The World's Most Incredible Train Journeys
If you want to enjoy life at a slower pace, you may enjoy traveling by train. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as the train trundles through stunning mountain passes, serene deserts, and gorgeous green spaces.
If you've never taken a journey by train, or have a specific country in mind you'd love to see by train—here are some of the world's most incredible train journeys to take. All prices are in USD and are current as of September 2024.
Eastern And Oriental Express
Owned by Belmond Limited—the Bermudan hospitality and travel company—the Eastern and Oriental Express operates two routes around Malaysia in two seasons: "The Essence of Malaysia", a four-day, three-night trip, and "Wild Malaysia", another four-day, three-night trip that explores the beauty of the Singaporean/Malaysian border.
Explore the gorgeous Singaporean/Malaysian border region, traveling through vast expanses of greenspaces, gorgeous rocky outcrops, and charming villages in an experience of Malaysia not often had by many.
Each route of the Eastern and Oriental Express costs $4,150, which covers all meals, and the rooms feature an en-suite bathroom and shower.
Deccan Odyssey
Offering six routes through India, the Deccan Odyssey explores the Maharashtra region of India over seven nights and eight days, getting in touch with all of the majesty and beauty of India, including icons like the Taj Mahal, a tiger-spotting opportunity in Ranthambore National Park, and a visit to magisterial Indian temples and palaces.
Each of the six routes of the Deccan Odyssey starts at $8,330 per cabin, per journey.
Superfast1111, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Alaska Railroad
The Alaska Railroad will give you a chance to explore Alaska in a whole new way. Running between the southerly city of Seward and Fairbanks in the center of the state, the Alaskan Railroad passes through the stunning Denali National Park and the picturesque Anchorage. Fully customizable to support your needs and travel desires, the Alaskan Railroads packages offer five individual routes, or the opportunity to do all 470 miles between Seward and Fairbanks.
Prices vary based on train selection, class, and route—but you can generally expect to pay around $900 for a round-trip between Seward and Fairbanks.
The Blue Train
The Blue Train is a stunning traverse between Cape Town and Pretoria, covering some 994 miles. You'll experience the beauty of South Africa in stunning luxury, complete with cotton linen duvets, a writing desk, in-room television, and even a window into the conductor's cabin with the "Conductor's View" camera, so you'll see the view from the front of the train.
While not an extensive trip—taking just 31 hours to go from Pretoria to Cape Town—the stunning journey is the perfect length to fit into your week-long vacation to South Africa. The cost? Just $1,880 one-way, per person.
Andrew Balet, CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
The Ghan
The Ghan train runs between Adelaide, Australia and Darwin, in the Northern Territory, a total journey across the country from south to north—and back again, if you so choose. The Ghan is filled with off-train experiences for passengers to enjoy, including stops in Katherine for a helicopter flight over Nitmiluk Gorge, a scenic flight over Alice Springs, or taking a boat plane over Lake Eyre.
It's a stunning journey for anyone who wishes to experience Australia differently, at a cost of $3,700 per person.
myphotobank.com.au, Shutterstock
Grand Canyon National Railway
Sure, you might want to hike the Grand Canyon, maybe even drive there and camp out under the stars in your campervan, but what about taking the train through the canyon? Ever thought about that? Well, you definitely should. Grand Canyon National Railway offers incredible pricing on a trip from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, a journey of an hour and five minutes by car.
Pay only $70 round-trip for a Pullman class, or upgrade your ticket to Coach class for $90 and experience the stunning ruggedness of the Arizona landscape from the comfort of the train.
Grand Canyon National Park, Flickr
Glacier Express
Ever dreamt of a Swiss holiday spent skiing in the Alps? Of course you have. With the Glacier Express train, you can make that a reality. Running between two major mountain resorts—Zermatt and St Moritz—you'll be spoiled for choice at which one to stay at. Traveling for 180 miles over eight hours, the Glacier Express is an incredible way to experience the stunning Swiss Alps.
The eight-hour one-way journey between Zermatt and St Moritz is available from $187 for second class and $320 for first class travel.
