The 40 Most Scenic Train Journeys Worldwide

Rovos Rail offers a multi-day luxury train journey across South Africa, departing from Pretoria and traveling through diverse landscapes including the Highveld, Karoo desert, and coastal regions toward Cape Town. Passengers ride in restored vintage carriages with en-suite cabins, fine dining cars serving local cuisine, an observation lounge, and a spa, covering about 1,700 kilometers over two nights with stops at historic sites like Matjiesfontein. The experience focuses on slow-paced rail travel with off-train excursions, operating on select weekly schedules.

Ride the Belgrade–Bar Railway, a 476-kilometer route connecting Serbia's capital to Montenegro's Adriatic coast, renowned for its engineering feats including 254 tunnels and 435 bridges across diverse terrain from mountains to valleys. The journey takes about 11 hours, offering views of the Dinaric Alps, deep canyons, and Lake Skadar, with stops in towns like Podgorica and Bar.

The Bergensbanen railway journey from Oslo to Bergen spans 470 kilometers across Norway's dramatic highlands, traversing 190 tunnels and soaring over 22 bridges while climbing to 1,288 meters at Finse—the highest standard-gauge station in Northern Europe. Passengers witness snow-capped peaks, serene lakes, and vast plateaus of the Hardangervidda, with the line's engineering marvels like the 7.8-kilometer Ulriken Tunnel showcasing human ingenuity amid untamed fjord-side scenery, all aboard comfortable trains that connect the capital to the coastal gateway in about seven hours.

The Bernina Express runs on a narrow-gauge railway from Zermatt in the Swiss Alps to Tirano in northern Italy, covering 144 kilometers through the Bernina Pass at 2,253 meters. The route features 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, including the Landwasser Viaduct, and crosses glaciers, deep valleys, and Lago Bianco before descending via helical loops to the Poschiavo plain. Operating year-round with panoramic cars, it connects via the Glacier Express line and offers views of alpine scenery and engineering feats.

The Blue Train offers a two-day rail journey from Pretoria to Cape Town, covering 1,600 kilometers through South Africa's diverse landscapes, including the Highveld plains, Karoo desert, and coastal mountains. Passengers travel in luxury suites with en-suite facilities, dining cars serving local cuisine, and observation lounges for views of passing vineyards, wildlife reserves, and the Atlantic coastline. The route includes a stop in Kimberley to visit the Big Hole diamond mine, with fares starting around $2,000 per person for a full journey.

The California Zephyr train route spans 2,438 miles from Chicago to San Francisco, crossing the Rocky Mountains, Colorado River canyons, and Sierra Nevada foothills through six states. Passengers see daily service with dome cars offering views of plains, peaks like the Continental Divide at 9,239 feet, and tunnels including the 11-mile Moffat Tunnel. The 52-hour journey includes stops in Denver, Salt Lake City, and Reno, with meals and sleeper options available.

Ride the Coast Starlight train for an unforgettable journey along the Pacific coast, where panoramic windows reveal rugged Oregon cliffs plunging into crashing waves, misty redwood forests in Northern California, and sun-drenched beaches stretching toward the horizon, all while crossing the dramatic Cascade Mountains and passing quirky seaside towns.

The Corsican Railway from Bastia to Ajaccio offers a scenic 4-hour journey across Corsica's rugged interior, winding through pine-forested mountains, deep gorges, and alpine valleys on a narrow-gauge track built in the late 19th century. Passengers enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear rivers, and quaint villages like Corte, the island's historic heart, aboard vintage diesel trains that navigate dramatic viaducts and tunnels, providing an authentic taste of the island's wild beauty.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Toy Train is a narrow-gauge steam railway operating since 1881 between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in India's West Bengal state. It covers 88 kilometers through steep gradients and sharp curves in the Himalayan foothills, using a zig-zag reversal system and loops to climb from 100 meters to over 2,000 meters elevation. The two-foot gauge tracks pass tea plantations, forests, and rivers, with journeys lasting up to eight hours on select heritage services. UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site in 1999 for its engineering and scenic route.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad runs 45 miles through southwest Colorado's Animas River valley and San Juan National Forest on a historic three-foot-wide track built in the 1880s. Vintage steam locomotives pull restored passenger cars over canyons, cliffs, and pine-covered mountains, offering views of the Needle Mountains and stops at Silverton, a preserved mining town at 9,300 feet elevation. Round-trip rides from Durango take about 8-9 hours, with options for shorter segments or hikes along the route.

