Best Train Trips in the World for Scenic Rail Travel

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Best Train Trips in the World for Scenic Rail Travel

Scenic rail travel has experienced a renaissance in 2026, driven by climate-conscious travel preferences, the resurgence of overnight European sleeper trains, and the continued maturation of luxury rail products in Asia and Africa. Train trips deliver something flying never can - sustained immersion in landscape, the rhythm of arrival in city centers, and the small social rituals of dining cars, observation lounges, and overnight cabins. This guide ranks the world's best train trips by what makes them genuinely great: scenery quality, rolling stock, route logistics, value, and the kind of experiences that justify the choice of train over plane.

Short Answer

The top train trips worldwide for 2026 are: Glacier Express (Switzerland), Bernina Express (Switzerland to Italy), Flåm Railway and Bergen Railway (Norway), Rocky Mountaineer (Canada), Belmond Royal Scotsman / British Pullman / Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian (Russia/Mongolia/China - geopolitical caveats), Ghan and Indian Pacific (Australia), Rovos Rail Pride of Africa (South Africa), Maharajas' Express / Palace on Wheels (India), Eastern & Oriental Express (Singapore-Bangkok), Shinkansen (Japan), California Zephyr (USA), Coast Starlight (USA), El Chepe (Mexico Copper Canyon), Cusco to Machu Picchu (Peru), and the Bergen-Oslo line (Norway). Glacier Express is the world's most consistently recommended scenic train. Rocky Mountaineer delivers North America's premier rail experience. Trans-Siberian is the renowned long-distance epic (currently complicated by Russia geopolitics). Belmond's products dominate the luxury end.

What Makes a Great Train Trip

Beyond scenery:

Route quality - distinctive landscape, varied scenery progression
Rolling stock - comfort, observation cars, dining
Service - crew quality, food, attention
Logistics - easy start/disembark, baggage handling, accessibility
Length - long enough to feel like a trip, not so long it tests patience
Cultural elements - what you experience between stops
Value - meaningful experience for the cost
Infrastructure - reliability, safety record

The great trains layer all of these. Some routes (Glacier Express, Bernina Express) deliver elite scenery on rolling stock that's good but not luxurious; others (Belmond Pullman, Eastern & Oriental, Royal Scotsman) deliver ultra-luxury at premium prices but more limited scenery range.

Tier 1: The World's Best Train Trips

Glacier Express, Switzerland

Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz (or reverse), 8 hours, 291 km
Why it's #1 for many travelers: Switzerland's flagship scenic train crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, climbs to 2,033m at the Oberalp Pass, and links two of the world's most famous mountain resorts. Panoramic glass-roofed coaches deliver mountain views nothing else matches.

Standout features: Excellence Class with seat-side service and gourmet meals; the Solis Viaduct; the Landwasser Viaduct (curving 65m above the river); Albula Pass.

Best months: June-October for summer green scenery; December-March for snowy alpine drama. Both are spectacular.

Cost: Standard class ~CHF 159 + reservation fee. First class ~CHF 268. Excellence Class ~CHF 470 with full meal service.

Tips: Book reservations 60+ days ahead in summer. Sit on the right side (heading St. Moritz to Zermatt) for best views; opposite for reverse.

Bernina Express, Switzerland-Italy

Route: Chur (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy), 4 hours, 144 km
Why it's elite: The Bernina Express crosses the highest non-cog rail crossing of the Alps at Bernina Pass (2,253m), descending dramatically into Italy. UNESCO-listed as a railway. Open viewing cars (in summer) and panoramic windows year-round.

Standout features: Brusio Spiral Viaduct (the train circles itself); Lake Bianco at the pass; the descent into the Italian Valtellina valley.

Best months: May-October.

Cost: ~CHF 75 + reservation. Multiple-day Swiss Travel Pass options.

Flåm Railway, Norway

Route: Myrdal to Flåm, 1 hour, 20 km
Why it's a top pick: One of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world. Drops 866m through 20 tunnels, with the well-known Kjosfossen waterfall stop where the train pauses for photos.

Standout features: Vintage carriages; mountain pass to fjord descent; combine with Norway in a Nutshell route to make a Flåm-Bergen-Oslo loop.

Best months: May-September.

Cost: NOK 700 each way; combinable with multi-day Norway in a Nutshell packages.

