The Most Relaxing Train Journeys in the World, Ranked

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland, 2. The Blue Train, South Africa, 3. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, 4. The Orient Express, Europe, 5. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, 6. The Indian Pacific, Australia, 7. The Northern Explorer, New Zealand, 8. The Ghan, Australia, 9. The Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland, 10. The California Zephyr, USA

The Glacier Express, affectionately known as the "slowest express train in the world," offers a serene journey through Switzerland. This remarkable ride covers roughly 290 kilometers, from Zermatt to St.

Moritz, over an enchanting span of 8 hours. As the train glides through the Swiss Alps, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of majestic mountains, quaint villages, and lush valleys.

The panoramic windows allow for an immersive experience, making the natural beauty feel almost tangible. According to the Swiss Travel System, more than 90% of travelers have rated this journey as a top relaxing experience, highlighting its charm and tranquility.

2. The Blue Train, South Africa

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland, 2. The Blue Train, South Africa, 3. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, 4. The Orient Express, Europe, 5. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, 6. The Indian Pacific, Australia, 7. The Northern Explorer, New Zealand, 8. The Ghan, Australia, 9. The Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland, 10. The California Zephyr, USA

The Blue Train is synonymous with luxury and elegance, offering a journey from Pretoria to Cape Town. Spanning about 1,600 kilometers, this 27-hour adventure is a feast for the senses.

The interiors are opulent, with gourmet dining and impeccable service adding to the lavish experience. As the train meanders through the South African countryside, passengers can enjoy vistas of sprawling vineyards and glimpses of wildlife.

Recognized as one of the world's premier luxury trains, The Blue Train has garnered numerous accolades. The company's surveys reveal that 95% of guests are highly satisfied, underscoring the train's relaxing ambiance.

3. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland, 2. The Blue Train, South Africa, 3. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, 4. The Orient Express, Europe, 5. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, 6. The Indian Pacific, Australia, 7. The Northern Explorer, New Zealand, 8. The Ghan, Australia, 9. The Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland, 10. The California Zephyr, USA

The Rocky Mountaineer is a dream journey for nature lovers, traveling through the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. The train offers several routes, with the most popular being from Vancouver to Banff.

Its glass-domed coaches provide spectacular views of majestic mountains, meandering rivers, and diverse wildlife. With varying packages available, travelers can choose their level of luxury and comfort.

Consistently praised for its exceptional service, the Rocky Mountaineer is a favorite among passengers, with over 90% reporting a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. This journey is a testament to the natural beauty of Canada's landscapes.

4. The Orient Express, Europe

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland, 2. The Blue Train, South Africa, 3. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, 4. The Orient Express, Europe, 5. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, 6. The Indian Pacific, Australia, 7. The Northern Explorer, New Zealand, 8. The Ghan, Australia, 9. The Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland, 10. The California Zephyr, USA

The Orient Express is steeped in history and romance, connecting iconic European cities like Paris, Venice, and Istanbul. Known for its luxurious accommodations and exquisite dining, this train journey offers a nostalgic experience.

As it winds through picturesque landscapes and historic towns, passengers are transported back in time, evoking a sense of wonder. According to Luxury Travel Magazine, 88% of travelers express satisfaction with their journey on the Orient Express, citing its charm and elegance as key factors in its relaxing appeal.

5. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland, 2. The Blue Train, South Africa, 3. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, 4. The Orient Express, Europe, 5. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, 6. The Indian Pacific, Australia, 7. The Northern Explorer, New Zealand, 8. The Ghan, Australia, 9. The Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland, 10. The California Zephyr, USA

Spanning over 9,000 kilometers, the Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway line in the world. This epic adventure from Moscow to Vladivostok takes about 7 days, offering a deep dive into Russia's diverse landscapes and cultures.

Travelers can choose from various service classes, accommodating different budgets. Many find the journey meditative, as it offers ample time for reflection amidst the vastness of Russia.

A survey by Russian Railways indicates that 85% of travelers feel relaxed during their trip, a testament to the railway's tranquil allure.

6. The Indian Pacific, Australia

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland, 2. The Blue Train, South Africa, 3. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, 4. The Orient Express, Europe, 5. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, 6. The Indian Pacific, Australia, 7. The Northern Explorer, New Zealand, 8. The Ghan, Australia, 9. The Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland, 10. The California Zephyr, USA

The Indian Pacific offers a transcontinental journey from Sydney to Perth, covering approximately 4,352 kilometers. Over the course of 65 hours, passengers are treated to stunning views of the Australian outback.

The train's comfortable accommodations and dining options enhance the relaxing experience, as travelers witness unique landscapes, from arid deserts to rugged mountains. Journey Beyond reports that 90% of passengers rate the Indian Pacific as a top relaxing experience, highlighting its appeal to adventure seekers and tranquility lovers alike.

7. The Northern Explorer, New Zealand

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland, 2. The Blue Train, South Africa, 3. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, 4. The Orient Express, Europe, 5. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, 6. The Indian Pacific, Australia, 7. The Northern Explorer, New Zealand, 8. The Ghan, Australia, 9. The Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland, 10. The California Zephyr, USA

Connecting Auckland and Wellington, the Northern Explorer is a scenic journey spanning about 681 kilometers. This 12-hour trip showcases New Zealand's stunning landscapes, from towering mountains to lush forests and serene rivers.

The train's panoramic windows and comfortable seating ensure a relaxing experience, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the surroundings. According to KiwiRail, 92% of travelers find the Northern Explorer calming and enjoyable, making it a must-try for anyone visiting New Zealand.

8. The Ghan, Australia

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland, 2. The Blue Train, South Africa, 3. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, 4. The Orient Express, Europe, 5. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, 6. The Indian Pacific, Australia, 7. The Northern Explorer, New Zealand, 8. The Ghan, Australia, 9. The Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland, 10. The California Zephyr, USA

The Ghan is an iconic Australian train journey, covering approximately 2,979 kilometers from Adelaide to Darwin. Over 54 hours, passengers experience the diverse landscapes of Australia's interior, from red deserts to lush tropical regions.

The train's luxurious accommodations and dining options contribute to its relaxing atmosphere. Journey Beyond reports that 87% of travelers rate The Ghan as a top relaxing journey, making it a popular choice for those seeking adventure and relaxation in equal measure.

9. The Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland, 2. The Blue Train, South Africa, 3. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, 4. The Orient Express, Europe, 5. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, 6. The Indian Pacific, Australia, 7. The Northern Explorer, New Zealand, 8. The Ghan, Australia, 9. The Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland, 10. The California Zephyr, USA

Traveling through the Scottish Highlands, the Belmond Royal Scotsman offers a luxurious and serene journey. Covering various routes, the train features elegant cabins, gourmet dining, and a range of excursions.

Passengers can enjoy stunning views of castles, lochs, and mountains, while indulging in fine meals prepared with local ingredients. According to Belmond, 95% of guests report feeling relaxed and rejuvenated during their journey, highlighting the train's allure and charm.

10. The California Zephyr, USA

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland, 2. The Blue Train, South Africa, 3. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, 4. The Orient Express, Europe, 5. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, 6. The Indian Pacific, Australia, 7. The Northern Explorer, New Zealand, 8. The Ghan, Australia, 9. The Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland, 10. The California Zephyr, USA

The California Zephyr is a scenic train journey from Chicago to San Francisco, spanning about 2,438 miles. Over the course of 51 hours, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains.

The train offers comfortable seating and dining options, ensuring a relaxing experience. Amtrak reports that 89% of travelers find the California Zephyr calming and enjoyable, making it a popular choice for those seeking a unique way to explore America's diverse landscapes.

Get more from Travelbucketlist!

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland, 2. The Blue Train, South Africa, 3. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, 4. The Orient Express, Europe, 5. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, 6. The Indian Pacific, Australia, 7. The Northern Explorer, New Zealand, 8. The Ghan, Australia, 9. The Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland, 10. The California Zephyr, USA

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