Introduction
Travelling with the most scenic train rides is a special kind of magic. Most scenic train rides allows you to sit back and watch the world go by in front of your seat. Trains navigate through mountains, forests, deserts, and along coasts–exposing you to breathtaking vistas you would miss by car or plane. Most scenic train rides will examine 20 scenic train journeys worthy of every traveller’s bucket list. Be it the snowy Alps of Switzerland or the colorful deserts of Australia. These trips will bring picturesque beauty and unforgettable experiences.
Switzerland Glacier Express
Glacier Express: Switzerland’s most famous most scenic train rides, the Glacier Express is sometimes called “the slowest express train in the world.” Passing through the magnificent Swiss mountains, this route follows two renowned mountain villages, Zermatt and St. Morita, for glorious eight hours of Scenery. As the Train winds through towering peaks, alpine forests, and peaceful valleys, you will feel wholly absorbed in Switzerland’s beauty. Designed for maximum viewing pleasure, the Glacier Express boasts panoramic windows that allow viewing all angles of the incredible landscape.
Highlights: Stunning snow-peaked mountains, green alpine valleys, traditional Swiss villages, and the iconic Landward Viaduct. You can sit back and relax with spacious seating and big windows on a train that takes you through some of Switzerland’s most gorgeous Scenery.
The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
One of the most scenic train rides in Canada is also one of its more luxurious train journeys. The Rocky Mountaineer is an experience as you travel through some of the most spectacular landscapes in North America, and best yet, you can book with confidence here. While the Train goes along numerous routes, one of the most popular is from Vancouver to Ban ff. You will travel in crystal clear lakes, dense forests, flowing rivers, and majestic mountain peaks.
While taking in all the Rocky Mountaineer experience, you may also see eagles, moose, and bears as their train courses through the incredible Rockies. Travellers also travel through dramatic landscapes, including Hell’s Gate Canyon and the Fraser River, with its rocky cliffs and rushing waters.
Best known for Soaring Peaks: Calm Lakes, and Animal Spotting in Canada, Rocky Mountaineer: The iconic Rocky Mountaineer blends luxurious travel with a tantalising taste of nature, providing guests with an up-close experience of Canada’s majestic wilderness.
The Blue Train, South Africa
One of the world’s great train journeys, Pretoria and Cape Town, is nearly 1,000 miles aboard the Blue Train. The Blue Train is generally compared to a five-star hotel on wheels, known for its luxury and elegance. Butler service for every suite, gourmet dining, fine wines, and even a cigar lounge await passengers. Although the service is excellent, so are the views outside! The pathway passes through South Africa’s varied Scenery, from yards and farms to dry-out deserts and rough mountains.
From rolling hills and faraway mountains, the expanse of land encountered by the Train traversing through the barren Karroo Desert is a remarkable contrast to the lush green Vineyards surrounding Cape Town.
Highlights: Available through December 10043 Diverse regions, from Cape vineyards to arid landscapes World-class service onboard. The Blue Train offers the comfort and luxury of a five-star hotel combined with the splendour that is South Africa, all in one package As it travels through either swathes of bush or endless miles of Cape vineyards.
The Trampoline, New Zealand
This trip is considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world: Trampoline, crossing New Zealand’s single most attractive island (South). Between Christchurch on the east coast and Grey mouth on the west coast lies this routes. It takes passengers across sprawling plains, over the towering Southern Alps, and into tropical rainforests. The open-air viewing carriage of the Train allows passengers to breathe fresh mountain air and take unobstructed pictures of New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes.
- Expect cliffs: deep blue rivers, and ancient forests as the Tran Alpine makes its way through Makarios Gorge. Eventually, when it moves into the region of the West Coast, it flows through luxuriously green rainforests and then on to coastal vistas—all part of New Zealand’s diverse natural beauty.
- Carriage type: Open-air Highlights: Scenic views of mountains, rivers, and rainforests The Trampoline — as the name suggests, covers landscapes that vary from snow-capped mountains to river gorges and is a beautiful journey for nature lovers visiting New Zealand.
From Switzerland to Italy by the Bernini Express
One of Europe’s most beautiful and iconic train rides, the Bernini Express links Switzerland and Italy between Thur and Tirane. This journey traverses the Swiss Alps via the Bernini Range, taking you from snow-heavy mountains to sunny Italy. It ascends to staggering heights with glaciers, alpine lakes, and snow-covered peaks thanks to the Train before plummeting into a warm Italian landscape of vineyards and villages.
