1. The Reunification Express, Vietnam
Route: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
Distance: 1,072 miles (1,726 km)
Duration: Two days
Best For: Coastal views, historic cities, cultural immersion
The Reunification Express takes you on a journey through Vietnam’s past and present. Starting from bustling Ho Chi Minh City, the train snakes through vibrant landscapes—rice paddies, jungles, and small fishing villages—before reaching the misty mountains of central Vietnam. The highlight? The Hai Van Pass, where the train glides between the mountains and sea, offering breathtaking coastal views.
2. The Glacier Express, Switzerland
Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz
Distance: 180 miles (290 km)
Duration: 8 hours
Best For: Alpine scenery, mountain passes, luxurious experience
The Glacier Express is famed for its breathtaking journey through the Swiss Alps. Passing through 91 tunnels and crossing 291 bridges, this scenic route offers panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, and deep gorges. It’s a leisurely way to soak up Switzerland’s stunning landscapes in style.
3. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia
Route: Moscow to Vladivostok
Distance: 5,772 miles (9,288 km)
Duration: 6-7 days
Best For: Epic length, diverse landscapes, cultural discovery
One of the longest train journeys in the world, the Trans-Siberian Railway spans the vast expanse of Russia. From the urban bustle of Moscow to the remote, rugged beauty of Siberia, this trip offers an unparalleled view of the world’s largest country. Along the way, you’ll pass through forests, rivers, and even the shores of Lake Baikal.
4. The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
Route: Vancouver to Banff
Distance: 593 miles (955 km)
Duration: 2 days
Best For: Majestic mountains, wildlife sightings, luxury train travel
The Rocky Mountaineer offers a spectacular journey through the Canadian Rockies. Glass-domed carriages provide panoramic views of towering peaks, crystal-clear rivers, and deep valleys. With gourmet dining on board and wildlife sightings like bears and eagles, this trip is perfect for nature lovers.
5. The Ghan, Australia
Route: Adelaide to Darwin
Distance: 1,851 miles (2,979 km)
Duration: 3 days
Best For: Outback landscapes, desert beauty, cultural experience
Crossing the Australian outback from south to north, The Ghan offers a deep dive into the heart of Australia. This legendary journey passes through stunning desert landscapes, ancient gorges, and Aboriginal lands. Stops include excursions in Alice Springs and Katherine, adding a touch of adventure to this epic trip.
6. The Blue Train, South Africa
Route: Pretoria to Cape Town
Distance: 994 miles (1,600 km)
Duration: 27 hours
Best For: Luxury, safari landscapes, African culture
One of the most luxurious train journeys in the world, the Blue Train traverses the stunning landscapes of South Africa. From the highveld plains to the Cape Winelands, this journey combines elegance with incredible scenery. Fine dining, five-star service, and lavish suites make it a top pick for luxury travelers.
7. The Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru
Route: Cusco to Arequipa via Lake Titicaca
Distance: 267 miles (431 km)
Duration: 3 days
Best For: Andean landscapes, cultural richness, luxury travel
The Belmond Andean Explorer winds through the highlands of Peru, offering breathtaking views of the Andes and Lake Titicaca. This luxury train provides a unique mix of opulence and adventure, with stops at ancient ruins and remote villages. Along the way, travelers can enjoy gourmet meals and elegant cabins.
8. The Maharajas’ Express, India
Route: Delhi to Mumbai
Distance: 1,860 miles (2,994 km)
Duration: 8 days
Best For: Royal luxury, Indian culture, historic palaces
Dubbed the “palace on wheels,” the Maharajas’ Express is an opulent journey through India’s most iconic cities and landscapes. From the Taj Mahal to the palaces of Rajasthan, this journey offers a deep dive into India’s royal past. Lavish interiors, gourmet dining, and personalized service make it an unforgettable experience.
9. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
Route: London to Venice
Distance: 994 miles (1,600 km)
Duration: 24 hours
Best For: Vintage luxury, European elegance, historic experience
Step back in time aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, one of the world’s most famous trains. With its Art Deco interiors and white-glove service, this train oozes old-world charm. The journey winds through scenic landscapes across Europe, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of luxurious travel.
10. The Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy
Route: Chur to Tirano
Distance: 90 miles (144 km)
Duration: 4 hours
Best For: Alpine scenery, UNESCO World Heritage sites, scenic beauty
The Bernina Express offers one of the most stunning train journeys in the world, crossing the Alps from Switzerland into Italy. With views of glaciers, mountains, and charming villages, it’s a photographer’s dream. The route also includes the famous Landwasser Viaduct and other engineering marvels.
11. The West Highland Line, Scotland
Route: Glasgow to Mallaig
Distance: 164 miles (264 km)
Duration: 5 hours
Best For: Dramatic highland scenery, lochs, and viaducts
This iconic Scottish route takes you through some of the most spectacular and remote parts of the Scottish Highlands. Famous for crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct—familiarly known from the Harry Potter films—it offers breathtaking views of lochs, mountains, and rugged landscapes that seem untouched by time.
