The best epic train rides through mountains and valleys

Sometimes, travelers' Instagram posts feature trains crossing the hills with incredible views, and we wish for such a travel experience. In simple terms, scenic train journeys enable people to enjoy stunning views of mountains, deep valleys, and beautiful natural scenery from their seats.

Many countries are renowned for their stunning train rides and well-maintained railway systems. Some top contenders include Switzerland (famed for the Glacier Express and Bernina Express), Canada (famous for the Rocky Mountaineer), India (with the Maharaja's Express), and South Africa (known for Rovos Rail).

When travel slows down, the views get better. These legendary rail journeys aren’t just a way to move, they’re a front-row ticket to the world’s most dramatic landscapes. From snow-capped Alpine peaks to rugged canyon floors, these 15 best mountain train rides provide unforgettable experiences that combine comfort, adventure, and breathtaking beauty, making them essential bucket-list adventures for any serious traveler.

Planingo, as a smart travel Planner, provides every detail you need to prepare for an amazing railway trip in these countries. **** For example, we provide information about the trip’s cost, accommodations, reservations, and many pro travel tips.

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland

If Switzerland had a national treasure on rails, this would be it. The Glacier Express connects St. Moritz and Zermatt, gliding through 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and the high Oberalp Pass at 6,670 feet.

The beauty is in the pace; it's slow enough for you to really take in the Matterhorn's silver outline or see the sun break across alpine lakes through panoramic glass domes..

When to go: May-October brings crisp, clear mountain skies; December-March turns the line into a snow-globe dream.

Book ahead: summer sells fast.

Expert note: If you can, grab a right-hand window seat; south-facing, with the best light over the Alps.

2. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

This isn't just a train ride; it's a moving luxury lodge that cuts through the Canadian Rockies. There are routes from Vancouver to Banff or Calgary that go through roaring rivers, emerald forests, and the Spiral Tunnels of Yoho National Park, which look like they came straight out of a movie.

You can eat local salmon and watch eagles fly over the Fraser Canyon in glass-domed coaches.

Insider tip: Upgrade to GoldLeaf Service if your budget allows. The domed upper deck and open-air platform are worth every cent.

Best season: April to October, with May to September being prime for wildlife and weather.

Seats disappear up to a year in advance on Rocky Mountaineer.

3. Bernina Express, Switzerland/Italy

The Bernina Express is more exciting than the Glacier Express. This UNESCO World Heritage railway starts in Chur and goes up and over the Bernina Pass (7,391 ft) before going down to Tirano, Italy, where glaciers give way to palm trees.

The Landwasser Viaduct and the Brusio Spiral Viaduct are two of the most beautiful rail bridges in the world. The Brusio Spiral Viaduct loops beautifully through the valley.

Tip for the season: It's beautiful all year long. In the summer, it's lush and green, and in the winter, it's sparkling white. You have to book your seat through the Swiss Travel System. The best seat is on the right side of the bus going south to see glaciers.

4. Flam Railway, Norway

The Flåm Railway in Norway feels more like a trip into myth than a train ride. It starts high up in Myrdal and goes down almost 900 meters in 20 kilometers, passing roaring waterfalls, 18 hand-carved tunnels, and valleys that look like they came straight out of Norse mythology.

The train even stops long enough at Kjosfossen for you to get out and feel the mist from the falls.

When to go: May to September for strong waterfalls, and December to March for a chance to see the Northern Lights. Take the round trip and stop in Flåm village for fjord walks and smoked salmon before going back up.

5. California Zephyr, USA

The California Zephyr is the only train that really captures "cross-country beauty." It goes from Chicago to San Francisco, passing through the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado River canyon, and the Sierra Nevada. The views are so beautiful that they have inspired rail fans for decades.

In the mornings, watch the Great Plains wake up in the sun. In the evenings, relax in the observation lounge, where the windows go from floor to ceiling.

Spring and fall are the best times to visit because the skies are clearer and the crowds are smaller.

6. The Ghan, Australia

The Ghan is more than just a train; it's a trip through the heart of Australia. It cuts through ochre deserts, endless plains, and the rough heart of the Red Centre on its way from Adelaide to Darwin. Along the way, people get off the bus to look around Alice Springs and take a cruise through Katherine Gorge.

Cabins feel like boutique hotel rooms, and the service is unmistakably Australian, laid-back but polished. The best time is from April to September, when it is dry.

Insider tip: For excursions off the train and all-inclusive meals, choose Gold Service.

7. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge, USA

It feels like you're in an old Western when you ride this historic steam train. The 1880s locomotives still chug along the edge of the Animas River canyon in Colorado's San Juan Mountains. You'll smell pine trees, hear the whistle echoing off the cliffs, and pass ghost towns that have been frozen in time**.**

Travel time is from May to October, but go in September to see the fiery fall colors.

8. West Highland Line, Scotland

The West Highland Line is one of the most nostalgic train rides. The train leaves Glasgow and goes around Loch Lomond, through moorland mist, and over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the same bridge that Harry Potter's Hogwarts Express crossed in the movie.

