All aboard for adventure! There’s something undeniably magical about train travel; the rhythmic clatter of the tracks, ever-changing landscapes rolling by your window, and the chance to sit back and truly soak in the journey. From winding through the snow-dusted peaks of the Swiss Alps to crossing entire continents in old-world luxury, train journeys around the world offer a slower, more immersive way to explore.
And the best part? Rail travel is one of the most sustainable ways to see the planet, making it a top choice for responsible travel. Whether you’re dreaming of an epic cross-country odyssey or a scenic day trip through stunning landscapes, these 10 incredible train journeys prove that getting there can be just as exciting as the destination.
1. The Glacier Express, Switzerland
Start: Zermatt
End: St. Moritz
Departs: Daily (in season)
Distance: 181 miles (291km)
Duration: 8 hours
This is Switzerland at its best. The Glacier Express glides through the heart of the Alps, crossing 291 bridges, climbing to the 2033m Oberalp Pass, and winding past deep gorges and fairytale villages. Nicknamed the ‘slowest express train in the world,’ it’s the ultimate way to soak up the stunning Swiss scenery in style.
2. The West Highland Line, Scotland
Start: Glasgow
End: Mallaig
Departs: Daily
Distance: 164 miles (264km)
Duration: 5 hours
Often hailed as one of the world’s most scenic train rides, the West Highland Line takes you deep into the wild heart of Scotland. Watch as Glasgow’s cityscape gives way to moody moors, mirror-like lochs, and misty mountain peaks. The highlight? Crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct – yes, the very one from the Harry Potter films.
3. The TranzAlpine, New Zealand
Start: Christchurch
End: Greymouth
Departs: Daily
Distance: 139 miles (223km)
Duration: 4.5 hours
New Zealand’s South Island is a wonderland of natural beauty, and the TranzAlpine railway is the perfect way to see it. Leaving Christchurch, the train crosses the vast Canterbury Plains before climbing into the Southern Alps, where snow-capped peaks and deep river gorges dominate the view. It’s short, but oh-so-sweet.
4. The California Zephyr, USA
Start: Chicago
End: Emeryville (San Francisco Bay Area)
Departs: Daily
Distance: 2438 miles (3924km)
Duration: 52 hours
The California Zephyr is a true cross-country adventure, sweeping from the skyscrapers of Chicago to the sunny shores of California. Expect panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, the dramatic red rocks of Utah, and the vast Nevada desert – all from the comfort of your seat. Bring snacks, a sense of adventure, and a good book, this is long-haul rail travel at its best.
5. The Blue Train, South Africa
Start: Pretoria
End: Cape Town
Departs: Weekly
Distance: 994 miles (1600km)
Duration: 31 hours
For a touch of old-world luxury, hop aboard South Africa’s legendary Blue Train. With wood-panelled suites, gourmet dining, and white-gloved service, this is rail travel at its most glamorous. But it’s not just about the onboard experience, the views of the semi-desert Karoo and the dramatic Table Mountain finale make this journey unforgettable.
6. The Andean Explorer, Peru
Start: Cusco
End: Arequipa
Departs: Weekly
Distance: 435 miles (700km)
Duration: 2 days
South America’s first luxury sleeper train takes passengers through the breathtaking landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. You’ll pass remote villages, sparkling lakes, and snow-dusted peaks, all while enjoying fine dining and Pisco Sours onboard. The highlight? Waking up to sunrise over Lake Titicaca at 3812m above sea level.
7. The Indian Pacific, Australia
Start: Sydney
End: Perth
Departs: Weekly
Distance: 2704 miles (4352km)
Duration: 4 days
Spanning an entire continent, the Indian Pacific is one of the world’s great transcontinental rail journeys. Leaving Sydney’s iconic skyline behind, the train crosses the Blue Mountains, traverses the endless Nullarbor Plain, and eventually arrives in the sun-drenched city of Perth. It’s a four-day adventure that showcases the sheer scale of Australia.
