For steam locomotive enthusiasts, luxury train aficionados, highland adventurers, and myth lovers alike, we proudly present a curated selection of the best train journeys in the world.
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 that surround these remarkable rail routes. Get ready to embark on unforgettable adventures aboard these legendary trains.
Read about 12 Best Train Journeys In The World :
Table of Contents
1. Venice Simplon-Orient Express
London-Venice
Imbued with romance and glamour, the Venice Simplon Orient-Express, with its Art Deco style, goes back to a time when travel was more elegant. Bathed in a sophisticated ambiance, passengers unwind in luxurious wood-paneled carriages, lulled by the sound of the piano and the tinkling of crystal glasses. Through the windows, one catches glimpses of vineyards, the Swiss Alps dotted with chalets, and the sparkling lagoon of Venice.
2. Rovos Rail
South Africa
The Rovos Rail is one of the most luxurious ways to explore South Africa. This sumptuous railway service combines safari and retro ambiance. Guests dressed in vintage attire indulge in the comfort of plush seats in wood-paneled lounges or opt to feel the wind in their hair from the balconies, observing the local wildlife. The classic route from Pretoria to Cape Town leisurely traverses buzzing grasslands, vineyards sculpted into the landscape, and imposing mountains.
3. Coast Starlight
United States
Crossing three states in 35 hours, the Coast Starlight enhances the grandeur of the major cities along the American West Coast, passing through the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Range, alongside the Pacific Ocean coastline, and through Big Sur. If the traveler can tear their eyes away from the windows of this double-decker train, they will have a great time enjoying various onboard activities: elegant dinners, wine and cheese tastings, and even theater outings – the train has its theater.
4. The Trans-Siberian
Russia
While currently not feasible for obvious reasons, the Trans-Siberian Railway remains an emblem of railway adventure. Stretching nearly 10,000 km from Moscow to Vladivostok, it traverses seven time zones and represents one of the longest train journeys in the world. Through breathtaking landscapes that are both bewildering and inspiring, the journey feels endless, interrupted only by stops in Kazan, Yekaterinburg, and Irkutsk.
5. The Eastern & Oriental Express
Southeast Asia
In the Eastern & Oriental Express, one leisurely reclines in rattan armchairs, sips gin, and tonics, and travels as if in the colonial era. On the menu of this two-day journey: cherry wood-paneled cabins, suave stewards, and haute cuisine. The pinnacle of the trip comes when, from the observation car, one marvels at the stunning plantations, emerald green rice fields, and the famous Bridge over the River Kwai.
6. The West Highland Line
Scotland
Sweeping through the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, the West Highland Line takes its passengers into the heart of windswept moors, alongside steep hills, serene lochs, and the imposing heights of Ben Nevis. While the entire route is a feast for the eyes, the view of the Glenfinnan Viaduct over the tranquil depths of Loch Shiel is undeniably the highlight of the journey.
7. The Rocky Mountaineer
Canada
Luxurious and unhurried, the Rocky Mountaineer weaves its way through the magnificent Canadian Rockies. For two days, travelers can marvel at a landscape of canyons, snow-capped peaks, rushing rivers, and verdant valleys. To indulge and enjoy the best views, a journey in the Gold Leaf carriages is a must. Here, one discovers a world of luxury, with domed glass ceilings and expansive windows that provide breathtaking panoramas.
8. Tren a las Nubes
Argentina
Ascending the Quebrada del Toro gorge without interruption, the “Train of the Clouds” traverses landscapes of marbled rocks, dense forests, and a high-altitude desert. Tren a las nubes journey navigates twenty-nine bridges, twelve viaducts, and countless dizzying spirals. However, the highlight of the ride remains the La Polvorilla viaduct, towering 64 meters high, overlooking a vast and empty canyon.
9. The Bergen Railway
Norway
Challenging the 500 km drive that separates the Norwegian capital from Bergen is no simple task. However, the Bergen Railway train effortlessly accomplishes this feat in an inhospitable environment of cliffs, snow squalls, and desolate stretches of road on the frozen plateau of Hardangervidda, at an altitude of 1,237 meters. The descent towards Flåm, renowned as the steepest in the world, is the most thrilling part of the journey.
10. The Ghan
Australia
The journey of the Ghan is as legendary as it is lengthy. Spanning 1,500 km through a harsh inland terrain between Alice Springs and Darwin, it traverses the vast expanses of the Outback. This epic three-day trip offers travelers the finest snapshots of the Australian bush, with endless vistas of ochre and arid tracks beneath a piercing blue sky.
11. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
India
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway bears the affectionate nickname of the “Toy Train.” This charming blue steam train meanders along a narrow valley in the foothills of the Himalayas. During the seven-hour ascent from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, passing through India’s highest railway station, the train’s leisurely average speed of 16 km/h allows ample time to admire the breathtaking landscapes of tea plantations and lush virgin forests.
12. Shikansen
Japan
Shikansen both sleek and elegant, the futuristic Japanese “bullet train” is one of the fastest in the world. Yet, despite its speed of 300 km/h, this aerodynamic marvel offers a surprisingly smooth ride. Along its busiest stretch between Tokaido and Sanyo, the 900 km journey from Tokyo to Hiroshima is completed in just four hours, gliding effortlessly through a landscape that unfolds rapidly, punctuated by stops that are always adhered to on schedule.
