The World's Most Incredible Train Journeys

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. 

Eastern & Oriental Express -

Luxury Train Club, Flickr

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.   

Deccan Odyssey

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.

alaska railroad

EWY Media, Shutterstock

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.

The Blue Train

Andrew Balet, CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons