Traveling by train is one of the most relaxing and rewarding ways to see the world. Unlike flying, where you move quickly from one airport to another, or driving, where you must focus on the road, train travel lets you sit back and simply enjoy the view. Wide windows open to mountains, rivers, and cities. The gentle rhythm of the train gives you time to think, read, or just watch the scenery go by.
Across the world, there are train journeys that are famous not only for the destinations they connect but also for the beauty along the way. These rides are more than transport, they are experiences you will remember for a lifetime. Here are some of the most beautiful train journeys around the world.
The Glacier Express in Switzerland
Switzerland is home to some of the most stunning mountains and valleys in Europe, and the Glacier Express is the perfect way to see them. This train connects Zermatt with St Moritz, two of the country’s most famous mountain resorts. The ride takes about eight hours and crosses nearly 300 kilometers. Along the way, you pass through tunnels, cross bridges, and climb high into the Alps. The large panoramic windows make sure you never miss the snowy peaks, green meadows, and small villages that look like they belong in storybooks. Even though it is called an express, the train moves slowly so you can enjoy every view.
The Trans Siberian Railway in Russia
The Trans Siberian Railway is one of the longest and most legendary train journeys in the world. It stretches more than 9,000 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok on the Pacific coast. A full trip takes about a week, but many travelers stop in different cities along the way. The scenery changes from busy cities to endless forests, wide rivers, and open plains. Watching these changes from your seat gives you a real sense of the size of Russia. This journey is not just about the views but also about meeting fellow travelers, sharing food and stories, and living through an adventure that is both long and unforgettable.
The Rocky Mountaineer in Canada
Canada’s Rocky Mountains are among the most famous natural wonders in the world, and the Rocky Mountaineer is the best way to see them. This train is designed for comfort and sightseeing. Its glass dome carriages give you wide open views of mountains, lakes, and rivers. The routes take you past places like Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise, each known for stunning landscapes and wildlife. You might spot bears, elk, or eagles during the trip. The Rocky Mountaineer is not just transport, it is a luxury experience that shows you the best of Canada’s wild beauty.
The Blue Train in South Africa
The Blue Train is one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world. It runs between Pretoria and Cape Town, covering about 1,600 kilometers in nearly two days. On board, the experience feels like staying in a five star hotel, with private suites, fine dining, and top service. Outside the windows, the scenery changes from dry desert areas to green valleys and vineyards. Watching South Africa’s diverse land while enjoying comfort and elegance makes this train ride unforgettable.
The Venice Simplon Orient Express in Europe
The Orient Express has a long history of romance, mystery, and style. The modern Venice Simplon Orient Express keeps that tradition alive with its restored art deco carriages and elegant design. Routes often run from London or Paris to Venice, passing through the Alps and charming European cities. Some special trips even go as far as Istanbul. The train itself is part of the experience, with polished wood, vintage details, and a sense of traveling back in time. Riding the Orient Express is about more than reaching a destination, it is about living through the golden age of travel.
The Ghan in Australia
Crossing an entire continent is no small journey, and The Ghan does exactly that in Australia. This train runs from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north, covering almost 3,000 kilometers in about three days. Along the way, it passes through red desert land, remote towns, and dramatic gorges. Stops let you explore places like Alice Springs or Katherine Gorge, adding more to the adventure. The Ghan is comfortable and modern, with good food and private cabins, but what makes it special is the feeling of moving through the heart of Australia and seeing how the land changes across such a vast distance.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in India
Known as the Toy Train, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a small but iconic line in India. It runs from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, climbing steep hills and winding through tea plantations and villages. Built in the 19th century, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The train is narrow and moves slowly, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy the mountain views and the fresh air. The Toy Train is not just a ride, it is part of the culture and history of the Darjeeling region, and a charming way to reach one of India’s most famous hill stations.
The TranzAlpine in New Zealand
New Zealand’s South Island is known for its natural beauty, and the TranzAlpine is one of the best ways to see it. The route runs between Christchurch and Greymouth, crossing the Southern Alps in less than five hours. Along the way, you pass farmland, wide rivers, deep gorges, and snowy peaks. The train has open air viewing carriages where you can step out for fresh air and photos. It may be a short trip compared to others, but it is one of the most scenic in the world, showing you the heart of New Zealand’s mountains in a single day.
The Bernina Express in Switzerland and Italy
The Bernina Express is another gem of European train travel. It connects Chur in Switzerland with Tirano in Italy, crossing the high Alps along the way. The bright red train runs on tracks that are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Passengers see glaciers, stone bridges, mountain lakes, and alpine villages. Because the train ends in Italy, you can even enjoy a change in culture and food when you step off at Tirano. The Bernina Express is short but spectacular, and one of the most famous cross border train rides in the world.
The Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland
In Scotland, the Jacobite Steam Train is both scenic and iconic. It runs from Fort William to Mallaig, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which became famous in the Harry Potter films as the route of the Hogwarts Express. The train is pulled by a steam engine, adding a nostalgic feel to the journey. The views include lochs, mountains, and coastal scenery. For many, the Jacobite is not just a train ride but a magical trip that mixes cinema history with the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Why Train Journeys Feel Special
What makes these journeys so beautiful is not only the views but the way trains allow you to enjoy them. You are not rushing from place to place, you are sitting comfortably while the world changes outside your window. Trains give you time to reflect, to meet people, or simply to relax. They also connect you with history, since many of these routes were built during times when railways were the main way to travel across countries and continents.
Tips for Planning a Train Adventure
If you are thinking about taking one of these journeys, planning helps make the experience smooth. Popular routes like the Glacier Express, Rocky Mountaineer, or Orient Express often sell out months in advance, so book early. Think about the season too, as some routes look very different in summer and winter. Bring snacks, water, and a camera, but do not spend all your time taking photos. The best part of train travel is sitting back and letting the views stay in your memory.
Conclusion
The most beautiful train journeys around the world offer something unique. From snowy mountains in Switzerland to deserts in Australia, from the forests of Russia to the hills of India, each ride is a chance to see the world in a different way. They remind us that travel is not only about arriving but about enjoying the path along the way.
Everyone should take at least one of these great train rides. It is an experience that slows you down, opens your eyes, and gives you memories that last forever. The world is wide, and trains are one of the best ways to discover its beauty.