Champer, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Rocky Mountaineer
There is, perhaps, no better Rocky Mountain experience than traveling aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, through the American Southwest and Canadian Rockies. Available in four incredible journeys, the Rocky Mountaineer runs from Banff or Jasper in Alberta to Vancouver, British Columbia, and from Denver, Colorado to Moab, Utah.
Available as two-day, three-day, or five-day packages, and costing from $1,807 up to $6,300 at its most expensive, these stunning trains aren't to be missed if you've always wanted to explore the Canadian Rockies.
Cwojtun, CC BY-SA 4.0 , Wikimedia Commons
The Pacific Surfliner
The Pacific Surfliner is a wonderful way to explore the Pacific Coast of Southern California. Trains run between Ventura, Los Angeles, Anaheim, and downtown San Diego (with multiple stops in-between), hugging the coastline and venturing inland as the Surfliner traverses the SoCal coast.
Whether you're looking for a multi-city trip, or simply traveling between smaller locales on your trip through SoCal, the Pacific Surfliner ticket prices vary depending on where you're going. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $42 to $65 for a return trip on the daily-journeying Surfliner.
West Highland Line
Always wanted to visit Scotland? There's perhaps no better way to do so than on the West Highland Line, offered by ScotRail. It's a wild west coast extravaganza that leaves Glasgow, heads west along the River Clyde to the town of Helensburgh, then heads north to the remote community of Oban, or to West Mallaig (where it travels along the Glenfinnan Viaduct—as seen in the Harry Potter films).
Shrouded in majestic heather-laden fields, you may see the occasional red deer, or pass through a version of Scotland so remote, there are no built roads, leaving you to experience a side of Scotland that one can only truly appreciate from the trundling of a train. Tickets on the West Highland Line from Glasgow to Oban (return) can be enjoyed from only $50.
Bloodworx, CC BY-SA 4.0 , Wikimedia Commons
The Canadian By VIA Rail
One of the most impressive train journeys in the world: VIA Rail's "The Canadian" takes you from Toronto to Vancouver, over four nights and five days—a journey of over 2,700 miles, through the sprawling Canadian Prairies (where you can watch your dog run away for days) and the stunning Rocky Mountains of Alberta and eastern BC. Finally, you'll end up on the spectacular West Coast, where Vancouver provides a beautiful, diverse, and buzzing destination to end your five-day slog across Canada.
Traveling onboard The Canadian can be done in either Sleeper Plus class, Prestige class (complete with dining tables and chairs), or in Economy (where you sleep in your seat and are offered fairly basic train food). At its cheapest, an Economy seat aboard The Canadian costs $461, while a Sleeper Plus experience will put you out $775.
The Pride Of Africa
The Pride Of Africa train service is operated by Rovos Rail and runs between Pretoria and Cape Town, offering five, nine, 12, or 15-night stays aboard the train, with various side trips like safaris, exploratory tours of Cape Town, and a journey to Victoria Falls. You can also combine tours and trips to create a truly customizable experience.
The Pride of Africa's tickets aren't cheap—$9,600 to an eye-watering $12,000.
Durango And Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is for those who love the heritage of the West, running south-north between Durango and Silverton, Colorado. As a narrow gauge railroad, the tracks measure only three feet across, so expect close quarters with your fellow passengers. The wonderful 3.5-hour journey (each way) will see you traveling through spectacular gorges and serene mountain passes as the stunning vintage locomotive chugs along.
You'll also have a nearly two-hour layover in Silverton, to experience the historic mining town. Tickets for the round-trip between Durango and Silverton are between $105 and $270 for the steam train experience, while a secondary diesel engine runs the same route for between $97 and $279.
Michael Gäbler, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
California Zephyr
For a train named the "California Zephyr", it doesn't spend a whole lot of time in California. Instead, you're treated to one of the longest train journeys in the United States, crossing seven states, over Rocky Mountain passes, and through the Sierra Nevada, en-route from Chicago to San Francisco.
A return ticket between Chicago and San Francisco will cost you around $500 on the Coach fare, but it's one of the most stunning ways to venture from east to west across the US.
