20 Most Scenic Train Journeys in the World You Need to Experience

Why Train Travel Deserves a Spot on Every Bucket List

There is something about watching a landscape unfold from a train window that no other mode of transport can replicate. You are not wrestling with a steering wheel or staring at the back of an airplane seat. You are simply there, moving through valleys, crossing bridges that hang above gorges, and passing through villages that exist beyond the reach of highways. The 20 train journeys on this list span six continents, range from four-hour afternoon rides to two-week transcontinental odysseys, and cover price points from under $10 to several thousand dollars. Each one offers something that a plane ticket never will: the journey itself as the destination.

1. Glacier Express -- Switzerland

Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz (or reverse)

Duration: Approximately 8 hours

Distance: 291 km (181 miles)

Cost: From CHF 158 (about $175 USD) for second class in summer; first class from CHF 278. A seat reservation (mandatory) costs CHF 49 in the panoramic car.

Best Time: June through October for green valleys; December through February for snow-covered peaks.

The Glacier Express bills itself as the slowest express train in the world, and that slowness is the entire point. The route crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels as it winds between two of Switzerland's most famous mountain resorts. The highlight is the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 meters, the highest point on the journey. The Landwasser Viaduct, a six-arched limestone bridge curving directly into a tunnel in the cliff face, is one of the most photographed railway structures on Earth.

Booking tip: Reserve at least three months in advance for summer travel. Seats on the south-facing side (right side heading from Zermatt) offer the best views of the Rhine Gorge. Swiss Travel Pass holders get free travel but still need to pay the reservation fee.

2. Trans-Siberian Railway -- Russia

Route: Moscow to Vladivostok (main line), with branches to Beijing and Ulaanbaatar

Duration: 6 days, 2 hours nonstop (Moscow to Vladivostok); most travelers break the journey over 2 to 3 weeks

Distance: 9,289 km (5,772 miles)

Cost: From approximately $300 USD for a third-class open berth (platskart) one way; second-class four-berth compartment (kupe) from $550; first-class two-berth (spalny vagon) from $1,200. Private tour packages run $3,000 to $15,000+.

Best Time: May through September for the warmest weather and longest daylight hours. Winter crossings (November through February) offer stark, snow-blanketed landscapes but temperatures drop to minus 30 degrees Celsius.

This is the longest single railway line in the world. The core experience is watching the landscape shift from European Russia's birch forests through the Ural Mountains, across the vast West Siberian Plain, along the shores of Lake Baikal (the deepest lake on Earth), and into the Russian Far East. Key stops include Yekaterinburg (the Europe-Asia border), Irkutsk (gateway to Lake Baikal), and Ulan-Ude (if branching toward Mongolia).

Booking tip: Book through the official Russian Railways website (rzd.ru) or use RealRussia.co.uk for English-language bookings. Bring your own food for the first day, then buy from platform vendors at station stops -- smoked fish, pirozhki, and fresh berries are common.

3. Rocky Mountaineer -- Canada

Route: Multiple routes; the most popular is "First Passage to the West" from Vancouver to Banff

Duration: 2 days (with overnight hotel stop in Kamloops)

Distance: Approximately 960 km (600 miles)

Cost: SilverLeaf service starts around $2,100 CAD (about $1,550 USD) per person; GoldLeaf service with a glass-domed viewing car and gourmet meals from $3,400 CAD.

Best Time: April through October (the only operating season).

The Rocky Mountaineer does not run at night, and that is by design. Every kilometer of this route is meant to be seen. From the Fraser Canyon's sheer walls to the Spiral Tunnels of Kicking Horse Pass, the Canadian Rockies reveal themselves in layers. Wildlife sightings are common: black bears, elk, eagles, and occasionally grizzlies.

Booking tip: GoldLeaf is worth the premium for the bi-level glass dome car and the outdoor viewing platform. Book 6 to 9 months ahead for peak summer dates (July and August).

4. Bernina Express -- Switzerland and Italy

Route: Chur (or Davos) to Tirano, Italy

Duration: About 4 hours

Distance: 144 km (89 miles)

Cost: From CHF 64 (about $70 USD) for second class. Seat reservation CHF 16 (mandatory).

