The 10 most beautiful train journeys in the world
Sail into realms of delight and wonder. Your extraordinary journey awaits.

What are the most scenic train journeys in the world? We've curated a list of breathtaking routes across North America, Europe, Asia, Australasia, and South America, promising an epic adventure by train.

North America:

  1. 1. Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West, Canada:

  2.  
  3. Embark on a journey through the mountain passes and vast canyons of Canada. Starting from Vancouver, the route takes you high into the Canadian Rockies, offering jaw-dropping scenery as you traverse British Columbia into Alberta and reach Banff.

  4.  
  5. 2. Pacific Surfliner, US:

  6. A coastal journey along Southern California's coast, spanning 560 kilometers from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. This route provides continuous views of the Californian coast, with sections near the ocean and picturesque landscapes.

Europe:

  1. 3. Linha do Douro, Portugal:

  2. Named after the Douro River, this route covers 160 kilometers, connecting Pocinho and Porto. Passing through the renowned Douro Valley, known for its vineyards, the journey takes around three and a half hours, allowing for exploration of towns en route.

  1. 4. Flåmsbana, Norway:

  2. A picturesque 20-kilometer route from sea level at Aurlandsfjord to Myrdal mountain station. The Flåm Valley unfolds with beautiful villages, meadows, and stunning scenery, including tunnels, cliffs, and the Kjosfossen waterfall.

  3.  
  4. 5. Glacier Express, Switzerland:

  5. Wandering for eight hours between St. Moritz and Zermatt, this Swiss route offers dazzling Alpine scenery, narrow bridges, tunnels, and rivers. Modern amenities on board enhance the experience, providing panoramic views of Switzerland's natural landscapes.

  6.  
  7. 6. Trans-Siberian Railway:

  8. Stretching almost 10,000 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok, this iconic journey takes eight days, crossing eight time zones. Navigating mountains, steppe, rivers, and lakes, the landscape transforms with each season, offering a diverse and awe-inspiring experience.

Asia:

  1. 7. Kandy — Ella, Sri Lanka:
  2. A vital transport link for locals, this train journey takes eight and a half to 10 hours from Kandy to Ella, passing through hills and tea farms. The vibrant atmosphere in the carriages, filled with singing, food, and laughter, adds to the exhilarating experience.

Australasia:

  1. 8. Kuranda Scenic Railway, Australia:

  2. A short but delightful trip from Cairns to Kuranda, winding through the Great Dividing Range. The two-hour journey immerses passengers in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Wet Tropics rainforest, offering a condensed rainforest tour.

  3.  
  4. 9. TranzAlpine, New Zealand:

  5. Crossing New Zealand's South Island between Christchurch and Greymouth, this five-hour journey covers 223 kilometers. Starting from the Canterbury Plains, the train ascends through the Southern Alps, providing stunning views of rivers, lakes, and forests.

South America:

  1. 10. Serra Verde Express, Brazil:
  2. Originating from Curitiba, this three-hour route descends to Morretes, passing through the Pico do Marumbi State Park. The tropical wilderness, with waterfalls and cloud forests, offers an immersive experience, especially when seated by an open window.

These train journeys promise a visual feast, showcasing the diverse landscapes and cultures of their respective regions. Whether it's the rugged mountains, coastal panoramas, or lush rainforests, each route offers a unique and unforgettable adventure by rail.

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The 10 most beautiful train journeys in the world
Sail into realms of delight and wonder. Your extraordinary journey awaits.

What are the most scenic train journeys in the world? We've curated a list of breathtaking routes across North America, Europe, Asia, Australasia, and South America, promising an epic adventure by train.

North America:

  1. 1. Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West, Canada:

  2.  
  3. Embark on a journey through the mountain passes and vast canyons of Canada. Starting from Vancouver, the route takes you high into the Canadian Rockies, offering jaw-dropping scenery as you traverse British Columbia into Alberta and reach Banff.

  4.  
  5. 2. Pacific Surfliner, US:

  6. A coastal journey along Southern California's coast, spanning 560 kilometers from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. This route provides continuous views of the Californian coast, with sections near the ocean and picturesque landscapes.

Europe:

  1. 3. Linha do Douro, Portugal:

  2. Named after the Douro River, this route covers 160 kilometers, connecting Pocinho and Porto. Passing through the renowned Douro Valley, known for its vineyards, the journey takes around three and a half hours, allowing for exploration of towns en route.

  1. 4. Flåmsbana, Norway:

  2. A picturesque 20-kilometer route from sea level at Aurlandsfjord to Myrdal mountain station. The Flåm Valley unfolds with beautiful villages, meadows, and stunning scenery, including tunnels, cliffs, and the Kjosfossen waterfall.

  3.  
  4. 5. Glacier Express, Switzerland:

  5. Wandering for eight hours between St. Moritz and Zermatt, this Swiss route offers dazzling Alpine scenery, narrow bridges, tunnels, and rivers. Modern amenities on board enhance the experience, providing panoramic views of Switzerland's natural landscapes.

  6.  
  7. 6. Trans-Siberian Railway:

  8. Stretching almost 10,000 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok, this iconic journey takes eight days, crossing eight time zones. Navigating mountains, steppe, rivers, and lakes, the landscape transforms with each season, offering a diverse and awe-inspiring experience.

Asia:

  1. 7. Kandy — Ella, Sri Lanka:
  2. A vital transport link for locals, this train journey takes eight and a half to 10 hours from Kandy to Ella, passing through hills and tea farms. The vibrant atmosphere in the carriages, filled with singing, food, and laughter, adds to the exhilarating experience.

Australasia:

  1. 8. Kuranda Scenic Railway, Australia:

  2. A short but delightful trip from Cairns to Kuranda, winding through the Great Dividing Range. The two-hour journey immerses passengers in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Wet Tropics rainforest, offering a condensed rainforest tour.

  3.  
  4. 9. TranzAlpine, New Zealand:

  5. Crossing New Zealand's South Island between Christchurch and Greymouth, this five-hour journey covers 223 kilometers. Starting from the Canterbury Plains, the train ascends through the Southern Alps, providing stunning views of rivers, lakes, and forests.

South America:

  1. 10. Serra Verde Express, Brazil:
  2. Originating from Curitiba, this three-hour route descends to Morretes, passing through the Pico do Marumbi State Park. The tropical wilderness, with waterfalls and cloud forests, offers an immersive experience, especially when seated by an open window.

These train journeys promise a visual feast, showcasing the diverse landscapes and cultures of their respective regions. Whether it's the rugged mountains, coastal panoramas, or lush rainforests, each route offers a unique and unforgettable adventure by rail.

Trending Now