Kenneth Sponsler, Shutterstock
El Chepe
El Chepe, otherwise known as the Chepe Express, is a nine-hour, 220-mile journey through magnificent Mexico, between Los Mochis, Sinaloa in southern Mexico to the northern town of Creel in Chihuahua. Passing through the majestic Copper Canyon and over one of the most imposing mountain ranges in the world, you can choose to go all the way from Los Mochis to Creel, or stop at any of the five destinations along the way and explore the beautiful countryside of Central Mexico.
Traveling on El Chepe from Los Mochis to Creel will set you back about $500.
Elii San, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Royal Scotsman
The Royal Scotsman is one of Scotland's most popular trains, in close contention with the West Highland Line. Marketed as one of the most luxurious train rides you'll ever have, the Royal Scotsman offers short journeys of two or three nights (into the Highlands and along the West Coast respectively), or longer tours of five and seven nights. They also offer whisky distillery-based trips and historical tours, and explore the many castles of Scotland.
If you've been itching to explore Scotland, whether you have Scottish ancestry or are simply besotted with the place, then The Royal Scotsman is one of the best luxury train offerings out there. Expect to pay a minimum of $7,000 per person, though.
Hiram-Bingham Orient Express
Another luxurious train journey is the Hiram-Bingham Orient Express. Yes, that famous Orient Express. Explore Peru through the narrow windows of the gorgeous 1920s style locomotive, en-route from Cusco to Machu Picchu. For those traveling to South America to see Machu Picchu, consider taking the sacred journey to one of the world's oldest and most majestic sites in-style aboard the Orient Express.
A note that the train does travel 7,500 feet above sea level, which may cause altitude sickness in some passengers—oxygen masks are provided. If that doesn't deter you, then take the adventure on the Orient Express for around $400 per ticket.
Bernina Express
Designed as a panoramic train, the Bernina Express is one of the finest Alpine trains you could ever wish to experience. It rolls through the Alps and you're able to see everything around you, thanks to the train's design. See it roll over the Landwasser Viaduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and cross the stunning Morteratsch Glacier as you travel from Chur, Switzerland to Tirano in Italy—a distance of 89 miles.
While the journey won't take you all day, the four and a half hours spent aboard the Bernina aren't ones you'll forget. The ticket prices are very affordable at only $32 each way.
Bergen Railway
One of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, the Bergen Railway takes you through Norway, from Oslo to Bergen (and back again, if you so choose). Showcasing Norway's diverse infrastructure, expect to see cities, mountains, fjords, bears, and other stunning sights aboard this top-class train.
Surpassing 4,000 feet of elevation above sea level, the Bergen Railway travels 308 miles between Oslo and Bergen. One-way tickets on the Bergen Railway cost $110.
toresetre, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Coast Starlight
The Coast Starlight is one of the best ways to see the Pacific Coast of the United States—because it runs almost the entire length of the West Coast, starting in Los Angeles, California and running to Seattle, Washington. You'll also see many other large West Coast cities on the route, passing through (with stops) in Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Sacramento.
The Coast Starlight showcases the biodiversity of the West Coast, from serene forestry to stunning mountain passes and the rugged West Coast provides a near-constant view of the Pacific Ocean, minus a few dips inland.
Tickets on the Coast Starlight range from $133 for a Coach seat to $676 for a Private Room on the 34-hour journey.
Glenn Beltz , CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ireland's Causeway Coastal Route
The Causeway Coastal Route is an incredible Irish experience that allows you explore the northeast Irish coast with stops between Belfast and Londonderry, including a stunning bus transfer to the infamous Giants Causeway. Vast ocean views and luscious greenery surround you on all sides as the train dips inland, passing sea arches and stunning ancient castles.
If you're looking for a reason to explore Northern Ireland, then the Causeway Coastal Route is your perfect excuse. The two-hour journey from Belfast to Derry will cost around $20.
Denali Star
Alaska Railroad's flagship train, the Denali Star, runs from Anchorage in the south to Fairbanks in the center of the state. Stopping in Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park, the Denali Star traverses the stunning Alaskan wilderness, comprised of glorious green forestry, majestic mountain passes, and stunning lakes and rivers.
The 356-mile journey takes 12 hours and costs $890 for a round-trip fare.
