Most Scenic Train Routes for Solo Travelers: Explore the World by Rail
There’s something romantic and timeless about train travel—especially when you’re traveling solo. The rhythmic sway of the carriage, the changing landscapes outside your window, the unhurried pace of the journey—these moments create space for reflection, inspiration, and connection.
Unlike planes or buses, trains offer a perfect blend of comfort, scenery, and solitude, making them ideal for solo travelers. Whether you’re journaling, reading, photographing, or simply soaking in the views, the world’s most scenic train rides offer more than transportation—they offer an experience.
Here are some of the most breathtaking train routes across the globe that are tailor-made for solo adventurers.
🚞 1. Glacier Express – Switzerland
- Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz
- Duration: 8 hours
- Highlights: The Swiss Alps, 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, Landwasser Viaduct
The Glacier Express is often called the “slowest express train in the world”—and that’s a good thing. As you wind through the heart of the Swiss Alps, every curve reveals postcard-worthy views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and charming mountain villages.
For solo travelers, this ride is perfect for unwinding with a cup of coffee, snapping photos, or chatting with fellow wanderers from around the world. You can even enjoy a three-course meal served right to your seat while gliding past glaciers and deep ravines.
Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking peaceful solitude.
🚂 2. The West Highland Line – Scotland
- Route: Glasgow to Mallaig
- Duration: 5.5 hours
- Highlights: Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Glenfinnan Viaduct (a.k.a. the Harry Potter bridge)
This is one of Britain’s most iconic rail journeys and an absolute dream for solo travelers. The route passes through remote highlands, lochs, and desolate moorlands, offering a wild and rugged landscape that feels like another world.
Harry Potter fans will recognize the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Hogwarts Express. But even if you’re not a Potterhead, the sense of isolation and majesty is unforgettable.
Tip: Sit on the left side heading north for the best views.
🚉 3. The Rocky Mountaineer – Canada
- Route: Vancouver to Banff / Jasper
- Duration: 2–3 days (daytime travel only)
- Highlights: Canadian Rockies, Fraser River, wildlife, luxury glass-domed cars
This is not your average train ride. The Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury rail experience, designed for sightseeing and comfort. It travels only during daylight, ensuring you don’t miss a single glacier, waterfall, or mountain vista.
As a solo traveler, you’ll find the open seating, communal dining, and hosted commentary great for meeting people—or just sitting back with your thoughts as the wild beauty of British Columbia unfolds around you.
Best for: Nature enthusiasts, luxury travelers, and bucket-list chasers.
🚇 4. Bergen Railway – Norway
- Route: Oslo to Bergen
- Duration: 7 hours
- Highlights: Fjords, snowfields, mountain plateaus, Flåm Railway connection
One of Europe’s highest mainline railways, the Bergen Railway offers scenic drama at every turn. You’ll move from cityscapes to pristine wilderness, climbing up through mountain passes and across plateaus before descending into fjord country.
Solo travelers can break the journey with a detour on the Flåm Railway, a steep, world-famous branch line that takes you from mountains to sea in just over an hour.
Best for: Scenic lovers, Nordic travelers, and those craving clean, quiet beauty.
🚆 5. TranzAlpine – New Zealand
- Route: Christchurch to Greymouth
- Duration: 5 hours
- Highlights: Southern Alps, Waimakariri River, Arthur’s Pass
New Zealand is full of epic landscapes, and the TranzAlpine rail journey might just be the most impressive way to experience them. This short but stunning ride takes you through alpine meadows, river gorges, and snow-capped peaks.
For solo travelers, it’s a stress-free way to see the South Island’s diverse geography in a single afternoon. Bring a good camera—or just sit back and take it all in from the panoramic windows.
Best for: Adventurers who love mountains and landscapes without the long hikes.
🚄 6. Kyoto to Hakone – Japan
- Route: Kyoto to Odawara (with scenic stops)
- Duration: ~3–4 hours via bullet train and local line
- Highlights: Mount Fuji (on clear days), hot springs, countryside
Japan’s railway system is a solo traveler’s dream: clean, efficient, safe, and incredibly scenic. The route between Kyoto and Hakone offers a unique transition—from the cultural heart of Japan to the relaxing, mountainous hot spring town of Hakone.
Use the Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train) for speed, then transfer to local scenic trains like the Hakone Tozan Railway, which climbs up through lush forests and past waterfalls.
Tip: Try to time your trip for clear views of Mount Fuji from your train window.
🚈 7. Coastal Pacific – New Zealand
- Route: Picton to Christchurch
- Duration: 5.5 hours
- Highlights: Kaikōura coastline, Pacific Ocean views, vineyards
Another stunner from New Zealand’s rail system, the Coastal Pacific hugs the shoreline between Picton (where the ferries from the North Island arrive) and Christchurch.
This journey offers jaw-dropping ocean views, rugged coastline, and even whale sightings if you’re lucky. It’s a smooth and sociable ride, perfect for solo travelers looking to relax with a view.
Best for: Coastal views, wildlife watchers, and relaxing seaside vibes.
🚊 8. Belmond Hiram Bingham – Peru
- Route: Cusco to Machu Picchu
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Highlights: Sacred Valley, Urubamba River, Andes Mountains
This luxury train journey to the world-famous Machu Picchu is unforgettable. With polished wood interiors, live music, and gourmet meals, it’s a classy (and scenic) way to arrive at one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
As a solo traveler, it’s a splurge—but one that delivers. If you’re budget-conscious, the regular PeruRail or IncaRail options offer similarly scenic routes with fewer frills but equally impressive views.
Best for: Bucket-list solo travelers and cultural adventurers.
🚄 9. The Bernina Express – Switzerland to Italy
- Route: Chur (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy)
- Duration: 4 hours
- Highlights: Swiss Alps, glaciers, mountain passes, palm trees
Yes, another Swiss train—but for good reason. The Bernina Express is a UNESCO World Heritage route that connects the snowy peaks of the Swiss Alps with the warm, Italian-speaking towns of Northern Italy.
This journey is particularly fascinating for solo travelers because of its visual contrast—from glaciers to Mediterranean towns in a single afternoon.
Tip: Sit on the right side for the best alpine views when heading south.
🚃 10. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – India
- Route: New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling
- Duration: ~7 hours
- Highlights: Tea plantations, mountain views, narrow gauge adventure
Known as the “Toy Train,” this narrow-gauge railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-do in India. Winding slowly through tea fields and misty hills, it offers a charming old-world experience.
Traveling solo on this train is like stepping back in time. Locals often strike up conversation, and the views—especially near Ghum—are worth every bump.
Best for: Culture lovers, budget travelers, and slow travel fans.
🌍 Why Trains Are Ideal for Solo Travelers
If you’re still wondering whether to take the train, here are some reasons solo travelers swear by it:
- Social flexibility: You can chat with seatmates or enjoy solitude
- Safety: Trains tend to be safer and more secure than other forms of travel
- Comfort: More space to move around, stretch, or work
- Scenic immersion: The landscapes change slowly, giving you time to absorb and reflect
- Low stress: No airport security lines or highway traffic
🧳 Tips for Solo Train Travel
- Book a window seat on the correct side of the train for the best views.
- Pack snacks, water, and entertainment (music, books, journal).
- Bring a scarf or light jacket—train temps can fluctuate.
- Check seat reservations, especially in Europe or during peak season.
- Charge your devices and carry a power bank.
- Use the dining car or lounge to meet fellow travelers.
🛤️ Final Thoughts
Trains allow solo travelers to slow down, connect with the journey, and see parts of the world that planes and buses miss. Whether you’re riding through the Swiss Alps, the Scottish Highlands, or the New Zealand coast, each train ride becomes a story in itself.
So the next time you’re
planning a solo trip, consider swapping the airport for a train station. You might just find that the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.