14 Train Journeys Through the Worlds Most Gorgeous Scenery

Tired of jet lag and bumper-to-bumper traffic? It’s time to rediscover the magic of train travel—where the journey itself becomes the destination. There’s something timeless and utterly romantic about watching the world unfold from your window, from misty mountain ranges to glittering coastlines and storybook villages. With no TSA lines, no turbulence, and no rush, you can truly experience the landscapes, not just pass over them. We’ve expanded our list to 14 Train Journeys Through the World’s Most Gorgeous Scenery, each one offering a front-row seat to nature’s finest performances. Whether you crave alpine drama, desert mystique, or lush, untamed wilderness, there’s a track that will take you there—smoothly, slowly, and spectacularly. So grab a warm drink, settle into your seat, and get ready to ride through beauty that no road or runway could ever match.

1. Alpine Dreaming on the Glacier Express

The Glacier Express is often called the slowest express train in the world, but that’s just part of its charm. Winding through the heart of the Swiss Alps, this train’s route offers views of majestic snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and picturesque alpine villages. Imagine being whisked over dizzying viaducts and through endless tunnels, all while sipping on Swiss wine in a panoramic car. There’s even a segment that’s been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site! This isn’t just a journey; it’s a feast for the senses where time slows down so you can soak up every breathtaking vista.

2. Romance of the Rails on Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer is an all-access pass to Canada’s wild, rugged beauty. This luxury train crosses towering mountain ranges, weaving through deep forests, over vast rivers, and even by shimmering glacial lakes. You'll see wildlife like elk and maybe even a grizzly bear from the comfort of your plush seat. Each leg of the journey is punctuated by gourmet meals that celebrate Canada’s finest produce, making this trip a treat for foodies and nature lovers alike. With every twist and turn, the Rockies reveal a new wonder, reminding you that the journey really is the destination.

3. Journey to the Past on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Step back in time aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a train synonymous with luxury and intrigue. From the Art Deco interiors to the lavish dining cars, this isn’t just a train ride; it's a glamorous journey through Europe’s most romantic cities. Starting in London and winding through Paris to Venice, the route is lined with castles, quaint towns, and rolling vineyards. With a personal steward catering to your every whim, you’ll feel like royalty. And who knows – you might just solve a mystery or two on the way!

4. Riding the Andean Peaks on Peru’s Hiram Bingham Train

The Hiram Bingham Train is no ordinary ride; it’s a gateway to the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu. Named after the explorer who brought the world’s attention to the lost city, this train journey takes you through the breathtaking Sacred Valley, with its jagged peaks, fertile farmlands, and rushing rivers. Inside, the experience is just as magical, with fine dining, live Peruvian music, and stunning decor that pays homage to the country’s rich history. By the time you reach Machu Picchu, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled not only through space but through time.

5. Safari on Rails: South Africa’s Blue Train

South Africa’s Blue Train isn’t just a train; it’s a moving five-star hotel with Africa’s wilderness as your backdrop. This luxurious journey between Pretoria and Cape Town takes you through vast plains, rugged mountain ranges, and some of the country’s most spectacular wine regions. The landscape is wild, untamed, and brimming with wildlife, so keep an eye out for zebras and antelope right outside your window. And when night falls, retreat to your suite and drift off with the gentle sway of the train. This is a safari like no other.

6. Australia’s Outback Adventure on The Ghan

Named after Afghan cameleers who helped open Australia’s interior, The Ghan takes you across some of the most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes Down Under. Starting in Adelaide, this journey stretches across the continent, through the scorching Red Centre and up to Darwin in the lush Top End. From vast, sun-baked deserts to lush tropical savannas, every part of this journey tells a story of Australia’s natural beauty and resilience. Whether it's sunrise over the Outback or a stop at an Indigenous site, each moment on The Ghan is unforgettable.

7. Norway’s Arctic Playground on the Nordland Railway

The Nordland Railway, or “Polar Express,” is Norway’s answer to winter wonderlands. Running from Trondheim to Bodø, this journey crosses the Arctic Circle, bringing you face-to-face with fjords, frozen lakes, and towering mountains dusted with snow. During winter, you might even catch the Northern Lights dancing above. And if you're traveling in summer, the Midnight Sun ensures you don’t miss a single fjord or snow-capped peak along the way. This is as close as you can get to feeling like you’re on the edge of the world.

8. The Enchantment of India’s Maharajas’ Express

Experience India’s diverse beauty on the Maharajas’ Express, a train that oozes royal charm and luxury. From the palaces of Jaipur to the sacred Ganges in Varanasi, this journey covers it all. Each stop is a plunge into India’s vibrant culture, history, and flavors, while onboard, you’ll enjoy opulent suites and gourmet dining. The train’s route showcases a kaleidoscope of landscapes, from deserts to jungles, making each day a new adventure. This is not just a train ride – it’s an exploration of the soul of India.

