My love affair with train travel started on a rainy Tuesday morning, three years ago, when I boarded a train with no real plan except to watch the world go by from a window seat.
I remember pressing my palm against the cool glass, watching mist curl over green hills, and thinking: why have I been flying everywhere? That single trip changed the way I travel forever, and it’s the reason I’m sitting here today, sharing every scenic train destination I’ve fallen in love with since.
If you’re anything like me, you crave travel that slows you down instead of rushing you through. You want the journey to matter just as much as the destination. Trains do that in a way no other form of transport can.
There’s something almost meditative about watching landscapes shift from your window seat, a cup of tea in hand, with nowhere to be except exactly where you are.
This guide is everything I wish someone had handed me before my first big rail trip.
I’m sharing the destinations that stole my heart, practical tips I learned the hard way, and little details that will make your own scenic train adventure smoother and more memorable.
Grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s plan your next unforgettable ride.
Why Train Travel Deserves a Spot on Your Bucket List
Before I dive into my favorite routes, I want to talk about why train travel has become my preferred way to explore the world.
When you fly, you miss everything in between. You go from one airport terminal to another, and the landscape simply disappears beneath the clouds.
Trains give you the in-between, and honestly, that’s where the magic lives. You see how the land changes, how villages tuck themselves into valleys, how rivers wind alongside the tracks like they’re keeping you company.
There’s also a social element I didn’t expect to love as much as I do.
I’ve shared dining cars with strangers who became friends by the end of a meal, swapped stories with fellow travelers in observation decks, and struck up conversations that never would have happened on a plane. Train travel has a way of opening people up.
And practically speaking, trains are often gentler on the body than long car rides or turbulent flights. You can walk around, stretch your legs, order a proper meal, and actually enjoy the process of getting somewhere instead of just enduring it.
The Glacier Express, Switzerland
This was the trip that started it all for me, so it holds a special place in my heart. The Glacier Express connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, cutting through the heart of the Swiss Alps over roughly eight hours.
I still remember crossing the Landwasser Viaduct, that dramatic six-arch bridge that seems to disappear straight into a tunnel carved into the mountainside.
I actually gasped out loud, and the woman sitting across from me laughed and said she’d done the same thing on her first ride, years earlier.
What makes this journey so special is the panoramic glass-domed carriages.
Every seat feels like the best seat in the house, whether you’re watching snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, or the impossibly turquoise rivers below. Lunch is served right at your seat, and I still think about the fondue they brought around on my trip.
My tip: Book a window seat on the right-hand side if you’re traveling from Zermatt to St. Moritz. That’s where most of the dramatic mountain views unfold.
The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
If you want a journey that feels like stepping into a nature documentary, this is it.
I rode the Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Vancouver, and it remains one of the most visually overwhelming trips of my life, in the best possible way.
If North America’s rail routes are calling to you, I’ve rounded up several more in my guide to epic train journeys across North America, which covers a few other rides that belong on this same list.
This train only travels during daylight hours, which means you never miss a single view.
You’ll pass through the Canadian Rockies, past glacial lakes so blue they almost look painted, and through valleys where I spotted actual bald eagles circling overhead.
On my trip, we even slowed down for a black bear that wandered close to the tracks, and the entire carriage went quiet with excitement.
Overnight stops are built into the journey, so you’re never rushed, and you get real hotel stays instead of sleeping upright in a train seat. It’s a slower, more indulgent way to experience the Rockies.
The alpine towns along this route are worth lingering in too, and I’ve shared some of my favorites in my guide to cool mountain towns to escape the summer heat.
Those glacial lakes I mentioned stayed with me long after the trip ended, so much so that I started actively seeking out lake destinations on every trip since. If that sounds like you too, my roundup of the best lake destinations in the USA is a good place to start planning a detour.
My tip: Splurge on GoldLeaf class if your budget allows it. The glass-domed upper level and outdoor viewing platform are absolutely worth it for photography lovers.
The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia
This one is not for the faint of heart, and I say that with love. The full Trans-Siberian route stretches from Moscow to Vladivostok, covering nearly 9,300 kilometers and crossing eight time zones.
I only rode a portion of it, from Moscow to Irkutsk, and even that felt like an entirely different kind of adventure.
Days blur together in the gentlest way. You watch birch forests stretch endlessly, tiny villages appear and vanish, and the rhythmic clatter of the tracks becomes almost like a lullaby.
