I’ve taken a lot of trips in my life — road trips, flights, ferry rides — but nothing has come close to the magic of watching the world unfold through a train window. There’s something almost meditative about it. You’re not rushing to a destination. You are at the destination, every single minute. The first time I took a mountain train through the Alps, I barely touched my phone the entire journey. I just watched. That trip changed how I think about travel entirely.
If you’ve been thinking about adding a scenic rail journey to your bucket list, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find the ten best scenic train routes in the world — each one worth traveling thousands of miles for.
What Makes a Train Route “Scenic”?
Before diving in, it helps to understand what separates a great train ride from a truly spectacular one. It’s not just about the views — though those matter enormously. The best scenic routes combine dramatic landscapes with a sense of history, engineering marvels, and an immersive travel pace that no other mode of transport can offer.
You want routes where the journey itself is the point, not just the destination.
1. Glacier Express — Switzerland
Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz | Duration: ~7.5 hours
The Glacier Express links St. Moritz in the Engadin skiing area and Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn, taking around seven and a half hours to cover just over 290 km. It’s famously billed as “the slowest express train in the world,” and that slowness is entirely the point.
You’ll want to book the panoramic car. Massive windows frame the snowy peaks, river gorges, and traditional Swiss villages rolling past like a moving painting. Near Kalpetran, the train passes through the wild Kipfen Gorge — one of the most dramatic sections — where the train and the River Vispa run side by side in a strikingly confined canyon.
Tips for your journey:
- Book seats on the right side heading from Zermatt for the best Matterhorn views
- Lunch is served on board — the wine list is worth exploring
- Summer and winter offer completely different but equally breathtaking experiences
2. Bernina Express — Switzerland to Italy
Route: Chur, Switzerland to Tirano, Italy | Duration: ~4 hours
The Bernina Express connects the north of Europe to its south — right through the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway, passing glaciers on the way down to Italian palm trees. That contrast alone — ice fields one hour, Mediterranean vineyards the next — makes this one of the most unique rail journeys on earth.
The highest point on the route is Ospizio Bernina at 2,253 meters above sea level. The route winds through 55 tunnels and crosses nearly 200 bridges and viaducts, including the iconic Landwasser Viaduct. Just before crossing into Italy, the train curves over the extraordinary Brusio Spiral Viaduct — one of the most photographed pieces of railway engineering in the world.
What you’ll see:
- The Morteratsch Glacier — a massive ribbon of ancient ice
- The alpine lakes Lej Nair and Lago Bianco
- A dramatic shift from snowy Alps to sun-drenched Italian countryside
3. Flåm Railway — Norway
Route: Myrdal to Flåm | Duration: ~1 hour
Don’t let the short duration fool you. The Flåm Railway descends from high mountain terrain down to a quiet fjordside village, passing roaring waterfalls, deep valleys, and dramatic cliffs along the way. The train actually pauses at the Kjosfossen waterfall so passengers can step off, breathe the cold air, and take it all in.
The route covers about 20 kilometers and passes through 20 tunnels — all carved through sheer Norwegian rock. The gradient is so steep that it ranks among the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early autumn, when the waterfalls are at full force and the valley is lush green.
4. Rocky Mountaineer — Canada
Route: Vancouver to Banff (and other routes) | Duration: 2 days
The Rocky Mountaineer is probably the most famous scenic train in North America — and for good reason. It runs through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, offering jaw-dropping views of snow-capped peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, and dense old-growth forests.
The train only travels during daylight hours, so you won’t miss a single moment of scenery while sleeping. You’ll pass through dramatic river canyons, watch for wildlife like bears and eagles, and wake up each morning to a completely new mountain landscape outside your window.
Route options include:
- Vancouver to Banff (the most popular)
- Vancouver to Jasper through the Rockies
- Routes through Colorado and Utah in the American West
5. The Ghan — Australia
Route: Adelaide to Darwin | Duration: ~54 hours
Few train journeys capture the raw, untamed spirit of a country like The Ghan does for Australia. This legendary train cuts straight through the heart of the continent, from the southern coast all the way up to the tropical north.
You’ll watch the landscape transform completely over two days — from dry scrubland and ancient red desert to lush northern savanna. The train stops at Alice Springs and Katherine, giving you time to explore the outback on foot. It’s not just a train ride; it’s a cross-country expedition.
Don’t miss: The Katherine Gorge excursion during the Katherine stop — it’s stunning.
6. Trans-Siberian Railway — Russia
Route: Moscow to Vladivostok | Duration: ~7 days
The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway in the world, stretching over 9,000 kilometers across Russia. It’s not “scenic” in the postcard sense — there are no dramatic mountain peaks or waterfalls around every corner. What it offers instead is something rarer: the feeling of crossing an entire continent by rail.
You’ll pass through endless Siberian taiga, skirt the shores of Lake Baikal (the world’s deepest freshwater lake), roll through remote Mongolian steppes on the Trans-Mongolian branch, and watch the light change across the landscape for an entire week. It’s the kind of journey that resets your internal clock.
Practical tips:
- The Trans-Mongolian route via Ulaanbaatar and Beijing is especially popular with international travelers
- Book a second-class sleeper (kupe) for a more authentic local experience
- Carry snacks — platform stops are short and the dining car isn’t always open
7. TranzAlpine — New Zealand
Route: Christchurch to Greymouth | Duration: ~4.5 hours
New Zealand packs an astonishing variety of landscapes into a small country, and the TranzAlpine crosses all of them in a single morning. Starting from Christchurch on the Canterbury Plains, the train climbs into the Southern Alps through narrow gorges, past rivers, and over the Otira Viaduct before descending into the lush rainforests of the West Coast.
