Travel writing based on first-hand experience
We proudly present a curated selection of the best train journeys in the world for steam locomotive enthusiasts, luxury train aficionados, highland adventurers, and myth lovers alike.
Immerse yourself in the golden age of steam, bask in the opulence of luxury trains, embark on thrilling highland expeditions, and uncover the captivating myths surrounding these remarkable rail routes. Get ready to embark on unforgettable adventures aboard these legendary trains.
Table of Contents
1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
London to Venice via Paris
Few trains commit to the fantasy quite as confidently as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. We begin in London, connect through Paris, and step aboard a moving Art Deco time capsule: polished marquetry, restored 1920s carriages, crisp tablecloths, crystal glasses, and a piano playing somewhere beyond the bar. Outside, the scenery shifts from the French countryside to Alpine landscapes before Venice appears at the end of the line. It is not simply transport. It is the reason for the trip.
Best for: A once-in-a-lifetime anniversary trip, honeymoon, or shamelessly glamorous splurge.
Why book ahead: Journey dates and cabin categories are limited, particularly on the classic routes into Venice.
2. Rovos Rail
South Africa
Rovos Rail turns a journey across South Africa into a slow-moving house party with significantly better scenery. The classic three-night route between Pretoria and Cape Town crosses the vast Karoo, passes historic towns and vineyard country, and eventually reaches the mountains of the Cape. Between stops, we can settle into wood-paneled lounges, dress for dinner if the mood strikes, or stand on the observation balcony and watch the landscape roll past without a screen in sight.
Best for: Travelers who want old-school railway romance with a distinctly South African sense of place.
Why book ahead: Departures run on selected dates, and the smaller suite categories can disappear first.
3. Coast Starlight
United States
The Coast Starlight links Seattle and Los Angeles on a daily 35-hour journey through some of the most cinematic scenery on the American West Coast. The train passes Portland, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Santa Barbara, with stretches of Pacific coastline and the snow-covered Cascade Mountains appearing beyond the windows. This is the practical, democratic version of scenic rail travel: bring a book, reserve a roomette for the overnight ride if the budget allows, and expect the window to win your attention anyway.
Best for: Travelers who want a memorable long-distance train ride without the luxury-train price tag.
Why book ahead: Private rooms are limited and make a noticeable difference on an overnight journey.
4. The Trans-Siberian Railway
Russia
The Trans-Siberian Railway remains one of the great legends of long-distance travel: a seemingly endless journey between Moscow and Vladivostok, crossing cities, forests, vast plains, and multiple time zones along the way. In another era, this would be the moment to start comparing sleeper cabins and planning stops in Kazan, Yekaterinburg, and Irkutsk. For now, however, the route belongs on the future bucket list rather than the immediate booking calendar due to the current security situation and official travel warnings for Russia.
Best for: Future travel inspiration rather than an actively recommended trip at the moment.
5. The Eastern & Oriental Express
Singapore and Malaysia
The Eastern & Oriental Express is Southeast Asia at its most polished. Departing from Singapore and traveling through Malaysia, its current three-night journeys pair rattan armchairs, rich wood interiors, beautifully dressed cabins, and elegant dining with jungle landscapes and off-train experiences. The observation car is the place to linger as the train slips into greener, wilder territory. Suddenly, doing absolutely nothing feels like a very sensible itinerary.
Best for: A romantic add-on to a Singapore trip or a slower alternative to another rushed city break.
Why book ahead: The train operates selected itineraries rather than a daily service, and cabin availability is limited.
6. The West Highland Line
Scotland
The West Highland Line begins in Glasgow and steadily leaves ordinary life behind. The route divides at Crianlarich: one branch heads toward Oban, while the other crosses remote Rannoch Moor and continues through Fort William to Mallaig. Choose the Mallaig route for the famous curve of the Glenfinnan Viaduct above Loch Shiel. Yes, it is the Harry Potter one. No, the view is not remotely overrated.
Best for: Travelers who want blockbuster Highland scenery on a straightforward public train.
Why book ahead: Reserving a seat is worthwhile during the busier summer months, especially on the Mallaig branch.
7. Rocky Mountaineer
Canada
The Rocky Mountaineer travels through western Canada in daylight, because sleeping through the Canadian Rockies would rather defeat the point. Its routes connect Vancouver with destinations such as Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, passing canyons, rushing rivers, forests, and snow-capped peaks along the way. The GoldLeaf service adds glass-dome windows and an elevated dining area, making it a strong choice when the view is the entire reason we are here.
Best for: Travelers who want dramatic mountain scenery with the logistics handled for them.
Why book ahead: This is a seasonal journey with a finite number of departures, and preferred routes can sell out.
Compare Rocky Mountaineer routes
8. Tren a las Nubes
Argentina
Tren a las Nubes, or the Train to the Clouds, climbs into the stark high-altitude landscapes of northern Argentina. The current excursion combines a road journey from Salta through the Quebrada del Toro with a train ride from San Antonio de los Cobres to the La Polvorilla Viaduct. At 4,220 meters above sea level, the landscape feels vast, empty, and slightly unreal. This is not the train to board after an ambitious night out in Salta. The altitude means business.
Best for: Travelers who want high-Andes scenery and a full-day adventure from Salta.
Why book ahead: Departures are limited, transport logistics are easier when reserved in advance, and severe weather can affect this high-mountain excursion.
Check Train to the Clouds tickets
9. The Bergen Railway
Norway
The Bergen Railway crosses Norway between Oslo and Bergen, climbing onto the Hardangervidda plateau and cutting through a landscape of snowfields, mountain lakes, and windswept open country. For the famous descent to Flåm, change trains at Myrdal and board the separate Flåm Railway. That one-hour branch line winds past ravines, waterfalls, and steep mountain farms before reaching the fjord.