The Eastern & Oriental Express is a luxury train service operating routes through Malaysia, connecting Kuala Lumpur to Singapore and featuring journeys into Thailand. It offers private cabins with en-suite bathrooms, a dining car serving Southeast Asian cuisine, an observation deck, and a spa car. Trips typically last three to four nights, passing through rainforests, coastal areas, and rural landscapes, with stops for guided excursions at sites like Penang or the Thai countryside.

Ride the Empire Builder train through Glacier National Park for a bucket-list rail journey across Montana's rugged wilderness, where panoramic windows frame jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and ancient cedars of the Continental Divide. Daily departures from Chicago to Seattle or Portland traverse the park's Going-to-the-Sun Road vistas and alpine meadows teeming with wildlife, offering a relaxing seat for multi-day travel with onboard dining and observation cars.

The Flåm Railway runs 20 kilometers from Myrdal station at 867 meters elevation down to the village of Flåm at sea level along the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord in Norway. This engineering feat features 20 tunnels, a 5-kilometer climb with a 5% gradient, and views of steep mountainsides, waterfalls, and the fjord. The one-hour journey connects to the Bergen Railway and operates year-round with electric trains.

The Ghan is a multi-day luxury train journey traversing Australia's remote Outback from Darwin in the north to Adelaide in the south, or vice versa, covering about 2,979 kilometers over three nights. Passengers travel through stark red deserts, ancient mountain ranges like the MacDonnell Ranges, and sparse settlements, with stops at Alice Springs for optional excursions to sites such as Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. The route follows historic overland telegraph lines and offers onboard dining, observation lounges, and off-train activities focused on the region's geology, Indigenous history, and wildlife.

Traverse the Swiss Alps aboard the iconic Glacier Express, a legendary train journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz that winds through 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, and glittering glaciers, offering an unparalleled panoramic adventure across Europe's most dramatic mountain landscapes.

Spot the majestic Golden Eagle in the vast steppes along the ancient Silk Road in Kyrgyzstan or Mongolia, where skilled eagle hunters showcase centuries-old traditions of falconry during thrilling demonstrations and hunts. Witness these powerful birds soar over rugged mountains and golden grasslands, hunting foxes and wolves with precision honed by nomadic herders. This rare encounter reveals the deep bond between humans and nature in remote Central Asian landscapes.

The Gotthard Panorama Express is a scenic rail and boat journey across Switzerland, starting from Lucerne by panoramic train through the Gotthard region to Lugano, followed by a boat trip on Lake Lugano. It covers historic routes with views of lakes, mountains, and the Reuss River valley, operating seasonally with reserved seating on large-window coaches for observation. The full trip takes about 5.5 hours.

Ride the Hiram Bingham luxury train from Poroy to Aguas Calientes in Peru, covering 91 kilometers through the Sacred Valley with mountain and river views, before connecting to the bus up to Machu Picchu ruins. The journey takes about three and a half hours one way and includes meals on board.

The Jacobite Steam Train runs a 84-mile round trip from Fort William to Mallaig along the West Highland Line in the Scottish Highlands, crossing the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct with views of Loch Shiel, Ben Nevis, and coastal waters. Operating seasonally with restored 1930s steam locomotives, it provides a two-hour journey each way through rugged glens, moors, and seaside tracks, recognizable from its role in the Harry Potter films.

