Explore 24 of the world’s most breathtaking train journeys.

Whether traversing serene landscapes or linking major cities, the finest railway adventures provide fresh insights into any destination.

Train travel is filled with enchantment, from meeting fellow passengers to savoring meals while the rhythmic sound of wheels on rails lulls you to sleep. The outside world offers its own magic, showcasing the stunning scenery that the train passes through—turning travel into a journey through a nation's soul.

Our forthcoming book, Amazing Train Journeys, highlights the most spectacular train rides across the globe. Featured within are these 24 extraordinary journeys that exemplify the essence of luxury travel.

1. The Reunification Express, Vietnam

Start: Ho Chi Minh City End: Hanoi Departs: Daily Distance: 1072 miles (1726 km) Duration: Two days This is one of the most cherished railways in Southeast Asia and is renowned as one of the world’s greatest overnight train experiences. There's no better way to connect Vietnam’s twin metropolises than aboard this train, which clatters through historic towns and glides along stunning coastlines.

2. The California Zephyr, USA

Start: Chicago End: San Francisco Departs: Daily Distance: 2438 miles (3924 km) Duration: 52 hrs 40 mins To truly immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of North America, look no further than Amtrak’s California Zephyr, heralded as one of the finest train journeys in the US. This iconic three-day trip crosses vast prairies, arid deserts, the majestic Rocky Mountains, and the stunning Sierra Nevada on its route from the Midwest to the West Coast.

3. The Lake Titicaca Train, Peru

Start: Puno End: Cuzco Departs: Three times weekly Distance: 241 miles (388 km) Duration: 10 hours

Winding through the Altiplano, the railway from the shores of Lake Titicaca to the vibrant heart of the ancient Incan empire offers a slow yet scenic route through snow-capped peaks and lush valleys of the Andes. It crosses vast Peruvian plains, passing resilient llama herders in bowler hats and meandering through secluded towns and villages.

4. The Beijing-to-Lhasa Express, China

Start: Beijing End: Lhasa Departs: Daily Distance: 2330 miles (3750 km) Duration: 40 hours Departing from Beijing's blend of modern architecture and imperial treasures, the Z21 train carries travelers from the vibrant lights of urban China across the vast Tibetan plateau. Passengers will witness grazing yaks, fluttering prayer flags, towering snow-capped peaks, and endless azure skies. Upon arrival, they are greeted by magenta-robed monks.

5. The TranzAlpine, New Zealand

Start: Christchurch End: Greymouth Departs: Daily Distance: 139 miles (223 km) Duration: 4 hrs 30 mins In under five hours, this journey stands out as one of the most remarkable and scenic one-day train rides in the world. Begin your TranzAlpine adventure in Christchurch, then travel swiftly across the Canterbury Plains, ascend into the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, and plunge through an exhilarating tunnel, emerging amidst the lakes, streams, and rainforests of the South Island’s West Coast.

6. The Bergensbanen, Norway

Start: Oslo End: Bergen Departs: Four times daily Distance: 308 miles (496 km) Duration: 6 hrs 30 mins This incredible train ride is one of Europe’s hidden gems—not as well-known outside of Norway, yet a must-experience. It showcases the stunning variety of the Nordic landscape: ascending canyons, crossing rivers, tunneling through mountains, and traversing expansive icy terrains.

7. Tazara Railway, Tanzania and Zambia

Start: Dar es Salaam End: Kapiri Mposhi Departs: Twice a week Distance: 1160 miles (1860 km) Duration: 46 hours Few trains in the world offer the opportunity—though it’s more of a chance than a certainty—to spot wildlife from your seat. The Tazara (Tanzania and Zambia Railway Authority) provides just that experience. However, the true highlight is spending two days watching daily life unfold outside your window, savoring the lively atmosphere whenever the train comes to a stop—whether scheduled or spontaneous.

8. The Sunset Limited, USA

Start: New Orleans End: Los Angeles Departs: Three times a week Distance: 1995 miles (3211 km) Duration: Two days

Experience the quintessential American train journey: traveling from east to west, from the lively bars of New Orleans to the sun-kissed shores of the Pacific. If you've dreamt of crossing the States but dread the thought of two weeks cramped in a car, the Sunset Limited is your perfect solution. Relax and watch as America’s diverse landscapes whisk by—from the bayous of Louisiana to the skyscrapers of Houston, through the arid deserts of Texas and Arizona, over the hills of California, all the way to the golden beaches of LA. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

9. The Caledonian Sleeper, UK

Start: London (Euston) End: Fort William Departs: Daily Distance: 509 miles (819 km) Duration: 13 hrs 30 mins Transitioning from the smoky suburbs and bustling concrete of central London to the fresh air and magnificent views of the Scottish Highlands on this overnight train ride perfectly captures the allure of rail travel. Relish the lively conversations in the buffet car, drift into slumber to the soothing sound of the tracks, and awaken to stunning views of towering granite peaks outside your window.