8. Japanese Splendor on the Seven Stars of Kyushu

The Seven Stars of Kyushu is Japan’s ultra-luxe train experience, taking you through the stunning landscapes of Kyushu island. Rolling through scenic coastlines, volcanic mountains, and verdant rice fields, this journey is a peaceful retreat. The interiors combine traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern luxury, making it feel more like a boutique hotel than a train. From breathtaking views to cultural experiences at each stop, Seven Stars offers a window into Japan’s serene beauty and rich heritage.

9. Wilderness Unleashed on New Zealand’s TranzAlpine

The TranzAlpine is New Zealand’s answer to the call of the wild. This cross-island journey between Christchurch and Greymouth takes you from Canterbury Plains through the snow-dusted peaks of the Southern Alps to the lush rainforest of the West Coast. The train’s large windows are perfect for soaking in views of alpine rivers, deep gorges, and ancient forests. Whether it’s spring flowers or winter snow, each season brings a unique charm. For nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike, this is a bucket-list journey.

10. Coast-to-Coast Elegance on Italy’s Bernina Express

The Bernina Express glides through some of Europe’s most jaw-dropping terrain, linking Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Northern Italy. What makes it magical? It’s the only train that cuts across the Alps from north to south without tunnels—meaning panoramic views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and dramatic viaducts are on full display. The route is so beautiful, it’s been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And once you descend into Italy, the scenery softens into palm-lined promenades and vineyards. It’s a rollercoaster of altitude and atmosphere—just without the loops or the stress.

11. The Baroque Beauty of Austria’s Semmering Railway

Often overlooked, the Semmering Railway in Austria is a hidden gem that quietly stuns. Built in the 19th century and still going strong, it’s one of the oldest mountain railways in the world—and a UNESCO World Heritage marvel. The journey winds through stone viaducts, forested slopes, and charming alpine villages between Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag. It’s especially breathtaking in autumn, when golden leaves blanket the landscape. Though the ride is short, the elegance of this historical engineering feat combined with postcard-perfect views makes it feel timeless.

12. The Iconic Ride on America’s California Zephyr

For those craving a deep dive into the American landscape, the California Zephyr delivers. Stretching from Chicago to San Francisco, it’s considered one of Amtrak’s most scenic long-distance routes. Passengers are treated to an evolving panorama: the Great Plains, the soaring Rockies, the red canyons of Utah, and finally, the lush Sierra Nevada. The observation car—with its wraparound windows—offers unbeatable views and a meditative pace. You won’t find Wi-Fi or five-star dining here, but what you get is better: raw, unplugged, cinematic America, mile after unforgettable mile.

13. Scotland’s Jacobite Steam Train: Hogwarts, But Real

All aboard the Jacobite Steam Train—aka the real-life Hogwarts Express! This nostalgic journey travels from Fort William to Mallaig through the dramatic Scottish Highlands. You'll cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, instantly recognizable to Harry Potter fans, but even non-wizards will be enchanted. The route winds past lochs, heather-covered hills, and ancient castles. It’s pure atmospheric gold, especially in the early morning mist or under the purple hues of Highland sunset. It’s a short ride, but it leaves a lasting spell.

14. The Exotic Allure of Turkey’s Dogu Express

The Dogu Express offers a rugged, off-the-beaten-path journey through Turkey’s eastern frontier—from Ankara to Kars near the Armenian border. It’s a sleeper train with no-frills charm, but the views are mesmerizing: snow-blanketed steppes, craggy mountains, and remote villages that seem frozen in time. Locals ride alongside travelers, making for rich cultural exchanges. During winter, it transforms into a dreamscape of frost and silence. If you’re craving raw beauty, slow travel, and a slice of authentic Anatolia, this ride is the definition of underrated magic.

Let the Tracks Take You There

In a world that moves too fast, train travel invites you to slow down and see. These 14 unforgettable rail journeys aren’t just about getting from point A to B—they’re about rediscovering the art of the journey itself. From the snow-dusted peaks of the Swiss Alps to the vibrant heart of India, each route is a moving postcard, a panoramic theater of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. But more than the scenery, these trains offer something rarer: stillness, wonder, and connection—to place, to people, to the moment. Whether you crave luxury or raw adventure, there’s a window seat with your name on it. So trade the turbulence for rhythm, the layovers for landscapes, and let the tracks take you somewhere unforgettable. Because sometimes, the best way to move forward is on rails—quietly, curiously, and wide-eyed every mile of the way.