When it comes to travel, planes might get you there faster, but trains? They deliver an experience. Picture this: rolling through jaw-dropping landscapes, sipping coffee as mountains, forests, or coastlines glide by your window. No cramped seats, no turbulence — just pure, unfiltered adventure. If you’re ready to ditch the airport chaos for a scenic ride, here are 12 epic train journeys that promise views you’ll never forget. Buckle up (or rather, settle in) — your next unforgettable trip starts here.
Why Train Travel Beats Flying Every Time
Let’s be real: flying has its perks, but it’s mostly a means to an end. Trains, on the other hand, turn the journey into the destination. You’re not just staring at clouds — you’re weaving through valleys, skirting rivers, and watching the world unfold in real time. Plus, train travel is often more sustainable, affordable, and stress-free. Ready to see what you’ve been missing? These iconic routes will convince you to swap your boarding pass for a train ticket.
1. The Glacier Express — Switzerland
Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz
Duration: 8 hours
Imagine chugging through the Swiss Alps, with snow-capped peaks and emerald valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. The Glacier Express, dubbed the “slowest express train in the world,” takes you past 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, all while showcasing the Matterhorn and Rhine Gorge. Floor-to-ceiling windows make it feel like you’re floating through a postcard.
Pro Tip: Book a seat in the panoramic car and indulge in a gourmet meal onboard.
Plan your Swiss adventure now!
2. The Rocky Mountaineer — Canada
Route: Vancouver to Banff
Duration: 2 days
Canada’s wilderness calls, and the Rocky Mountaineer answers. This luxurious ride winds through the Canadian Rockies, serving up views of turquoise lakes, towering pines, and maybe even a grizzly bear or two. The glass-domed cars ensure you don’t miss a single snow-dusted peak.
Why You’ll Love It: The overnight stop in Kamloops lets you stretch your legs and soak in more of the scenery.
Book your Rocky Mountaineer trip today!
3. The Trans-Siberian Railway — Russia
Route: Moscow to Vladivostok
Duration: 7 days
Spanning 5,772 miles, the Trans-Siberian is the ultimate bucket-list train journey. You’ll cross eight time zones, passing frozen tundra, dense forests, and the shores of Lake Baikal — the deepest lake on Earth. It’s raw, rugged, and utterly mesmerizing.
Travel Hack: Break up the trip with stops in Irkutsk or Yekaterinburg for a deeper dive into Russian culture.
Start your Trans-Siberian odyssey here!
4. The Ghan — Australia
Route: Adelaide to Darwin
Duration: 3 days
Australia’s outback is a spectacle, and The Ghan puts you front-row-center. This iconic train slices through red deserts, past ancient rock formations, and into the tropical north. Sunrise over Uluru? Yes, please.
Highlight: Off-train excursions let you explore Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge.
Secure your spot on The Ghan now!
5. The Orient Express — Europe
Route: London to Venice
Duration: 2 days
Step into a world of vintage glamour aboard the Orient Express. This legendary train oozes old-school luxury as it rolls through the French countryside and Italian Alps. Think plush cabins, gourmet dining, and views of rolling vineyards.
Perfect For: Romantics and history buffs alike.
Experience the Orient Express elegance!
6. The Coastal Classic — Alaska, USA
Route: Anchorage to Seward
Duration: 4.5 hours
Short on time? The Coastal Classic delivers big. Glaciers, fjords, and whales breaching off the coast — this Alaskan gem packs a punch. Keep your camera ready for bald eagles soaring overhead.
Bonus: Pair it with a Kenai Fjords cruise for the ultimate day trip.
Book your Alaskan train ride today!
7. The TranzAlpine — New Zealand
Route: Christchurch to Greymouth
Duration: 5 hours
New Zealand’s South Island is a stunner, and the TranzAlpine proves it. Crossing the Southern Alps, you’ll see rugged mountains, lush rainforests, and the turquoise Waimakariri River. It’s a front-row seat to Middle-earth magic.
Must-Do: Stop for a hike in Arthur’s Pass.
Plan your TranzAlpine journey now!
8. The Blue Train — South Africa
Route: Pretoria to Cape Town
Duration: 2 days
Luxury meets adventure on The Blue Train. Rolling through South Africa’s wine country and savannahs, you’ll spot ostriches, antelope, and maybe even Table Mountain in the distance. The five-star service? Just icing on the cake.
Insider Tip: Sip a glass of local Pinotage as the sun sets.
9. The Shinkansen — Japan
Route: Tokyo to Kyoto
Duration: 2.5 hours
Speed and scenery collide on Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train. Zoom past Mount Fuji’s iconic silhouette, cherry blossom-lined villages, and bustling cities — all at 200 mph. It’s futuristic travel with a timeless view.
Why It’s Epic: Punctuality so precise you can set your watch to it.
Book your Shinkansen ticket here!
10. The Andean Explorer — Peru
Route: Cusco to Puno
Duration: 10 hours
High-altitude beauty awaits on the Andean Explorer. This South American stunner climbs through the Andes, past alpacas, ancient ruins, and Lake Titicaca’s shimmering waters. The open-air observation car is a game-changer.
Don’t Miss: A stop at Machu Picchu en route.
11. The California Zephyr — USA
Route: Chicago to San Francisco
Duration: 2 days
America’s heartland unfurls on the California Zephyr. From the Rockies’ jagged peaks to the Sierra Nevada’s golden slopes, this cross-country haul is a love letter to the USA’s diversity.
Best View: The Colorado River canyon stretch — pure magic.
12. The Royal Scotsman — Scotland
Route: Edinburgh round-trip
Duration: 2–7 days
Castles, lochs, and misty highlands — this is Scotland at its finest. The Royal Scotsman blends luxury with rugged beauty, offering whisky tastings and stops at fairy-tale estates like Eilean Donan Castle.
Perfect For: A cozy, intimate escape.
Book your Scottish rail adventure!
How to Pick Your Perfect Train Journey
Not sure where to start? Ask yourself:
– Craving luxury? Go for the Orient Express or Blue Train.
– Short on time? Try the Coastal Classic or Shinkansen.
– Want epic scale? The Trans-Siberian or California Zephyr won’t disappoint.
No matter your vibe, there’s a train ride calling your name.
See also: How to Network in Aruba: Tips for Solo Travelers
Ready to Ditch the Plane?
These 12 train journeys prove that getting there is half the fun. Forget the hassle of airports and embrace the romance of the rails. Whether it’s the Swiss Alps or the Australian outback, these trips offer views you can’t get at 30,000 feet. So, what are you waiting for? Your window seat awaits.
Pick your favorite route and start planning today! Which journey tops your list? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear!