If you’re looking for a unique dining experience with a side of breathtaking views, a dinner train ride is the perfect choice. These trains combine gourmet meals with scenic routes, providing a relaxing way to enjoy nature while indulging in fine cuisine. Here are some of the top dinner trains offering scenic views that are sure to make your meal even more memorable.
Napa Valley Wine Train, California
The Napa Valley Wine Train is one of the most popular dinner trains in the U.S., offering beautiful views of California’s famous wine country. As you travel through the lush vineyards and rolling hills of Napa Valley, you’ll enjoy a delicious multi-course meal paired with exquisite local wines. The train’s elegant interiors and the picturesque scenery outside make this an unforgettable experience for any wine lover or nature enthusiast.
The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
The Rocky Mountaineer offers a luxurious dining experience with some of the most breathtaking views in North America. The train travels through the Canadian Rockies, offering panoramic views of towering mountains, pristine lakes, and expansive forests. You’ll enjoy a gourmet meal as you pass through this stunning landscape, with large windows providing unobstructed views of the wilderness. This scenic train ride is ideal for couples, nature lovers, and anyone looking to experience one of the world’s most beautiful regions.
The Glacier Express, Switzerland
For those looking for European charm, the Glacier Express in Switzerland offers a remarkable dining experience. Traveling from Zermatt to St. Moritz, the train crosses some of Switzerland’s most scenic and dramatic landscapes. As you enjoy a delicious Swiss meal, you’ll be treated to views of alpine peaks, deep valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. The large windows of the Glacier Express allow you to fully take in the beauty of the Swiss Alps, making it a top choice for anyone seeking a truly picturesque journey.
The Polar Express, United States (Seasonal)
While the Polar Express is mainly a holiday-themed train ride, it’s perfect for anyone looking to experience a magical winter landscape. As you travel through snowy scenes, you’ll enjoy a cozy atmosphere with hot cocoa, snacks, and a festive meal. The train ride is especially popular with families, but couples can also enjoy the charm of the wintry scenery while reliving the magic of the beloved Christmas story. With twinkling lights and snow-covered landscapes, this seasonal train ride offers a picturesque view that is especially enchanting during the holidays.
The Royal Scotsman, Scotland
The Royal Scotsman offers a luxurious dining experience through the heart of Scotland’s breathtaking countryside. This scenic journey takes you through the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, with views of ancient castles, lush hills, and tranquil lochs. The train is designed with elegance and comfort in mind, providing a first-class setting for enjoying gourmet meals while you relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings. This is a top choice for those seeking a combination of history, culture, and beautiful scenery.
The Canadian, Canada
The Canadian is another iconic train journey in Canada, offering travelers an incredible opportunity to view the country’s diverse landscapes. As the train crosses the vast Canadian wilderness, you’ll pass through forests, lakes, and plains, all while enjoying delicious meals prepared with fresh local ingredients. The train’s panoramic windows ensure you won’t miss a single detail of the spectacular views, making it a perfect choice for those who want to experience the natural beauty of Canada in style.
The Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland
If you’re a fan of both dinner trains and cinematic scenery, the Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland is an excellent option. Known for its role in the Harry Potter movies as the Hogwarts Express, this charming steam train travels through some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes. While you enjoy a traditional Scottish meal, you’ll pass by stunning lochs, mountains, and valleys. The Jacobite Steam Train offers both historical and scenic experiences, making it a top choice for anyone looking to travel through one of the most picturesque regions in the world.
The Blue Train, South Africa
For a dinner train experience unlike any other, the Blue Train in South Africa offers an unparalleled view of the country’s diverse landscapes. Traveling between Pretoria and Cape Town, this luxury train passes through wide savannahs, rugged mountain ranges, and picturesque vineyards. Onboard, you’ll enjoy gourmet meals, fine wines, and a high level of comfort. The Blue Train offers the perfect blend of luxury and scenic beauty, making it one of the most iconic dinner trains in the world.
The Grand Canyon Railway, Arizona
If you’ve always wanted to experience the Grand Canyon uniquely, the Grand Canyon Railway offers a memorable dinner train ride. The train departs from Williams, Arizona, and travels to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, offering stunning views of the desert landscape. On board, you can enjoy a delicious meal while marveling at the awe-inspiring scenery, including expansive plateaus and towering rock formations. This is the ideal train for those looking to explore one of the world’s natural wonders while enjoying a gourmet meal.
The Royal Canadian Pacific, Canada
The Royal Canadian Pacific is one of the most luxurious dinner trains in Canada, offering stunning views of the Canadian Rockies and other scenic locations. The train travels through some of the country’s most pristine wilderness, with the opportunity to see wildlife, lakes, and mountain peaks. With gourmet meals served in elegant dining cars and luxurious accommodations, this dinner train combines the beauty of the outdoors with the comfort of luxury travel.
Conclusion
For those who love both fine dining and scenic landscapes, dinner train rides offer the perfect combination. Whether you’re passing through the Canadian Rockies, enjoying the vineyards of Napa Valley, or marveling at the Swiss Alps, these dinner trains provide unforgettable views and gourmet experiences. If you’re seeking a relaxing, romantic, or adventurous journey, these top dinner trains offer an experience you won’t soon forget.