What surprised me most was the sense of community onboard. Compartments become little worlds of their own, where you share tea, snacks, and stories with people from completely different backgrounds.
I met a retired teacher from Yekaterinburg who taught me a few phrases in Russian, and a young couple traveling to visit family who shared their homemade pierogi with me.
My tip: Bring your own snacks and a good book, but don’t hide away too much. Some of the best memories come from the shared spaces between carriages.
The Flåm Railway, Norway
This is one of the shortest journeys on this list, but don’t let that fool you. The Flåm Railway covers just 20 kilometers between Myrdal and Flåm, yet it’s considered one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world.
The train winds through fjord country, past thundering waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and tunnels carved straight through mountains.
At one point, the train actually stops so passengers can step out and admire the Kjosfossen waterfall up close. I remember standing there, mist gently landing on my face, feeling completely small in the best way.
Because the journey is short, it’s easy to pair with a longer Norway itinerary, and I’d honestly recommend combining it with a fjord cruise for the full experience.
My tip: Ride it in late spring when the waterfalls are at their fullest from melting snow.
The Ghan, Australia
Named after the Afghan camel drivers who once helped explore Australia’s interior, the Ghan travels between Adelaide and Darwin, crossing the entire continent north to south.
This journey gave me one of the most humbling travel experiences of my life. The landscape shifts dramatically, from green coastal regions to the deep red earth of the Outback, stretching endlessly in every direction.
I remember sitting in the lounge car at sunset, watching the sky turn a color I didn’t even know existed, somewhere between orange and violet.
The Ghan also includes off-train excursions, and mine took me to Alice Springs, where I learned about Aboriginal culture and history directly from local guides. It added a depth to the journey that I wasn’t expecting from a train trip.
My tip: Choose the Platinum service if you can. The extra space and larger windows make a real difference on a multi-day journey like this one.
The West Highland Line, Scotland
Often voted one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world, the West Highland Line runs from Glasgow to Mallaig, passing through the Scottish Highlands in all their moody, dramatic glory.
I took this trip on a misty morning, and honestly, the fog only added to the atmosphere.
You’ll pass Rannoch Moor, an isolated stretch of wilderness with no roads in sight, and cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, the curved bridge made iconic by the Harry Potter films.
I’ll admit, I did press my face to the window hoping to spot a certain fictional train crossing it too.
The journey ends in Mallaig, a charming little fishing village where fresh seafood practically greets you at the platform.
My tip: Sit on the left side of the train when heading toward Mallaig for the best views of the viaduct and surrounding lochs.
The Blue Train, South Africa
Stepping aboard the Blue Train felt like slipping into a more glamorous era of travel.
Running between Pretoria and Cape Town, this luxury train wrapped me in plush interiors, white-glove service, and views of South Africa’s varied landscapes, from open savanna to dramatic mountain passes.
What stood out most to me was the personal butler service in each suite, something I’d never experienced on a train before.
Meals were multi-course affairs, paired with South African wines, and the observation car offered uninterrupted views of the changing scenery.
My tip: Time your trip to pass through the Hex River Valley during daylight. The mountain scenery there is some of the most striking on the entire route.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you stepped into an old black-and-white film, this is the journey for you.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express travels between London, Paris, and Venice, and every detail is designed to transport you, both literally and emotionally, to another era.
Polished wood paneling, vintage marquetry, and crystal glassware set the scene, while the route itself passes through the Alps and into Italy’s romantic countryside.
I dressed up for dinner on this trip, something I never do while traveling, and it felt entirely appropriate given the atmosphere.
My tip: Book the journey heading into Venice rather than out of it. Arriving in Venice by train, gliding along the water as the city comes into view, is a moment I’ll never forget.
Practical Tips I Learned From Experience
After several scenic train journeys, I’ve picked up a few lessons that I wish someone had told me sooner.
Book window seats early. On the most popular scenic routes, the best seats sell out months in advance. If the view matters to you as much as it does to me, don’t wait until the last minute.
Check the season before you book. Some routes are far more beautiful at certain times of year. Alpine routes shine in early autumn when the leaves change, while waterfall-heavy routes like the Flåm Railway are best in late spring.
If autumn scenery is what draws you to train travel in the first place, my guides on how to visit Vermont in the fall and the coziest small towns for fall foliage pair beautifully with a scenic rail trip through similar landscapes closer to home.
Bring a portable charger. Some scenic trains have limited outlets, especially in older carriages, and you’ll want your phone charged for photos all day.