Belmond British Pullman
Go back to the 1920s with the Belmond British Pullman train: a classic train with a modern twist. Considered a sister train to the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, the Belmond British Pullman takes on a once-in-a-lifetime extravaganza tour of the United Kingdom, crisscrossing the British Isles through Kent, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, and Surrey.
Champagne is on tap (free!) aboard the British Pullman, where tickets will cost approximately $1,500.
Rhine Valley Line
The Rhine Valley Line traverses the edge of the Rhine River through the best that Germany has to offer, traveling from Mainz to Koblenz, past many ancient German castles and fortresses. Despite only being 62 miles long and taking less than three hours, typical German efficiency means you'll pack a lot into that time.
Tickets for the Rhine Valley Line are included in a Eurail pass, which can range from $237 to $575, depending on the length of pass you select.
Michael Derrer Fuchs, Shutterstock
Kyushu Seven Star
The Kyushu Seven Star train is one of the most exclusive trains in the world—it offers only 20 seats per journey, taking travelers on a four-day/three-night tour around the island of Kyushu in Japan. A trip aboard the Kyushu Seven Star also includes a stay at a Japanese island cottage for one of your three nights, a rare and unmissable experience.
As it is such an exclusive train, the Kyushu Seven Star ticket prices begin around $2,500 per person.
The Golden Eagle
Even if exploring Siberia sounds like something you'd never do voluntarily, the Golden Eagle train may change all that. Known as the Trans Siberian Express, the Golden Eagle now runs along the Silk Road, offering journeys that explore the infamous trade route and the small republics that now line it, including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.
Tickets aboard The Golden Eagle begin at $17,500.
Venice Simplon-Orient Express
The Venice Simplon-Orient Express is one of the prized train possessions of Europe. Adorned in stunning luxury with cabins glittering with gold and the finest views in all of Europe, travelers depart from Paris, traveling through southern European cities like Lausanne, Simplon, Milan, Venice, Belgrade, and Sofia before arriving in the majestic Turkish city of Istanbul.
You'll have to be rather affluent to afford a ticket on the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, though. They're $23,500 per person.
Talyllyn Railway
The Welsh train of Talyllyn doesn't break 10 mph while traversing its short 14-mile journey through the Welsh countryside. Traveling from Tywyn into southern Snowdonia aboard a coal-fed train that was the inspiration for the famous children's book Thomas The Tank Engine is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
While it might seem a little silly compared to other opulent offerings on our list, at $38, you can't really say no to one of the most unique train journeys you'll ever complete.
Winnipeg To Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
Journeying into Canada's far northern reaches isn't a journey for the faint of heart. That's especially true if you're heading to Churchill, Manitoba to see polar bears—which means traveling in winter. A northern Canadian winter where temperatures frequently reach -40F. Despite the bitter cold, it's nice and warm aboard VIA Rail's northern run. Keep your eyes open for more wildlife as you head away from the icy prairie into the northern recesses of Canada.
Tickets for a return trip from Winnipeg to Churchill are around $800.
East Aboard The Ocean
For those looking to explore eastern Canada, "The Ocean", offered by VIA Rail, travels from Montreal, Quebec to Halifax, Nova Scotia. It takes you on a journey through New Brunswick, surrounded mostly by gorgeous forests and luscious ocean scenery, especially as you approach northern New Brunswick and the coastal Nova Scotian city of Halifax.
The Ocean's typical journey takes around 24 hours to complete, costing around $165.
Dennis G. Jarvis, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Napa Valley Wine Train
Love wine? Love trains? You'll love the Napa Valley Wine Train, showcasing the many beautiful wineries of the Napa Valley in California. Offering both full-on tours and daytime journeys, the Napa Valley Wine Train features stunning onboard cuisine and the finest wines in the land.
The Napa Valley Wine trains ticket prices begin at $165 for a lunchtime trip, but can exceed $500 for the daylong tours.
Grendelkhan, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Cass Scenic Railroad
Climbing Black Allegheny Mountain in West Virginia should only be done via the Cass Scenic Railroad. The Cass Scenic Railroad train is among the few remaining coal-fed steam trains in the United States, trundling over stunning West Virginian countryside as you begin the steep 11-mile climb to Bald Knob (4,842 feet) from Cass (2,452 feet), with a gradient of a stunning 10%.