Bergen Railway, Norway

Route: Oslo to Bergen, 7 hours, 471 km
Why it's a top pick: Northern Europe's highest mainline rail crossing at Finse (1,222m), passing across the Hardangervidda plateau between alpine mountains, lakes, and finally descending toward Norway's fjord coast.

Standout features: Hardangervidda alpine scenery; some of Europe's longest unbroken rail-mountain segments; comfortable Norwegian carriages.

Best months: May-September.

Cost: NOK 800-2,000; book ahead for cheapest fares.

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

Route: Vancouver to Banff, Jasper, or Calgary; multi-day trips
Why it's elite: Canada's premier scenic rail. GoldLeaf Service offers double-decker glass-domed carriages, gourmet meals, and overnight hotel stays in Kamloops between rail days. The route follows the Fraser and Thompson rivers up through the Rockies.

Standout features: GoldLeaf observation deck; Mount Robson; daylight-only travel (you sleep in hotels, not on the train); extensive culinary program.

Best months: April through October only (no winter operation).

Cost: CAD $2,500-10,000 per person depending on route and class.

Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

Route: London-Paris-Venice (or reverse); other Europe-spanning options
Why it's celebrated: The most famous luxury train in the world. 1920s-1930s carriages restored to original glory. Black-tie dinner in the dining car. Most trips 1-2 nights with overnight cabin stays.

Standout features: Wagons-Lits sleeping cars from the original Orient Express era; bar car with pianist; black-tie evening atmosphere; Italian Venetian arrival.

Best months: March-November.

Cost: $3,000-15,000+ per person for the standard 1-night trip. Premium experiences higher.

Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland

Route: Several Scottish Highland itineraries, 3-7 nights
Why it's elite: Scotland's premier luxury train tours the Highlands with stops at distilleries, castles, and stately homes. Ten suite cars, fine dining, traditional Scottish hospitality.

Best months: April-October.

Cost: £3,000-10,000+ per person.

Belmond British Pullman and Belmond Northern Belle, UK

Day train experiences with dining; less expensive than Royal Scotsman.

Trans-Siberian / Trans-Mongolian, Russia/Mongolia/China

Route: Moscow to Beijing (or Vladivostok), 6,000+ km, 6-7 days non-stop, typically 14-21 days with stops
Why it's famous: The longest train trip in the world. Crosses 8 time zones, traverses Siberia's taiga, Lake Baikal, the Mongolian steppe, and the Gobi Desert.

2026 reality: Russian section currently complicated by Western sanctions. Visa and payment logistics challenging for Western travelers. Trans-Mongolian (Beijing-Ulaanbaatar) and Trans-Manchurian routes more accessible. Russian-only sections discouraged.

Cost: $1,500-5,000 for full trip including stops, visas, accommodation.

The Ghan, Australia

Route: Adelaide to Darwin (or reverse), 2,979 km, 4 days
Why it's a top pick: Australia's notable outback rail trip. Crosses the Red Centre with stops at Alice Springs and Katherine. Premium Platinum service includes off-train excursions.

Standout features: Outback landscapes; Alice Springs day stops; Northern Territory tropical arrival in Darwin.

Best months: April-September (Australian winter).

Cost: AUD $3,500-10,000 per person.

Indian Pacific, Australia

Route: Sydney to Perth, 4,352 km, 4 days (longest east-west rail in Australia)
Why it's a top pick: Crosses the Nullarbor Plain (one of the longest dead-straight railway sections in the world, 478 km without a curve). Off-train excursions at Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook, Kalgoorlie.

Best months: April-September.

Cost: AUD $3,500-10,000 per person.

Rovos Rail (Pride of Africa), Southern Africa

Route: Cape Town to Pretoria, Pretoria to Victoria Falls, Pretoria to Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)
Why it's elite: Africa's premier luxury train. Restored 1920s-1930s carriages, with each suite featuring a private bathroom. Open-air observation car. Full-board dining. Off-train excursions to wineries, game reserves, historical sites.

Standout features: Cape-to-Falls prominent 3-night trip; the longer Pretoria-to-Dar es Salaam expedition (15 days).

Best months: April-October.

Cost: $2,500-15,000+ per person.

Maharajas' Express / Palace on Wheels, India

Route: Many Indian palace-themed itineraries
Why it's a top pick: India's luxury rail tours combine railway trip with elaborate ground tours of Rajasthan's palaces, Taj Mahal, Varanasi.

Maharajas' Express has 14 carriages, suite cabins, two restaurants, a bar/lounge.

Best months: October-March.

Cost: $3,500-9,500 per person for typical 7-night trip.

Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia

Route: Singapore-Bangkok via Malaysia (or reverse); 3 nights
Why it's elite: Belmond's Asian luxury train. Restored Pullman-style carriages; stops include the Bridge over the River Kwai (Death Railway memorial), Penang, and Kuala Lumpur.

Best months: October-April.

Cost: $3,000-6,500 per person.

Shinkansen, Japan

Route: Various high-speed routes - Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka the most famous, plus Tokyo-Hakata-Kagoshima, Tokyo-Aomori-Hokkaido, etc.
Why it's a top pick: The world's most reliable, modern, fast train system. Mt. Fuji visible from the Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka run on clear days. Punctuality measured in seconds.

Standout experiences: Reserved seat on the right side from Tokyo to Kyoto for Mt. Fuji view; the Hayabusa from Tokyo to Hokkaido; the Tsubame from Hakata to Kagoshima.

Cost: Japan Rail Pass options (7 days $345, 14 days $551, 21 days $696). Individual tickets vary.

California Zephyr, USA

Route: Chicago to San Francisco, 2,438 mi (3,925 km), 51 hours
Why it's a top pick: Amtrak's most scenic route. Crosses the Rockies (Moffat Tunnel), passes through Glenwood Canyon, and traverses the Sierra Nevada with the Donner Pass.

Standout features: Sightseer Lounge car (panoramic windows); the Colorado mountains; the Sierra Nevada descent.

Best months: May-October for summer scenery; February for snow drama.

Cost: Coach $300; Roomette $700; Bedroom $1,400+ per person one-way.

Coast Starlight, USA

Route: Los Angeles to Seattle, 1,377 mi (2,216 km), 35 hours
Why it's a top pick: Pacific coast and Cascade mountain scenery; one of Amtrak's most popular long-distance routes.

Standout features: The Pacific coast section between LA and SF; the Cascades; the descent into Portland.

Cost: Coach $200-350; Roomette $500-800.

El Chepe, Mexico (Copper Canyon)

Route: Los Mochis to Chihuahua via Copper Canyon
Why it's a top pick: Crosses the Sierra Madre Occidental and Copper Canyon (deeper than the Grand Canyon). 6 hours via El Chepe Express (newer faster service); longer for full route.

Best months: October-April.

Cost: $200-500 depending on class.

Cusco to Machu Picchu, Peru

Route: Numerous options from Ollantaytambo or Poroy to Aguas Calientes
Why it's a top pick: PeruRail's Hiram Bingham luxury train and the Vistadome panoramic train both offer Sacred Valley views with distinguished Machu Picchu arrival.

Cost: Vistadome $80-120; Hiram Bingham $475+ (includes meals and Machu Picchu entry).

Tier 2: Strong Scenic Trains Worth Knowing

Bergen-Oslo line, Norway (separate scenic class)

Even Norway's standard intercity has spectacular scenery on this route.

West Highland Line, Scotland

Glasgow to Mallaig via Fort William; passes the Glenfinnan Viaduct (Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter films).

Settle-Carlisle Line, England

Northern England moors and dales.

Heart of Wales Line, Wales

Quiet rural Welsh scenery.

Albula and Bernina Lines, Switzerland (continued from Bernina Express)

Combined UNESCO heritage rail line.

Centovalli, Switzerland-Italy

Locarno to Domodossola; alpine valleys.

Bernese Oberland Bahn lines, Switzerland

A number of cog and cable rail trips to Jungfraujoch.

Lyon-Marseille TGV via the Rhône, France

Modern high-speed but with vineyard and Provence views.

Paris-Madrid sleeper

Cross-border European overnight.

Sweden's Inlandsbanan

Stockholm-area to Arctic Sweden through forests.

Trondheim-Bodø, Norway

Norwegian Arctic Circle line.

Sapsan (Moscow-St. Petersburg), Russia

High-speed Russian (geopolitical caveats).

Beijing-Lhasa Tibet Railway, China

The world's highest railway.

Tehran-Shiraz, Iran

Persian historical cities (geopolitical caveats).