10. Mombasa to Nairobi, Kenya

Start: Mombasa Ends: Nairobi Departs: Daily Distance: 360 miles (579 km) Duration: 5 hrs 10 mins The Nairobi–Mombasa railway is one of Africa’s most iconic routes, instrumental in shaping the modern safari experience. The old railway has seen significant upgrades recently, featuring sleek new stations and newly laid tracks across the Kenyan savannah. Despite these changes, the enchanting journey remains, with trains leaving Mombasa and traveling beneath the majestic shadow of Kilimanjaro towards the Great Rift Valley.

11. Tangier to Marrakesh, Morocco

Start: Tangier End: Marrakesh Departs: Daily Distance: 360 miles (580 km) Duration: 5 hrs 15 mins

Nothing can truly prepare you for the splendor of Marrakesh, Morocco’s most captivating city. From the vibrant energy of the central square, Djemaa El Fna, to the vivid hues of the Jardin Majorelle; and from the serene Medersa Ben Youssef to the labyrinthine alleys, a train journey through this North African gem offers an incredibly uplifting experience.

12. The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

Start: Vancouver End: Banff Departs: Twice a week Distance: 594 miles (957 km) Duration: 37 hours

Journeying through the rugged Rocky Mountains on a historic 19th-century railway, this train ride offers a mix of geological exploration, sightseeing, and wildlife watching. Experience breathtaking vistas of Canada’s iconic mountain scenery, alongside impressive feats of engineering, including towering bridges and astonishing tunnels. With a bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of a bald eagle, moose, or grizzly bear along the way.

13. Alexandria to Aswan, Egypt

Start: Alexandria End: Aswan Departs: Daily Distance: 670 miles (1100 km) Duration: 16 hours

Traveling from Alexandria to Aswan allows you to traverse the entire length of Egypt's railway system while embarking on a journey alongside the magnificent Nile River. You'll have opportunities to stop and explore the ancient relics lining its shores. Just remember, while there are many advantages to Egyptian trains, punctuality is not always their strong suit.

14. The Serra Verde Express, Brazil

Start: Curitiba End: Morretes, Paraná Departs: Daily Distance: 42 miles (68 km) Duration: 3 hrs 30 mins

One of the most breathtaking train rides in Brazil, the Serra Verde Express begins in the architecturally stunning city of Curitiba and meanders through dramatic mountain passes cloaked in tropical rainforest before arriving in Morretes, nestled in the lush state of Paraná. This half-day journey showcases canyons, jagged peaks, and lush lowlands, while the leisurely pace of the train offers ample chances to capture the stunning scenery. As it crosses approximately 30 bridges and winds through 14 tunnels, this trip also provides a glimpse into history, passing through quaint stations that date back to the late 1800s.

15. The Darjeeling Toy Train, India

Start: New Jalpaiguri End: Darjeeling Departs: Daily Distance: 55 miles (88.5 km) Duration: 7–8 hours

India's narrow-gauge steam railways are legendary, and the charming bottle-blue Darjeeling Toy Train is the most famous of them all. This journey from the Bengal plains to Darjeeling offers breathtaking views of lush tea plantations and quaint, tin-roofed villages, while the clouds cascade down the majestic Mt Khangchendzonga. Although steam locomotives now operate only on a small portion of the route, this iconic mountain journey remains a significant piece of history.

Start: Tokyo End: Hakodate Departs: Daily Distance: 512 miles (824 km) Duration: 4 hours

The Hokkaidō Shinkansen, a hallmark of Japan's bullet train network, whisks you from Tokyo to Hakodate, located on the southern coast of Hokkaidō. This rapid journey showcases stunning vistas of Japan's countryside, navigating mountains and even traveling beneath the ocean. Yet, it's not just about the scenery; experiencing the shinkansen—complete with its food trolleys and the courteous staff who bow—is a quintessentially Japanese adventure.

