Introduction

For many travelers, the journey is just as important as the destination. While air travel may be faster, there's something deeply romantic and soul-stirring about train travel—especially when it winds through snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, sparkling coastlines, and historical landscapes. Train journeys offer a window into the heart of a region, often taking you through places you’d never see otherwise.

In this post, we’ll take you on an unforgettable ride across the globe, highlighting 15 of the most scenic and unique train journeys that every travel enthusiast should experience at least once.

1. The Glacier Express – Switzerland

Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz
Duration: ~8 hours
Highlights: Swiss Alps, Matterhorn, 291 bridges, 91 tunnels

The Glacier Express is often dubbed the “slowest express train in the world,” but what it lacks in speed, it more than makes up for in jaw-dropping alpine vistas. Traveling from Zermatt to St. Moritz, this luxurious train glides past mountain villages, deep gorges, and charming chalets, offering passengers panoramic views through its specially designed windows.

Unique Experience: First-class meals served with white-linen service and unbeatable views of the Alps.

2. Rocky Mountaineer – Canada

Route: Vancouver to Banff (First Passage to the West)
Duration: 2 days (overnight in Kamloops)
Highlights: Canadian Rockies, Fraser Canyon, Spiral Tunnels

The Rocky Mountaineer is an iconic luxury train that takes you deep into the Canadian wilderness. As you sip champagne or enjoy locally sourced meals, you’ll see thundering rivers, glacial lakes, and towering peaks.

Unique Experience: The glass-domed coaches offer a 360-degree view of the stunning scenery, while the overnight stop lets you rest in a hotel, not a sleeper cabin.

3. The Ghan – Australia

Route: Adelaide to Darwin
Duration: 3–4 days
Highlights: Outback deserts, red sand landscapes, Katherine Gorge

Crossing nearly 3,000 kilometers through Australia’s dramatic and diverse heartland, The Ghan is an epic train adventure. You'll pass everything from dusty deserts to tropical wetlands.

Unique Experience: Off-train excursions in remote locations, including Aboriginal cultural tours and boat cruises.

4. The Bernina Express – Switzerland to Italy

Route: Chur (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy)
Duration: ~4 hours
Highlights: Alps, glaciers, Bernina Range, Italian villages

This UNESCO World Heritage train line winds its way through the most scenic parts of the Alps, crossing 196 bridges and climbing to over 2,200 meters without the use of rack-and-pinion technology.

Unique Experience: Transitioning from snow-covered mountains to sun-soaked Italian towns in a single ride.

5. The Blue Train – South Africa

Route: Pretoria to Cape Town
Duration: 31 hours
Highlights: South African plains, mountain ranges, historical landmarks

Often considered one of the most luxurious trains in the world, the Blue Train offers five-star accommodation on rails. Think marble bathrooms, butler service, and gourmet cuisine.

Unique Experience: Enjoy a cigar in the bar car while watching African wildlife roam the savannah.

6. The Trans-Siberian Railway – Russia

Route: Moscow to Vladivostok
Duration: 6–7 days
Highlights: Taiga forests, Ural Mountains, Lake Baikal

The Trans-Siberian is the longest railway line in the world. It cuts through the entirety of Russia, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the country’s vast and varied landscapes.

Unique Experience: Meeting fellow travelers from around the world and experiencing true slow travel over 9,000 kilometers.

7. The Flam Railway – Norway

Route: Myrdal to Flåm
Duration: ~1 hour
Highlights: Waterfalls, fjords, steep inclines

Though short, this Norwegian railway is one of the steepest and most beautiful in the world. As you descend from the mountains into the fjords, waterfalls cascade beside your window.

Unique Experience: Stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall, where performers often enact traditional folklore.

8. The Belmond Andean Explorer – Peru

Route: Cusco to Arequipa
Duration: 2–3 days
Highlights: Andes mountains, Lake Titicaca, pre-Incan ruins

South America’s first luxury sleeper train, the Andean Explorer offers a blend of high-altitude adventure and elegant comfort. It traverses some of the highest railway tracks in the world.

