8 Breathtaking Train Journeys Across the Globe That Showcase Stunning Landscapes

Unlike road trips that demand constant attention from the driver, train travel offers a unique opportunity for a leisurely journey that is both soothing and fulfilling. These eight scenic train routes, both domestic and international, take you through some of the planet's most stunning locations, from the Grand Canyon to the Swiss Alps.

1. Alaska Railroad

Alaska, USA

• Starting Point: Anchorage
• Destination: Fairbanks
• Distance: 356 miles
• Duration: 12 hours
• Purchase tickets: alaskarailroad.com

Have you ever dreamed of witnessing the breathtaking beauty of Alaska? On the Alaska Railroad, enjoy unobstructed views from the comfort of a domed car. The Denali Star route offers a daily service that takes you on a 356-mile, 12-hour adventure from Anchorage to Fairbanks, stopping at Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park.

The train traverses the Knik River, framed by the Chugach Mountains. South of Talkeetna, enjoy stunning views of Denali towering over the Susitna River. Just north, the tracks wind into the backcountry of Hurricane, providing vistas of the winding Indian River and Hurricane Gulch from a towering 296-foot bridge. Broad Pass presents spectacular panoramas of the Alaska Range.

2. The Blue Train

South Africa

• Starting Point: Pretoria
• Destination: Cape Town
• Distance: 994 miles
• Duration: 54 hours
• Purchase tickets: bluetrain.co.za

The historic Blue Train of South Africa travels nearly 1,000 miles from Pretoria to Cape Town, crossing the scenic escarpment of the Cape Winelands, renowned for its vineyards and Cape Dutch architecture. The route meanders through the Great Karoo Desert, a vast and sparsely populated region characterized by open plains, savannahs, and grasslands, creating a nostalgic journey enriched by exquisite wines and fine dining.

3. The Ghan

Australia

• Starting Point: Adelaide
• Destination: Darwin
• Distance: 1,740 miles
• Duration: 3 days
• Purchase tickets: journeybeyondrail.com.au

Embark on a three-day adventure from Adelaide in South Australia, where vibrant greenery meets rugged red deserts. This journey traverses the continent from south to north, showcasing dramatic gorges and intriguing rock formations of the ancient Flinders Ranges. As the train moves through the outback, it passes the iconic Red Center, home to renowned natural wonders Uluru and Kata Tjuta, stopping in Alice Springs amidst the remote desert. Approaching the northern coast, the scenery transforms into lush tropical forests and wetlands.

4. Grand Canyon National Railway

Arizona, USA

• Starting Point: Williams
• Destination: Williams
• Distance: 130 miles
• Duration: 8 hours
• Purchase tickets: thetrain.com

Once a vital transport route for ore during the Wild West era, the historic Grand Canyon Railway has been operating since 1901. This full-day, 130-mile round-trip journey begins in Williams, Arizona, just west of Flagstaff, and travels to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, offering numerous opportunities to spot wildlife such as bald eagles, mountain lions, and elk, all amidst the breathtaking canyon scenery. Passengers on this day trip also have ample time to disembark and explore the area on foot.

5. Glacier Express

Switzerland

• Starting Point: Zermatt
• Destination: St. Moritz
• Distance: 180 miles
• Duration: 8 hours
• Purchase tickets: glacierexpress.ch

The breathtaking Glacier Express journeys through the Swiss Alps, connecting the picturesque village of Zermatt with the luxurious resort of St. Moritz. This narrow train navigates through stunning natural landscapes and quaint Swiss towns, clinging to the mountains and valleys for an intimate view of the countryside. It traverses Alpine terrain at the base of the Matterhorn in the Valais region, ascends the Oberalp Pass—its highest point at approximately 7,000 feet—and provides views of the Rhine Gorge, Switzerland’s own version of the Grand Canyon. The iconic train features both panoramic and skylight windows to enhance the scenic experience.

6. Rocky Mountaineer Rockies to the Red Rocks

Colorado, USA

• Departure: Moab, Utah
• Arrival: Denver
• Distance: 369 miles
• Duration: 2 days
• Purchase tickets: rockymountaineer.com

Rocky Mountaineer offers luxurious train journeys across various scenic routes in North America, featuring daylight-only travel to maximize your immersive viewing experience. Although the operator traditionally focused on Canadian railways, this newly launched route in 2021 highlights the beauty of the American West. The train winds alongside the Colorado River and through breathtaking canyons with steep, rugged rock formations, while large windows frame stunning mountain views and desert cliffs. Be on the lookout for bighorn sheep in the high passes.

7. Pacific Surfliner

California, USA

• Departure: San Diego
• Destination: San Luis Obispo
• Distance: 351 miles
• Duration: 5 hours 45 minutes
• Purchase tickets: amtrak.com/routes/pacific-surfliner-train

Amtrak’s renowned Pacific Surfliner offers a scenic 351-mile journey through San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, covering a total of 29 stations. Portions of the route hug the Southern California coastline, providing breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the region’s rolling hills. This trip is an enjoyable way to experience the diverse natural beauty of the area—without the hassle of traffic congestion that the region is often known for.

8. West Highland Line

Scotland

• Departure: Glasgow
• Destination: Mallaig
• Distance: 134 miles
• Duration: 5 hours 20 minutes
• Purchase tickets: scotrail.co.uk

Embark on this picturesque train journey from Glasgow into the wild west coast, traversing areas untouched by roads. The West Highland Line takes you to Mallaig, where you'll cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films as the route for the Hogwarts Express. As you glide through breathtaking scenery of deep lochs, heather-clad moors, and towering mountains, keep an eye out for red deer against the skyline or hidden in the underbrush. Some stations are incredibly secluded, surrounded by nature's vastness for miles.