The 4.5-hour journey costs $81 for adults and $61 for children, with seniors and veterans discounts possible.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a stunning way to see the splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hopping aboard in Blue Ridge, Georgia, you'll begin a 26-mile, four-hour round trip traversing the Toccoa River through glorious Georgian countryside and the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you've always wanted to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, then the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is your chance! Tickets are available from $58.99, featuring a state layover in Tennessee.
Bundle Up Aboard The Aurora Winter Train
Ever fancied a weekend train trip in Alaska? No? You might after hearing about the stunning Aurora winter train. Running between Anchorage and Fairbanks, travelers aboard the Aurora get the true winter experience, particularly if you're lucky enough to see the train's namesake: The Aurora Borealis. You'll have to get up in the middle of the night to do so, and keep an eye on those Aurora charts!
A round-trip on the Aurora Winter Train will cost $452.
Shchipkova Elena, Shutterstock
The Sunset Limited
Ever thought about riding off into the sunset? While it may not be on a horse, like in all the famous cowboy movies, the Sunset Limited train is about as close as you'll get. Heading west from New Orleans, Louisiana, the Sunset Limited takes you south through Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before popping up in the Californian mountains and concluding the 1,995-mile journey in Los Angeles.
The cost runs between $175 for Coach seating and $500 for a Private Room.
Johnwayne Stroud, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Amtrak Downeaster
Eastbound and down, right? That's the case on the Amtrak Downeaster, which provides five daily round-trips between Maine and Boston, Massachusetts. If you're looking to explore the northeastern United States, or are just visiting friends and family, the Amtrak Downeaster is the way to do it.
Onboard Wi-Fi, reclining seats, an onboard café, and personal power outlets ensure you'll travel in-style and comfort as you ride through the lush greenery (or now autumnal colors) of Maine and into Massachusetts. The cost of the Downeaster? $50 to $72 round-trip.
BMRR, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Empire Builder
This stunning, 46-hour train goes from Portland or Seattle, Washington to Chicago, Illinois. The Empire Builder travels through the same wilderness of the earliest pioneers, including large parts of the Lewis and Clark Trail, across the North Dakota Plains, and over the Gasman-Coulee Trestle.
Passing through much of the greatest landscapes in America, lovers of history and nature will love The Empire Builder. The price for getting a seat on this majestic passenger train? Between $471 and $685. Not bad for 45 hours of imperial splendor.
Jerry Huddleston, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Vermonter
The Vermonter travels between Washington DC and St Albans, Vermont. Stopping in Burlington, NYC, New Haven, and Springfield, Massachusetts, along with many others. The daily service runs for 611 miles at an average speed of 48 mph, allowing you to take in the beauty of the American east.
Tickets on The Vermonter cost $148 for Coach and $281 for Business class.
LunchboxLarry, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Skunk Train
There's no better way to experience a Californian autumn than with The Skunk Train. It offers four runs, each from Willits or Fort Bragg, and goes back-and-forth between the two, making runs from central Mendocino in Willits, to the coast in Fort Bragg.
Each journey takes between 75 minutes (leaving from Fort Bragg) and two hours (leaving from Willits). Check out all that the Skunk Train has to offer with their themed rides, as well. Ticket prices range from $50 to $200 per adult, depending on trip selection.
Thank You (25 Millions ) views, Flickr
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is the premiere rail touring train in the Great Smoky Mountains region, traveling through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Tuckasegee River, Nantahala Gorge, and many other spectacular places in this 4.5 hour, 44-mile trip that showcases the best of the Great Smoky Mountains.
The cost of the journey varies from $59 to $139+, if you choose one of the special events hosted aboard the Great Smoky Mountain train.
The Lac Mégantic Rail Disaster
On July 6, 2013, at 1:13am, as the inhabitants of the small Canadian town of Lac Mégantic, Quebec lay asleep in their beds, 72 cars filled with crude oil ran free of their brakes and careened into the town. The explosion killed 47 people and destroyed almost all of the buildings in town.
The ensuing investigation laid criminal charges of negligence causing death at the feet of the company that owned the cars: Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway.
Ministry of Public Security (Quebec), CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
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