Best Time: Year-round, but summer (June through September) offers the most dramatic contrast between glaciers and palm trees.

This UNESCO World Heritage route climbs to 2,253 meters at the Ospizio Bernina station, the highest railway crossing in the Alps without a rack system. The train descends from glacial landscapes into Mediterranean-feeling Tirano, passing through the circular Brusio Viaduct, a helical structure that loops the train 360 degrees to manage the steep descent.

Booking tip: Combine with the Glacier Express for a multi-day Swiss rail experience. The Bernina Pass section is the most dramatic -- sit on the left side heading south for the best glacier views.

5. The Jacobite -- Scotland

Route: Fort William to Mallaig

Duration: About 2 hours each way

Distance: 66 km (41 miles)

Cost: Standard class from 40 GBP (about $50 USD); first class from 55 GBP.

Best Time: The service runs from April through October. Late May and June offer the longest days and blooming heather.

Known to many as the "Harry Potter train," the Jacobite steam locomotive crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct -- the 21-arch concrete bridge featured in the film series. But the journey offers far more than a film location. The route passes alongside Loch Eil, through rugged Highland terrain, and arrives at the fishing port of Mallaig with views of the Isle of Skye.

Booking tip: Book months in advance through westcoastrailways.co.uk. Seats on the left side (heading to Mallaig) offer the best view of the Glenfinnan Viaduct as the train curves across it. The afternoon return service is less crowded than the morning departure.

6. Kandy to Ella -- Sri Lanka

Route: Kandy to Ella

Duration: About 6 to 7 hours

Distance: 160 km (99 miles)

Cost: Third class approximately 200 LKR (under $1 USD); second class about 500 LKR ($1.50); first class reserved seat about 1,000 LKR ($3). The observation car costs approximately 1,500 LKR.

Best Time: January through March for the driest weather, though the route is spectacular year-round.

This may be the best-value scenic train ride in the world. The track winds through Sri Lanka's Hill Country, past terraced tea plantations, through mist-shrouded mountains, across the Nine Arches Bridge near Ella, and past waterfalls that drop directly beside the tracks. The train climbs to over 1,800 meters, and the air cools noticeably as you ascend.

Booking tip: The observation car at the rear offers panoramic views and open-air seating, but it sells out weeks in advance -- book through Sri Lanka Railways (slr.gov.lk) the moment bookings open, which is 30 days before departure. Alternatively, second class unreserved is the most atmospheric way to travel: doors stay open, and locals share snacks.

7. Bergen Railway -- Norway

Route: Oslo to Bergen

Duration: About 7 hours

Distance: 496 km (308 miles)

Cost: From 299 NOK (about $28 USD) if booked well in advance; standard fares from 799 NOK ($75).

Best Time: Year-round. Winter offers frozen tundra landscapes; summer (June through August) brings midnight sun on the Hardangervidda Plateau.

The Bergen Railway climbs from sea level to 1,222 meters at Finse station, crossing the Hardangervidda, northern Europe's largest mountain plateau. The section between Myrdal and Finse is routinely snowbound in winter, requiring snow shelters and plows. From Myrdal, you can connect to the Flam Railway (see number 9) for a combined experience.

Booking tip: Book through vy.no (Norwegian State Railways). Comfort class offers wider seats and complimentary coffee. For the full experience, combine the Bergen Railway with the Flam Railway and a fjord cruise -- this is sold as the "Norway in a Nutshell" package.

8. TranzAlpine -- New Zealand

Route: Christchurch to Greymouth

Duration: About 4.5 hours

Distance: 223 km (139 miles)

Cost: From NZD 119 (about $70 USD) for Scenic class; Scenic Plus from NZD 199.

Best Time: October through April for the clearest weather. Winter crossings (June through August) occasionally face delays from snow but offer dramatic alpine scenery.

The TranzAlpine crosses the Southern Alps of New Zealand's South Island, passing through the patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains, climbing through Arthur's Pass National Park (with its beech forests and waterfalls), diving through the 8.5 km Otira Tunnel, and descending into the wild, rainforest-covered West Coast. The open-air viewing carriage at the rear is essential.

