The World's 15 Most Picturesque Train Journeys

Are you a train enthusiast looking for some breathtaking journeys? Look no further! Today, we are going to explore the world’s 15 most picturesque train journeys. Get ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

The Ultimate Train Holiday Bucket List

1. Rocky Mountaineer – Vancouver to Banff, Canada

On a pleasant guided train journey, take in the views of Canada’s Rocky Mountain National Parks. Learn about Yoho, Jasper, Icefield, and Banff. Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, and more will leave you in amazement. To reach the Columbia Icefield, travel along Icefield Parkway. Take a skywalk on the Athabasca Glacier and a snow coach ride. Discover Yoho’s rock cliffs and waterfalls as well as Jasper’s picturesque lakes and canyons.

Suggested Read: Moraine Lake, A hidden gem in Canada.

2. The Trans-Siberian Railway – Moscow to Vladivostok, Russia

Many adventurous travelers now look forward to taking the fabled railway, which is 9,289 kilometers (5,772 miles) long and covers seven time zones. It’s the longest railway in the world and took twenty-five years to build. No wonder it’s a bucket list item for many tourists. This is a sleeper train that takes 50 hours to complete the journey. Departure times vary depending on the season. Onboard facilities include private cabins, a restaurant car, and a lounge car. You’ll pass through vast landscapes, dense forests, and snowy mountains.

3. The Glacier Express – Zermatt to St. Moritz, Switzerland

This is a daylight-only train that takes eight hours to complete the journey. Onboard facilities include panoramic windows, comfortable seating, and a restaurant car. You’ll travel through the Swiss Alps and pass by picturesque villages and stunning mountain scenery. Taking the train from Zermatt to St Moritz is a great way to travel.

Book your Swiss travel pass ahead of time

4. The Bernina Express – Chur to Tirano, Switzerland/Italy

This is a daylight-only train that takes four hours to complete the journey. Onboard facilities include panoramic windows and comfortable seating. You’ll travel through the Swiss Alps, crossing the Bernina Pass and passing by glaciers, lakes, and picturesque villages.

5. The West Highland Line – Glasgow to Mallaig, Scotland

This is a daylight-only train that takes five hours to complete the journey. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating and panoramic windows. You’ll travel through some of Scotland’s most rugged and beautiful landscapes, including Loch Lomond, Glenfinnan Viaduct, and the Isle of Skye.

Save up to 61% when you buy tickets in advance.

6. The Ghan – Adelaide to Darwin, Australia

This is a sleeper train that takes two days to complete the journey. Onboard facilities include private cabins, a restaurant car, and a lounge car. You’ll pass through the Australian outback, the Flinders Ranges, and Katherine Gorge.

7. The Blue Train – Pretoria to Cape Town, South Africa

This is a luxury sleeper train that takes 27 hours to complete the journey between Cape Town and Pretoria. Onboard facilities include private suites, a dining car, and a lounge car. You’ll travel through the beautiful landscapes of South Africa, including the grasslands of the Highveld and the vineyards of the Cape.

8. The Royal Scotsman – Edinburgh to Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland

This is a luxury sleeper train that takes two days to complete the journey. Onboard facilities include private cabins, a dining car, and a lounge car. You’ll pass through some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes, including the Highlands and the Isle of Skye.

Tickets & Routes.

9. The TranzAlpine – Christchurch to Greymouth, New Zealand

This is a daylight-only train that takes five hours to complete the journey. Onboard facilities include panoramic windows and comfortable seating. You’ll travel through the Southern Alps and pass by breathtaking landscapes, including the Waimakariri River and Arthur’s Pass.

10. The Flam Railway – Flam to Myrdal, Norway

This is a daylight-only train that takes one hour to complete the journey. Onboard facilities include panoramic windows and comfortable seating. You’ll travel through the stunning Norwegian fjords, passing by waterfalls, mountains, and breathtaking landscapes.

11. The Maharaja Express – Delhi to Mumbai, India

This is a luxury sleeper train that takes four days to complete the journey. Onboard facilities include private cabins, a dining car, and a lounge car. You’ll travel through India’s most iconic destinations, including the Taj Mahal Jaipur, and Mumbai. The train is decorated in a luxurious and opulent style, making the journey feel like a royal experience.

12. The Belmond Andean Explorer – Cusco to Arequipa, Peru

This is a luxury sleeper train that takes two days to complete the journey. Onboard facilities include private cabins, a dining car, and a lounge car. You’ll travel through the stunning Andes Mountains, passing by Inca ruins, traditional villages, and snow-capped peaks.

Suggested Read: The Best of Arequipa on a 3-day vacation.

13. The Coastal Pacific – Christchurch to Picton, New Zealand

This is a daylight-only train that takes five hours to complete the journey. Onboard facilities include panoramic windows and comfortable seating. You’ll travel along the rugged New Zealand coastline, passing by vineyards, beaches, and stunning mountain landscapes.

14. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) – London to Venice, Europe

Another one of The World’s 15 Most Picturesque Train Journeys, is again from Belmond.

Step aboard this luxurious sleeper train for a two-day journey of indulgence. Stay in private cabins, dine in style in the elegant dining car, and unwind in the plush lounge car. Travel through Europe’s breathtaking landscapes, from the majestic Swiss Alps to the picturesque Italian Dolomites.

The winter journey extends from Paris to Albertville, Moûtiers, and Bourg-St.-Maurice. Here, you can continue to premier ski destinations like Megève and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc; Courchevel and the Three Valleys; and Tignes-Val d’Isère.

15. The Caledonian Sleeper – London to Scottish Highlands, Scotland

This is a sleeper train that takes eight hours to complete the journey. Onboard facilities include private cabins and a lounge car. You’ll travel through the rugged Scottish landscapes, including the Cairngorms National Park and the stunning Loch Lomond.

More info and tickets about the Caledonian Sleeper.

So there you have it, the world’s 15 most picturesque train journeys. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or just looking for a unique and breathtaking travel experience, these journeys are sure to leave a lasting impression. From stunning mountain landscapes to rugged coastlines and historic cities, these train journeys showcase some of the most beautiful destinations the world has to offer.

And then some...

From Milan: Bernina Train and St. Moritz Day Trip

Sedona/Flagstaff: Grand Canyon Tour & First-Class Train Ride

From Cusco: Luxury Machu Picchu Tour in First-Class Train

Victoria Falls: Steam Train Ride with Dinner

Cusco: Machupicchu Private Tour, Luxury Train Hiram Bingham

From Cusco: Peruvian Andes Train Trip to Puno with Lunch

Train Experience Through The Alps : The Baroque Royal Route & Salt Road Full Day

At the end of The World’s 15 Most Picturesque Train Journeys, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey”

This famous saying is often linked to Ralph Waldo Emerson, the esteemed American philosopher. For me, relishing the journey, the process of ‘getting there’, holds as much significance as reaching the destination itself. Enjoy!