Many people dismiss the idea of traveling by train in favor of flying. However, there is something romantic about traveling by train. Train travel is one of the oldest ways to get around, and it a fantastic way to experience the landscape around you. By going by train, you see beautiful scenic views that you may not have got to experience otherwise.
Here are 25 of the most beautiful train rides in the world.
25.) Bernina Express
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- Train Route: Chur, Davos, or St. Moritz in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy
The 90-mile journey will take you across the most beautiful landscapes, through 55 tunnels and 196 bridges. You get to experience waterfalls, alpines, and dramatic ravines.
24.) First Passage to the West
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- Train Route: Vancouver, Kamloops, and Lake Louise to Banff
The Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West is an experience like no other. Enjoy the breathtaking sights of Canada from a luxurious carriage.
The upper-level Gold Leaf carriage has a glass dome where you will get an all-round view of the Rocky Mountains.
23.) The Train to the Clouds
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- Train Route: Salta in Argentina to the Chilean border
The Tren, a las Nubes, will climb to 13,800ft during its journey. The Train to the Clouds will cross the tobacco fields of the fertile Lerma valley before beginning its ascent through a heavily-forested humid region.
22.) TranzAlpine
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- Train Route: Christchurch, Arthurs Pass to Greymouth
A beautiful train ride on the TranzAlpine will take you across the east coast to the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island.
Experience some of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes as you travel alongside the Waimakariri River before heading up the mountains.
21.) Fort William to Mallaig
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- Train Route: Fort William to Mallaig
The “Road to the Isles” is one of Britain’s best-loved scenic railways. The 42-mile journey goes through Scotland’s magnificent mountains and glens. This train journey is a location for the Harry Potter films.
20.) The Ghan
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- Train Route: From Adelaide and Alice Springs to Darwin
Travel from Adelaide to Darwin, a total distance of 2000 miles across Australia’s red center and tropical coast of the Northern Territory.
19.) Oslo to Bergen
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- Train Route: Oslo to Bergen
The highest major rail route in northern Europe, the Oslo to Bergen is one of the best train journeys in the world. The route will pass through spectacular mountain terrain, and you can even expect to see snow in the summer.
18.) Trans-Siberian Railway
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- Train Route: Moscow to Vladivostok
The Trans-Siberian Railway is among the world’s longest rail routes at a staggering 5772 miles. Travel across the Ural Mountains and through the dense Siberian forest.
17.) Koblenz to Mainz
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- Train Route: Koblenz to Main
Enjoy the relaxing scenery through the German wine country on this beautiful train ride along the riverside.
16.) The Flåm Railway
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- Train Route: Flåm in the Sognefjord to Myrdal
The Flåm railway journey may be only an hour-long, but the scenery makes up for what it lacks in the distance. It is one of Norway’s top attractions and thought of by many as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world.
Pass through stunning landscapes and where you will find flowing waterfalls and snowcapped mountains in the winter.
15.) Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
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- Train Route: London to Paris to Venice
Possibly the most famous trains in the world, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a thing of beauty. It’s a luxurious and glamorous train with stunning art-deco carriages and world-class service.
The journey from London to Paris to Venice is a once-in-a-lifetime experience like no other.
14.) Rovos Rail’s Namibia Safari
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- Train Route: Pretoria to Cape Town
Take this amazingly decorated and luxury train journey through beautiful African countryside and stop at historic towns en route.
13.) Grand Alpine Express
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- Train Route: Budapest to Venice
Enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery on this magnificent rail cruise from Budapest to Venice through the stunning alpine region of Central Europe.
12.) Belmond Hiram Bingham
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- Train Route: Cusco and Machu Picchu
Sit back and relax in a 1920s-style carriage with polished wood and brass. Enjoy the views as you cross from Cusco to Machu Picchu on your Peruvian adventure.
11.) Palace on Wheels
- Train Route: Jaipur to Agra
The Place on Wheels train ride is the best way to see the sights of Rajasthan and avoiding the crowds and heat of India.
Designed in the traditional style of the Maharajahs, the train is as beautiful as the views during the journey.
10.) Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
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- Train Route: Durango to Silverton
This route was a means of hauling silver and gold from Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a breathtaking journey over 45.5 miles of beautiful canyons and wilderness.
9.) The Trans-Siberian
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- Train Route: Moscow to Vladivostok
This epic train ride will take you across eight times zones, through the vast and beautiful Russia. The train comes equipped with luxurious suites, fine dining, and there is even an on-board doctor.
8.) Cathedrals Express
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- Train Route: Various British Cities
The Steam Dreams host several different beautiful train rides across the British coastline and countryside. Travel by the power of stream and feel like you are on the set of Harry Potter.
7.) Black Sea Express
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- Train Route: Sofia across the Thracian plains to the Black Sea
Journey through scenic Bulgaria from Sofia cross to the Black Sea. This is a magical steam train ride that will make you feel like you are on an epic adventure.
6.) Welsh Highland Railway
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- Train Route: Caernarfon to Porthmadog
Enjoy the beauty of the Welsh highlands as you travel along restored narrow-gauge heritage railway.
5.) The Trans-Harz Railway Line
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- Train Route: Crosses the Harz Mountains from north to south
Journey along a 60km track and relax as you get to experience a kaleidoscopic of beautiful scenery and nature.
4.) Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
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- Train Route: New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is also known as the DHR or the Toy Train. It’s also a World Heritage Site. Due to the altitude, the train doubles back on itself through four zigzag loops to allow passengers to acclimatize.
3.) Arctic Nordland Line
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- Train Route: Oslo to Trondheim
Wrap up in warm clothes as you embark on the adventure of a lifetime as you journey from Oslo to the Arctic Circle.
2.) Caledonian Sleeper
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- Train Route: London to Fort William
The overnight Caledonian Sleeper from London to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands is a train ride like no other. Travel from London to the Scottish Highlands and see some breathtaking view like nowhere else in the world.
1.) Reunification Express
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- Train Route: Hanoi to Saigon
Experience the joy and beauty of Vietnam from the carriage of a train with the locals on the Reunification Express.
If you want an adventure, why not try one of these most beautiful train rides in the world? You won’t regret it!