Time To Take The Scenic Route
Do you have a thing for road trips but hate the actual driving part? Say hello to scenic train rides—where the views do all the work, and your only job is to sit back, relax, and maybe snap a few postcard-worthy photos. No traffic jams, no surprise detours—just pure, uninterrupted beauty rolling past your window. So, let’s take a look at 20 train rides that are easily worth the price of admission.
1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India
From the moment this “Toy Train” chugs up the steep slopes of the Himalayas, you’re in for a treat. At 2,200 meters, the views of Darjeeling’s lush tea gardens and snow-capped peaks are nothing short of breathtaking. Hop aboard for a rare adventure.
2. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
Running through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Rocky Mountaineer is not just a train ride—it’s an experience. As the train winds through wild, untouched terrains, passengers can catch glimpses of abundant wildlife. In 2019, it was named one of the world’s top luxury train journeys.
3. West Highland Line, Scotland
Pack your bags for one of the most scenic train journeys in the UK. The West Highland Line whisks you from Glasgow to Mallaig, passing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct (yes, the one from Harry Potter!) and offering views of lochs, mountains, and Scottish wilderness.
4. Bernina Express, Switzerland And Italy
Ever dreamed of traveling through the Alps? The Bernina Express lets you do just that. It travels from Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy, crossing the Alps at over 2,253 meters above sea level. As you journey through the heart of the Alps, the train’s route ensures that you’re always surrounded by natural beauty.
Kabelleger / David Gubler (http://www.bahnbilder.ch) on Wikimedia
5. TranzAlpine, New Zealand
Climb aboard New Zealand's TranzAlpine for one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys. The ride takes you from Christchurch to Greymouth, passing through the Southern Alps, across plains, and into lush rainforests. Perfect for both a relaxing retreat and an epic adventure.
6. Gotthard Panorama Express, Switzerland
Ready to experience Swiss perfection? The Gotthard Panorama Express offers a one-of-a-kind train-and-boat combo journey through Switzerland’s stunning scenery. Picture yourself sipping coffee as you glide past pristine lakes, then venture through towering mountains. Swiss travel at its finest!
Nelso Silva from Porto, Portugal on Wikimedia
7. Flam Railway, Norway
Not many railways take you straight into the heart of a fjord, but Norway’s Flam Railway does exactly that. The steep incline, paired with views of the Aurlandsfjord, will leave you breathless. Pack your camera; this ride has “Instagrammable” written all over it.
8. Himalayan Queen, India
The Himalayan Queen takes passengers on a journey through India’s scenic Himalayan foothills. As the train climbs into the mountains, it winds through pine forests. Interestingly, this heritage route, which started in the 19th century, has a distinct colonial-era charm.
Belur Ashok from Secunderabad, India on Wikimedia
9. Cairngorm Funicular, Scotland
Scotland’s Cairngorm Funicular is the UK’s highest railway, climbing 2,090 feet (637 meters) up the Cairngorm Mountain in the Scottish Highlands. Unlike traditional trains, the funicular uses a cable system to cross the incline, making it a vital link for visitors heading to the Ptarmigan Top Station.
10. Al Andalus, Spain
Luxury meets history on the Al Andalus, a train that takes you through southern Spain’s most stunning regions. As you roll through Andalusia, enjoy not just the views but the rich cultural and historical significance of the region. A truly regal ride awaits.
11. Dogu Express, Turkey
This train journey begins in Ankara and winds its way to Kars, crossing the vast Anatolian Plateau. Along the way, travelers pass through towering mountains, flowing rivers, and charming villages. Ideal for adventurers, this route offers a slow and scenic escape into Turkey’s heartland, far from tourist crowds.
12. Seven Stars Kyushu, Japan
If train travel had a VIP lounge, the Seven Stars Kyushu would be it. Picture yourself gliding past Kyushu’s lush views, sipping sake in a plush lounge while live piano music sets the mood. Each suite feels like a boutique hotel on rails, decked out with woodwork and panoramic windows for that Instagram shot.
13. California Zephyr, USA
Sitting on the California Zephyr feels like sitting in the middle of a postcard. This train takes you from Chicago to San Francisco through the heart of America, further offering views of the Rockies, Great Plains, and Sierra Nevada. An American classic you won’t soon forget.
Jeffrey Beall from Denver, Colorado, USA on Wikimedia
14. Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia
Travel from Singapore through Malaysia and Thailand aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express. This luxurious train offers an opulent blend of Southeast Asian culture, scenic views, and history. While the terrain unfolds, enjoy the sophistication of the ride.
15. Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland
If you’ve ever wanted to ride the train that inspired the Hogwarts Express, this is your chance. The Jacobite Steam Train rolls through Scotland’s highlands, crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct—an experience that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a movie.
16. Trans-Mongolian Express, China To Mongolia
The Trans-Mongolian Express is an epic rail journey that stretches across three countries: China, Mongolia, and Russia. From the streets of Beijing to the expansive Gobi Desert, this adventure promises everything from cultural exchanges to some of the most isolated regions on Earth.
17. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, USA
Hidden in Ohio, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is a charming ride through Appalachian hills and valleys. It's a perfect way to experience America's natural beauty—no crowds, just scenic views and the calm of train travel. Take a trip back in time on this historic route.
jpmueller99 from Shenandoah Valley of VA, USA on Wikimedia
18. Corsica Railway, France
If you want to see Corsica in all its glory, the Corsica Railway is your ticket. The route cuts through thick forests, winds up steep hills, and offers views of the Mediterranean that will have you staring out the window for the entire ride. It’s the kind of train trip that lets you truly absorb the island’s raw beauty.
19. Kangra Valley Railway, India
The Kangra Valley Railway offers a hidden gem of a journey in India that's often overlooked. Running from Palampur to Joginder Nagar is a trip through time. What makes it special? It's the combination of slow-paced travel and scenery where you're more likely to spot local life than tourist crowds.
20. Kyoto To Hiroshima By Shinkansen, Japan
Japan's Shinkansen trains are fast and reliable, and they have an experience that is all on their own. The journey between Kyoto and Hiroshima lets you witness the contrast between Japan's historic sites and its modern urban terrain—an exciting mix of culture, history, and technology in one fast-paced ride.
