Epic Train Journeys Beyond the Orient Express

For decades, the Orient Express has been the train of choice for people who love romantic train rides. It is a classic symbol of style and mystery. But those old carriages don’t destroy the world. The Orient Express is not the only beautiful, exciting, and emotional train ride in the world. These aren’t just trips; they’re experiences that combine culture, scenery, and memories in ways that planes can’t.

These 10 train trips will change the way you think about travel. The window is your movie screen on these trips, and the route, not the destination, pulls at your heart.

The Glacier Express in Switzerland is the most beautiful slow ride in the world

The Glacier Express in Switzerland would be a good example of what patience looks like. What makes it so special is that it is the slowest express train in the world.

The train glides between Zermatt and St. Moritz, passing by fields that look like they were painted, snow-covered peaks, and villages that look like they came out of a storybook. It’s not about how fast you go; it’s about enjoying every turn, valley, and waterfall you see along the way.

It looks like a painting because of the big windows that look out over the Swiss Alps. You’ll feel like you’re in a postcard when the Glacier Express goes over the Landwasser Viaduct, a big stone bridge that crosses a deep ravine. To fall in love with the world, you sometimes need to slow down.

The Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, where the main attraction is nature

The Rocky Mountaineer doesn’t just take you through the Rockies in Canada; it takes you right into the middle of them.

The drive from Vancouver to Banff or Jasper is like a never-ending symphony of mountains, lakes, and woods. The glass-domed coaches will make sure you see every snow-capped mountain and waterfall crashing down the rocks.

It’s not uncommon to see a bald eagle flying overhead or a bear walking in the distance. The presenters on board tell stories about the gold rush and the pioneers who traveled these huge areas, which makes every mountain you see seem more real. The Rocky Mountaineer proves that nature and luxury can coexist in harmony.

The Maharajas’ Express in India: A Train for Royalty

The Maharajas’ Express is the prettiest color in India.

This isn’t just a train; it’s a royal parade on wheels. The fancy interiors, great food, and perfect service make it feel like the time of the Indian monarchy. The paths go through the palaces of Jaipur, the Taj Mahal in Agra, and the spiritual ghats in Varanasi, combining history and beauty.

The carved wooden panels and silk furniture all tell stories about India’s royal past. This train ride will show you that no other country tells stories like India does. The scenery changes from sandy beaches to temple towns.

The Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru: A Trip Through the Old Andes

Imagine waking up and seeing the sun rise over the Andes. You can see Peru’s soul in action on the Belmond Andean Explorer.

It goes from Cusco to Arequipa and passes through Lake Titicaca. It is the first luxury sleeper train in South America and one of the most beautiful in the world.

The Andean fabrics are soft, the dinners are romantic, and the lounges feel like a cozy mountain lodge inside. The view outside goes from rough mountains to lakes that sparkle and have floating islands. It’s not just a train ride; it’s a love letter to the Andes’ spirit.

The TranzAlpine train in New Zealand goes through the middle of Middle Earth

Rail travel in New Zealand is the only time it feels like you’re in a fantasy movie. The journey starts from Christchruch and ends in Greymouth passing through the Southern Alps.

One moment you’re gliding through wide-open fields, and the next you’re surrounded by mountains shrouded in fog and deep river gorges. The view changes so quickly that it feels like a slideshow of nature.

This short but amazing trip shows how strong simple things can be. The wind blowing through the valleys and the sun shining through the trees on the TranzAlpine make you feel like you’re part of something bigger and timeless.

The Reunification Express in Vietnam: A Journey Through Living History

The Reunification Express in Vietnam goes between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and is full of stories.

It shows the country’s journey from being divided to being whole, passing through fishing villages, rice fields, and old towns. There are little shops where people sell snacks, families laughing, and waves crashing on the coastal tracks.

This train isn’t a luxury; it’s real, raw, and full of life. You really learn about Vietnam by listening to its trains, not by looking out of hotel windows.

The Ghan, Australia: The Heart of the Outback

The Ghan is a great way to see the wild heart of Australia. It goes through the middle of the country, from Darwin to Adelaide. The journey takes you through vast deserts, ancient gorges, and skies that seem to stretch on forever.

The Ghan is a tribute to bravery and adventure. The name comes from the Afghan cameleers who used to cross this land. While on board, guests can enjoy gourmet meals, Aboriginal art displays, and trips to places like Katherine Gorge.

It is a magical experience to see the desert turn yellow at dawn from your cabin window. The Ghan doesn’t just show you Australia; it lets you feel its heart beat.

You can ride the Bernina Express from Switzerland to Italy in one trip

The Bernina Express proves that small things can be great. It takes four hours to drive from Tirano, Italy, to Chur, Switzerland. You can witness the beautiful glaciers, valleys, and, along with the stunning vineyards all the way through your journey.

You should take pictures or just sit still and be amazed as the train goes up the Alps and over the beautiful Landwasser Viaduct. By the time it gets to the warm Italian sun, it feels like you’ve travelled through seasons instead of just countries.

It is a dream for every artist to work in this art window frame.

The Golden Route on the Eastern and Oriental Express in Southeast Asia

Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand are all on the Eastern & Oriental Express. It has the best of both worlds: the charm of the old world and the beauty of the tropics.

The inside is full of memories, with polished wood, soft lighting, and dining cars that look like they came straight out of a classic movie. But if you look outside, you’ll see rice terraces, jungle rivers, and communities with palm trees that shine in the sunset.

Every time you go, you can see something new, like the famous River Kwai Bridge and old temples. This trip seems like time travel because it takes so long.

The Royal Scotsman, Scotland: A Fairytale in the Highlands

The Royal Scotsman would be the heart and soul of Scotland. This fancy train starts in Edinburgh and goes through the Highlands, which are full of castles, lochs, and fog.

There are mahogany panels, tartan patterns, and soft music playing inside. While guests drink whisky on the observation deck, they can see rugged peaks and rolling moors.

At night, the train stops at private estates where people can walk around, eat, or just stand under the stars. It feels as if you are living in an old Scottish ballad.

The Magic That Never Ends

Taking the train is always in style. No flight can give you the constant sound of wheels on rails, the slow change of scenery, or the feeling of being between two worlds.

These trips, along with the Orient Express, remind us that travel isn’t just about where we go, but also how we get there. On the world’s railroads, there are stories to hear, people to meet, and windows to frame your next breathtaking view.

So, the next time you plan a trip, don’t fly. Let the train take you on a trip that lasts forever, is quiet, and is beautiful.