
Tokyo – Hiroshima (Japan)
Japan’s bullet trains (aka Shinkansen) are iconic, and it’s no surprise really, given that they’re some of the fastest in the world. Despite their 185mph speeds, these aerodynamic wonders offer a curiously fluid and surprisingly elegant ride. Along the busiest section of the network, between Tokaido and Sanyo, the 560-mile stretch that separates Tokyo from Hiroshima can be covered in just four hours. The smooth journey glides past beautiful landscapes and is punctuated by timely stops on an ever-respected timetable.
Image by torsakarin/stock.adobe.com.
Written by Emma Begley | Header image by Brice Portolano / Kintzing.
