Who said jet-setting was the best way to go? Airplanes offer the fastest way to get from Point A to Point B, but when you want to take your time, enjoy the view, and experience a more soulful journey around the world, take the train.
Here are some epic train journeys across the globe. Offering new perspectives on familiar places and areas you may have never heard of before, these are definitely trains worth traveling on.
1. The Ghan: Adelaide, South Australia, to Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
There are memorable train rides, and then there is The Ghan. This train ventures through the beautiful beating heart of Australia between Adelaide and Darwin, so you get to see and feel everything from the cool Mediterranean vibes in Adelaide to the vast, colorful desert in Alice Springs and the multicultural tropical paradise in Darwin. With everything from premium accommodations to gourmet meals, The Ghan does it all in signature style.
2. The Blue Train: Pretoria to Cape Town, South Africa
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, The Blue Train may be Africa’s most luxurious and elegant train experience. While there are cheaper ways to get around South Africa, there’s nothing quite like The Blue Train’s five-star service and amenities, including luxury bedding, individual air conditioning, underfloor heating, on-board entertainment, and even marble and gold en-suite bathrooms.
Even better, you can enjoy magnificent views of Table Mountain and the Cape wine country while enjoying all these posh perks.
3. Glacier Express: St. Moritz or Davos to Zermatt, Switzerland
The Glacier Express may be a bit of a misnomer, but that’s not due to a lack of alpine scenery. Though this “express” train is not all that fast, it guides you through the Swiss cantons of Valais, Uri, and Graubünden, where you can enjoy the best views of the Swiss Alps that you’ll find anywhere. If your Swiss vacation itinerary includes stops in the legendary ski towns of St. Moritz or Zermatt, the Glacier Express will make your trip even more special.
4. Rocky Mountaineer – First Passage to the West: Banff or Lake Louise, Alberta, to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
For a uniquely luxurious train ride through Canada’s Rocky Mountains, the Rocky Mountaineer offers routes that cover some of Canada’s most splendid alpine scenery. We particularly love the First Passage to the West because it covers the entire journey between Alberta’s iconic mountain town of Banff and British Columbia’s cosmopolitan city of Vancouver.
5. The Lake Titicaca Train: Puno to Cusco, Peru
This may not be the fastest way to make your way between Lake Titicaca and Cusco. But if you want to spend some quality time in Peru’s Inca country and learn more about the history and culture of this amazing country, then the Lake Titicaca Train is worth the splurge. And since your train ticket includes a three-course lunch and afternoon tea service, the entire ride is one to savor.
6. The Bergensbanen: Bergen to Oslo, Norway
This hidden gem on wheels may be one of Europe’s best trains, yet it’s still one of Norway’s best-kept secrets. From mighty mountains and flowing rivers to vast canyons and icy terrain, the Bergensbanen shows you a lot in 308 miles. It’s also a great way to make your way to Bergen and the many wonders of Vestland on Norway’s west coast.
7. Amtrak Coast Starlight: Seattle, Washington, to Los Angeles, California, USA
America’s own Amtrak has some of the world’s most scenic routes, and this one really is a huge highlight thanks to its route along the mainland Pacific Coast. To get the most out of the Coast Starlight, book a trip on the full route in one of their sleeper car roomettes or rooms to take in all the views.
\If you don’t have time to do the whole route, at least book a ride between San Francisco and Los Angeles to enjoy stunning views of California’s Central Coast.
8. Reunification Express: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
If you like overnight train journeys, you’ll love Vietnam’s Reunification Express. This route covers all 1,072 miles between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, so you get to see some remarkable Southeast Asian coastlines and charming countryside. Though it’s far from the most luxurious train you’ll ever ride, it is the train to ride if you want a more authentic local experience.
9. Kenya Railways – Madaraka Express: Mombasa to Nairobi, Kenya
When was the last time you got to experience a safari on a train? This train played a huge role in crafting the concept of the modern safari, so it’s always a treat to ride Kenya Railways’ signature line from the capital city of Nairobi to the coastal hub of Mombasa.
While you will now enjoy a much more up-to-speed train ride featuring newer trains and tracks, you will still enjoy timeless views of the great Kenyan savannah that has inspired many dreams of the ultimate African safari adventure.
10. Tren Italia: Naples to Palermo, Italy
Yes, you can fly to and from Sicily, but why fly when you can ride a train that’s also a boat? Tren Italia operates a unique train ferry between Naples and Palermo, one of Europe’s last remaining train ferries still operating. There’s no catering on board, so pack some edible goodies for the roughly nine-hour ride. And, of course, remember to kick back and enjoy la dolce vita on rails.
11. Corsica Railway: Bastia to Ajaccio, Corsica, France
This train may only cover 144 miles, but Corsica Railways lets you ride an epic mountainous route that’s been in continuous use since the late 19th century. Along the way, you will use 32 tunnels and 52 bridges, including the iconic Pont du Vecchio, designed by none other than Gustave Eiffel (the namesake of Paris’ Eiffel Tower). Also, keep your eyes out for verdant gorges, the amazing Bride’s Veil waterfall, and Corsica’s northwestern coast beaches.
12. Amtrak California Zephyr: Chicago, Illinois, to San Francisco, California, USA
Amtrak’s California Zephyr line offers a little of everything: big city skylines, vast fertile plains, the mighty Rocky Mountains, and tranquil deserts. Along the way, you can really take your time to see and feel more of America. This is another Amtrak train with sleeper cars, so if you want a train ride to write home about, this is the one for you.
13. Beijing to Lhasa Express: China
Venturing some 2,330 miles between China’s capital, Beijing, and Tibet’s largest city, Lhasa, this train covers the vast landscapes in just 40 hours. And, of course, this is the scenic route to reach Tibet, a wondrous region full of magical mountains and timeless cultural treasures that must be seen to be believed.
14. The TranzAlpine: Christchurch to Greymouth, New Zealand
Although this train only covers 139 miles (or 223 kilometers), it allows you to experience some of New Zealand’s most iconic scenery in about four and a half hours. From the snowy peaks of the Southern Alps to the verdant rainforests of the South Island’s West Coast, The TranzAlpine lets you see it all, making this the perfect Christchurch area day trip.
15. Tazara Railway: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to Kapiri Mposhi, Zambia
This is one of the few trains that provides ample opportunities to spot unique wildlife from the comfort of your seat. At the same time, though, this train lets you see southern Africa beyond the popular tourist hubs. For about two days, you can sit back, watch all kinds of life happen outside your window, and make your way to or from one of Africa’s most underrated coastal cities.
16. The Caledonian Sleeper: London, England, to Fort William, Scotland, UK
For a train that lets you see and experience a lot in just one night, it’s hard to beat the Caledonian Sleeper. From London’s Euston station, The Caledonian Sleeper guides you through 509 miles of everything from soothing English countryside to craggy hillsides as you go north to the Scottish Highlands’ charming beauty.
17. Ethio-Djibouti Railway: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Djibouti City, Djibouti
Despite only being in service since 2018, the Ethio-Djibouti Railway is one of Africa’s most storied. Trains began servicing this route in 1901, and passengers have witnessed incredible views of the Rift Valley, the Awash River canyon, the colorful city of Dire Wawa, and the unique cityscapes of Djibouti City.
18. Puffing Billy Railway: Belgrave to Gembrook, Victoria, Australia
For a more compact yet still fantastic Australian rail adventure, try the Puffing Billy Railway. Spanning the southern foothills of the Dandenong Ranges in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and exurbs, the Puffing Billy Railway lets you ride a vintage steam train through verdant hills and ferny forests where you might get to spot some koalas and echidnas (or spiny anteaters).