The Most Scenic Train Journeys Around the World

Train travel offers a unique way to experience the world’s diverse landscapes, providing an unparalleled opportunity to see stunning scenery from the comfort of your seat. From winding through lush valleys to traversing rugged mountains, these scenic train journeys allow travelers to enjoy breathtaking views that are often inaccessible by other means. Here are some of the most picturesque train routes around the globe, each offering a distinctive and memorable travel experience.

The Glacier Express, Switzerland Renowned as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, the Glacier Express connects the Swiss Alpine resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz. This iconic route takes passengers through the heart of the Swiss Alps, offering spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, and picturesque villages. The journey includes crossing the 2,033-meter-high Oberalp Pass and passing through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges, including the impressive Landwasser Viaduct. Panoramic windows provide unobstructed views, allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in the stunning alpine scenery.

The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada The Rocky Mountaineer offers several routes through the Canadian Rockies, each showcasing the region’s awe-inspiring landscapes. The journey from Vancouver to Banff is particularly popular, taking passengers through dramatic mountain ranges, lush forests, and along the turquoise waters of rivers and lakes. Highlights of the trip include the Spiral Tunnels, the Fraser Canyon, and the iconic Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The train’s glass-domed coaches provide panoramic views, and the onboard service, including gourmet meals, enhances the luxurious travel experience.

The TranzAlpine, New Zealand New Zealand’s TranzAlpine train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth is widely regarded as one of the world’s most scenic rail trips. This route traverses the South Island, crossing the Canterbury Plains before climbing into the Southern Alps. Passengers are treated to views of snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, and lush rainforests. The journey also includes crossing the Waimakariri River and passing through the spectacular Arthur’s Pass National Park. Open-air viewing carriages allow for unobstructed photography and a closer connection to the natural beauty of the landscape.

The Blue Train, South Africa The Blue Train is a luxurious train journey that travels between Pretoria and Cape Town, offering a unique way to experience South Africa’s diverse landscapes. The route takes passengers through the picturesque vineyards and orchards of the Cape Winelands, the semi-arid Karoo region, and the majestic Hex River Valley. Along the way, travelers can enjoy views of rolling hills, rugged mountains, and sprawling savannahs. The Blue Train is renowned for its opulent accommodations and fine dining, making it a quintessential luxury travel experience.

The Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy The Bernina Express is another spectacular Swiss train journey, traveling from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy. This route is famed for its dramatic alpine scenery, crossing the Bernina Range and passing through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges. Highlights include the Landwasser Viaduct, the Montebello Curve, and the Brusio Spiral Viaduct. The journey also features stunning views of glaciers, mountain lakes, and picturesque villages. The Bernina Express is part of the Rhaetian Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its engineering and scenic significance.

The West Highland Line, Scotland Scotland’s West Highland Line offers a picturesque journey through the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. The route travels from Glasgow to Mallaig, passing through remote moorlands, tranquil lochs, and dramatic mountain ranges. Highlights of the journey include the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, famously featured in the Harry Potter films, and the scenic shores of Loch Shiel and Loch Eilt. The West Highland Line is renowned for its wild and unspoiled scenery, providing a captivating travel experience through one of the UK’s most beautiful regions.

The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia The Trans-Siberian Railway is one of the longest and most legendary train journeys in the world, stretching from Moscow to Vladivostok. This epic route traverses a vast range of landscapes, from the rolling plains of European Russia to the dense forests of Siberia and the rugged mountains near Lake Baikal. The journey provides a unique insight into the diverse cultures and landscapes of Russia, passing through historic cities, remote villages, and pristine natural areas. The Trans-Siberian Railway offers various routes and classes of service, catering to different travel preferences and budgets.

The Andean Explorer, Peru The Andean Explorer offers a luxurious train journey through the Peruvian Andes, traveling between Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Arequipa. This route takes passengers through some of Peru’s most breathtaking landscapes, including the high-altitude plains of the Altiplano, the dramatic La Raya Pass, and the stunning Colca Canyon. Along the way, travelers can enjoy views of snow-capped peaks, ancient ruins, and traditional Andean villages. The Andean Explorer is renowned for its elegant accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and exceptional service, providing a memorable and immersive travel experience.

These scenic train journeys offer a unique way to explore some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, combining the comfort of rail travel with the thrill of discovering new and breathtaking vistas. Whether you’re traversing the Swiss Alps, the Canadian Rockies, or the Peruvian Andes, these train trips provide an unforgettable adventure and a deeper appreciation of the natural beauty and cultural richness of each destination.