The world’s most remarkable rail adventures

Escaping the daily grind, train travel offers a refined way to explore new destinations and truly immerse yourself in a country’s culture.

We all have those iconic journeys we cherish, from conquering the Alps aboard a cogwheel train to soaring over Tokyo's skyline on the futuristic Shinkansen.

Plus, taking the train is an eco-friendly choice.

Naren Shaam, founder and CEO of travel tech company Omio, explains to Dinogo Travel, "If we replaced all domestic and intra-EU flights that can be completed by train in under four hours, we'd cut 36 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually."

"Trains have a certain enchantment to them. When I’m aboard, I instantly feel at peace, lost in the views through the window. Trains are also wonderfully inclusive, catering to all passengers’ needs, and if you’re fortunate, you get a seat by a big window to simply daydream and soak in the scenery."

Feeling inspired? Here are 10 incredible rail journeys every train lover should experience once travel restrictions are lifted.

West Highland Railway, Scotland

Consistently ranked as the world’s top scenic rail journey, the remarkable West Highland Railway Line showcases Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes.

Stretching 193 kilometers (120 miles) from Glasgow to Fort William, nestled at the base of Ben Nevis – the tallest peak in the UK – the route unfolds an ever-changing tapestry of lochs, glens, rugged moors, and towering mountains.

But that’s not all – the line continues another 41 miles (66 kilometers) to the west coast port of Mallaig, passing some of Scotland’s most picturesque lochs and the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, famously seen in the "Harry Potter" films.

Traveling on the Caledonian Sleeper night train from London to Fort William, you'll enjoy this route in comfort, with the final leg across the remote Rannoch Moor served with a hearty breakfast. Keep an eye out for stags, the iconic Scottish symbols, as they watch over the landscape.

From April to October, the sleeper train connects with the famous Jacobite steam train, running daily between Fort William and Mallaig. This charming ride lets you take in the stunning scenery at a relaxed pace aboard a beautifully restored piece of railway heritage.

Trans-Iranian Railway, Iran

This lesser-known marvel of engineering was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in July 2021, placing it among iconic landmarks like Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands.

Connecting the Persian Gulf with the Caspian Sea, the railway was completed in 1938 after 11 years of challenging construction. While not widely recognized outside Iran, it is undoubtedly one of the 20th century's greatest engineering accomplishments.

Stretching 1,394 kilometers (865 miles) from Bandar-e Emam Khomeyni on the Persian Gulf to Bandar Torkaman on the Caspian Sea, the railway passes through key cities like Ahvaz, Qom, and Tehran.

The railway boasts an impressive 224 tunnels and nearly 400 bridges as it ascends to peaks of 2,130 meters (7,000 feet) on both sides of Tehran.

Tackling two massive mountain ranges required not just steep gradients, but brilliant engineering feats like spiral tunnels and huge bridges to cross deep valleys in hot, rugged terrain.

The result is one of the world’s most unforgettable rail journeys, though it's one that many travelers outside of Iran have yet to experience.

The Ghan, Australia

The Australian Outback is a vast and unforgiving landscape that demands respect.

Luckily, today’s travelers can explore this awe-inspiring region in the comfort of The Ghan. Widely considered one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, it travels weekly along a 2,979-kilometer (1,851-mile) route that stretches from Adelaide in the south, through Alice Springs, and up to Darwin in the Northern Territory.

Each journey lasts over 53 hours, with extended stops at unique locations like Coober Pedy, where passengers can step off the train for off-track tours and truly immerse themselves in the Outback.

Today’s opulent stainless steel carriages, complete with sophisticated dining cars and private cabins attended by personal staff, stand in stark contrast to the unreliable trains that once ran this route between 1929 and 1980.

The train's unusual name has various theories, but it likely draws from its earlier moniker, “The Afghan Express,” referring to Afghan camel drivers who were brought to Australia by the British in the late 19th century to help explore the country’s vast interior.

Qinghai-Tibet Railway, China

For centuries, the remote mountain plateau known as “The Roof of the World” was only accessible to the most intrepid explorers. However, the opening of the spectacular Qinghai-Tibet Railway in 2006 finally connected this isolated region to China’s national rail network.