Tashkent-Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Silk Road high-speed.

Cairo-Aswan, Egypt

Nile Valley travel.

Casablanca-Marrakech-Tangier, Morocco

Modern Moroccan high-speed.

Eastern Mediterranean trains (Türkiye)

Doğu Express (Ankara to Kars) is acclaimed.

Vietnam Reunification Express

Hanoi to Saigon, 32 hours.

Mandalay to Hsipaw, Myanmar

Highly regarded Gokteik Viaduct (currently challenging access).

Sri Lanka Hill Country trains

Kandy to Ella; one of Asia's most photographed train trips.

India Konkan Railway

Mumbai to Goa coastal scenic.

Toy trains of India (Darjeeling, Shimla, Ooty)

UNESCO heritage steam-driven mountain railways.

TranzAlpine, New Zealand

Christchurch to Greymouth across South Alps.

Reunification Express (North-South Vietnam)

Chile's Tren a Sernac heritage routes

Argentine Patagonia heritage trains

Cost Comparison

Per-person cost for top trips:

Train	Cost (USD)
Shinkansen segments	$50-250
El Chepe Express	$200
Cusco-Machu Picchu Vistadome	$100
California Zephyr Coach	$300
Glacier Express (CHF)	$180-520
Flåm and Bergen-Oslo	$200
Eastern & Oriental Express	$3,000-6,500
Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf	$4,000-10,000
The Ghan Platinum	$3,500-10,000
Belmond Royal Scotsman 4-night	$7,500
Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express	$3,500-15,000+
Maharajas' Express 7-night	$5,000-9,500
Rovos Rail Cape-to-Falls	$5,500-8,500

Sample Train Itineraries

"Switzerland Scenic Rail" - 7 Days

Day	Route
1	Arrive Zürich, train to Zermatt
2	Zermatt - Matterhorn day
3	Glacier Express to St. Moritz
4	St. Moritz to Tirano via Bernina Express, return
5	Train to Lucerne via Lake Lucerne
6	Mt. Pilatus or Mt. Rigi cogwheel
7	Train to Zürich, depart

"Best of Norway by Rail" - 5 Days (Norway in a Nutshell expanded)

Day	Route
1	Arrive Oslo
2	Bergen Railway Oslo to Myrdal
3	Flåm Railway, Sognefjord cruise to Gudvangen, bus to Voss, train to Bergen
4	Bergen exploration
5	Fly back or return train

"Japan by Train" - 14 Days

Days	Route
1-4	Tokyo
5	Shinkansen to Kyoto
6-8	Kyoto
9	Day trip Hiroshima
10	Day trip Osaka
11	Shinkansen to Hakata, day in Fukuoka
12	Train to Kagoshima
13	Yakushima island day trip
14	Fly back

(JR Pass and reservation system; reservations open 30 days before travel.)

"Trans-Mongolian Lite" - 14 Days

Days	Route
1-4	Beijing
5-7	Train Beijing to Ulaanbaatar (24 hours) + Mongolia
8-9	Train Ulaanbaatar to Ulan-Ude (Russia) - political reality varies
10-14	Lake Baikal, Irkutsk, and return route

(Russian visa and onward route logistics complex in 2026.)

"Cape Town to Vic Falls Rovos" - 5 Days

Days	Route
1	Start Cape Town
2	Cape Town to Kimberley
3	Kimberley to Pretoria
4	Pretoria to Bulawayo
5	Disembark Victoria Falls

Train Travel Tips

Book reservations early for the marquee scenic trains. Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Belmond, and Rocky Mountaineer all sell out 3-6 months ahead in season.
Right-side or left-side seating matters. Research best side per route. Glacier Express right-side from St. Moritz to Zermatt; Bernina from Tirano to Chur is left-side; California Zephyr right-side westbound for the Rockies.
Pack lightly. Rail travel rewards small bags. Forget rolling cases for European overnight trains; soft duffels work better.
Bring power banks. Some long-distance trains have outlets only at certain seats.
Photograph from open windows where allowed (some Indian, African, and South American trains let you stand at open doors). For glass-windowed trains, lens close to glass minimizes reflections.
Use multi-day passes when applicable. Eurail/Interrail in Europe, JR Pass in Japan, etc.
Arrive 30+ minutes before departure for major luxury trains; check in is often more elaborate than typical rail.
Travel insurance matters less for trains than cruises but covers cancellations.
Small currency for trolley service; some carriages still cash-only.