The Bernini Express leads the heart of this Train up and over the Bernini Pass, summiting at nearly 7,000 feet. One of the many famous sites is the Landward Viaduct, a UNESCO World Heritage observation point where you can see people way down in the valley.
Scotland’s Jacobite Steam Train
Particularly famous is the route the Jacobite Steam Train took through the Highlands, often considered the “Hogwarts Express” of Harry Potter fame. Between Fort William and Mallard, the 42-mile route takes you through some of Scotland’s most stunning Scenery. The Jacobite is known for its classic steam engine and vintage carriages, which evoke a sense of nostalgia and transport you back in time.
The highlight of this part of the journey is crossing over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, a scenic stone-arched bridge overlooking Loch Shield and its mountains. No wonder this site is globally renowned—as the Train steams across, you can see why. On the way, you’ll also get to experience Silver Loch, rolling green hills, and idyllic villages, which provide a taste of the Highlands’ wild beauty.
The Royal Scotsman, Scotland
One of the most luxurious train experiences in the world, the Royal Scotsman combines scenic landscapes with first-class service and plush hospitality in Scotland. This Train rolls along the Highlands, with lotus, mountains, and castles. Accommodating just 40 passengers, the Royal Scotsman is ideally suited to travellers who enjoy luxury and comfort.
Cabins are private with en-suite bathrooms, onboard fine dining, and a bar with Scotland’s finest whiskies (Royal Scotsman). The Royal Scotsman is also home to excursions such as touring castles and whiskey tastings, which can lead you deeper into the history and culture of Scotland.
Highlights: Luxurious onboard experience, private cabins, open-air observation car, and historic-site excursions. Best For Travellers in search of a full-service, luxurious experience traversing through Scotland’s breathtaking hills and dales.
The Ghana, Australia
Another bucket-list train trip is The Ghana, which runs between Darwin and Adelaide through the Australian Outback. It is a four-day journey of just under 1,850 miles across red deserts, dense wetlands, and ancient mountain ranges. The Ghana, named after Afghan camel drivers who traversed the interior of Australia, is one of the world’s longest and most adventurous train journeys.
The Ghana is also notable because of its off-train excursions. Passengers will discover the Outback with guided tours at each stop, including Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge. These day trips offer a glimpse into Australia’s native culture and wildlife and the continent’s more dramatic landscapes.
The Best Way to See It: Excursion onboard, off-train, and unique Outback scenery. The Ghana is what I call a semi-adventure: half gallivant, half lounge as you absorb the breadth of Australian wilderness on this epic journey.
The West Highland Line | Scotland
She is widely regarded as the most beautiful train journey in Britain, the West Highland Line. It covers a distance between Glasgow and Mallard, taking you through the scenic wild and pristine areas of the Scottish Highlands. It winds through unspoiled moors and shimmering lotus and is the stuff peak dreams are made of for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
- This is one of the journey’s highlights: crossing Cochran Moor—a gigantic area of unpopulated moorland with an alien feel to it. As with the Jacobite Steam Train, you will also pass Loch London. The West Highland Line is an ideal way to do just that.
- The most scenic features are remote moorland: lotus, Glenfinnan Viaduct, and jagged mountains. The journey is beautiful, taking you through the Highlands and showcasing Scotland at its wildest on the West Highland Line.
Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia
The Eastern & Oriental Express is a luxurious train ride down the jingly Scenery of Southeast Asia between Bangkok in Thailand and Singapore. The luxurious Train passes rice paddies, jungles, and rivers and goes through several towns to view the intricate expanse of Southeast Asia. Carriages on board the Train are tastefully decorated and adapted to 1930s-style art decor, providing private rooms with at least a gourmet dining and lounge car.
Drink and dine for fine dining, onboard to the taste done in Southeast Asia with local ingredients & spices. An itinerary aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express also features cultural excursions, such as a river cruise and temple visit, to immerse travellers in local heritage and history.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India
Popularly known as the Toy Train, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a narrow-gauge train ride through the foothills of the Himalayas in India. The ride aboard this UNESCO World Heritage site traces a charming route from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, climbing over 7,200 feet in elevation on its winding way. The blue steam train moves at a slow pace, allowing visitors to soak in the views of tea plantations, forests, and ever-misty mountains.
