Traveling by train offers a unique blend of comfort, nostalgia, and stunning views. Unlike flying, trains let you truly connect with the landscape, passing through mountains, coastlines, forests, and charming villages.
Here’s a list of the most scenic train journeys from around the globe—perfect for travelers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
1. Glacier Express – Switzerland 🇨🇭
✔ Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz
✔ Duration: Around 8 hours
✔ Why it’s stunning:
- Panoramic windows reveal the Swiss Alps, deep valleys, and 291 bridges.
- Passes through the Oberalp Pass and charming Alpine villages.
💡 Pro Tip: Travel in winter for a snow-covered wonderland view.
2. The Rocky Mountaineer – Canada 🇨🇦
✔ Route: Vancouver to Banff or Jasper
✔ Duration: 2 days with overnight hotel stop
✔ Why it’s stunning:
- See glaciers, rivers, canyons, and wildlife in the Canadian Rockies.
- Glass-dome coaches and gourmet meals included.
💡 Pro Tip: Choose the GoldLeaf Service for full panoramic views and open-air platforms.
3. The TranzAlpine – New Zealand 🇳🇿
✔ Route: Christchurch to Greymouth
✔ Duration: 5 hours
✔ Why it’s stunning:
- Crosses the Southern Alps, gorges, and Arthur’s Pass National Park.
- Contrast of plains, mountains, and rainforest.
💡 Pro Tip: Travel west to east for the best early morning light.
4. The Bernina Express – Switzerland & Italy 🇨🇭🇮🇹
✔ Route: Chur (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy)
✔ Duration: 4 hours
✔ Why it’s stunning:
- Passes the Landwasser Viaduct, glacial lakes, and the Alps at 2,253m elevation.
- UNESCO World Heritage route.
💡 Pro Tip: Continue to Lake Como from Tirano for a full scenic journey.
5. The Flam Railway – Norway 🇳🇴
✔ Route: Myrdal to Flåm
✔ Duration: 1 hour
✔ Why it’s stunning:
- One of the steepest train routes in the world.
- Waterfalls, tunnels, fjords, and Nordic landscapes.
💡 Pro Tip: Combine with a fjord cruise for the ultimate nature experience.
6. Belmond Hiram Bingham – Peru 🇵🇪
✔ Route: Cusco to Machu Picchu
✔ Duration: About 3.5 hours
✔ Why it’s stunning:
- Passes through sacred valleys, mountains, and lush greenery.
- Luxury train with dining, live music, and open car.
💡 Pro Tip: There’s also a more affordable option: PeruRail Expedition.
7. The Jacobite Steam Train – Scotland 🏴
✔ Route: Fort William to Mallaig
✔ Duration: 2 hours one-way
✔ Why it’s stunning:
- Crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct (famous from Harry Potter).
- Views of lochs, moors, and the rugged Scottish Highlands.
💡 Pro Tip: Book early—this route sells out quickly, especially in summer.
8. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – India 🇮🇳
✔ Route: New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling
✔ Duration: 7 hours
✔ Why it’s stunning:
- Narrow-gauge railway with views of tea plantations and misty hills.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site.
💡 Pro Tip: Sit on the right side heading up for the best views.
9. Kuranda Scenic Railway – Australia 🇦🇺
✔ Route: Cairns to Kuranda (Queensland)
✔ Duration: 2 hours
✔ Why it’s stunning:
- Tropical views of rainforests, waterfalls, and mountains.
- Passes through 15 hand-made tunnels.
💡 Pro Tip: Combine with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a round-trip adventure.
10. The Reunification Express – Vietnam 🇻🇳
✔ Route: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
✔ Duration: 30+ hours (can be done in segments)
✔ Why it’s stunning:
- Coastal views, rice paddies, and remote countryside.
- A cultural immersion across the length of Vietnam.
💡 Pro Tip: Try the Da Nang to Hue segment for coastal scenery and shorter travel time.
Final Thoughts
Scenic train journeys offer an unforgettable way to travel—slow, immersive, and inspiring. Whether you’re crossing mountain ranges, skimming coastlines, or rolling through jungle, these routes prove that sometimes the journey really is the destination.
Which scenic train route would you love to ride? 🚆🌍