Comparison: Trains by Travel Style

Style	Recommended trains
Most scenic	Glacier Express, Flåm, Bernina Express
Best luxury	Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Rovos Rail, Royal Scotsman
Best value scenic	Bergen Railway (Norway), Cusco-Machu Picchu Vistadome
Most epic length	Trans-Mongolian/Trans-Siberian (when accessible), The Ghan
Best overnight	European sleeper trains (NightJet), Coast Starlight
Best for first-time train traveler	Glacier Express or Flåm and Bergen line
Best with kids	Shinkansen or European intercity
Best for solo traveler	European rail (sociable) or Belmond luxury (host-curated)
Most cultural depth	Maharajas' Express, Eastern & Oriental Express
Best wildlife views	Trans-Siberian (taiga), Australia's Ghan (outback)

Tips From Frequent Rail Travelers

Trains let you read the country. A flight tells you nothing about the geography between A and B; a train shows you everything.
Don't fall for "fastest" routes. Sometimes slower, less-known routes are better - Norway's Bergen Railway is slower than Oslo-Bergen flights but the trip is the point.
Mix luxury and standard. A signature luxury trip within a longer budget rail trip combines memory-making with cost-conscious travel.
Sleeper trains save accommodation. A NightJet from Vienna to Berlin is a hotel night plus transport in one ticket.
Connect with local guides. Many luxury trains include curated stops; build in informal local guide visits at major stops on standard trains.
Eat in dining cars while you can. They're disappearing on many North American trains.
Bring a real book. Trains are some of the best reading environments on Earth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Trans-Siberian still possible in 2026?
Western tourists face significant complications post-2022 due to Russian visa difficulties, sanctions impact on payments, and political tensions. Trans-Mongolian (Beijing-Ulaanbaatar) is more accessible. Full Trans-Siberian discouraged.

What's the difference between Glacier and Bernina Express?
Glacier is longer (8 hrs Zermatt-St. Moritz), more famous. Bernina is shorter (4 hrs Chur-Tirano via St. Moritz), arguably more scenic for the elevation. Both can be combined.

Can I do European rail without an Interrail/Eurail Pass?
Yes - sometimes individual tickets booked 60+ days ahead are cheaper. Calculate per-segment.

What about the Shinkansen?
The bullet train system; the world's most reliable. Reservations available 30 days ahead through Japan Rail Pass system.

Are sleeper trains comfortable?
Modern European sleepers (NightJet, Snälltåget) and luxury trains are very comfortable. Older Eastern European sleepers more basic. Asian sleepers vary widely.

Are trains pet-friendly?
European trains generally yes (small pets in carriers). Specific rules per country.

What's the safest way to travel by train in less-developed countries?
First-class compartments, daytime only, lock door, keep valuables on body. India, Vietnam, Thailand all have well-trodden rail systems where this works fine.

Can I bring large luggage?
Most trains have larger luggage racks but capacity varies. Belmond and Rocky Mountaineer handle baggage for you. Standard trains expect you to manage your own.

Final Recommendations

For most travelers planning a 2026 scenic rail experience:

First scenic train trip: Glacier Express and Bernina Express in Switzerland (5-7 days).
First luxury train: Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (London-Venice) or Belmond British Pullman day trip.
Best for North Americans: Rocky Mountaineer (Vancouver-Banff GoldLeaf).
Best for budget rail: Norway in a Nutshell (Oslo-Bergen and Flåm) or California Zephyr.
Best for cultural depth: Eastern & Oriental Express (Singapore-Bangkok) or Maharajas' Express (Rajasthan).
Best for outback/big-country drama: The Ghan (Adelaide to Darwin, Australia).

The right train trip turns travel into a meditation on geography. Whether it's the Alps or the Rockies, the Indian Ocean coast or the Australian outback, the best rail trips deliver memories impossible to capture from 35,000 feet.

For more rail travel planning, see Best European train trips, Switzerland scenic rail guide, Japan Rail Pass complete guide, Norway in a Nutshell guide, and Sri Lanka hill country train.

External references: SBB (Swiss Federal Railways), Rocky Mountaineer official, Belmond luxury trains, The Man in Seat 61 (essential rail planning), Wikipedia: Rail transport.