Then there are the hill towns, where locals waving from the side of the tracks and vendors selling tea and snacks beside them bring noise and vibrancy to the Train. The peak of that is Anastasia Loop, a spiral loop train around the garden with a stunning view of all surrounding hills, and Kanchenjunga, the highest mountain in the world, coming in at No 3.
At a Glance: Rolling tea plantations, mountains, and the iconic Batasia Loop. The Toy Train will beautifully show you a little of culture and nature, the essence of the Indian Himalayas.
Coastal Pacific, New Zealand
The Coastal Pacific is a fantastic most scenic train rides that follows the east coast of New Zealand between Pict on and Christchurch. A beautiful drive that runs alongside the Pacific Ocean, it features rolling waves, sandy beaches, and coastal cliffs on one side before snow-capped Kookaburra Ranges on the other. This ideal ocean-and-mountain pairing journey highlights New Zealand’s South Island geography.
The Train takes you through vineyards, farmland, and small seaside towns, giving you an insight into New Zealand’s diverse landscapes and relaxed lifestyle. If you occasionally have large passengers, the Coastal Pacific is a fantastic way to enjoy New Zealand’s natural beauty. There are huge windows, and every seat offers an obscured view.
At a Glance: Scenic Kookaburra Coast ocean, snowy mountain views, and marine life. The Coastal Pacific: A beautiful, leisurely journey through the colorful mess of coastal New Zealand.
The Flume Railway, Norway
One of Norway’s most beautiful train trips, the Flume Railway rapidly descends from Myrdal mountain station to the fjord-side village of Flume. This brief yet unforgettable trip takes visitors into the heart of Borderland, with looming falls, sky-high mountains, and glorious pastures. Steeply graded, every few turns on the Flume Railway present a scene more beautiful than the last.
An especially spectacular stop along the route is the Kjosfossen Waterfall, where the Train halts, and passengers can disembark to experience the thunderous sound and mist from the falls. The Train snakes down the mountain, past farms clinging to the sides of the hills, where you get a taste of Norway’s nature.
What to Expect: Mountain descent — including Eisenstein viewpoint, Kjosfossen Waterfall, and views over the fjord at Flume. One of the most beautiful experiences is the Flume Railway, showcasing how ruggedly beautiful Norway is.
Vietnam — The Reunification Express
The Reunification Express is a historic train trip that runs the full length of Vietnam from north to south, from Hanoi in northern Vietnam to Ho Chi Ming City (i.e., Saigon) in southern Vietnam. Spanning more than a thousand miles, this route provides travellers with an alternative view of Vietnamese landscapes, from colour-rich rice paddies and palm-covered hills to sandy beaches and lively towns. On its southern trek, travellers are privileged views of the land’s natural wonders, cultural monuments, and everyday life.
The Reunification Express boasts many beautiful stretches, but the best is undoubtedly through the Ha Van Pass, as the train winds along cliffs overlooking the South China Sea. Here, you get a great variety of turquoise water on one side of the road and green hills on the other.
Overview: Rice fields, Hal Van Pass, Coastal Views with a cultural history of Vietnam Regions. Reunification Express is designed for travellers wanting to see Vietnam and explore its cultures and varying landscapes.
Cinque Terre Express, Italy
Winding along Italy’s beautiful Silurian coastline, the Cinque Terre Express is a short scenic network of trains that links the five vibrantly coloured hamlets of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. This brief but stunning trail follows the cliffs over the Mediterranean, showcasing all that classic coastal beauty: terraced vineyards, olive trees, and pastel houses adorning hillsides.
In spring and summer, the villages are surrounded by blooming flowers and green terraces, and this is when the Cinque Terre Express is most popular. The ride is brief but never forgetful, showcasing a glimpse of Italy in the waves along the Italian coastal tabs.
Top features: Cliff side views of the Mediterranean Sea, colorful villages, and proximity to each Cinque Terre village. Cinque Terre Express is a beautiful ride along Italy’s picturesque seaside.
Andean Explorer, Peru — A Belmont Train
As far as journeys go, it is also the route of South America’s first luxury sleeper experience: The Belmont Andean Explorer, traversing some of Peru’s spectacular Andes-spaces. Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas on this journey from Cisco – the erstwhile imperial capital – to Lake Titicaca, one of the world’s highest navigable lakes, and Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage city—the train curves through the Andes with its white peaks, sprawling plains, and small towns.
