Top 10 Scenic Train Rides That Should Be on Your Bucket List
There’s something timeless about train travel. The slow, rhythmic chug of the engine, the panoramic windows framing ever-changing landscapes, and the nostalgic charm of tracks winding through remote regions create a unique travel experience. If you’re a traveler who values the journey as much as the destination, scenic train rides are the perfect indulgence.
Here are 10 of the most breathtaking train journeys around the world—each offering stunning views, cultural immersion, and unforgettable adventure. Add these to your travel bucket list and prepare to be amazed.
- The Glacier Express (Switzerland)
📍 Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz
🕒 Duration: ~8 hours
Nicknamed the “Slowest Express Train in the World”, the Glacier Express traverses the Swiss Alps, passing through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges. The panoramic carriages give unobstructed views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, charming chalets, and dramatic mountain passes like the Oberalp Pass at over 2,000 meters. Whether you travel in winter or summer, this journey delivers picture-postcard moments at every turn.
Why it’s special: Glass-domed cars, luxury service, and jaw-dropping alpine scenery make this one of the most iconic train rides in Europe.
- Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)
📍 Route: Vancouver to Banff, Jasper, or Lake Louise
🕒 Duration: 2–4 days depending on route
The Rocky Mountaineer is Canada’s premier luxury train, taking travelers through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Think turquoise lakes, glacier-fed rivers, pine forests, and towering mountain peaks. This daylight-only train ensures you don’t miss a single view, with gourmet meals served at your seat and insightful commentary about the landscapes and wildlife.
Why it’s special: It’s not just a train ride—it’s an immersive luxury travel experience in one of the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges.
- The Ghan (Australia)
📍 Route: Adelaide to Darwin (via Alice Springs)
🕒 Duration: 3–4 days
Spanning nearly 3,000 kilometers from the southern to the northern coast of Australia, The Ghan cuts through the heart of the Outback. This legendary route showcases the diverse landscapes of Australia, from red desert plains and ghost gum forests to tropical savannahs. Off-train excursions allow travelers to explore places like Katherine Gorge and the underground town of Coober Pedy.
Why it’s special: A rare chance to cross the vast and mysterious Australian interior in style.
- TranzAlpine (New Zealand)
📍 Route: Christchurch to Greymouth
🕒 Duration: ~5 hours
Short but stunning, the TranzAlpine is New Zealand’s most scenic rail route. The train crosses the Southern Alps, winding through the lush Canterbury Plains, deep river gorges, and misty beech forests before emerging on the wild West Coast. The highlight is the section through Arthur’s Pass National Park—especially during winter when the peaks are snow-draped.
Why it’s special: A compact journey that packs in alpine views, braided rivers, and lush rainforests—pure New Zealand magic.
- The Bernina Express (Switzerland & Italy)
📍 Route: Chur (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy)
🕒 Duration: ~4 hours
A UNESCO World Heritage railway, the Bernina Express is an engineering marvel. It climbs to over 2,250 meters without cogwheels, taking passengers from Swiss glaciers to Italian palm trees. The route passes through dramatic viaducts (like the Landwasser Viaduct), mountain lakes, and spiral tunnels, ending in the sunny town of Tirano, Italy.
Why it’s special: In just a few hours, you experience an astonishing variety of landscapes, cultures, and climates.
- The Flam Railway (Norway)
📍 Route: Myrdal to Flåm
🕒 Duration: ~1 hour
Don’t let its short duration fool you—the Flam Railway offers one of the steepest and most scenic rail journeys in the world. It descends from the high-altitude Myrdal station to the fjord village of Flåm, passing by dramatic waterfalls, emerald rivers, and steep mountainsides. The Kjosfossen waterfall is a highlight, where you might even see a mythical “Huldra” (a folklore spirit) dancing in the mist.
Why it’s special: A visual feast packed into just 60 minutes, nestled in the heart of Norway’s fjord country.
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (India)
📍 Route: New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling
🕒 Duration: ~7 hours
Affectionately called the “Toy Train”, this narrow-gauge line chugs its way up to the famous hill station of Darjeeling. It climbs over 2,000 meters through tea plantations, pine forests, and colonial-era towns. The train’s most famous section is the Batasia Loop, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas and, on a clear day, a glimpse of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak.
Why it’s special: A blend of colonial history, dramatic engineering, and Himalayan vistas—all on a heritage railway.
- The Jacobite Steam Train (Scotland)
📍 Route: Fort William to Mallaig
🕒 Duration: ~2 hours one-way
You might recognize this train from the Harry Potter films, where it starred as the Hogwarts Express. But even outside the world of wizardry, the Jacobite Steam Train is magical. It crosses the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, winds past lochs, and skirts the coast of the Scottish Highlands. The vintage carriages and authentic steam engine add a touch of old-world romance.
Why it’s special: It’s like stepping into a storybook—and yes, you can recreate your own Hogwarts journey.
- The Blue Train (South Africa)
📍 Route: Pretoria to Cape Town
🕒 Duration: ~31 hours
The Blue Train is synonymous with African luxury travel. It offers a five-star hotel experience on wheels, with fine dining, personal butlers, and suites featuring marble bathrooms. Outside your window, watch South Africa’s landscapes transition from golden savannas to dramatic mountain ranges and lush vineyards. This is travel for those who want indulgence with their adventure.
Why it’s special: It’s not just a train ride—it’s Africa’s most luxurious moving hotel.
- The Andean Explorer (Peru)
📍 Route: Cusco to Arequipa (via Lake Titicaca)
🕒 Duration: 1–2 nights
Operated by Belmond, the Andean Explorer is South America’s first luxury sleeper train. The route climbs through the high Andes, connecting Cusco (the gateway to Machu Picchu), the mystical Lake Titicaca, and the colonial city of Arequipa. Along the way, you’ll witness rugged peaks, llamas grazing on high plains, and remote Andean villages.
Why it’s special: A rare mix of culture, history, and natural beauty—delivered with luxurious comfort and style.
Final Thoughts
In a world of high-speed travel and quick getaways, scenic train rides offer something increasingly rare: the luxury of slowness. These journeys allow us to reconnect with the land, take in uninterrupted beauty, and enjoy travel as an experience—not just a means to an end.
Whether you’re dreaming of snowy peaks in Switzerland, wild fjords in Norway, or sun-drenched savannahs in Africa, there’s a train journey that can take you there—and leave you breathless along the way.
So pack your bags, bring a camera, and hop aboard—your next great adventure is waiting on the tracks.