Often referred to as the “Railway to Heaven,” this 1,955-kilometer (1,215-mile) line from Xining in central China to Lhasa in Tibet reaches its highest point at Tanggula Pass, 5,068 meters (16,627 feet) above sea level, with nearly half the route lying above 13,123 feet.

Specially designed pressurized carriages ensure travelers can comfortably manage the effects of altitude sickness caused by the thin air on the world’s highest railway.

Beyond the windows, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of the fragile plateau, where yaks roam across vast grasslands beneath snow-capped peaks. Key sights along the way include the Qiangtang Prairie, Kekexili Nature Reserve, Namtso Lake, and the Tanggula Mountains, the highest point of the journey.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India

Known as “The Toy Train,” this charming relic from the British Empire continues to offer one of the world’s most iconic rail experiences. Ascending 2,134 meters (7,000 feet) along a winding 89-kilometer (55-mile) route between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, the narrow-gauge railway uses every possible engineering trick to scale the steep terrain.

To conquer the steep slopes, the railway includes six zig-zags (where trains reverse direction multiple times) and five loops, extending the route's length and ensuring the gradients remain manageable for the trains.

Built between 1879 and 1881, the railway was constructed to provide the British colonizers with an escape from the oppressive heat of Calcutta (now Kolkata), offering access to the cooler mountain climate of Darjeeling in northeastern India.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway now operates fewer services, though the iconic “Red Panda” tourist train still runs daily from Darjeeling to Kurseong, crossing the line’s 2,258-meter (7,407-foot) summit at Ghum.

The railway’s most famous inhabitants – the historic B-Class steam locomotives built between 1889 and 1925 – occasionally pull special trains, although most services are now powered by diesel engines.

Oslo-Bergen Railway, Norway

Scandinavia offers a wealth of scenic rail journeys, but the 496-kilometer (308-mile) ride between Norway's two largest cities stands out as one of the most spectacular.

Connecting Oslo with Bergen on Norway’s western coast, the Bergensbanen was finished in 1909 and traverses Europe’s largest high-altitude plateau, the Hardangervidda.

At its summit near Finse, the harsh climate of the highlands made it a prime training ground for polar explorers like Roald Amundsen and Ernest Shackleton in preparation for their Antarctic expeditions. More recently, it served as the setting for the iconic snowy battle scenes in the “Star Wars” movie, “The Empire Strikes Back.”

Beyond the rugged highlands, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of pristine lakes, salmon-filled rivers, towering mountains, the awe-inspiring Hardangerjøkulen glacier, and, as the train nears Bergen, the stunning fjords.

A favorite destination for winter sports enthusiasts, the line also boasts many other attractions, including the world-famous Flåm Railway, which descends sharply to the shores of the magnificent Sognefjord.

And as if that wasn’t enough, the charming port city of Bergen – known as the gateway to the fjords and one of Norway’s top tourist destinations – awaits at the end of your journey.

Bernina Express, Switzerland

Switzerland, with its vast network of mountain railways, cable cars, funiculars, post buses, and lake steamers, is like a dream destination for transport enthusiasts. With so many remarkable journeys to choose from, it’s hard to pick a favorite. Nevertheless, the stunning Bernina Express undoubtedly ranks among the top Swiss experiences.

Spanning the Bernina Pass, the highest rail crossing in the Alps, this route follows an ancient trade path that crosses a watershed where melting snow can flow to the North Sea, the Mediterranean, or even the Black Sea.

More than just a scenic route, the Bernina Pass serves as a bridge between Northern and Southern Europe, connecting different cultures and languages, and transitioning from the icy peaks and glaciers of Graubünden in Switzerland to the palm trees and vineyards of Italy's Valtellina region.

The sleek red trains connect the exclusive St. Moritz resort with Tirano in Italy, crossing the Bernina Pass at an altitude of 2,253 meters (7,392 feet). Panoramic trains, with expansive windows, run several times a day, but for a truly immersive experience, take the regional train with its openable windows, allowing you to fully embrace the crisp mountain air.

