Traveling by train is one of the most relaxing and spectacular ways to explore the world. Unlike planes or cars, rail travel allows you to enjoy the scenery at your own pace, passing through mountains, valleys, lakes, and cities from the comfort of a panoramic seat. In this article, you’ll discover everything from the majestic Swiss Alps to the vast Australian plains. Some train routes have become destinations in themselves—these are the best.
The charm of train travel is not only in the views but also in the onboard experience. Some journeys feature luxury cars with gourmet dining, while others offer a nostalgic ambiance with steam locomotives that transport us to another era. Here are some of the best train routes every travel enthusiast should experience at least once in a lifetime.
Glacier Express (Switzerland)
The Glacier Express is one of the world’s most famous scenic trains. It connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, two of the most exclusive destinations in the Swiss Alps. Its journey passes 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, offering spectacular landscapes, including the Oberalp Pass at 2,044 meters.
Passengers enjoy large windows with uninterrupted views of snowy peaks, glaciers, and alpine valleys. The train stands out for its comfort and high-quality service, with menus prepared using local products served directly at the seats—a perfect journey for those seeking a unique experience in the heart of the Alps.
Flåm Railway (Norway)
Norway is famous for its fjords, and one of the best ways to explore them is aboard the Flåm Railway. This route, one of the steepest in the world, starts from Myrdal and descends to the small village of Flåm on the Sognefjord.
During the 20-kilometer journey, passengers can admire waterfalls, steep mountains, and crystal-clear rivers winding through the valley. In addition to its natural beauty, this railway is an engineering marvel, with steep gradients that make the journey unforgettable.
Trans-Siberian Railway (Russia)
The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest train journey in the world, covering 9,288 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok. This epic trip crosses the Ural Mountains, Siberian forests, and the legendary Lake Baikal, offering a unique perspective of the country’s vastness.
The duration varies depending on stops, but completing the full route can take up to eight days. Passengers can stop in cities along the way to explore local culture and cuisine, making this train journey a true adventure on rails.
Indian Pacific (Australia)
For those seeking a train adventure in a wild, remote landscape, the Indian Pacific is the best option. It crosses Australia east to west, connecting Sydney to Perth over 4,352 kilometers in three days.
he route passes breathtaking scenery, from the Blue Mountains in New South Wales to the arid Nullarbor Desert, with stops in cities like Adelaide and Broken Hill. Onboard, passengers can enjoy Australian-inspired cuisine and unforgettable views of the outback—a truly astonishing railway journey.
Jacobite Steam Train (Scotland)
Harry Potter fans will instantly recognize this route as the famous “Hogwarts Express.” Its 135-kilometer journey crosses the Scottish Highlands, offering spectacular views of mountains, lakes, and medieval castles.
One of the highlights is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a curved bridge of 21 arches that has become one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks. Riding this steam train is like stepping back in time, with vintage carriages and a puffing locomotive through dreamlike landscapes.
Denali Star (Alaska, USA)
If there’s a place where nature dominates the landscape, it’s Alaska, and the Denali Star is the best way to experience it. The train travels from Anchorage to Fairbanks through Denali National Park, home to North America’s highest peak.
Passengers may spot brown bears, moose, and caribou, as well as expansive forests and glaciers. The train features glass-domed cars for uninterrupted views of Alaska’s wild scenery.
Pacific Surfliner (California, USA)
For a more relaxed train journey, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner is an excellent choice. It runs along the Pacific Coast from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, offering spectacular ocean views, cliffs, and golden beaches.
Over its 560 kilometers, the train stops in cities like Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Anaheim, allowing passengers to explore California’s charm comfortably. It also features panoramic windows and a dining service with local products.
Enjoy the world on rails, a new way to travel
Train travel is more than just a mode of transportation—it’s an experience in itself. From the snowy peaks of Switzerland to the Australian deserts, each route offers a unique way to discover the world at a leisurely pace, free from traffic and airport hassles. You can walk, sleep, eat, and meet fellow travelers onboard.
For lovers of spectacular landscapes, comfort, and the nostalgia of rail travel, these routes provide an unmatched opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable adventure. Which of these trips would you like to take first?