8. The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
Start: Vancouver
End: Banff (or Jasper)
Departs: April to October
Distance: 594 miles (957km)
Duration: 2 days
For sheer mountain grandeur, few train journeys can compete with the Rocky Mountaineer. This luxurious ride through the Canadian Rockies delivers breathtaking views of snow-dusted peaks, turquoise lakes, and dense pine forests, all enjoyed from the comfort of glass-domed carriages. With gourmet dining and impeccable service, it’s a journey as much about indulgence as it is about scenery. Watch for wildlife along the way, from soaring eagles to grazing elk, as you traverse one of the most spectacular landscapes in North America.
Read: 7 unique experiences to try in Canada
9. The Bernina Express, Switzerland & Italy
Start: Chur, Switzerland
End: Tirano, Italy
Departs: Daily
Distance: 96 miles (156km)
Duration: 4.5 hours
Short but spectacular, the Bernina Express is a masterpiece of Alpine engineering. This narrow-gauge railway climbs through glaciers, loops around spiralling viaducts, and descends into palm-studded Italian landscapes. From snow to sunshine in just a few hours -now that’s a journey worth taking.
10. The Ghan, Australia
Start: Adelaide
End: Darwin
Departs: Weekly
Distance: 1851 miles (2979km)
Duration: 3 days
The Ghan takes you straight through the beating red heart of Australia, from the lush vineyards of South Australia to the tropical north. Watch as the landscapes shift from rolling hills to the ochre hues of the Outback, with stops in Alice Springs and Katherine for a taste of Australia’s rugged interior. It’s rail travel, Aussie-style.
Common FAQ’s: Train journeys around the world
Why travel by train?
Travelling by train isn’t just about getting from A to B – it’s about the journey itself. Unlike flights, which rush you over landscapes, or long drives that demand your full attention, train travel lets you sit back, relax, and truly soak in the scenery. Plus, it’s one of the most sustainable ways to travel, reducing your carbon footprint while immersing you in the rhythm of a place. With no airport stress, plenty of legroom, and often the chance to mingle with fellow travellers, taking the train turns travel into an experience, not just a commute.
What is the most beautiful train ride in Europe?
Europe is packed with jaw-dropping train journeys, but the Glacier Express in Switzerland is often crowned the most beautiful. Winding through the snow-dusted peaks of the Swiss Alps, this iconic route connects Zermatt and St. Moritz in a breathtaking eight-hour journey. Panoramic windows reveal dramatic gorges, pristine alpine meadows, and postcard-perfect villages, making every moment onboard feel like stepping into a fairytale.
Another contender for Europe’s most beautiful train ride is Norway’s Flåm Railway. This short but spectacular journey winds from the village of Flåm to Myrdal, climbing nearly 900m (2,950ft) in just an hour. Along the way, you’ll pass cascading waterfalls, deep fjords, and rugged mountain peaks that look straight out of a Nordic saga. It’s one of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world, and every twist and turn reveals a new, jaw-dropping view – so have your camera ready!
What is the most luxurious train journey in the UK?
The UK knows how to do luxury train travel right, with a range of elegant journeys that whisk you away to some of the country’s most spectacular destinations. But for the ultimate in vintage glamour, the Belmond British Pullman reigns supreme. Step aboard its beautifully restored 1920s Art Deco carriages and be transported to the golden age of rail, where indulgence meets adventure, and every mile is as magical as the destination itself.
Read: The best luxury train journeys in the UK
What is the best train journey?
There are too many incredible train journeys to crown just one as the best—it all depends on what you’re looking for. Want a touch of movie magic? Hop aboard the Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland (aka the Hogwarts Express) and glide over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Dreaming of spotting bears from your window? The Rocky Mountaineer in Canada delivers jaw-dropping views of the Rockies alongside possible glimpses of grizzlies. If crossing an entire country is more your style, The Ghan in Australia takes you on an unforgettable ride through the heart of the Outback, from Adelaide to Darwin. No matter what kind of adventure you’re after, there’s a train journey out there with your name on it.