Every trip across the Bernina offers a new experience, with highlights including the incredible spiral viaduct at Brusio, where the train loops around on a tight curve, the breathtaking views around Lago Bianco near the summit, and the final stretch through Tirano's charming streets. And, unlike most Swiss mountain railways, this international route requires your passport, so don’t forget to pack it.

The Canadian, Canada

Railways played a pivotal role in shaping some of the world’s largest nations, unlocking previously inaccessible regions and connecting rural lands and forests to bustling coastal cities and ports.

Canada stands as a prime example of railways’ transformative power, with its last remaining transcontinental train serving as a tribute to the country's stunning landscapes.

Covering 4,463 kilometers (2,775 miles) over four days, this VIA Rail train runs from Toronto to Vancouver, passing through forests, lakes, and vast prairies. But the journey’s highlight comes in the west, where the train climbs through the majestic Rockies before reaching its final stop on the Pacific coast.

In an era dominated by quick communication and air travel, The Canadian offers a nostalgic journey back to a time when long-distance travel was not just comfortable, but also more communal.

On longer journeys, sharing dining tables and open saloons gives you the chance to connect with fellow passengers, enriching the travel experience through shared stories. The train itself evokes a sense of nostalgia, featuring elegant 1950s stainless steel passenger and sleeper cars, spacious cabins, and panoramic dome cars that provide an exceptional view of Canada’s breathtaking scenery.

The Little Yellow Train, France

High in the Pyrenees, where the borders between France and Spain’s Catalunya region blur, an awe-inspiring and unique railway ascends through narrow gorges and soars over deep valleys, eventually reaching the only French territory on the Iberian Peninsula.

Officially called the Ligne de Cerdagne after the region it serves, this railway is more affectionately known as 'The Little Yellow Train' or the 'Metro of the Pyrenees,' a tribute to its pioneering electric trains from the early 20th century.

The most breathtaking section of the 63-kilometer (39-mile) route is the ascent from Villefranche-de-Conflent, a stunning fortified town and UNESCO World Heritage site located 31 miles west of Perpignan, to Odeillo-Font-Romeu.

The train hugs the steep cliffs of the deep, rocky River Tet valley, winding its way through forests, chasms, and rushing streams, while passing by quaint villages, ancient fortresses, and a hermitage perched precariously on the mountainside.

Built between 1903 and 1909, this railway is a remarkable feat of civil engineering, with the highlight being the Pont Gisclard, the only railway suspension bridge in France.

For enthusiasts of unique railways, the vintage trains alone make the journey worthwhile. During summer, open-top cars provide an amazing 360-degree panoramic view, securing this route's spot as one of the best rail journeys in the world. Seven of the 10 original trains, based on Paris Metro cars, are still running.

From the peak of the line at Bolquère-Eyne, which stands as France’s highest railway station at 1,593 meters (5,226 feet), the track winds across a sun-kissed plateau, passing the border town of Bourg-Madame before reaching La Tour-de-Carol. Here, the main tracks of both the French and Spanish railways converge with the yellow narrow-gauge trains.

It may not be the most famous train in the world, but a ride on this charming and eccentric railway is an unforgettable experience.

The TranzAlpine, New Zealand

While New Zealand isn't the most obvious place for rail travel, it offers one of the most remarkable railway experiences in the world.

Connecting the vibrant city of Christchurch with Greymouth on New Zealand's South Island, the TranzAlpine journey spans 224 kilometers (139 miles) in just four and a half hours.

However, the real essence of this extraordinary trip can't be captured by mere numbers. The train takes you through an ever-changing landscape that includes the vast Canterbury Plains, the snow-covered peaks of the Southern Alps, remote alpine meadows, and the lush forests, lakes, and streams of the West Coast.

Swiss-inspired panoramic carriages provide a great way to enjoy the view, but for many, the open-air carriage is the standout feature. This car lets passengers breathe in the crisp mountain air and snap unforgettable photos of New Zealand's breathtaking scenery.

To enhance the journey, passengers on the TranzAlpine can now enjoy a GPS-triggered audio guide available in both English and Mandarin, offering insights into the history, culture, and landmarks along the route.