The Jungfrau Railway ascends from Kleine Scheidegg in Switzerland to the Jungfraujoch station at 3,454 meters, Europe's highest railway endpoint known as the Top of Europe. It travels through the Eiger and Mönch mountains via tunnels and offers views of the Aletsch Glacier, Sphinx Observatory, and Ice Palace exhibits. The journey covers 9.5 kilometers, with most sections inside the rock, and operates year-round with connections from Interlaken.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a heritage rail line in Queensland, Australia, operating between Cairns and the village of Kuranda in the Wet Tropics rainforest. The 37-kilometer route follows a historic track built in the late 19th century, ascending through tunnels, bridges, and steep ravines with views of Barron Gorge and coastal plains. Trains run multiple times daily, taking about two hours one way, and connect with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a return trip option.

The Linha do Douro railway line runs 240 kilometers along Portugal's Douro River valley, connecting Porto to Pocinho through steep terraced vineyards, historic quintas, and dramatic gorges carved by the river. Passengers experience the route on vintage trains with wood-paneled carriages, stopping at towns like Régua and Pinhão for views of port wine estates and the UNESCO-listed landscape.

Ride the iconic Mombasa to Nairobi train on Kenya's Lunatic Express, a scenic 472-kilometer journey through lush coastal plains, Tsavo National Park's wildlife-filled savanna, and the dramatic Nairobi hills. This historic rail route, revived with modern comforts like dining cars and observation lounges, offers day and overnight options with views of elephants, giraffes, and acacia-dotted landscapes, blending adventure and relaxation en route from ocean to city.

Ride the Napa Valley Wine Train on a 36-mile round-trip journey through California's renowned vineyards, traveling from Napa to St. Helena and back aboard restored 1910s-1930s railcars. The route passes rolling hills planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals, with meals and wine tastings served in dining cars featuring large windows for vineyard views. Trips last about three hours and run multiple times daily year-round.

The Nordland Railway stretches 729 kilometers from Trondheim to Bodø in Norway, offering a scenic journey through fjords, mountains, and forests toward the Arctic Circle. Passengers witness dramatic landscapes, including the Saltfjellet plateau with its tundra-like expanses and the chance to spot the midnight sun in summer or northern lights in winter, all aboard comfortable trains that connect urban hubs to remote northern wilderness.

Ride the Pacific Surfliner train along California's stunning coastline, where ocean waves crash against rugged cliffs and sandy beaches stretch endlessly under vibrant sunsets. This scenic rail journey from San Diego to San Luis Obispo showcases iconic spots like Torrey Pines, Dana Point, and Santa Barbara, offering panoramic views of the Pacific from comfortable seats as you glide through diverse coastal landscapes.

The Palace on Wheels is a luxury heritage train that operates weekly from Delhi, covering key sites in Rajasthan including Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and the Ranthambore National Park. It features 14 refurbished royal saloons with air-conditioned cabins, en-suite bathrooms, valet service, and dining cars serving Indian and continental cuisine. The seven-night itinerary includes guided tours of forts, palaces, and temples, with departures typically from October to April.

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway spans 1,956 kilometers from Xining in Qinghai province to Lhasa in Tibet, reaching an elevation of 5,072 meters at Tanggula Pass, the world's highest rail point. Opened in 2006, it features engineering adaptations like permafrost-resistant tracks, oxygen-enriched train cars, and insulated sections to handle extreme altitudes, thin air, and freezing temperatures, providing the primary overland route to Tibet's capital.

The Rauma Railway runs 114 kilometers through Norway's Romsdalen valley, linking the town of Åndalsnes on the coast to Dombås in the highlands. Completed in 1924, it follows the Rauma River along steep granite walls, past waterfalls like those at Trollveggen cliff and Kylling Bridge, and through 32 tunnels totaling 16 kilometers. Trains operate year-round, offering views of the landscape from narrow ledges and historic stations.

The Reunification Express is a 1,726 km railway line running the length of Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, with a coastal section tracing the South China Sea shoreline between Nha Trang and Da Nang. This historic route, originally built by French colonial engineers in the early 20th century and repaired after wartime damage, passes through rice paddies, fishing villages, mountain passes like Hai Van, and urban stations, offering views of everyday Vietnamese life from slow-moving passenger cars. Trains operate daily with varying speeds up to 80 km/h, connecting key stops for multi-day journeys.

Ride the Rocky Mountaineer train through Canada's Rocky Mountains, traveling a route from Vancouver to Banff or Jasper that follows historic rail lines alongside rivers, glaciers, and peaks. The multi-day journey features dome cars for panoramic views, onboard meals with regional ingredients, and stops at mountain towns like Kamloops.

The Royal Scotsman is a luxury train that travels through Scotland's Highlands and countryside on seven-night journeys from Edinburgh, stopping at sites like the Cairngorms National Park, Spean Bridge, and the Kyle of Lochalsh. Passengers stay in private cabins with en-suite bathrooms, dine on regional Scottish cuisine prepared by onboard chefs using local ingredients, and join guided excursions such as castle tours, whisky tastings, and hikes along coastal paths or moorlands. Routes cover varied terrain including glens, lochs, and historic railways, with observation cars providing views of the landscape.

The Semmering Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Austria, is a 41-kilometer mountain rail line completed in 1854 that connects Vienna to Semmering via 16 viaducts and 15 tunnels, navigating steep gradients up to 25 per mille through the Eastern Alps with early engineering techniques like stone masonry and steam locomotives.

The Seven Stars Kyushu is a luxury sleeper train operated by JR Kyushu that runs seven-night cruises across Kyushu Island and nearby areas, departing from Hakata Station in Fukuoka. It features 14 opulent suites in two cars, a dining car with regional cuisine prepared by onboard chefs, and lounge spaces for viewing landscapes from coastal routes to mountain passes. The itinerary covers sites like Beppu hot springs, Kumamoto Castle, and Aso Caldera, with service limited to twice-monthly departures requiring advance booking through a lottery system.

Ride the Sunset Limited train through the vast American Southwest, where golden sunsets paint the sky over rugged canyons, endless deserts, and towering mountains of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. This iconic Amtrak route from New Orleans to Los Angeles offers panoramic views from the comfort of a rail car, passing saguaro-studded landscapes by day and starry nights overhead, creating a timeless journey across America's wild frontier.

Traverse Morocco's diverse landscapes on the Tangier to Marrakesh train route, a 12-hour journey covering 580 kilometers through coastal plains, fertile valleys, and the rugged Atlas Mountains. Pass historic cities like Casablanca and Rabat, with views of olive groves, cedar forests, and Berber villages, arriving in the bustling red-city medina of Marrakesh amid souks and ancient riads.

The Tazara Railway spans 1,860 kilometers from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia, constructed in the 1970s with Chinese assistance to provide a landlocked country access to the Indian Ocean port. This single-track Cape gauge line crosses varied terrain including savannas, mountains, and the Selous Game Reserve, carrying passengers and freight on scheduled trains that take about 38-48 hours end-to-end. It remains a key overland transport route in East Africa despite occasional delays from maintenance issues.

Traverse the world's longest single train journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway, covering over 9,000 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok through Russia's vast taiga, Lake Baikal's shores, and the Ural Mountains, offering glimpses of remote Siberian villages, nomadic herders, and endless birch forests aboard classic sleeper cars.

Ride the TranzAlpine train across New Zealand's Southern Alps on a 223-kilometer journey from Christchurch to Greymouth, traversing viaducts, tunnels, and river gorges with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, lush rainforests, and the Waimakariri River. This eight-hour scenic rail adventure highlights the dramatic transition from Canterbury Plains to West Coast wilderness, offering passengers open-air viewing cars and stops at Arthur's Pass for hikes amid rugged terrain. A bucket-list essential for rail enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking epic alpine vistas.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a luxury train service that runs restored 1920s and 1930s carriages from London through Paris and Verona to Venice, with routes extending across Europe to destinations like Istanbul, Paris, and the Swiss Alps. Passengers travel in period-style cabins with dining cars serving multi-course meals prepared from fresh ingredients, covering classic routes over several days at a relaxed pace.