All of the Belmont Andean Explorer’s carriages are decorated in a sophisticated style accented with local Peruvian designs, featuring comfortable cabins, a bar and lounge car, and a gourmet dining car where passengers can enjoy regional cuisines made from fresh ingredients. An open-air observation car is a vital feature of the journey, so travellers can breathe in that fresh mountain air and get up close to the stunning Scenery.
Includes: Andes Cheque landscapes, Lake Titicaca, high-end hotels, and cultural tours. The Belmont Andean Explorer blends sophistication and adventure for a one-of-a-kind way to see Peru’s stunning Scenery.
The California Zephyr, USA
The California Zephyr is among the most beautiful long-distance train journeys in the United States: Chicago to San Francisco. This journey spans nearly 2,500 miles through the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada range. Known for its big windows, travellers take in the sights of America’s diverse landscapes—expansive prairies or mighty mountains.
One of the most picturesque legs of this journey. It takes us through the Rockies, with a train clinging to cliffs and rivers and providing vistas of dramatic land forms and deep canyons. The Train runs west into the Sierra Nevada, through forests, mountain lakes, and incredible Scenery. Extending across the American West, the California Zephyr is a beloved route for those who want to experience an embrace of America by Train in style and comfort.
Train to the Clouds in Argentina
The Train to the Clouds (Trent a Las Nubes) features one of the highest rail journeys on Earth and winds its way through Argentina’s beautiful Andes Mountains. Leaving Santa and reaching heights over 13,000 feet, this Train travels through fantastic Scenery of canyons, deserts, and salt flats. The Train derives its name from clouds floating beneath the tracks, implying that passengers travel high altitudes above the sky.
The trip includes crossing the La Polvorilla Viaduct, a high-altitude bridge that arches above a deep valley with sweeping views of the rugged Andean landscape. Passengers also discover the area’s indigenous cultures and can taste local food. High in the Andes is a thrilling and scenic ride through some of Argentina’s high-altitude beauty and cultural riches — the Train to the Clouds.
Itineraries: Salt flats, high-altitude nature, La Polvorilla Viaduct, Andean views and culture. A journey through Argentina’s fabulous mountain scenery — The Train to the Clouds
The Roves Rail, South Africa
Roves Rail is nicknamed “the most luxurious train in the world” and provides lavish rides throughout South Africa. They have some vintage-style train types that run on various routes; the Pretoria to Cape Town trip is one of the most popular. The Train journeys through some of Africa’s most picturesque vistas, such as the grasslands of the High veld, the desolate Karo Desert, and the green hills filled with grape fields in South Africa.
The Roves Rail offers five-star living onboard, including opulent suites, gourmet meals, and a bar car where guests can sip cocktails as the Scenery passes. With its wood-panelled decor, opulent lounges, and pleasing hospitality, the Roves Rail provides an unforgettable experience of seeing the beauty of South Africa in complete comfort.
The Sapporo Snow Train, Japan
Last but not least is the Sapporo Snow Train, which is a climate-themed tour across Hokkaido — Japan’s northernmost island. It only runs through the snowy season of Hokkaido, which is during the snow festival season and offers spectacular landscapes where the landscape is completely covered with white frost. Leaving Sapporo, the Train rolled through trees and next to frozen lakes, over glittering white fields — all creating a fantasy of winter.
The most scenic train rides is trendy for those travelling to the Sapporo Snow Festival, an ice and snow sculpture festival that attracts tourists worldwide. Features include heated cabins with large panoramic windows that allow travellers to admire Hokkaido’s beautiful, tranquil winter landscapes. For lovers of the winter season, this journey becomes a unique experience of the contrast between the warm cabin and the frozen beauty outside.
Highlights: Landscapes blanketed in snow, frozen lakes, Sapporo Snow Festival, and a charming winter vibe. The Sapporo Snow Train is a delightful winter ride traversing Japan’s northern vistas.
Conclusion
From the rugged Andean foothills and American Rockies to Japan’s snowy forests and Scotland’s misty Highlands. Taking a train lets you soak in many of the planet’s most spectacular Scenery. Here are 20 of nature, culture, and some good memories from these most scenic train journeys. Most scenic train rides provide you with a snapshot experience of the land like no other travel. A chance to relax, stop absorbing views and get into the tempo of life.
Luxury rail, high-altitude adventure, or coastal charm, this is a selection of our planet’s incredible diversity. But if you are prepared to see how the journey is often as beautiful as the destination, mount aboard one of those scenic trains.