Best for: Travelers who want one of Europe’s easiest scenic rail adventures without renting a car.
Why book ahead: A daylight departure gives you the best scenery, while advance reservations make it easier to secure the preferred side of the train and connect with the Flåm Railway.
10. The Ghan
Australia
The Ghan crosses the Australian continent between Adelaide and Darwin, with shorter sections also available between Adelaide, Alice Springs, and Darwin. Over several days, the train moves through the Red Centre and the vast open landscapes of the Outback, combining comfortable cabins with off-train experiences in places such as Alice Springs and Katherine. The scale is difficult to appreciate until the horizon refuses to end.
Best for: Travelers who want a comfortable introduction to inland Australia without driving enormous distances.
Why book ahead: The longer itineraries run on selected dates, and cabin choices become more limited closer to departure.
11. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
India
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, affectionately known as the Toy Train, is a narrow-gauge heritage railway running between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. The train climbs gradually into the foothills of the Himalayas, passing towns, tea gardens, forests, and mountain views at an unhurried pace. This is not the journey to choose when you are trying to save time. It is the journey to choose when watching the landscape change is the entire plan.
Best for: Slow-travel fans, railway enthusiasts, and families looking for a memorable heritage ride.
Why book ahead: Check the current timetable and ticket availability before building your day around the route, as services can vary.
12. Shinkansen
Japan
The Shinkansen proves that practical transport can still feel like part of the adventure. The Tokaido Shinkansen reaches speeds of up to 285 km/h, carrying passengers between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka in as little as two hours and 21 minutes. The ride is smooth, the system is easy to use once we understand the basics, and the punctuality has ruined many travelers for ordinary trains forever. Reserve seats early during major Japanese holiday periods, when Nozomi services become reserved-seat only.
Best for: Travelers building a multi-city Japan itinerary around Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima.
Why book ahead: Reserved seats are especially useful during peak travel periods, for groups, and when carrying larger luggage.
FAQs — Best Train Journeys in the World
1) What actually counts as a “luxury train”?
Small cabins that feel like boutique hotel rooms, white-tablecloth dining, bar/observation cars, attentive butler-style service, curated off-train tours, and slow, scenic routes.
2) Which luxury trains are the most iconic?
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe), Belmond Royal Scotsman (Scotland), The Blue Train and Rovos Rail (South Africa), The Ghan and Indian Pacific (Australia), Maharajas’ Express and Palace on Wheels (India), Eastern & Oriental Express (Southeast Asia), Belmond Andean Explorer (Peru), Seven Stars in Kyushu and Train Suite Shiki-Shima (Japan), Glacier Express Excellence Class (Switzerland), Golden Eagle (Central Asia routes), and VIA Rail’s The Canadian (Prestige Class).
3) Europe: what’s the top pick?
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for 1920s glamour; Royal Scotsman for intimate country-house vibes and Highland scenery.
4) Africa: which trains stand out?
The Blue Train (Pretoria–Cape Town) for classic luxe; Rovos Rail for grand lounges, vintage suites, and themed routes.
5) Asia: best options?
Maharajas’ Express and Palace on Wheels for palace-style cabins and forts/temples; Seven Stars in Kyushu and Shiki-Shima for Japan’s ultra-designed “train cruise” experience; Eastern & Oriental Express for tropical rails.
6) The Americas: where to go?
Belmond Andean Explorer across Peru’s high plains; Glacier Express Excellence Class for a luxury day journey; VIA Rail’s The Canadian (Prestige) for a hotel-on-rails across mountains and prairies.
7) Australia & New Zealand: what’s special?
The Ghan (Darwin–Adelaide) and Indian Pacific (Sydney–Perth) offer continent-spanning comfort with off-train excursions and big-sky panoramas.
8) How far in advance should I book?
Six to twelve months for peak seasons and suites. Signature departures can sell out even earlier.
9) What’s a typical cabin like?
By day, a lounge with armchairs or a sofa; by night, staff convert it to one or two beds. Suites add en-suite showers; some trains offer double beds.
10) Is there a dress code?
Smart-casual by day; many trains suggest jacket or cocktail attire at dinner. Comfortable shoes for excursions are a must.
11) Are kids welcome?
Policies vary. Some trains are adult-leaning; others allow families. Space is tight—request adjacent cabins or a suite and check age rules.
12) Solo traveler friendly?
Yes—bar cars are social, and staff are attentive. Single supplements apply; some departures offer reduced surcharges.
13) What’s included in the fare?
Cabin, most meals, select drinks, and curated excursions. Premium wines, spa, or special tours may cost extra—read the inclusions.
14) Wi-Fi and phone signal?
Patchy by design—these routes cross remote areas. Expect digital detox, with intermittent coverage near towns.
15) Motion sickness—should I worry?
Trains sway gently. Choose mid-train cabins, face forward when seated, and bring remedies if you’re sensitive.
16) Accessibility—how practical is it?
Historic carriages can be narrow with steps. Some trains offer accessible cabins; confirm lift/door widths and bathroom layouts before booking.
17) How long are journeys?
Luxury “grands classiques” run from 1-day (luxury day trains) to 2–7 nights. Expedition-style routes can be longer.
18) Are these trains sustainable travel?
Rail is generally lower-emission than flying the same distance, but luxury service increases footprint. Choose operators with responsible sourcing and local partnerships.
19) Tipping etiquette?
Varies by operator and region. Some include service; others suggest a pooled tip on the final night. Check your pre-departure notes.
20) How do I choose the right train for me?
Pick your priority first: vintage glamour, wildlife/scenery, culinary focus, or cultural stops. Then match season, cabin type, and length to your budget.
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