The 10 Best Train Rides for Scenic Journeys Across the World

The Glacier Express, Switzerland

The Glacier Express, Switzerland, The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, The Blue Train, South Africa, The Flam Railway, Norway, The Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland, The Ghan, Australia, The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia, The Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy, The Indian Pacific, Australia, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

Step aboard the Glacier Express and you’ll quickly see why it’s nicknamed the “slowest express train in the world.” This remarkable trip stretches 291 kilometers, weaving between the chic resort towns of Zermatt and St. Moritz.

Riders are treated to an eight-hour odyssey through the Swiss Alps, crossing a dizzying 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. Nothing quite compares to the jaw-dropping ascent to Oberalp Pass, peaking at 2,033 meters, where sweeping views of snow-capped mountains make you feel like you’re in a dream.

The Glacier Express operates all year, and the transformation of the landscape from glittering winter snowscapes to vibrant green valleys in summer is a sight to behold. The panoramic windows let every traveler soak in the vistas, turning every seat into the best seat in the house.

Whether you come for the winter wonderland or the alpine summer, each season offers its own magical charm on this unforgettable journey.

The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

The Glacier Express, Switzerland, The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, The Blue Train, South Africa, The Flam Railway, Norway, The Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland, The Ghan, Australia, The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia, The Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy, The Indian Pacific, Australia, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

The Rocky Mountaineer is more than just a train—it’s a rolling luxury hotel with the wild Canadian Rockies as your ever-changing backdrop. Its routes, including the iconic Vancouver to Banff line, cover about 1,200 kilometers of astonishing wilderness.

This train is famous for its glass-domed coaches, offering unobstructed views of snow-capped peaks, emerald forests, and turquoise lakes. The onboard experience is elevated by gourmet cuisine inspired by local ingredients, served as you glide past roaring waterfalls and dramatic canyons.

Running from April to October, the journey is especially spectacular in the summer when lush landscapes and wildlife sightings are at their peak. Each kilometer brings a new postcard-perfect scene, and it’s not uncommon for passengers to spot bears, elk, or bald eagles from their seats.

This is the kind of trip that makes you want to put your phone away and simply stare out the window in wonder.

The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia

The Glacier Express, Switzerland, The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, The Blue Train, South Africa, The Flam Railway, Norway, The Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland, The Ghan, Australia, The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia, The Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy, The Indian Pacific, Australia, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

The Trans-Siberian Railway isn’t just a train ride—it’s the longest continuous train journey on earth, stretching a staggering 9,289 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok. Over seven days, travelers cross eight time zones and traverse an array of landscapes, from bustling Russian cities to the endless, haunting silence of Siberia.

The train skirts the shores of Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake, providing a once-in-a-lifetime view that few ever forget. Adventurous souls can even extend their journey into Mongolia or China via branch lines, adding a whole new dimension to this epic adventure.

The railway operates year-round, and the experience can vary dramatically depending on the season—icy and mysterious in winter, or alive with wildflowers and forest greens in summer. Modern amenities and a variety of sleeper options mean you can tailor your trip to your comfort level.

This is a journey for those seeking the thrill of distance, culture, and raw, untamed nature.

The Blue Train, South Africa

The Glacier Express, Switzerland, The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, The Blue Train, South Africa, The Flam Railway, Norway, The Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland, The Ghan, Australia, The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia, The Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy, The Indian Pacific, Australia, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

The Blue Train is where Old World glamour meets the wild beauty of South Africa. Its 1,600-kilometer route between Pretoria and Cape Town takes about 27 hours, but from the moment you step aboard, time seems to slow down.

Plush suites, attentive butlers, and exquisite fine dining set the stage for a journey through landscapes as diverse as they are breathtaking. Passengers watch as rolling vineyards, jagged mountains, and golden grasslands drift by their window, each scene more captivating than the last.

The journey is punctuated by guided off-train excursions, such as visits to historic Matjiesfontein or wildlife reserves, offering a deeper glimpse into South Africa’s rich heritage and natural wonders. The Blue Train is especially popular during the dry season from May to September, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife is easier to spot.

Each detail, from the crisp linens to the sparkling crystal, evokes a sense of timeless luxury—an experience that lingers long after the journey ends.

The Flam Railway, Norway

The Glacier Express, Switzerland, The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, The Blue Train, South Africa, The Flam Railway, Norway, The Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland, The Ghan, Australia, The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia, The Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy, The Indian Pacific, Australia, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

The Flam Railway may be just 20 kilometers long, but it packs a lifetime of scenery into a single hour. Connecting the mountain outpost of Myrdal with the picture-perfect fjord village of Flam, this route is famed as one of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world, with a heart-pounding gradient of 1:18.

As the train winds through tunnels and across rivers, passengers are treated to views of cascading waterfalls, towering cliffs, and green valleys that look like something from a fairy tale. The highlight for many is the view of the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, a slice of Norwegian nature that must be seen to be believed.

The train operates all year, and each season brings its own magic: snow and ice create a winter wonderland, while summer reveals a blanket of wildflowers and lush forests. The Flam Railway is a showcase of Norwegian engineering and natural beauty, all compressed into an unforgettable ride.

The Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland

The Glacier Express, Switzerland, The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, The Blue Train, South Africa, The Flam Railway, Norway, The Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland, The Ghan, Australia, The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia, The Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy, The Indian Pacific, Australia, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

Climb aboard the Jacobite Steam Train and step back in time as you rumble through the romantic Scottish Highlands. Covering 64 kilometers between Fort William and the coastal town of Mallaig, this two-hour trip is a feast for the senses.

The route includes a dramatic crossing of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a curving bridge made famous by the Harry Potter films, and offers panoramic views of lochs, mountains, and dramatic coastlines. The train itself is a living piece of history, powered by an authentic steam locomotive that fills the air with the scent of coal and the sound of a bygone era.

Operating from April to October, the Jacobite is at its most beautiful in the summer, when the Highlands are painted with vibrant greens and purples. Passengers often spot deer grazing or even catch a glimpse of the sea at Arisaig, the westernmost station in Britain.

It’s a magical journey that stirs the imagination and captures the wild spirit of Scotland.

The Ghan, Australia

The Glacier Express, Switzerland, The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, The Blue Train, South Africa, The Flam Railway, Norway, The Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland, The Ghan, Australia, The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia, The Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy, The Indian Pacific, Australia, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

The Ghan slices through the very heart of Australia, connecting Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north across nearly 3,000 kilometers. Over 54 hours, this legendary train takes travelers on a journey through landscapes as varied as the continent itself.

From the ochre sands and stark beauty of the Red Centre to the lush tropics of the Top End, the scenery is constantly changing. The Ghan is renowned for its comfort and hospitality, with spacious cabins, gourmet meals, and attentive staff who make every mile memorable.

The train offers fascinating off-train excursions, such as exploring the opal mining town of Coober Pedy or taking cultural tours in Katherine. Running year-round, the best time to ride is between May and October, when temperatures are milder and the outback bursts with color after winter rains.

The journey is a quintessential Australian adventure, offering a window into the soul of the continent.

The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia

The Glacier Express, Switzerland, The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, The Blue Train, South Africa, The Flam Railway, Norway, The Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland, The Ghan, Australia, The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia, The Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy, The Indian Pacific, Australia, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

The Eastern & Oriental Express brings the golden age of rail travel to the lush landscapes of Southeast Asia, linking the cosmopolitan cities of Singapore and Bangkok over 2,000 kilometers. This three-day journey rolls through rice paddies, dense jungles, and charming villages, offering glimpses of daily life in Malaysia and Thailand.

The train itself is a marvel of colonial elegance, with polished teak, silk furnishings, and attentive service that harken back to a more glamorous era. Onboard chefs serve up exquisite Asian and Western cuisine, while the observation car provides an open-air view of the passing scenery.

Excursions along the way might include a guided walk through bustling markets or a river cruise past ancient temples. The best time to travel is between November and March, when the weather is cooler and drier, making the landscapes even more inviting.

It’s a journey that combines romance, comfort, and discovery in equal measure.

The Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy

The Glacier Express, Switzerland, The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, The Blue Train, South Africa, The Flam Railway, Norway, The Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland, The Ghan, Australia, The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia, The Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy, The Indian Pacific, Australia, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

The Bernina Express is a four-hour symphony of scenery, connecting the Swiss city of Chur to the Italian town of Tirano along a 122-kilometer route. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed railway is famous for its engineering marvels, including spiral tunnels and towering viaducts that seem to defy gravity.

The train climbs to a breathtaking 2,253 meters at the Bernina Pass, where glaciers glisten in the sunlight and alpine meadows stretch into the distance. Each carriage is designed with large panoramic windows, ensuring nothing gets between you and the stunning landscapes.

Whether it’s the snow-draped peaks of winter or the wildflower-carpeted valleys of summer, the journey offers a vibrant tapestry of color and light. The Bernina Express runs year-round, but many travelers prefer the warmer months when the contrasts between snow-capped mountains and lush valleys are at their most dramatic.

It’s a journey that proves great things come in (relatively) small packages.

The Indian Pacific, Australia

The Glacier Express, Switzerland, The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, The Blue Train, South Africa, The Flam Railway, Norway, The Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland, The Ghan, Australia, The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia, The Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy, The Indian Pacific, Australia, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

Crossing an entire continent from Sydney on the east coast to Perth on the west, the Indian Pacific is one of the world’s truly epic rail journeys. Spanning 4,352 kilometers, this 65-hour trip takes passengers from the dramatic Blue Mountains, through the endless flatness of the Nullarbor Plain—home to the world’s longest stretch of straight railway track at 478 kilometers—and finally to the Indian Ocean.

The journey is as much about the onboard experience as the scenery, with elegant cabins, fine dining, and lounge cars where stories and friendships are shared. Off-train excursions give travelers a taste of Australia’s unique history, culture, and wildlife, from gold mining towns to outback adventures.

The Indian Pacific operates throughout the year, and each season brings its own highlights—wildflower blooms in spring, balmy weather in summer, and crisp clear skies in winter. It’s a voyage that captures the vastness and diversity of Australia in a single, unforgettable sweep.

Get more from Travelbucketlist!

The Glacier Express, Switzerland, The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada, The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, The Blue Train, South Africa, The Flam Railway, Norway, The Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland, The Ghan, Australia, The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia, The Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy, The Indian Pacific, Australia, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

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