12. The TranzAlpine, New Zealand
Route: Christchurch to Greymouth
Distance: 139 miles (223 km)
Duration: 5 hours
Best For: Southern Alps, diverse landscapes, nature lovers
The TranzAlpine is one of New Zealand’s most scenic train journeys, crossing the South Island from east to west. It takes passengers from the rolling Canterbury Plains, through the dramatic gorges and peaks of the Southern Alps, to the lush rainforest on the west coast. The train’s large windows make it perfect for admiring the views.
13. The Flam Railway, Norway
Route: Myrdal to Flam
Distance: 12 miles (20 km)
Duration: 1 hour
Best For: Steep gradients, waterfalls, fjord views
The Flam Railway is one of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world. This short but dramatic journey takes you through the heart of Norway’s fjord country, past cascading waterfalls, steep valleys, and snow-capped peaks. It’s a thrilling ride offering postcard-perfect views at every turn.
14. The California Zephyr, USA
Route: Chicago to San Francisco
Distance: 2,438 miles (3,924 km)
Duration: 3 days
Best For: Diverse landscapes, Rockies, Sierra Nevada
One of the longest and most scenic train routes in the USA, the California Zephyr crosses the Rockies and Sierra Nevada, passing through prairies, deserts, and mountain ranges. This epic journey offers a stunning variety of American landscapes, from the vast Great Plains to the rugged canyons of Utah.
15. The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia
Route: Bangkok to Singapore
Distance: 1,262 miles (2,030 km)
Duration: 3 days
Best For: Luxury, Southeast Asian culture, lush scenery
The Eastern & Oriental Express offers a luxurious journey through the heart of Southeast Asia. Starting in bustling Bangkok and ending in cosmopolitan Singapore, this train winds through lush jungles, picturesque villages, and vast rice fields. Along the way, guests can enjoy gourmet cuisine, plush cabins, and excursions to cultural landmarks.
16. The Copper Canyon Railway, Mexico
Route: Los Mochis to Chihuahua
Distance: 418 miles (673 km)
Duration: 16 hours
Best For: Dramatic canyons, desert landscapes, adventure seekers
Known as El Chepe, this train takes passengers through Mexico’s vast Copper Canyon, a system of six interconnected canyons larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon. The route offers jaw-dropping views of rugged cliffs, deep gorges, and remote villages. This is a must for adventure lovers looking to explore Mexico’s natural wonders.
17. The Royal Scotsman, Scotland
Route: Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands and back
Distance: Varies
Duration: 2 to 7 days
Best For: Luxury, scenic highlands, historic estates
The Royal Scotsman is a luxury train that winds through the Scottish Highlands, offering an indulgent experience paired with breathtaking scenery. With its lavish interiors, gourmet dining, and stops at historic estates, this journey is perfect for those seeking a luxurious, slow-paced adventure through one of the world’s most beautiful regions.
18. The Seven Stars, Japan
Route: Fukuoka to Kyushu and back
Distance: Varies
Duration: 2 to 4 days
Best For: Japanese luxury, cultural immersion, scenic beauty
Japan’s Seven Stars is a luxury cruise train that traverses the scenic island of Kyushu. With its elegant design and exclusive suites, the train offers a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern comfort. The route showcases Japan’s lush countryside, hot springs, and ancient temples, making it an immersive cultural experience.
19. The Rovos Rail, South Africa
Route: Pretoria to Victoria Falls
Distance: 994 miles (1,600 km)
Duration: 3 days
Best For: African wildlife, luxury travel, historic charm
Dubbed the “Pride of Africa,” Rovos Rail offers a luxurious train journey through Southern Africa. The route takes passengers through vast savannahs, wildlife reserves, and historic towns, culminating at the iconic Victoria Falls. With its vintage carriages and five-star service, this is the perfect blend of adventure and elegance.
20. The Indian Pacific, Australia
Route: Sydney to Perth
Distance: 2,704 miles (4,352 km)
Duration: 4 days
Best For: Desert landscapes, outback experience, Australian wildlife
The Indian Pacific crosses the Australian continent from coast to coast, offering a remarkable journey through the heart of the Outback. Along the way, travelers will witness stunning desert landscapes, rugged mountains, and native wildlife. This epic journey provides a deep sense of the vastness and diversity of Australia.
21. The Grand Canyon Railway, USA
Route: Williams to Grand Canyon South Rim
Distance: 65 miles (105 km)
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Best For: Grand Canyon views, family-friendly experience, historic journey
Dating back to 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway offers a nostalgic journey to one of the world’s most famous natural wonders. The train travels through pine forests, open plains, and red rock landscapes before arriving at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. With its old-fashioned carriages and friendly onboard staff, it’s a fun and scenic trip for travelers of all ages.