Don’t overplan your time onboard. Some of my favorite memories came from unplanned conversations and quiet moments simply staring out the window. Leave room for that.
Consider multi-day trips for the full experience. Overnight scenic trains, like the Ghan or the Trans-Siberian, let the journey unfold slowly, which adds a completely different kind of richness to the trip.
Research meal service in advance. Some trains include meals in the ticket price, while others require reservations for dining cars. Knowing this ahead of time saves a lot of confusion.
Packing Essentials for Scenic Train Journeys
Packing for a train trip is different from packing for a typical vacation, and I learned this through a bit of trial and error.
A light layered outfit works best, since train cabins can vary in temperature throughout the day.
A good camera or a phone with a strong zoom lens is essential for capturing distant landscapes through glass windows.
I always bring a reusable water bottle, since staying hydrated on long journeys makes a noticeable difference in how I feel by the end of the day.
A journal has become one of my favorite travel companions. Writing down small moments, a conversation with a stranger, or the way the light hit a mountain range, has given me some of my most treasured travel memories to look back on.
Finally, I never travel without noise-canceling headphones for quieter moments and a cozy scarf or wrap, since observation cars and viewing decks tend to be breezier than the rest of the train.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scenic Train Travel
Do I need to book scenic train tickets far in advance? For the most popular routes, like the Glacier Express or the Rocky Mountaineer, I’d recommend booking at least four to six months ahead, especially if you want a window seat during peak season.
Less famous routes, like the West Highland Line, are more flexible and can often be booked just a few weeks out.
Are scenic trains suitable for solo travelers? Absolutely, and honestly, I think some of these journeys are even better solo. I met more people traveling alone on trains than I ever did traveling with a companion.
Dining cars and observation decks naturally encourage conversation, so you’re rarely lonely for long if you don’t want to be.
What’s the best time of year for scenic train travel? It really depends on the route.
Alpine journeys tend to be stunning in early autumn when the foliage changes color, while routes through Norway or Canada often shine brightest in late spring and early summer when waterfalls are full and daylight hours stretch longer.
I always research the specific route’s seasonal highlights before booking.
Is scenic train travel expensive? It can range widely.
Some journeys, like sections of the Trans-Siberian Railway, are quite affordable, while luxury experiences like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express or the Blue Train come with a higher price tag that reflects the level of service and comfort onboard.
I’ve found there’s a scenic train experience for nearly every budget, as long as you’re willing to look beyond the most famous names.
Can I bring my own food onboard? On most routes, yes, though some luxury trains include all meals in the ticket price and prefer you enjoy their dining service instead.
I still like to pack a few snacks for myself, just in case hunger strikes between meal times or during a particularly long stretch of scenery I don’t want to look away from.
A Few Honorable Mentions Worth Researching
While the routes above are the ones closest to my heart, a handful of others have stayed on my travel list for future adventures, and I wanted to mention them here in case they spark something for you too.
The Bernina Express, also in Switzerland, is often mentioned alongside the Glacier Express, and from what fellow travelers have told me, its crossing of the Bernina Pass rivals anything I experienced myself.
The Copper Canyon Railway in Mexico winds through canyons deeper than the Grand Canyon, offering a completely different kind of dramatic scenery.
And the Kuranda Scenic Railway in Australia, tucked away in the rainforests of Queensland, is on my list purely because of the waterfalls and rainforest views friends have described to me in detail.
I share these not because I can speak from firsthand experience, but because part of loving scenic train travel is always having a next destination in mind.
The list never really ends, and I think that’s part of the joy. Closer to home, the mountain scenery near Washington’s Amtrak Cascades route reminds me a lot of what I loved abroad, and I’ve written a full breakdown of the region in my guide to North Cascades National Park if you want to explore it further.
Final Thoughts
Every scenic train journey I’ve taken has taught me something different about slowing down and paying attention. There’s a certain kind of magic in watching the world shift outside your window, mile by mile, without the rush of modern travel pulling you along.
If you’ve never taken a scenic train trip before, I hope this guide gives you the nudge you need to book that first journey. And if you’re already a fellow train lover, I’d genuinely love to hear which route stole your heart the way the Glacier Express stole mine.
If beautiful scenery is what moves you, whether it’s from a train window or not, you might also enjoy my roundup of 30 of the most breathtaking destinations on earth, several of which are reachable by some of the very routes I’ve mentioned above.
Safe travels, and I hope the window seat is always yours.
