10 Most Scenic Train Journeys Around the World

There are different modes of transportation by which you can travel to different places, but the kind of experience you can get while travelling in a train is way different from other transportation. You will get a way different perspective of everything while travelling. As you travel through it, you will experience different forms of landscapes, different kinds of people, and along with that, you will get the views of different mountains, rivers, forests, and vibrant cities. Neither air travel, which takes you from one place to another in a few hours, nor a road trip, in which you have to pay a lot of attention, will give you the time to relax and enjoy the trip, but a train journey will give you the time to relax and just enjoy the journey.

Travelling via train is not just about the journey; it is all about experiencing the journey. Whether it’s the routes of Switzerland or the tracks of Australia, the journey will provide a wholesome experience. This travel guide will provide you with the 10 most heartwarming train journeys all over the world, which should be experienced by every traveller for once in their life.

1. Glacier Express – Switzerland

This train basically runs from Zermatt and St. Moritz, which takes almost 8 hours. It is often called the “slowest express train in the world.” But when you are travelling through such a beautiful place, then time is the secondary thing to think about; the only thing you will care about is the scenic beauty when the train passes through the Swiss Alps, deep valleys, and a journey over 291 bridges.

While on this journey, you will be able to take a look at mountain peaks which are covered with snow, villages full of greenery and charm, and even crystal-clear water lakes. The main highlight of this journey is the Oberalp Pass, which is almost 2000 meters high. The journey also includes the Rhine Gorge, which is also known as the “Grand Canyon of Switzerland.”

2. Rocky Mountaineer – Canada

The Rocky Mountains of Canada are the most beautiful wonders in the world, and travelling in Rocky Mountaineer will give you the experience as you watch the view sitting in the front seat. You can travel on several routes, and especially the most famous stretch between Vancouver and Banff, and you can even travel to the overnight stops in Kamloops.

As a passenger, you will experience a great shift from one scene to another. Shift from green rainforests and rivers to sky-touching peaks and long plains. The main thing to highlight here is the glaciers and the calm lakes. If you are lucky enough, then you can also have the experience of wildlife, such as bears, elk, which are very common here.

3. Trans- Siberian Railway – Russia

One of the longest continuous train journeys in the world stretches across almost 9,300 kilometres. The trip starts from Moscow and it ends in Vladivostok, it is a non-stop 7-day journey, but many travellers prefer to go on and off the journey.

You will be witnessing some of the most beautiful sceneries here, such as European Russia’s rolling hills, Siberia’s vast taiga forests, frozen lakes, and old and remote villages. The highlight of this place, which you cannot miss, is the most famous, deepest freshwater lake in the world, which is known as Lake Baikal.

This journey is not only about travelling, but it is also about knowing deep down about Russia’s geography, culture, and history. You always want to complete a journey as quickly as you can, but while travelling this you will start loving slow travel. This will allow you to experience and explore some landscapes that are untouched by the modern theme of today’s world.

4. The Ghan – Australia

The most beautiful and iconic journey through train journey is considered to be Australia’s Ghan, which is situated in the Southern Hemisphere. This journey begins from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north, covering almost 3,000 kilometres. This journey runs through the main places of Ghan.

This journey will take you a total shift from one landscape to another, such as travelling through the fertile wine regions, shifting to the fiery red sand of the Outback, and finally entering the tropical north area. There are different stops in this journey, such as Alice, Springs, and Katherine. So, you, as a traveller can visit these places and can explore them; there are a few attractions like the Aboriginal rock art and the desert wildlife.,

There are many stories that you can come to know on this journey. While travelling, you can also get exposure to different cultural and traditional talks, the local food, and others, making the journey a memorable one that is filled with authenticity and luxury.

5. The Flam Railway – Norway

Norway has always been known for its fjords, and to get a great view of them then the best way is by Flam Railways. This journey offers you a spectacular view of them. This journey is not too long; it is just an hour-long journey, but still, in this short journey, you will witness the most spectacular scene in Scandinavia.

The journey starts from climbing up to the sea level in Flam, then it moves to the mountain station of Myrdal. The train moves through different landscapes, such as waterfalls, steep cliffs, and the beautiful and charming villages, to the mountains. The most powerful highlight of this place is the Kjosfossen Waterfall.

6. Blue Train – South Africa

The other word for luxury is the Blue Train. The journey begins from Pretoria and ends at Cape Town. The journey provides 5-star service to the passenger, and even the travellers can enjoy some of the stunning attractions of South Africa while travelling.

While travelling, you will be able to witness some of the stunning landscapes of Cape Town, such as the beauty of the Karoo Desert, and especially the vineyards and the mountains. In the train, you will get attentive service along with the enjoyment of gourmet meals, private suites, and other services.

7. Belmond Andean Explorer – Peru

Belmond Andean Explorer is the perfect way to witness the wonders of the Andes, and that too in full comfort. The journey begins from Cusco, then you will reach the ancient and historic capital of the Inca Empire, passing through Lake Titicaca, and the journey ends in Arequipa.

Passengers can witness breathtaking views of beautiful landscapes, including snow-covered mountains, high-altitude plains, cheerful and vibrant Andean villages, and more. The train is designed in such a way that it seems like a hotel on wheels, along with luxurious cabins, luxury dining, and you will even find a spa car.

The highlight of this place is to witness the sunset over Lake Titicaca, which is considered to the one of the highest navigable lakes of the world. There are a few journeys that help the passengers to witness a mixture of the richness of culture and tradition, along with the beauty of nature.

8. Bernina Express – Switzerland to Italy

It is an express line which connects Chur in Switzerland with Tirano in Italy. This route has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage route. The train starts its journey from Chur and then passes through different landscapes like the Swiss Engadin Alps, along with the bridges, tunnels, and viaducts, which will help you witness the height of engineering.

Vibrant and different landscapes include glaciers, lakes of mountains, and the cheerful alpine villages. The highlight of this passage is the Landwasser Viaduct, which is a bridge made up of stone and is a spectacular sight. This bridge is located in front of magnificent mountains.

9. TranzAlpine – New Zealand

The journey from TranzAlpine gives you the reason to tell New Zealand as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The journey begins from Christchurch and ends in Greymouth; the train passes the Southern Alps in five hours.

Passengers can witness the farmlands, cheerful gorges, and mountains covered with snow. You can witness the heights of engineering, the Otira Tunnel, the journey passes through the mountains which run through the green rainforest of the West Coast.

Passengers who are fond of photography and want to click New Zealand’s natural and raw beauty, the train offers you open-air platform to click beauty.

10. Eastern and Oriental Express – Southeast Asia

This train journey passes through the middle of Southeast Asia, and runs through Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. The train journey offers you a slower and closer way to experience the beauty of the place as compared to air travel.

The passengers can witness the different landscapes like the paddy fields, jungles, and the old traditional villages. The highlight of this place includes the River Kwai Bridge in Thailand, along with the Malay Peninsula.

Passengers travelling on the train provide different services. The train is filled with vintage luxury, the interiors are made up of polished wood, a dining area, along a lounge car where you can listen to live music, and the vibe here is quite different and timeless.

Sometimes, for passengers’ journey is more memorable than the destination, and this guide will give you the reason for the same. These rides provide you with the different vibrant landscapes, cultural and traditional encounters, and give you a sense of luxury.

If you want to escape from your daily hassle-filled life, then you need to travel through these routes and get the experience with the mixture of adventure and peace. So, the next time you want to travel, don’t book a flight; rather, try going for a train journey where you can collect a lot of memories.