1. Glacier Express, Switzerland
The Glacier Express, often called the “slowest express train in the world,” travels between Zermatt and St. Moritz through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Covering 291 kilometers in about eight hours, it’s famous for its dramatic alpine views and engineering marvels like the Landwasser Viaduct. This train crosses an astonishing 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels, giving travelers a true taste of Switzerland’s rugged beauty. Panoramic windows stretch from floor to ceiling, making every seat a window seat to snow-capped peaks, rushing rivers, and picturesque villages. Seasonal changes bring wildly different landscapes, from green valleys in summer to winter wonderlands in colder months. The Swiss Travel System highlights this journey as a must for nature lovers and train enthusiasts alike. Even locals are known to take this train just to soak in the scenery. Booking ahead is highly recommended, especially during busy travel seasons.
2. The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
The Rocky Mountaineer offers one of the world’s most luxurious rail experiences, winding through the spectacular Canadian Rockies. With routes like the First Passage to the West and Journey Through the Clouds, passengers see glaciers, turquoise lakes, and dramatic mountain peaks. The train’s glass-domed coaches create an almost cinematic experience, making it feel like you’re traveling inside a moving observatory. Over 2,000 travelers choose this adventure each year, drawn by the promise of wildlife sightings and gourmet meals featuring local ingredients. The journey is enhanced by knowledgeable hosts who share stories and facts about the region’s history and geography. Summer is the peak season, with the best chances for clear skies and vibrant landscapes. The Rocky Mountaineer requires advance reservations due to its popularity and limited seating. It’s a trip that combines comfort, luxury, and jaw-dropping views in equal measure.
3. The Blue Train, South Africa
The Blue Train is synonymous with luxury, linking Pretoria and Cape Town over a 1,600-kilometer route. The trip takes roughly 27 hours, sweeping passengers from the rolling grasslands of the north to the vineyards and mountains of the south. Large observation windows let travelers watch South Africa’s diverse scenery unfurl, from semi-desert landscapes to fertile valleys. Onboard, guests are treated to five-star dining, attentive service, and plush suites, making the journey feel like a rolling five-star hotel. According to The Blue Train Company, this iconic route is consistently ranked among the world’s top luxury trains. The train pauses in places like Matjiesfontein, a perfectly preserved Victorian village, adding a touch of history to the trip. It’s highly advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak travel months. The Blue Train turns a simple journey into an unforgettable event.
4. The Indian Pacific, Australia
The Indian Pacific stretches across the Australian continent, running from Sydney on the Pacific coast to Perth on the Indian Ocean. Covering 4,352 kilometers in about 65 hours, it’s one of the world’s longest and most epic rail journeys. Travelers watch the landscape shift from lush Blue Mountains to the endless, flat expanse of the Nullarbor Plain, giving a true sense of Australia’s vastness. Onboard amenities include comfortable sleeper cabins, restaurant-quality dining, and off-train excursions at stops like Broken Hill and Adelaide. Great Southern Rail reports strong demand for this route, especially among those seeking to experience Australia’s rugged heart. The journey is best undertaken in the cooler months from May to September, when temperatures are milder and wildlife is more active. Seats often sell out months in advance, so planning ahead is crucial. The Indian Pacific is a true bucket-list adventure for train lovers.
5. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, affectionately known as the “Toy Train,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s both charming and historically significant. Spanning 88 kilometers between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, the journey takes about seven hours through misty tea gardens and foothills of the Himalayas. Steam locomotives chug along sharp curves and steep gradients, creating a nostalgic, old-world atmosphere. UNESCO celebrates this railway as an engineering marvel, completed in the late 1800s and still operational today. Passengers enjoy cool mountain breezes and panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, especially during spring and early summer. The Toy Train is a favorite among families, history buffs, and photographers seeking unique perspectives. High demand during tourist season means tickets should be booked early. Each ride is a living piece of India’s colonial-era heritage.
6. The Coastal Starlight, USA
The Coast Starlight, operated by Amtrak, offers a front-row seat to the dramatic Pacific coastline between Los Angeles and Seattle. Spanning 1,377 miles and taking about 35 hours, it’s considered by many to be the most scenic long-distance train ride in the United States. The route passes through lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and right alongside crashing ocean waves. The train’s Sightseer Lounge has panoramic windows, letting passengers soak in views of dramatic cliffs, rolling farmland, and bustling cities. Amtrak highlights the Coast Starlight as one of its most popular scenic routes, especially during spring and fall for mild weather and fewer crowds. Onboard dining features regional dishes, adding a touch of local flavor to the journey. Seats can fill up quickly during holidays and summer, so it’s wise to book ahead. The Coast Starlight is a true American adventure on rails.
7. The Flam Railway, Norway
The Flam Railway is a short but spectacular journey through Norway’s fjord country, running 20 kilometers between Flam and Myrdal. The one-hour trip climbs steep mountain slopes, offering views of deep valleys, roaring waterfalls like Kjosfossen, and green pastures dotted with sheep. It’s one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world, making every curve a pulse-quickening experience. The Norwegian Railway Company reports that this route is a favorite among international tourists, often combined with boat cruises on the nearby Sognefjord. Large windows ensure no one misses out on the breathtaking scenery, regardless of the weather. Summer brings the most vibrant landscapes, with wildflowers and rushing waterfalls at their peak. Tickets often sell out in advance due to high demand. The Flam Railway is a must-see for anyone exploring Norway’s natural wonders.
8. The Bernina Express, Switzerland
The Bernina Express connects Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy, traversing 65 kilometers of some of Europe’s most dramatic alpine scenery. The journey takes about four hours and features iconic structures like the spiral Brusio viaduct and the towering Landwasser Viaduct. Panoramic windows offer sweeping views of glaciers, mountain lakes, and quaint alpine villages. The Rhaetian Railway, which operates this route, notes that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its engineering and scenic beauty. Summer is the best time to ride, with wildflowers and lush meadows painting the landscape in brilliant colors. The train is extremely popular during peak travel months, so reservations are essential. Travelers often describe the Bernina Express as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The route blends natural wonders with Swiss precision and charm.
9. The Ghan, Australia
The Ghan is an iconic Australian rail journey, stretching 2,979 kilometers from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the tropical north. The journey takes about 54 hours, crossing environments ranging from the red deserts of the Outback to lush northern wetlands. Onboard, passengers enjoy private cabins, gourmet meals, and guided excursions at stops like Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge. Journey Beyond, the operator, reports that the Ghan is one of Australia’s most beloved travel experiences, drawing both locals and tourists seeking adventure. The best time for comfortable weather and abundant wildlife is between May and September. Seats and cabins often book up months in advance due to the route’s popularity. The Ghan is more than just transport—it’s a moving window into Australia’s soul. Each mile reveals a new chapter in the continent’s diverse landscape.
10. The Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland
The Jacobite Steam Train travels 84 kilometers between Fort William and Mallaig, whisking passengers through the heart of the Scottish Highlands. The two-and-a-half-hour trip features legendary sights like Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which Harry Potter fans will recognize from the films. West Coast Railways, which operates the Jacobite, reports overwhelming demand, especially in summer when the landscape is at its most lush. The train’s vintage carriages and billowing steam evoke a bygone era, making it a favorite for families and nostalgia seekers. Limited winter service means that advance booking is a must, even for shoulder seasons. The journey is not just about the scenery but also about stepping back into Scotland’s railway history. Each whistle and puff of steam adds to the magic of the experience. The Jacobite remains one of the most memorable train rides in Europe.