There’s an open-air viewing carriage where you can stand outside and feel the mountain air on your face. Most passengers don’t spend much time sitting down.
Best seasons: Spring and autumn offer the most dramatic light — but the route is genuinely beautiful year-round.
8. West Highland Line — Scotland
Route: Glasgow to Mallaig via Fort William | Duration: ~5.5 hours
This is one of Europe’s most atmospheric rail journeys, and one of the most underrated. The West Highland Line passes remote lochs, rugged moorlands, and mist-covered mountains in the Scottish Highlands. It’s the kind of landscape that looks like it belongs in a fantasy novel — because it literally does. Part of the route crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which Harry Potter fans will recognize instantly.
The final stretch from Fort William to Mallaig is especially dramatic, running along the coast with views over the sea to the Isle of Skye.
Tips:
- Take the Jacobite Steam Train in summer for a classic experience over the Glenfinnan Viaduct
- The journey is entirely different in autumn when the heather turns purple
9. Cinque Terre Express — Italy
Route: La Spezia to Levanto | Duration: ~30 minutes
It’s short, but the Cinque Terre Express earns its place on this list because of what it connects. The five villages of the Cinque Terre cling to steep cliffsides above the Ligurian Sea, and the train is the easiest and most scenic way to hop between them.
Each stop drops you in a different colorful village — Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso — all strung together along some of the most beautiful coastline in Europe. The train passes through short tunnels, briefly emerges to offer glimpses of the sea, and deposits you somewhere wonderful every few minutes.
Pro tip: Buy a Cinque Terre Card, which covers unlimited train travel between the villages plus access to the hiking trails.
10. Maharajas’ Express — India
Route: Various routes across India | Duration: 7–8 days
The Maharajas’ Express is a different kind of scenic train — here, the luxury inside the train rivals the landscape outside. This is India’s most prestigious rail journey, modeled on the royal traveling style of India’s maharajas, and it covers some of the country’s most iconic destinations including Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi, and Ranthambore.
You’ll wake up each morning at a new destination, with guided excursions taking you to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, tiger reserves, and ancient temples. The train itself features elegantly decorated cabins, fine dining restaurants, and a lounge bar.
What makes it special: It’s the only way to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise and be back on board for breakfast — without unpacking a single bag.
How to Choose the Right Scenic Train Route for You
Not every route is right for every traveler. Here’s a quick guide to help you narrow it down:
| Your Travel Style | Best Route Pick |
|---|---|
| First-time scenic rail traveler | Glacier Express or Bernina Express |
| Nature lover and wildlife watcher | Rocky Mountaineer or The Ghan |
| Budget-conscious traveler | West Highland Line or Flåm Railway |
| Luxury seeker | Maharajas’ Express or Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf |
| Solo adventurer | Trans-Siberian Railway |
| Short on time | Cinque Terre Express or TranzAlpine |
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Any Scenic Train Journey
You’ve picked your route — now make sure you get the most out of it.
- Book early. The most popular panoramic seats on trains like the Glacier Express and Rocky Mountaineer sell out months in advance, especially in summer.
- Sit on the correct side. Research your route beforehand and find out which side of the train faces the best views for the majority of the journey.
- Travel in the right season. Switzerland is stunning year-round, but Norway’s waterfalls peak in late spring. Australia’s outback is brutal in summer heat.
- Bring a good camera — but put it down sometimes. Some moments are better experienced without a lens in front of your face.
- Go slow. Resist the urge to rush. These journeys reward patience. Order a coffee, watch the world go by, and let the scenery sink in.
FAQ: Scenic Train Routes for Sightseeing
What is the most scenic train route in the world?
Most travel experts and readers’ polls consistently rank the Glacier Express in Switzerland and the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada among the top two. Both offer world-class panoramic views and a highly comfortable experience. The best choice really depends on whether you prefer Alpine European landscapes or rugged North American wilderness.
Are scenic train journeys expensive?
It varies widely. The Flåm Railway in Norway and the West Highland Line in Scotland are relatively affordable. The Maharajas’ Express and Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf class are premium experiences with price tags to match. Most fall somewhere in the middle — comparable to a mid-range flight but far more memorable.
Do I need to book scenic train tickets in advance?
Yes, absolutely — especially for the most popular routes. The Glacier Express, Rocky Mountaineer, and Maharajas’ Express require advance reservations, sometimes months ahead for peak season travel. The Flåm Railway and Cinque Terre Express are more flexible but still benefit from early booking in summer.
What should I pack for a long scenic train journey?
Pack light layers for temperature changes, a good camera or phone with extra storage, noise-canceling headphones for overnight legs, snacks and a reusable water bottle, and a good book for the quieter stretches. Comfortable clothing matters more than anything else on long journeys.
Can I take scenic train journeys with kids?
Absolutely. Trains are one of the most family-friendly ways to travel. Kids generally love the experience of watching landscapes change from a big window. Routes like the TranzAlpine, Flåm Railway, and Cinque Terre Express are particularly well-suited for families with children.
Is the Trans-Siberian Railway safe for solo travelers?
Yes, the Trans-Siberian Railway is widely considered safe for solo travelers, including solo women. Shared compartment carriages have a communal atmosphere, and many travelers report making lifelong friends on the journey. The main challenges are language barriers and long days without much to do — both manageable with a little preparation.
Final Thoughts
Scenic train travel is having a serious comeback, and it’s easy to see why. In a world obsessed with speed, there’s something deeply satisfying about choosing the slow route — the one that takes you through mountains, fjords, deserts, and coastlines at a pace where you can actually take it all in.
Whether you start with a four-hour sprint across the Swiss Alps or commit to a week crossing Siberia, you’ll come back a different kind of traveler. The kind who books the train before the flight.