The last part of the trip to Mallaig opens up to the sea and sky, with the Isle of Skye shimmering in the distance.

If you like golden hills, go in October. If you like mild weather, go between May and September.Sit on the left side for the best views of the lochs and mountains.

T9. Maharajas' Express, India

The best train in India isn't the fastest; it's the most beautiful. The Maharajas' Express takes you through royal cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Agra. The dining cars look like palace halls, and the cabins are lined with silk.

You can see the Taj Mahal, look for tigers in Ranthambore, and drink tea in forts that are hundreds of years old.

From October to March, the weather is cool and clear, which is a good time to travel. According to experts, the Heritage of India route has the best mix of culture and scenery.

10. TranzAlpine, New Zealand

When you take the train across New Zealand's South Island, it feels like you're turning the pages of a nature documentary. The TranzAlpine train connects Christchurch and Greymouth by going over the Canterbury Plains, through Arthur's Pass, and past turquoise rivers that cut through gorges.

There is even a viewing carriage outside. The wind is cold, but the pictures are worth it.

Best months: October to April. If you book a premium class ticket, you'll get a window seat and local wines to go with the view.

11. Copper Canyon Railway, Mexico

People in Mexico call this line "El Chepe." It goes deep into Mexico's Copper Canyon, which is bigger and deeper than the Grand Canyon. The train goes through Tarahumara villages, hanging bridges, and views that go on forever between El Fuerte and Creel.

The best time to visit is from October to April, when it's dry and clear. Pick the Primera Express class for a smoother ride and better timing.

12. The Blue Train, South Africa

The Blue Train, which goes between Cape Town and Pretoria, is all about luxury. Picture lunches on white linens, views of the Karoo desert, and butlers who remember your favorite drink by the second day. The scenery changes from vineyards to wide-open spaces, and Africa's quiet drama is always going on outside.

The best times to board are from March to May or from September to November, when the weather is mild. The deluxe suites have big windows that are great for drinking coffee in the morning.

13. Kandy to Ella, Sri Lanka

This train might be the most beautiful "budget" train in the world. The ride from Kandy to Ella takes seven hours and goes through tea plantations, valleys full of mist, and the famous Nine Arch Bridge. People lean out of windows, and kids wave from tea fields. This is Sri Lanka at its best.

December through March, during dry weather, is the best time to schedule a vacation. And for the Tip for the seat: Get on the bus in the morning when the light is soft and the hills are clear.

14. Allegra Train, Switzerland

The Allegra is a shorter, equally beautiful version of the Bernina Express that connects St. Moritz and Tirano across the Bernina Pass. It is sleek, quiet, and good for the environment (eco-friendly). Expect views of glaciers, the Engadin Valley, and the Swiss way of being on time.

15. Shongololo Express, Southern Africa

The Shongololo Express is a moving boutique hotel that travels through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique. You can expect game drives, trips to Victoria Falls, and off-train adventures that feel like mini-safaris.

Days go by slowly. You can have coffee at sunrise, see animals by noon, and eat fine food at night. Best time to go is April to September (when it's dry and the safaris are clearer). The Good Hope route takes you through Cape Town's coastline, mountain passes, and wildlife reserves.

Now you have a complete list for Round-trip scenic train rides, and it’s time for specific questions that guide you to travel better:

Tips for Booking the Best Seats on a Train

Getting the best seats on scenic train routes is part art and part timing, and OTAs know this very well. The key is to plan ahead and be smart about it. Do some research on the route and direction of travel. For example, seats facing south in the Alps or seats on the right side of the road heading west in North America usually have the best views.

Make your reservations as soon as they become available, which is usually 3 to 6 months in advance for routes that are in high demand.

If your OTA lets you, ask for a car number that is close to lounges or observation areas to get a more immersive experience. And don't forget about premium service levels; they usually guarantee window seats and access to the best views. This small upgrade turns your trip into a moving postcard.

How to Plan a Train-Focused Vacation?

Building a memorable railway vacation requires careful coordination. Select 2-3 signature train journeys as anchor experiences, then build accommodations and activities around departure cities. As we mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to Book trains in advance, as they have limited capacity and seasonal schedules.

This part highlights what separates those who enjoy exciting adventures from those who don’t. Since bad weather and delays are common in the mountains, it is essential to keep your plans flexible. A system to manage your booking connection, travel times, and backup options is crucial for a smooth experience.

I've watched too many fellow travelers miss connecting trains or arrive at fully booked accommodations because they tried to juggle everything manually. The stress of coordinating multiple train schedules, hotel reservations, and activity bookings across different time zones can quickly turn your dream vacation into a logistical nightmare.

Pro tips for your train vacation:

Proper planning makes all the difference, whether planning luxury scenic train journeys through pristine wilderness or seeking the best mountain train rides on a budget.

At Planingo.ai, we understand that exceptional railway travel experiences require more than booking tickets; they require intelligent coordination.

Let us help you create the perfect train-focused itinerary that maximizes your time, minimizes stress, and ensures you never miss those once-in-a-lifetime mountain vistas.