Scenic Train Journeys Around The World | 27 Rail Adventures To Book Today
Some train rides give you the best views you'll ever see, there's something perfect for everyone to enjoy. Pick your favorite ride and get ready for incredible sights.
Author:Liam JonesReviewer:Maya ReyesSep 04, 202521.9K Shares1M Views
Train trips around the world let you see amazing views and experience different places in a really special way. These journeys take you anywhere you want.
Each one offers something special, plus practical tips for your next adventure. Riding these trains is comfortable and gives you sights you'll remember for years.
1. Russia's Long Train Ride
This train runs 9,289km from Moscow to Vladivostok. You'll see Siberia's huge forests and Lake Baikal. Traveling takes about a week, crossing many time zones and different kinds of nature.
Choose a simple room or a fancy one. Stop to try local food like beet soup. Starting next year, better internet makes the long trip more comfortable. It's the classic way to go from Europe to Asia and you'll meet interesting people along the way.
2. Switzerland's Mountain Train
This slow train covers 291km through the Swiss Alps. It goes over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels. Big windows show you the Matterhorn peak and deep river gorges.
The trip from Zermatt to St. Moritz takes 8 hours and includes good meals. Next year, electric updates cut pollution. It's a peaceful way to see amazing mountain engineering.
3. Australia's Desert Train
This train travels 2,979km across Australia, from Adelaide to Darwin. You'll pass red deserts and very old landscapes. The three-day trip includes getting off to visit places like Katherine Gorge.
Top rooms are big and private. Next year, more activities share Aboriginal culture. This journey shows you the real center of Australia.
4. California Zephyr, USA
Chicago to San Francisco. Runs every day. 2,438 miles. Takes about 53 hours. This Amtrak train gives you the best views across America. It crosses flat grasslands, deserts, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada as it travels from the Midwest to the Pacific Coast highwayover three days.
5. Lake Titicaca Train, Peru
Puno to Cuzco. Runs three times a week. 241 miles. Takes 10 hours. This train moves slowly through the high Andes. It leaves Lake Titicaca, passes snowy mountain peaks and green valleys, and goes across wide open plains. You'll see farmers with llamas and small villages before reaching Cuzco, the old Inca capital.
6. Beijing To Lhasa Train, China
Beijing to Lhasa. Runs daily. 2,330 miles. Takes 40 hours. The Z21 train leaves busy Beijing and heads across Tibet. You'll watch grazing yaks, prayer flags blowing in the wind, and snow-covered mountains under huge blue skies. When you arrive in Lhasa, you might spot monks in deep pink robes.
7. TranzAlpine, New Zealand
This journey crosses New Zealand's Southern Alps between Christchurch and Greymouth, a 223-kilometer trip taking five hours. You'll see rivers, high bridges, and dramatic landscapes, with open-air carriages for fresh air. Recently improved seats make enjoying the country's wild beauty even more comfortable.
8. Maharajas' Express, India
This train takes you across Rajasthan for 2,600km in fancy rooms with top-notch service. One route goes to the Taj Mahal. Your 7-day trip has live shows, and by 2025, new spas will make it even more relaxing.
Related Reading: Luxury Train Journeys In India
9. Coast Starlight, USA
Running 2,216km from Seattle to Los Angeles, this train hugs the Pacific coast. You’ll see Mount Shasta and beaches from its big-windowed cars. The 35-hour trip serves meals using local food, a feature growing stronger by 2025.
10. Hiram Bingham, Peru
A short 90km trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu through the Andes mountains. Enjoy fancy meals and music during the 3.5-hour ride in stylish 1920s-style cars. By 2025, it’ll be greener with better eco-friendly steps.
11. Denali Star - Alaska, USA
Traveling 565km from Anchorage to Fairbanks, this train passes Denali National Park. Special cars with big windows help you spot moose and mountains on the 12-hour trip. New animal-spotting apps will make it easier by 2025.
