15 Train Journeys That Should Be On Your Bucket List

If you think train travel is a thing of the past, it’s time to update your perspective. Forget about cramped airplane seats and endless highway miles; some train journeys offer an opportunity to savor the travel experience as much as the destination itself. These 15 train trips provide an exquisite blend of awe-inspiring landscapes and opulent comforts, ensuring a truly memorable and luxurious travel experience.

Trans-Siberian Railway

The Trans-Siberian Railway is one of the world’s most spectacular train routes, spanning over 6,000 miles. This path will take you through the Russian wilderness, offering breathtaking views of the Siberian forests and the open steppes. With multiple classes of service and a range of dining options, you can travel in style and comfort.

The Rocky Mountaineer

Traveling with the Mountaineer is pure luxury, from its accommodation to a variety of meals. It offers fantastic views of glaciers, mountains, and lakes and the chance to spot wildlife. This train tour typically includes 2 to 5 days aboard a rail route and 1 to 2 nights in a hotel.

The Blue Train

The Blue Train, also known as a “Palace on Wheels,” offers an exciting journey from Pretoria to Cape Town, combining world-class service with spectacular scenery. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, this will be a perfect choice. The route takes you through the diverse areas of South Africa, including the Winelands.

The Ghan

Ghan symbolizes Australian resourcefulness and resilience, allowing passengers to experience the country’s traditional lands of the Arrernte, Pitjantjatjara, and Warlpiri people. The train stops at significant sites, such as Marla and Alice Springs, where passengers can learn about the local culture and history.

The Bernina Express

This counts as one of the most thrilling train rides. Bernina Express is an 8-hour journey through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges. It also goes through the UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether you travel in the snowy wonderland of winter or the greenery of summer, the Bernina Express offers unique and equally mesmerizing views.

The Flåm Railway

Flåm Railway is one of the world’s most beautiful and dramatic train journeys. With an elevation difference of 866 meters (2,841 feet) over a 20-kilometer (12-mile) stretch, it’s one of the world’s steepest standard gauge railway tracks. The train’s slow pace allows ample time to capture stunning photographs.

The West Highland Line

Connecting Glasgow with the Highlands and extending to both Fort William and Mallaig, this route provides a breathtaking adventure that encapsulates the beauty of the Scottish countryside. From the urban start in Glasgow, the journey quickly transitions to rolling hills, dense forests, serene lochs, and vast moorlands.

The Glacier Express

The Glacier Express travels from Zermatt to St. Moritz, linking two of Switzerland’s most famous mountain resorts. This eight-hour journey passes through 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, making it a thrilling experience for any train enthusiast.

The Belmond Hiram Bingham

One of the highlights of journeying with the Belmond Hiram Bingham is the gourmet dining experience. The onboard chefs prepare exquisite meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering a taste of Peru’s rich culinary heritage. Passengers can enjoy a sumptuous brunch on the way to Machu Picchu and a refined dinner on the return trip, accompanied by fine wines.

The Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail embodies the charm and sophistication of early 20th-century train travel. The beautifully restored vintage carriages create an outlook of timeless luxury. Rovos Rail offers various off-train excursions that provide cultural, historical, and wildlife experiences along its routes. These guided tours allow passengers to explore local attractions like game reserves and historical sites.

The Danube Express

Riding with the Danube Express highlights the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Central and Eastern Europe. Some of the most famous journeys include the “Jewels of Persia” route, which travels from Budapest to Tehran, and the “Central European Classics” route, which explores the historic cities.

The Palace on Wheels

From Delhi to Jaipur, Palace on Wheels is a luxurious train that provides beautiful sights of the Indian countryside. It was a former mode of transportation for Indian royalty, transformed into a luxury train that offers passengers a chance to experience the grandeur of Rajasthan’s royal heritage.

The Golden Eagle

Golden Eagle runs from London to Vladivostok. With a staff of stewards and chefs committed to ensuring guests have a fantastic experience, the Golden Eagle is well-known for its outstanding service. Private cultural and scenic tours around Lake Titicaca are also available. The train also features a spa car with various treatments and massages.

The Andean Explorer

One unique aspect of the Andean Explorer is its exclusive overnight journey through the high-altitude Andean plains, making it one of the highest train journeys in the world. This experience allows passengers to go through the Andean Altiplano, a vast plateau with an average elevation of over 11,500 feet above sea level.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

A couple of Europe’s most famous locations are connected by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, including London, Paris, Venice, and Istanbul. It’s a living piece of history since it has been transporting passengers across Europe since the 1920s, offering a glimpse into the golden age of rail travel.