Craving a slower, more soulful way to explore the world? This list of the best scenic train rides delivers sweeping landscapes, cultural encounters, and beautiful train journeys that feel like time travel.
From snow-capped peaks to storybook villages and coastal cliffs, these rail adventures offer more than transportation—they’re bucket-list experiences designed to be savored, not rushed.
Most Scenic Train Rides in the World
Experience the world’s most scenic train rides where every window seat offers breathtaking views and unforgettable moments.
1. Glacier Express, Switzerland
Known as the “slowest express train,” the Glacier Express glides through the Swiss Alps, crossing 291 bridges and passing glaciers, deep valleys, and charming Alpine villages. A mountain train ride unlike any other, it features panoramic windows and multi-course onboard meals.
- Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz
- Duration: ~8 hours
- Price: From $160 (2nd class), $270 (1st class)
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2. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
This luxury rail trip through nature is nothing short of breathtaking. Glide past snowcapped peaks, turquoise rivers, and dense pine forests teeming with wildlife. Glass-domed cars offer panoramic views, while gourmet dining elevates the journey. It’s a bucket-list experience every train lover should savor at least once.
- Route: Vancouver to Banff or Jasper
- Duration: 2 days (overnight in Kamloops)
- Price: From $1,500 per person (GoldLeaf Service)
If you love scenic coastlines and road-based adventures too, check out our Coastal California Road Trip Itinerary.
3. The Ghan, Australia
Crossing nearly 3,000 kilometers from Adelaide to Darwin, The Ghan takes you deep into Australia’s remote Outback. Along the way, you’ll stop in Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge. Think luxury cabins, regionally inspired meals, and ever-changing desert views that shift from red earth to lush tropics as you head north.
- Route: Adelaide to Darwin
- Duration: 3–4 days
- Price: From $2,200 per person
4. West Highland Line & Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland
This route delivers moody Scottish beauty. Think misty lochs, rolling moors, and rugged highland terrain. The star of the journey? The Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. Riding the Jacobite Steam Train feels like stepping into a storybook. It’s widely praised as one of the most scenic train rides in the world.
- Route: Glasgow to Mallaig
- Duration: ~5 hours
- Price: From $65 round-trip
Luxury Train Experiences Worth the Splurge
Ready to indulge in style? These luxury train experiences combine world-class service, elegance, and unforgettable views worth every penny.
5. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
Step aboard a rolling time capsule of 1920s elegance. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express features lavish cabins, white-gloved service, and candlelit dining cars that feel straight out of a classic film. It’s not just a train ride, but a grand, romantic experience and easily one of the world’s most luxurious journeys by rail.
- Route: Venice to Paris (and other seasonal routes)
- Duration: 1–3 days
- Price: From $3,500 per person
Learn more about its routes and history from Condé Nast Traveler.
6. Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy
This UNESCO World Heritage journey crosses the Swiss Alps, spiraling through tunnels and soaring over dramatic viaducts. Along the way, you’ll witness glacier-capped peaks, charming villages, and even palm trees near the Italian border. Every season brings breathtaking views.
- Route: Chur (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy)
- Duration: ~4 hours
- Price: From $70
All Aboard Your Bucket List
From snow-covered summits to sunburnt deserts, the best scenic train rides unlock a world of wonder at a slower pace. Whether you crave bucket list train trips, cultural deep dives, or awe-inspiring photography, rail travel offers a timeless way to explore.
So, sit back, relax, and let the journey become just as memorable as the destination.
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