17. Colombo to Badulla, Sri Lanka

Start: Colombo End: Badulla Departs: Daily Distance: 181 miles (292 km) Duration: 9–10 hours

One of the most unforgettable aspects of Sri Lanka is the rich and vibrant shades of green that flourish year-round. For train enthusiasts, there’s no better way to soak in this lush palette than by embarking on a full-day journey from Colombo's coastal urban gardens to the tea-covered hills of the Hill Country. This scenic ride offers a feast for the senses, taking you through dense jungles, serene paddy fields, towering mountains, and charming villages. Prepare for a leisurely pace as you experience one of the world's most picturesque train rides.

18. Bangkok to Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore

Start: Bangkok End: Singapore Departs: Weekly Distance: 1200 miles (1900 km) Duration: Three days Traveling by train from Bangkok to Singapore takes you across three nations and three capital cities without needing to disembark, all in less than three days. However, rushing through this journey along the Malay Peninsula would overlook its true charm. You can easily stop along the way to explore tropical islands, ascend cool tea plantations, and enjoy the unique atmospheres of three distinctly different metropolises.

19. The Glacier Express, Switzerland

Start: St Moritz End: Zermatt Departs: Daily (in season) Distance: 180 miles (290 km) Duration: 8 hours

For rail enthusiasts, Switzerland is a paradise, and if one ride were to be crowned the ultimate, it would undoubtedly be the Glacier Express. This eight-hour adventure stretches from the luxurious St Moritz to the Matterhorn-encircled Zermatt, revealing breathtaking Alpine scenery. The train gently ascends through rugged mountain passes, crosses 291 bridges, and passes through 91 tunnels. Designed to travel slowly, it allows passengers to savor stunning vistas of meadows, forests, waterfalls, and peaks through expansive panoramic windows.

20. The Bernina Express, Switzerland & Italy

Start: Chur End: Tirano Departs: Daily Distance: 96 miles (156 km) Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

While we could extol the glacier-clad peaks, waterfall-filled gorges, sparkling lakes, and lush spruce forests that unfold through panoramic windows on Switzerland’s Bernina Express, nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. This scenic train journey from Chur in Graubünden to Tirano in northern Italy frequently ranks among the world’s most stunning rail rides. It has even earned a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage list – and rightfully so.

21. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, England, France, Switzerland, and Italy

Start: London End: Venice Departs: One to six times per month Distance: 1300 miles (2090 km) Duration: Two days The allure of traveling from London to Venice in opulent style, seated in elegant dining cars adorned with fine china and silverware, remains a cherished dream for many rail aficionados. While the original routes of the Orient Express have largely faded into history, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a delightful taste of that bygone era. However, a new contender, the Orient Express La Dolce Vita service, emerged in 2023, with another service planned to debut on the classic route in 2025.

22. Nova Gorica to Jesenice, Slovenia

Start: Nova Gorica End: Jesenice Departs: Daily Distance: 55 miles (89 km) Duration: Two hours This is a hidden gem of a railway adventure that many have yet to discover. The Bohinj Railway connects two lesser-known locales that might elude modern travelers. An inconspicuous regional train departing from a once-grand station on the Italy–Slovenia border offers no hint of the breathtaking journey ahead. It traverses Slovenia’s mountainous beauty, winding through towns and villages along the Soča River, featuring stunning Alpine vistas near Lake Bohinj, and passing the renowned Lake Bled on its way to Jesenice.

23. The Ghan, Australia

Start: Adelaide End: Darwin Departs: Twice a week Distance: 1851 miles (2979 km) Duration: 54 hours

Running straight through the heart of the Outback, traversing the stark deserts of the Red Centre, The Ghan offers one of the most remarkable train journeys in the southern hemisphere. This transcontinental train service serves as a crucial connection between Australia’s north and south coasts, journeying from the refined city of Adelaide to the tropical, crocodile-laden waters of Darwin. Luxurious and renowned, it’s Australia’s sophisticated counterpart to the Orient Express.

24. Cannes to Menton, France

Start: Cannes End: Menton Departs: Daily Distance: 34 miles (55 km) Duration: 1 hr 20 mins

Imagine a train meandering along the stunning French Mediterranean coast, passing through towns that evoke a sense of glamour – Cannes, Antibes, Monaco. On one side, the shimmering sea stretches out; on the other, rugged cliffs adorned with the beautiful coastal villages of the French Riviera. This brief journey invites you to make a day of it, with opportunities to hop on and off, explore bustling street markets, relax at outdoor cafés, soak in history, and indulge in a taste of luxury.