Booking tip: Book through greatjourneysofnz.co.nz. The morning departure from Christchurch means better light on the mountain crossing. Combine with a return trip on a rental car along the Great Coast Road for a different perspective.

9. Flam Railway -- Norway

Route: Myrdal to Flam

Duration: About 1 hour

Distance: 20 km (12 miles)

Cost: From 490 NOK (about $46 USD) one way.

Best Time: May through September for the greenest valleys and waterfalls at peak flow.

One of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world, the Flam Railway descends 866 meters in just 20 kilometers. The train passes through 20 tunnels (one of which spirals 180 degrees inside the mountain) and pauses at the Kjosfossen waterfall, a 93-meter cascade where the train stops specifically so passengers can step out and photograph it.

Booking tip: Book through visitflam.com or as part of the Norway in a Nutshell package. The journey is short enough that seat side matters less, but the left side (descending) offers slightly better waterfall views.

10. Shinkansen Scenic Routes -- Japan

Route: Multiple; the most scenic include Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo to Shin-Osaka), Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tokyo to Kanazawa), and Tohoku Shinkansen (Tokyo to Shin-Aomori)

Duration: Tokaido: 2 hours 15 minutes; Hokuriku: 2 hours 30 minutes; Tohoku: 3 hours 10 minutes

Cost: Japan Rail Pass (7-day) from 50,000 JPY (about $330 USD) for Ordinary class; individual tickets from 13,000 to 18,000 JPY per journey.

Best Time: Late March through mid-April for cherry blossoms; October through November for autumn foliage. Clear winter days on the Tokaido line offer the best Mt. Fuji views.

The Tokaido Shinkansen on a clear day offers one of the most iconic single views in rail travel: Mt. Fuji rising above the landscape, visible for about two minutes between Shin-Fuji and Shizuoka stations. Sit on the right side (seats D and E) heading from Tokyo. The Hokuriku line passes through the Japanese Alps, while the Tohoku line heads into the rural north with views of rice paddies and volcanic peaks.

Booking tip: Purchase a Japan Rail Pass before arriving in Japan (it must be ordered in advance by foreign tourists). The pass pays for itself in as little as two one-way Shinkansen trips.

11. Maharajas' Express -- India

Route: Multiple itineraries; the flagship "Heritage of India" runs from Mumbai to Delhi

Duration: 7 nights

Distance: Varies by itinerary (1,500 to 2,500 km)

Cost: From $6,500 USD per person for a Deluxe Cabin; Presidential Suite from $22,000.

Best Time: October through April (the operating season and India's cooler months).

This is one of the most luxurious trains in the world. Each itinerary includes off-train excursions to sites like the Taj Mahal, Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort, Udaipur's palaces, Jaipur's Amber Fort, and the Ajanta and Ellora caves. Cabins feature en-suite bathrooms, 24-hour butler service, and fine dining with Indian and continental menus.

Booking tip: Book through the-maharajas.com at least 6 months in advance. The "Heritage of India" and "Indian Splendor" itineraries are the most popular. All meals, excursions, and alcohol are included in the fare.

12. The Ghan -- Australia

Route: Adelaide to Darwin (or reverse)

Duration: 54 hours (2 nights, 3 days) for the standard Expedition service

Distance: 2,979 km (1,851 miles)

Cost: Gold Service from AUD 2,749 (about $1,800 USD) per person twin share; Platinum Service from AUD 4,999.

Best Time: April through October (dry season in the Top End and cooler temperatures in the Red Centre).

The Ghan crosses Australia from south to north, traversing the entire continent through three distinct landscapes: the green Adelaide Hills, the red desert of the Outback, and the tropical Top End approaching Darwin. Off-train excursions at Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge are included.

Booking tip: Book through journeybeyondrail.com.au. The Platinum Service includes unlimited premium alcohol, a larger cabin, and priority for off-train experiences. The Alice Springs stop includes an optional camel ride at sunrise.

13. West Highland Line -- Scotland

Route: Glasgow to Mallaig (the Jacobite covers the northern section)

Duration: About 5 hours 20 minutes

Distance: 264 km (164 miles)

Cost: From 13 GBP (about $16 USD) with advance booking on ScotRail; walk-up fares around 35 GBP.