Unique Experience: Watching the sunrise over Lake Titicaca from your cozy suite.

9. The Royal Scotsman – Scotland

Route: Varies (Edinburgh to Scottish Highlands)
Duration: 2 to 7 nights
Highlights: Lochs, castles, rolling green hills

Travel like royalty aboard the Royal Scotsman, complete with wood-paneled cabins and fine whiskies. This train offers various itineraries into the mystical and rugged Scottish Highlands.

Unique Experience: Private guided tours of historic castles and distilleries.

10. The Reunification Express – Vietnam

Route: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Duration: ~30–35 hours
Highlights: Rice paddies, coastline, Vietnamese countryside

This historic route connects the north and south of Vietnam. It’s not about luxury but authenticity, offering a raw and beautiful look at local life and landscapes.

Unique Experience: Interacting with locals and enjoying authentic Vietnamese food from onboard vendors.

11. The Eastern & Oriental Express – Southeast Asia

Route: Bangkok to Singapore
Duration: 3–4 days
Highlights: Jungles, rural villages, ancient temples

This luxury train weaves through Thailand and Malaysia before arriving in cosmopolitan Singapore. Think Art Deco interiors and elegant dining.

Unique Experience: Off-train visits to historical sites like the River Kwai bridge and colonial towns.

12. The TranzAlpine – New Zealand

Route: Christchurch to Greymouth
Duration: ~5 hours
Highlights: Southern Alps, Arthur’s Pass, rainforests

Often considered one of the world’s most beautiful train rides, the TranzAlpine offers everything from snow-dusted peaks to lush rainforests.

Unique Experience: Open-air viewing carriages for unfiltered panoramas and perfect photos.

13. The Maharajas’ Express – India

Route: Various luxury itineraries across Rajasthan
Duration: 4–8 days
Highlights: Palaces, deserts, wildlife safaris

The Maharajas’ Express is India’s most luxurious train, with suites that rival five-star hotels. It's the epitome of regal travel.

Unique Experience: Attend a traditional Indian welcome at each stop and dine like royalty aboard the train.

14. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – India

Route: New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling
Duration: ~7 hours
Highlights: Tea plantations, mountain views, toy train heritage

This narrow-gauge “toy train” zigzags up to the Himalayan town of Darjeeling, offering both heritage charm and magnificent views.

Unique Experience: Watch the clouds roll over the Kanchenjunga range while sipping local tea.

15. The West Highland Line – Scotland

Route: Glasgow to Mallaig
Duration: ~5 hours
Highlights: Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter), lochs, moorlands

This scenic Scottish line is famous for its cinematic views and is considered one of Britain’s finest train journeys.

Unique Experience: Crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films.

Why Train Journeys Are Making a Comeback

With rising eco-awareness and a longing for slower, more immersive travel, train journeys are gaining popularity again. Unlike airplanes, trains offer:

• Low environmental impact

• No airport hassle

• Better comfort and space

• Stunning, uninterrupted views

• Opportunities to meet locals and fellow travelers

Tips for Planning the Perfect Scenic Train Trip

1. Book in advance – Especially for luxury and popular scenic routes.

2. Choose the right seat – Window seats on the correct side of the train offer the best views.

3. Pack light and smart – A backpack and essentials are all you need.

4. Bring a camera or journal – These journeys are perfect for memory-making.

5. Savor the food – Many scenic trains offer local and gourmet cuisine as part of the experience.

Conclusion: All Aboard for the Adventure of a Lifetime

Whether you’re gliding through the Swiss Alps or traversing the deserts of Australia, scenic train journeys provide a unique blend of comfort, culture, and awe-inspiring beauty. In a fast-paced world, they offer a chance to slow down, look out the window, and truly absorb the wonders of our planet. If you’re planning your next adventure, consider trading the runway for the railway—you might just discover your new favorite way to travel.

Disclaimer:

This blog post is for informational purposes only. The train routes, durations, and experiences described are based on publicly available data and may change due to weather, operational reasons, or seasonal schedules. Always verify details with official train providers or travel services before booking. The content does not serve as an endorsement of any specific service and is not a paid promotion.