Train travel is one of the most romantic and scenic ways to explore the world. From the snow-capped mountains of the Swiss Alps to the sun-kissed beaches of Australia, there are countless train routes that offer breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to the world’s most scenic train routes, highlighting the most stunning landscapes, unique attractions, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a rail enthusiast, these routes are sure to leave you in awe.
1. The Glacier Express, Switzerland
The Glacier Express is one of the most iconic train routes in the world, winding its way through the Swiss Alps from Zermatt to St. Moritz. The 8-hour journey takes you through 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery on the planet.
- Highlights: The Matterhorn, the Rhine Gorge, and the Oberalp Pass
- Duration: 8 hours
- Frequency: Daily departures from Zermatt and St. Moritz
2. The Blue Train, South Africa
The Blue Train is a luxurious train that runs from Pretoria to Cape Town, offering breathtaking views of the African savannah and the stunning coastline of South Africa. The 2-night journey takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes on the continent.
- Highlights: The Highveld, the Karoo Desert, and the Cape Winelands
- Duration: 2 nights
- Frequency: Departures from Pretoria and Cape Town
3. The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
The Rocky Mountaineer is a luxurious train that runs from Vancouver to Jasper and Banff in the Canadian Rockies. The 2-day journey takes you through some of the most stunning mountain scenery on the planet, with breathtaking views of glaciers, lakes, and snow-capped peaks.
- Highlights: The Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise, and the Athabasca Glacier
- Duration: 2 days
- Frequency: Departures from Vancouver and Jasper/Banff
4. The TranzAlpine, New Zealand
The TranzAlpine is a scenic train that runs from Christchurch to Greymouth on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. The 4.5-hour journey takes you through some of the most stunning mountain scenery on the planet, with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and the Waimakariri River.
- Highlights: The Southern Alps, the Waimakariri River, and the Arthur’s Pass National Park
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Frequency: Daily departures from Christchurch and Greymouth
5. The Belmond Hiram Bingham, Peru
The Belmond Hiram Bingham is a luxurious train that runs from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machuigen, Peru. The 4-hour journey takes you through some of the most stunning Andean scenery on the planet, with breathtaking views of the Urubamba Valley and the Inca ruins.
- Highlights: The Urubamba Valley, the Andean mountains, and the Inca ruins
- Duration: 4 hours
- Frequency: Departures from Cuzco and Aguas Calientes
6. The West Highland Line, Scotland
The West Highland Line is a scenic train that runs from Glasgow to Mallaig in western Scotland. The 5.5-hour journey takes you through some of the most stunning Scottish scenery on the planet, with breathtaking views of Loch Lomond, Glencoe, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
- Highlights: Loch Lomond, Glencoe, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Duration: 5.5 hours
- Frequency: Daily departures from Glasgow and Mallaig
7. The Bernina Express, Switzerland & Italy
The Bernina Express is a scenic train that runs from Chur, Switzerland to Tirano, Italy, passing through the stunning Bernina Pass. The 4-hour journey takes you through some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery on the planet, with breathtaking views of glaciers, lakes, and snow-capped peaks.
- Highlights: The Bernina Pass, the Morteratsch Glacier, and Lake Como
- Duration: 4 hours
- Frequency: Daily departures from Chur and Tirano
8. The Flåm Railway, Norway
The Flåm Railway is a scenic train that runs from Myrdal to Flåm in western Norway. The 1-hour journey takes you through some of the most stunning fjord scenery on the planet, with breathtaking views of the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord.
- Highlights: The Aurlandsfjord, the Nærøyfjord, and the Flåm Valley
- Duration: 1 hour
- Frequency: Daily departures from Myrdal and Flåm
9. The California Zephyr, USA
The California Zephyr is a scenic train that runs from Chicago to San Francisco, passing through the stunning Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevada, and the Mojave Desert. The 52-hour journey takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet.
- Highlights: The Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevada, and the Mojave Desert
- Duration: 52 hours
- Frequency: Departures from Chicago and San Francisco
10. The Ghan, Australia
The Ghan is a scenic train that runs from Adelaide to Darwin, passing through the stunning MacDonnell Ranges and the Katherine Gorge. The 3-day journey takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet.
- Highlights: The MacDonnell Ranges, the Katherine Gorge, and the Kakadu National Park
- Duration: 3 days
- Frequency: Departures from Adelaide and Darwin
In conclusion, these train routes offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences on the planet. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a rail enthusiast, these routes are sure to leave you in awe. So why not start planning your next train journey today?