Best Time: May through September for the longest days and best weather.

While the Jacobite covers Fort William to Mallaig, the full West Highland Line from Glasgow includes the equally stunning section along Loch Lomond, the desolate Rannoch Moor (one of the last true wilderness areas in Western Europe), and the approach to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis.

Booking tip: This is a regular ScotRail service, so no luxury frills -- just extraordinary scenery at budget prices. Book advance tickets through scotrail.co.uk for the cheapest fares.

14. The Blue Train -- South Africa

Route: Pretoria to Cape Town

Duration: 27 hours (1 night)

Cost: From ZAR 23,000 (about $1,250 USD) per person sharing in a Luxury Suite; Deluxe Suite from ZAR 35,000.

Best Time: Year-round, but March through May (autumn) and September through November (spring) offer the most comfortable temperatures.

The Blue Train crosses the Karoo semi-desert, passes through the winelands of the Western Cape, and arrives in Cape Town. All meals (multi-course gourmet dining), drinks, and a butler are included. The train stops in Kimberley for a visit to the Big Hole diamond mine museum.

Booking tip: Book through bluetrain.co.za. The Cape Town to Pretoria direction is often slightly cheaper and less booked. Dress code for dinner is formal.

15. Cusco to Puno (PeruRail Titicaca Train) -- Peru

Route: Cusco to Puno (on Lake Titicaca)

Duration: About 10 hours

Distance: 384 km (239 miles)

Cost: From $275 USD per person in Voyager class.

Best Time: April through October (dry season).

This route crosses the Altiplano at elevations above 3,800 meters, passing through the La Raya Pass at 4,319 meters -- the highest point on the journey. The landscape shifts from Andean valleys to high-altitude grasslands populated by alpacas and llamas. Live Andean music and dance performances are included onboard, along with a multi-course lunch featuring Peruvian cuisine.

Booking tip: Book through perurail.com. Acclimatize to the altitude in Cusco for at least 2 days before this journey. Carry coca tea or altitude sickness medication.

16. Eastern and Oriental Express -- Southeast Asia

Route: Singapore to Bangkok (or reverse)

Duration: 3 days, 2 nights

Distance: Approximately 1,900 km (1,180 miles)

Cost: From approximately $3,500 USD per person in a Pullman Cabin.

Best Time: November through February (cool season in Southeast Asia).

Operated by Belmond, this luxury train passes through Malaysia and Thailand, with excursions to the River Kwai Bridge and Penang. The dining car serves multi-course meals blending Thai, Malay, and Western cuisines. The observation car at the rear features an open-air deck ideal for watching the jungle roll by.

Booking tip: Book through belmond.com at least 4 to 6 months in advance. The Bangkok to Singapore direction is often slightly less crowded.

17. Reunification Express -- Vietnam

Route: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Duration: About 33 hours nonstop; most travelers break it into segments over several days

Distance: 1,726 km (1,072 miles)

Cost: Hard seat from about 700,000 VND ($28 USD); soft sleeper berth from 1,500,000 VND ($60). The Livitrans or Violette luxury carriages cost about $80 to $120 per segment.

Best Time: October through March for the central coast section; year-round for the full route.

The most scenic section is between Da Nang and Hue, where the train crosses the Hai Van Pass -- a stretch that winds along clifftop tracks above the South China Sea. Anthony Bourdain called it one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world. The full route passes through rice paddies, karst mountains, fishing villages, and tropical forests.

Booking tip: Book through dsvn.vn (official site) or use 12go.asia for English-language bookings. Break the journey into segments: Hanoi to Hue, Hue to Hoi An/Da Nang, Da Nang to Nha Trang, Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City.

18. Douro Valley Line -- Portugal

Route: Porto (Sao Bento) to Pocinho

Duration: About 3.5 hours

Distance: 160 km (99 miles)

Cost: From 14 EUR (about $15 USD) for second class.

Best Time: September through October for grape harvest season and golden hillsides; March through May for wildflowers.

