Best Scenic Train Rides: 8 Routes Around the World (2026)

Railways have played an important role in transportation and exploration throughout history. From luxury trains that offer scenic routes and luxurious amenities to high-speed railways that connect major cities in a few hours, there are many types of railways that offer unique experiences for travelers. Moreover, taking trains instead of domestic flights would reduce carbon emissions by more than 80%. It's definitely a good call for those who'd love to travel green and those who appreciate seeing the country's scenery. Here are a few popular railways from around the world:

The Rocky Mountaineer

This luxury railway in Canada offers scenic routes through the Rocky Mountains and other breathtaking natural landscapes. The Rocky Mountaineer operates several routes through Western Canada, including the popular "Journey Through the Clouds" route between Vancouver and Jasper, which offers panoramic views of the mountains, forests, and mesmerising lakes. The Rocky Mountaineer is known for its luxurious amenities, including gourmet meals and drinks served in the dining car, comfortable seating with large windows for optimal sightseeing, and on-board entertainment.

The Trans-Siberian Railway

This legendary railway spans over 9,000 miles across Russia, connecting Moscow with the Russian Far East and the Sea of Japan. It is the longest railway in the world and is known for its stunning landscapes, including taiga forests, steppes, and mountains. The Trans-Siberian Railway also offers a glimpse into the cultural diversity of Russia, with stops in cities such as Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, and Vladivostok. There are several options for traveling on the Trans-Siberian Railway, including luxury trains that offer private cabins and onboard dining, as well as more affordable options such as hard sleeper or soft sleeper trains.

The Orient Express

This one of the most iconic railway is known for its luxurious, extraordinary, vintage-style trains and its route through Europe, including Paris, Venice, and Istanbul. The Orient Express was originally a long-distance passenger train service that operated from 1883 to 2009, and it was associated with glamour and romance. Today, the Orient Express is operated by several different companies that offer luxury train journeys through Europe. These journeys often include stops in major cities, as well as scenic routes through the countryside.

The Shinkansen

This high-speed railway in Japan is known for its speed, efficiency, punctuality, and modern technology. The Shinkansen, also known as the "bullet train," connects major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, and is a popular transportation option for both locals and tourists. The Shinkansen offers a convenient and comfortable way to travel around Japan, with a network of lines that cover much of the country. The trains are equipped with amenities such as comfortable seating, on-board restrooms, and food and beverage service.

The Ghan

This ledendary railway in Australia offers a cross-country journey through the heart of the continent, connecting Adelaide, Alice Springs, and Darwin. The Ghan takes its name from the Afghan cameleers who played a crucial role in the early exploration and development of Australia's outback. The railway follows a route through the red center of the country, offering breathtaking views of the desert landscape and the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the region. The Ghan offers several classes of service, including Gold Service, which features private cabins with en-suite bathrooms, and Platinum Service, which includes a private lounge and dining car.

Bernina Express

Europe is home to a number of scenic mountain railways that offer breathtaking views of the alpine landscapes. For instance, Bernina Express rainway is one of the most spectacular in Switzerland. It connects Chur with Tirano and offers panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. The journey takes about 4.5 hours and covers a distance of around 180 kilometers (110 miles). The train has panoramic windows that offer views of the landscape, as well as an open-air viewing platform at the back of the train. It also features a restaurant car that serves food and drinks. Unsurprisingly, Bernini Express is a popular attraction for tourists, and it is often combined with other attractions in the region, such as skiing, hiking, or sightseeing.

The Eurostar

The Eurostar is a high-speed railway that connects London with Paris and Brussels via the Channel Tunnel. The Eurostar offers convenient and fast transportation between these major cities, with journey times of just a few hours. The trains are equipped with amenities such as comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and food and beverage service. There are several seating classes available on the Eurostar, including Standard Class, Standard Premier, and Business Premier. Standard Class offers comfortable seating and access to the on-board cafe, Standard Premier offers a more premium seating experience and additional amenities such as snacks and drinks, and Business Premier offers a luxurious seating experience and additional amenities such as a private lounge and fine dining.

TranzAlpine

TranzAlpine is one of the most popular railways in New Zealand, which is a scenic train journey that crosses the South Island of New Zealand. The TranzAlpine travels from Christchurch on the east coast to Greymouth on the west coast, passing through the Southern Alps and offering breathtaking views of the mountains, lakes, and forests along the way. The TranzAlpine journey takes about 5 hours and covers a distance of 223 km (139 miles). The train has several viewing carriages with large windows that offer panoramic views of the landscape, as well as an open-air viewing platform at the back of the train. The train also has a cafe car that serves food and drinks, and there are audio commentary available in several languages.

These are just a few examples of popular railways from around the world. There are many other railways that offer unique experiences and attractions for travelers, including scenic railways in Switzerland and New Zealand, luxury trains in India and South Africa, and high-speed railways in China and Europe. No matter what type of railway experience you are looking for, there is likely a railway that can meet your needs.

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Best Scenic Train Rides: 8 Spectacular Journeys (2026)