12. El Transcantabrico Train, Spain
This train trip takes you through northern Spain in about a week, starting in San Sebastian and ending in Santiago. You'll see coastlines and mountains pass by your window.
Enjoy great local food and wine on board. Next year, they're adding eco-friendly touches to help the planet. It’s a real taste of Basque life.
13. Al Andalus Train, Spain
Ride this train through sunny Andalusia, beginning in Seville. See stunning Moorish buildings and catch live flamenco shows during the week-long loop.
Your room feels fit for royalty. Next year, they’ll offer even deeper looks into local culture. It captures the heart and soul of southern Spain.
14. Rovos Rail, South Africa
Travelsmoothly from Pretoria to Cape Town, covering 1,600 kilometers. Watch savannas and vineyards roll past your window.
The old-fashioned luxury cars make you feel special. Next year, they’re adding wildlife safaris to the trip. It’s a truly elegant way to see Africa.
15. Belmond Andean Explorer ,Peru
This train runs between Cusco and Arequipa, crossing Lake Titicaca high in the Andes. Sip Pisco sours while spotting alpacas outside.
The short two-night trip even has a spa car. Next year, stargazing decks let you see the night sky clearly. The high-altitude views will take your breath away.
16. Singapore To Bangkok Jungle Train
This train goes from Singapore to Bangkok through thick jungles. You stay in old-style cabins and eat great meals. The trip takes three nights and you cross rivers along the way. Next year, they're adding new wellness activities. It feels like a real adventure.
17. Vietnam's North-South Train
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Runs daily. 1,700km. Takes about 36 hours. This train links Vietnam’s two biggest cities through endless rice fields and coastal views. You’ll pass time chatting with locals while watching the countryside glide by.
Sleeper seats get an upgrade in 2025 for smoother overnight trips, some travelers even read up on foods to eat for better sleep when nothing else worksto catch proper rest. It’s still the most real way to experience both ends of Vietnam.
18. India's Luxury Train Trip
This fancy train takes 8 days to go from Mumbai to Delhi. You see palaces and deserts during the journey. The rooms are really nice, and the food is delicious. Coming in 2025, they’ll offer yoga sessions onboard. You’ll see India’s amazing sights in comfort.
19. Japan's Island Train Ride
This train loops around Kyushu Island in four days. You get views of hot springs and cherry blossoms. You get to sleep in the traditional tatami room suites. Next year, they’re updating menus to match the seasons. Everything about this trip feels extra special.
20. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India
This little train chugs 88km up to Darjeeling through rolling tea fields. Old steam engines puff around tight loops. Your 7-hour trip stops at Ghoom station. They're carefully restoring the heritage trains for 2025. You'll love this classic ride.
21. British Pullman, UK
Take a day trip from London on this elegant train. Ride through the countryside in beautiful Art Deco carriages, enjoying afternoon tea. Trips often go to places like Bath. Look for special themed journeys planned for 2025. It’s a truly classy English experience.
22. Cape Cod Central Railroad, USA
Ride 43km along Massachusetts' coast on this train. You'll see beaches and marshes outside your window. A guide shares stories during the 2-hour trip. New dining options are coming for 2025. It’s a peaceful way to see New England.
23. Cass Scenic Railroad, USA
This historic train climbs 17km into West Virginia's mountains using powerful old Shay engines. The 4.5-hour trip takes you right to Bald Knob summit. Don't miss their special fall color rides in 2025. It’s a thrilling journey back in time.
24. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Ride this old train line through the Rocky Mountains for 64 miles. It crosses into New Mexico and back, with narrow tracks taking you past steep drops. Your six-hour trip includes time to eat lunch. This year they're adding special cars just for photographers. It's a great western trip.
25. Adirondack Scenic Railroad
This train travels 120 miles through New York's wild country. You'll see lakes and forests the whole way. The full-day ride uses special dome cars so you get a good view. They're also starting new tours this year focused on nature. It's a peaceful ride through the northeast.
26. Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic
Take this train 114 miles from Anchorage down to Seward. You'll see huge glaciers and deep fjords. The ride takes about four and a half hours, and you might spot wildlife like bears or eagles. They're upgrading the dome cars this year for better sightseeing. It's a truly amazing Alaskan adventure.
27. Indian Pacific
This famous train crosses the whole continent of Australia, traveling 2,700 miles from Sydney to Perth. You'll pass through deserts and the flat Nullarbor Plain.
The trip takes four days and includes chances to get off and see nearby spots. New luxury options make the journey even more comfortable this year. It connects Australia's east and west coasts in one long ride.
FAQs About Scenic Train Journeys Around The World
What Makes A Train Ride Scenic?
You’ll see amazing views like mountains, oceans, or forests through big windows. Some routes also pass old towns or places with cool history, making the trip feel special.
How Do I Book Tickets For These Trains?
Go straight to the train company’s website or use a travel agent. If you’re looking at 2025 trips, book early, they often have good deals at first.
Are These Trains Good For Kids?
Most have room for families and shorter rides like Norway’s Flam line work well with children.
What’s Different On Scenic Trains This Year?
Some got better dining with fresh local food, plus faster Wi-Fi. You’ll also see more nature-focused tours and fun phone apps that tell stories about what you’re seeing out the window.
Can I Ride These Trains Any Time Of Year?
Most only run certain times like summer in the Alps. Always check dates because snow or rain might cancel trips.
How Much Do These Trips Cost?
Short rides start around $50. Fancy multi-day trips can hit $5,000. Eating on board or fancy seats adds to the price, but booking early usually saves money.
Final Thoughts
Real train trips show you the world best. These are great rail journeys you should know about. They're different and actually easy to do. Slow travel lets you really see the land and people, making you feel more connected. Just grab a ticket and go; your adventure starts there.
Also Check Out: Most Popular Tourist Attractions Worldwide You Need To See
Jump to
1. Russia's Long Train Ride
2. Switzerland's Mountain Train
3. Australia's Desert Train
4. California Zephyr, USA
5. Lake Titicaca Train, Peru
6. Beijing To Lhasa Train, China
7. TranzAlpine, New Zealand
8. Maharajas' Express, India
9. Coast Starlight, USA
10. Hiram Bingham, Peru
11. Denali Star - Alaska, USA
12. El Transcantabrico Train, Spain
13. Al Andalus Train, Spain
14. Rovos Rail, South Africa
15. Belmond Andean Explorer ,Peru
16. Singapore To Bangkok Jungle Train
17. Vietnam's North-South Train
18. India's Luxury Train Trip
19. Japan's Island Train Ride
20. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India
21. British Pullman, UK
22. Cape Cod Central Railroad, USA
23. Cass Scenic Railroad, USA
24. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
25. Adirondack Scenic Railroad
26. Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic
27. Indian Pacific
FAQs About Scenic Train Journeys Around The World
Final Thoughts
Liam Jones
Author
Liam Jones has made it his mission to prove that adventure doesn’t need a hefty budget. Having traveled to over 40 countries, he specializes in finding affordable ways to experience the world, from the best street food in Bangkok to hidden gems in Lisbon.
Liam’s travel tips have reached thousands of readers, empowering them to see the world on a shoestring budget without sacrificing quality. With a deep passion for local cultures, he continues to share his travel hacks, ensuring adventure remains accessible to all.
Maya Reyes
Reviewer
Maya Reyes’s wanderlust was sparked in the temples of Luang Prabang, where the scent of lemongrass and the chants of monks revealed the transformative power of travel.
Since then, her journey has been defined by cultural immersion and authentic connections. From learning batik in Indonesia to sharing meals with nomadic families in Mongolia, Maya seeks experiences that highlight the human stories behind each destination.
Travel for her is a way to weave her narrative into the world’s cultural tapestry, creating bridges across diverse ways of life. Maya has traveled to 15 countries and shares her insights through writing and storytelling.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles