Top 10 Most Beautiful Train Journeys in the World
Top 10 Most Beautiful Train Journeys in the World
Train journeys are a great way to see the world in a relaxed and comfortable way. Whether you’re passing through mountains, deserts, or forests, these train rides offer some of the most beautiful views you can imagine. Below are the top 10 most scenic and beautiful train journeys across the globe that you should consider taking for an unforgettable experience.
1. Glacier Express (Switzerland)
Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz
Duration: 8 hours
Highlights: The Glacier Express is one of the most famous and scenic train rides in the world. It takes you through the Swiss Alps, offering stunning views of mountains, lakes, and villages. The train travels through 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, making it a truly unique journey. One of the main highlights is the ride through the Oberalp Pass, the highest point on the route.
Why it’s special: The large windows on the train provide amazing views of the Swiss Alps. The train is also very comfortable, with spacious seats and excellent service.
2. Trans-Siberian Railway (Russia)
Route: Moscow to Vladivostok
Duration: 6-7 days
Highlights: The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest train journey in the world, stretching nearly 9,300 kilometers (5,800 miles). This train ride takes you through some of the most remote and diverse landscapes of Russia, from forests to mountains to the shores of Lake Baikal. It’s an epic journey that gives travelers a true sense of Russia’s vastness.
Why it’s special: You get to experience a variety of landscapes, cultures, and climates as you travel across Russia. It’s a journey that’s both adventurous and educational.
3. Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)
Route: Vancouver to Banff or Jasper
Duration: 2 days (varies by route)
Highlights: The Rocky Mountaineer offers a luxurious way to travel through the Canadian Rockies. Passengers are treated to amazing views of mountains, rivers, and forests. The journey also takes you through places like Lake Louise and Jasper National Park, with opportunities to see wildlife like bears and elk.
Why it’s special: The train features glass-domed carriages that allow you to enjoy 360-degree views of the stunning Canadian wilderness. It’s a relaxing and scenic ride through some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.
4. The Blue Train (South Africa)
Route: Pretoria to Cape Town
Duration: 27 hours
Highlights: The Blue Train is one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world, taking you from Pretoria to Cape Town in South Africa. The route offers views of vineyards, desert landscapes, and mountains, giving you a great chance to see the diversity of South Africa’s natural beauty.
Why it’s special: The Blue Train is known for its luxury and comfort. It has suites with full-service dining and first-class amenities, making it a top choice for those looking for a relaxing, high-end travel experience.
5. The Ghan (Australia)
Route: Adelaide to Darwin
Duration: 2-3 days
Highlights: The Ghan is a famous Australian train journey that takes you from the southern city of Adelaide to the tropical north in Darwin. Along the way, you’ll pass through deserts, red sands, and the rugged Outback. The Ghan offers an opportunity to explore Australia’s heartland, including stops in places like Alice Springs.
Why it’s special: It’s a great way to see the remote and rugged beauty of the Australian Outback. The train offers luxury and comfort, making the journey even more enjoyable.
6. Bernina Express (Switzerland/Italy)
Route: Chur (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy)
Duration: 4 hours
Highlights: The Bernina Express is one of the highest trains in Europe, traveling from Switzerland to Italy. It passes through snowy mountains, glaciers, and beautiful valleys, with a stop at the stunning Bernina Pass. The train also travels through picturesque villages and meadows.
Why it’s special: This route is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its breathtaking views and high-altitude landscapes. The journey offers some of the best mountain scenery in Europe.
7. Eastern & Oriental Express (Southeast Asia)
Route: Bangkok (Thailand) to Singapore
Duration: 2-3 days
Highlights: The Eastern & Oriental Express offers a luxurious way to travel through Southeast Asia, from Thailand to Singapore. Along the way, you’ll pass lush jungles, rural villages, and historical landmarks like the River Kwai Bridge in Thailand.
Why it’s special: This journey is all about luxury, with comfortable cabins, fine dining, and incredible service. The views of tropical landscapes and historical sites make it an unforgettable trip.
8. Settle-Carlisle Railway (England)
Route: Settle to Carlisle
Duration: 2 hours
Highlights: This scenic train journey in northern England offers views of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales and the Pennines. One of the highlights of the route is the Ribblehead Viaduct, an impressive piece of Victorian engineering. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming villages and green countryside.
Why it’s special: The Settle-Carlisle Railway is one of the most scenic train rides in England. The train travels through stunning natural landscapes, making it perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the British countryside.
9. Shinkansen (Japan)
Route: Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Highlights: Japan’s Shinkansen, or bullet train, is famous for its speed and efficiency, but it also offers beautiful views. From Tokyo, you can see Mount Fuji in the distance, along with other scenic landscapes of rural Japan.
Why it’s special: The Shinkansen is known for being the fastest train in the world, but it also offers travelers a glimpse of Japan’s countryside, making it a great way to travel between cities.
10. Royal Scotsman (Scotland)
Route: Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands
Duration: 4 days
Highlights: The Royal Scotsman is one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world. It takes passengers on a multi-day journey through the Scottish Highlands, offering stunning views of mountains, lochs, and castles. The train also stops at famous whisky distilleries and historic sites along the way.
Why it’s special: The Royal Scotsman is all about luxury and comfort, with gourmet meals and fine accommodations. The train offers an exclusive way to see the wild beauty of Scotland’s landscape.
Conclusion
Train travel offers one of the best ways to experience the world’s most beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re traveling through the snowy Alps, across vast deserts, or along stunning coastlines, these top 10 train journeys provide an unforgettable way to explore the planet. From luxurious trains to scenic heritage routes, each one offers a unique experience that combines adventure, comfort, and natural beauty. If you’re looking for a scenic way to see the world, a train journey on any of these routes is sure to provide memories that last a lifetime.