🚂25 Most Scenic Train Journeys in the World (2025 Edition)   Train travel isn’t just about getting from one place to another — it’s about the journey itself. From snow-capped peaks to desert dunes, coastlines to canyons, some train routes offer unforgettable visual experiences. Whether you’re a luxury seeker, a nature lover, or a solo tourist, these scenic train rides combine comfort, wonder, and adventure. Here are the 25 most breathtaking train journeys in the world for 2025.

🌍 25 Scenic Train Rides to Add to Your Bucket List

🇨🇭 1. Glacier Express – Switzerland Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz What makes it scenic: Alpine valleys, icy peaks, and 291 bridges over deep gorges Best time: Winter or summer for contrasting landscapes 🇯🇵 2. Sagano Romantic Train – Japan Route: Arashiyama to Kameoka (Kyoto) What makes it scenic: Bamboo forests, cherry blossoms, and autumn foliage Best time: April or November 🇳🇴 3. Flåm Railway – Norway Route: Myrdal to Flåm What makes it scenic: Waterfalls, fjords, tunnels, and dramatic descents Best time: Summer for green valleys or winter for snow scenes 🇨🇱 4. Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) – Argentina                                Route: Salta to La Polvorilla What makes it scenic: High-altitude tracks with desert and mountain views Best time: May to October 🇨🇦 5. Rocky Mountaineer – Canada Route: Vancouver to Banff/Jasper What makes it scenic: Glacier-fed rivers, forests, wildlife, and the Canadian Rockies Best time: Spring through fall   🇮🇳 6. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – India Route: New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling What makes it scenic: Toy train winding through tea gardens and mountain villages Best time: October to December

🇿🇦 7. The Blue Train – South Africa

Route: Pretoria to Cape Town
What makes it scenic: Savanna plains, mountain ranges, and luxurious comfort
Best time: Year-round

🇮🇹 8. Bernina Express – Switzerland to Italy

Route: Chur to Tirano
What makes it scenic: Glaciers, viaducts, and Alpine beauty
Best time: Anytime — stunning in snow or sun

🇺🇸 9. California Zephyr – USA

Route: Chicago to San Francisco
What makes it scenic: Rockies, Colorado River, Sierra Nevada
Best time: Spring or fall

🇳🇿 10. TranzAlpine – New Zealand

Route: Christchurch to Greymouth
What makes it scenic: Southern Alps, rivers, gorges, and remote wilderness
Best time: Summer

🇮🇳 11. Konkan Railway – India

Route: Mumbai to Goa
What makes it scenic: Arabian Sea views, bridges, and monsoon magic
Best time: Post-monsoon (October)

🇫🇷 12. Mont Blanc Express – France/Switzerland

Route: Saint-Gervais to Martigny
What makes it scenic: Snowy peaks and dramatic cliffs
Best time: Winter or early spring

🇨🇳 13. Qinghai-Tibet Railway – China

Route: Xining to Lhasa
What makes it scenic: World’s highest train route across the Tibetan plateau
Best time: May to September

🇵🇪 14. Belmond Hiram Bingham – Peru

Route: Cusco to Machu Picchu
What makes it scenic: Luxury carriages with Andes and cloud forest views
Best time: Dry season (May–October)

🇦🇺 15. The Ghan – Australia

Route: Adelaide to Darwin
What makes it scenic: Outback landscapes, red deserts, tropical greenery
Best time: Winter (June–August)

🇨🇭 16. GoldenPass Line – Switzerland

Route: Lucerne to Montreux
What makes it scenic: Lakes, Alps, and storybook villages
Best time: All year — great in fall foliage season

🇺🇸 17. Coast Starlight – USA

Route: Seattle to Los Angeles
What makes it scenic: Pacific Ocean views, forests, snow-capped mountains
Best time: Spring or summer

🇲🇾 18. Jungle Railway – Malaysia

Route: Tumpat to Gemas
What makes it scenic: Remote rainforests, rivers, and village life
Best time: Dry season (March–October)

🇨🇿 19. Prague to Český Krumlov – Czech Republic

Route: Central Bohemia countryside
What makes it scenic: Fairy-tale villages, rivers, and castles
Best time: Spring or autumn

🇮🇹 20. Cinque Terre Line – Italy

Route: La Spezia to Levanto
What makes it scenic: Colorful cliffside towns and Ligurian Sea views
Best time: April to June

🇳🇴 21. Nordland Line – Norway

Route: Trondheim to Bodø
What makes it scenic: Crosses the Arctic Circle with fjords and mountains
Best time: Summer (or winter for Northern Lights)

🇪🇸 22. Al Andalus – Spain

Route: Seville to Granada and beyond
What makes it scenic: Moorish palaces, olive groves, and Spanish countryside
Best time: Spring

🇲🇦 23. Marrakech to Casablanca – Morocco

Route: Desert and Atlantic coast journey
What makes it scenic: Colorful cityscapes and serene seaside scenes
Best time: Fall or spring

🇧🇷 24. Curitiba to Morretes – Brazil

Route: Through the Serra do Mar mountains
What makes it scenic: Rainforest, cliffs, and colonial towns
Best time: April to October

🇹🇷 25. Eastern Express – Turkey

Route: Ankara to Kars
What makes it scenic: Snowfields, Anatolian plains, and rustic villages
Best time: Winter

❓ FAQ – Train Travel for Tourists

Q1: Are scenic train rides safe for solo travelers?

A: Yes! Most scenic routes have clean, monitored compartments, and offer reserved seating.

Q2: Can I book these trains online in advance?

A: Absolutely — most have dedicated sites or third-party platforms like RailEurope, Japan Rail Pass, or official country rail sites.

Q3: What’s the best time of year for scenic train travel?

A: Spring and fall offer vibrant colors and milder weather, while winter adds snowy drama in mountain routes.

Q4: Are overnight scenic trains worth it?

A: Yes — especially on routes like The Ghan or Blue Train that include meals, cabins, and panoramic windows.

Q5: What’s the most luxurious scenic train?

A: Belmond Hiram Bingham (Peru), The Blue Train (South Africa), and Al Andalus (Spain) are top luxury picks.

Q6: Do these trains stop for photos or tours?

A: Some do! Glacier Express and Rocky Mountaineer often allow photo ops or guided excursions.

Q7: Can I travel with children on these routes?

A: Definitely. Many scenic trains are family-friendly and offer large windows for kids to enjoy.

Q8: What should I pack for a scenic train journey?

A: Layered clothes, snacks, water, power bank, camera, and binoculars.

Q9: Are meals included on these trains?

A: Many premium or overnight trains include gourmet meals; day trains often have dining cars.

Q10: Are scenic train rides expensive?

A: Ranges from budget-friendly (Sagano, India’s Toy Train) to luxury (Hiram Bingham, Blue Train).

Q11: Can I use a rail pass for multiple routes?

A: Yes — options like Eurail, JR Pass (Japan), and Swiss Rail Pass offer flexible access.

Q12: Which scenic train ride is best for couples?

A: Try the Bernina Express, Al Andalus, or Belmond Hiram Bingham for romantic views and comfort.