The train follows the Douro River upstream from Porto into the heart of Portugal's wine country. Terraced vineyards climb steep hillsides on both banks, quintas (wine estates) dot the landscape, and the river widens into a mirror-flat expanse. This is one of Europe's most underrated scenic rail journeys and among its most affordable.

Booking tip: Book through cp.pt (Portuguese Railways). Sit on the right side heading from Porto for the best river views. Combine with a Douro Valley wine tour in Peso da Regua or Pinhao.

19. Colombo to Jaffna -- Sri Lanka

Route: Colombo Fort to Jaffna

Duration: About 7 hours

Distance: 396 km (246 miles)

Cost: Third class from 480 LKR (under $2 USD); first class observation from about 2,000 LKR ($6).

Best Time: January through April for dry weather in the north.

While the Kandy to Ella route gets most of the attention, the Colombo to Jaffna line offers a different kind of beauty: coastal stretches north of Colombo, lagoons, palmyra palm forests, and the remarkable section across the Elephant Pass causeway. The train crosses through areas that were inaccessible for decades during the civil war, and the journey carries cultural significance alongside its scenery.

Booking tip: Book first-class observation seats through slr.gov.lk 30 days in advance. The journey is long, so bring snacks and water. The return journey can be broken with an overnight stop in Anuradhapura.

20. Cinque Terre Express -- Italy

Route: La Spezia to Levanto (through all five Cinque Terre villages)

Duration: About 30 minutes end to end; most riders hop on and off throughout the day

Distance: 22 km (14 miles)

Cost: Cinque Terre Card (unlimited train travel plus trail access) from 18.50 EUR per day ($20 USD).

Best Time: April through May and September through October to avoid peak summer crowds.

This short regional train connects the five cliffside villages of Cinque Terre -- Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. The train emerges from tunnels to reveal each village perched above the Ligurian Sea, with colorful houses stacked against steep hillsides. The journey itself is brief, but the hop-on, hop-off format makes it a full-day experience.

Booking tip: Purchase the Cinque Terre Card at La Spezia Centrale station. Trains run every 15 to 20 minutes in peak season. Start early (before 9 AM) to reach villages before day-trippers from cruise ships arrive.

How to Plan Your Train Journey

Booking Platforms

• Trainline (thetrainline.com): Covers most European rail networks in one search engine
• Rome2Rio (rome2rio.com): Compares trains with buses and flights for any route worldwide
• 12Go Asia (12go.asia): Best aggregator for train bookings across Southeast Asia
• Seat 61 (seat61.com): The definitive resource for international train travel advice and booking guidance

Rail Passes to Consider

Pass	Coverage	Cost (approximate)	Best For
Eurail Global Pass	33 European countries	$340 for 4 days in 1 month	Multi-country European trips
Swiss Travel Pass	All Swiss trains, buses, boats	$280 for 3 consecutive days	Switzerland-focused itineraries
Japan Rail Pass	All JR lines including Shinkansen	$330 for 7 days	Japan exploration
Indrail Pass	All Indian Railways routes	$135 for 7 days AC 2-tier	Budget India travel

Packing Essentials for Long Train Journeys

• Noise-canceling headphones for overnight trains
• Reusable water bottle (many stations have refill points)
• Portable charger (power outlets are not guaranteed in older trains)
• Lightweight blanket or large scarf for air-conditioned or overnight carriages
• Snacks and instant noodles for Trans-Siberian and other multi-day routes
• Small lock for luggage on shared sleeper compartments

Let TripGenie Help Plan Your Train Adventure

Planning a multi-stop train journey involves coordinating schedules, booking windows, accommodation at stopover cities, and connecting transport. TripGenie can help you build a complete itinerary around your chosen train route, including the best days to travel, where to stay at each stop, and what to see along the way. Whether you are mapping out a two-week Trans-Siberian adventure or a weekend Swiss rail loop, let TripGenie handle the logistics so you can focus on the views from the window.

Final Thoughts

The best train journeys in the world share one thing in common: they transform travel time from something to endure into something to savor. Whether you have $3 for a Sri Lankan Hill Country ride or $6,500 for the Maharajas' Express, there is a train journey that will redefine how you think about getting from one place to another. Book early, pick your seat carefully, keep your camera charged, and let the landscape do the rest.