If you love stunning landscapes and breathtaking views, train travel offers some of the best scenic journeys you can experience. There’s something special about relaxing in a train while the world passes by—mountains, forests, oceans, and rolling hills. Whether you prefer lush countryside or snow-capped peaks, these top scenic train routes will give you unforgettable views. Let’s take a closer look at some of the world’s most beautiful train journeys.
1. Glacier Express, Switzerland
The Glacier Express is often considered one of the most beautiful train routes in the world. This iconic Swiss train connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, traveling through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Over 8 hours, passengers experience incredible views of snow-capped peaks, green valleys, and deep gorges. The train travels over 291 kilometers and passes through 91 tunnels and 291 bridges, offering a front-row seat to nature’s best views.
What makes this journey truly spectacular is its panoramic windows, which allow travelers to fully enjoy the stunning scenery. The Glacier Express is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of Switzerland’s mountains in comfort.
2. The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
The Rocky Mountaineer offers several luxurious routes through Canada’s Rocky Mountains, connecting Vancouver with destinations like Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. This scenic train route is famous for its incredible landscapes, including vast forests, sparkling lakes, and towering peaks.
The train has glass-dome cars that allow for unobstructed views, ensuring that you don’t miss a single moment of the incredible scenery. Passengers can enjoy gourmet meals and personalized service while they marvel at the ever-changing landscapes. The Rocky Mountaineer is known for its luxury experience, making it a perfect choice for a special occasion or an unforgettable vacation.
3. The Blue Train, South Africa
The Blue Train is one of the most luxurious and scenic train journeys in the world. Traveling between Pretoria and Cape Town, this route offers stunning views of South Africa’s diverse landscapes, including breathtaking deserts, lush vineyards, and rugged mountains.
Not only is the journey scenic, but the Blue Train itself is a work of art, with plush interiors and world-class amenities. The journey takes about 27 hours, and passengers can enjoy fine dining, excellent service, and incredible views through the windows. If you’re looking for a luxurious and scenic travel experience, this is one of the best routes to choose.
4. The West Highland Line, Scotland
The West Highland Line in Scotland is known for its dramatic landscapes, rolling hills, and rugged coastlines. Traveling from Glasgow to Mallaig, this route offers panoramic views of lochs, forests, and the Scottish Highlands. One of the highlights of the journey is crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a famous bridge that is part of the Harry Potter films.
This scenic train ride offers a true taste of Scotland’s natural beauty, from the wild moors to the deep, calm lochs. Whether you’re visiting in the summer when the landscapes are lush and green or in the winter with snow-covered hills, the West Highland Line promises a spectacular journey.
5. The Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy
The Bernina Express is another stunning route that connects Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy. Along the way, passengers enjoy panoramic views of the Alps, lush valleys, and glistening lakes. The train travels across the Bernina Range and crosses the Bernina Pass, which is one of the highest railway points in Europe.
This journey is particularly stunning in the winter months when the snow-covered landscape looks like a winter wonderland. The Bernina Express is not only scenic but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a must-see for nature lovers and train enthusiasts alike.
6. The Indian Pacific, Australia
The Indian Pacific offers a unique way to see Australia, connecting Sydney to Perth across a distance of over 4,300 kilometers. This epic train journey travels through the outback, crossing the Nullarbor Plain, one of the most remote and barren areas in the world.
As you travel through Australia’s vast desert landscape, you’ll see striking contrasts—from the rugged, red earth to lush forested areas. This train is perfect for those looking for a long, adventurous journey with unforgettable views of Australia’s heartland.
The Indian Pacific also offers off-train experiences, such as guided walks and visits to historical sites, which add to the overall adventure.
7. The Glacier Bay Railway, Alaska, USA
For those looking to experience Alaska’s wild beauty, the Glacier Bay Railway offers one of the most scenic train rides in the region. Starting in Anchorage, this route travels through dense forests, along breathtaking coastlines, and past towering glaciers. The train also offers stunning views of wildlife, such as moose, bears, and eagles, as it passes through one of the most pristine wilderness areas in North America.
The Glacier Bay Railway is perfect for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, as the route takes passengers through some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in Alaska.
8. The Shinkansen, Japan
The Shinkansen, or bullet train, offers a different kind of scenic experience. While it’s known for its speed, it also provides travelers with views of Japan’s landscapes, including lush rice fields, mountains, and coastal areas. The Shinkansen travels between major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, but the real highlight is its view of Mount Fuji from certain routes.
Though the journey is fast, the comfort and smoothness of the ride make it a pleasurable experience. The Shinkansen is a great option if you want to see a lot of Japan in a short amount of time while enjoying modern train travel at its best.
9. The Glacier Express, New Zealand
In New Zealand, the Glacier Express offers travelers an incredible view of the country’s snow-capped mountains, sparkling lakes, and rolling hills. This route, which connects Christchurch and Greymouth, travels through Arthur’s Pass National Park and is known for its beautiful, untouched landscapes.
This scenic route is ideal for those who want to experience the natural beauty of New Zealand in a relaxing and comfortable way. With its large panoramic windows, you can fully appreciate the stunning views of mountains, rivers, and forests as you make your way across the country.
Conclusion
These top train routes for scenic journeys offer some of the best views the world has to offer. Whether you’re traveling through the Swiss Alps, across Canada’s Rocky Mountains, or through the remote Australian outback, each journey is an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature from a comfortable and relaxing vantage point. So, if you’re a nature lover or simply someone who enjoys a scenic ride, hop on one of these breathtaking train routes for a travel experience you’ll never forget.
