This travel guide promotes train travel as a scenic, sustainable alternative to flying, categorizing epic rail journeys into several types: scenic routes with stunning views (Glacier Express through Swiss Alps, Rocky Mountaineer through Canadian Rockies, Trans-Siberian Railway, The Ghan across Australian Outback), luxury experiences featuring fine dining and premium service (Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Belmond Royal Scotsman), European iconic routes, budget-friendly options using regional trains and rail passes, and practical night trains for cost-effective overnight travel. The article targets Instagram-savvy travelers with an enthusiastic, casual tone. It concludes with practical advice on packing light, booking advance tickets, using comparison websites, and finding discounts to make train travel more affordable and accessible.
Okay, so forget planes for a sec. We're talking about trains. And not just any trains – we're talking about epic journeys through stunning landscapes, with views that will blow up your Instagram feed. Train travel is having a moment right now, and for good reason. It's more sustainable, more comfortable, and way more scenic than staring at the back of a seat for hours. These are the best train journeys, offering some of the most amazing scenic train routes.
Unforgettable Views: Most Scenic Train Routes
These train journeys are all about the views. We're talking mountains, coastlines, forests, and everything in between. Get ready to be glued to the window (and make sure your phone is charged for all those pics!).
Glacier Express (Switzerland): This is the classic scenic train route in Switzerland. It takes you through the Swiss Alps, over towering viaducts, through winding tunnels, and past glaciers and picturesque villages. It's basically a real-life postcard. (Travel time: ~8 hours)
Rocky Mountaineer (Canada): Get ready for some serious mountain views. This train journey takes you through the Canadian Rockies, with stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and lush forests. (Travel time: Varies depending on route)
The Ghan (Australia): This is an epic journey across the Australian Outback, from Darwin in the north to Adelaide in the south. You'll see the red desert landscapes, ancient rock formations, and maybe even some kangaroos! (Travel time: ~54 hours)
Trans-Siberian Railway (Russia): This is the longest train journey in the world, stretching over 5,700 miles from Moscow to Vladivostok. It's a truly epic adventure, spanning multiple time zones and traversing diverse landscapes. (Travel time: ~7 days)
Hiram Bingham (Peru): This luxury train takes you from Cusco to Machu Picchu, winding its way through the Andes Mountains and offering stunning views of the Sacred Valley. (Travel time: ~3.5 hours)
The Coastal Classic (New Zealand):
The Bergen Railway (Norway): This train journey takes you from Oslo to Bergen, passing through some of Norway's most dramatic scenery, including fjords, mountains, and waterfalls. (Travel time: ~7 hours)
Douro Line (Portugal):
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (India): This narrow-gauge railway, affectionately known as the "Toy Train," winds its way up into the Himalayas, offering stunning views of tea plantations and majestic mountain peaks. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Travel time: Varies)
Ride in Style: Best Luxury Train Experiences
Okay, these train journeys are boujee. We're talking fine dining, plush cabins, impeccable service, and views that will make you feel like royalty. Get ready for some real luxury train travel moments.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe): This is the ultimate in luxury train travel. Think Art Deco glamour, gourmet meals, and impeccable service. The classic route runs from London to Venice, but other destinations are also available.
Belmond Royal Scotsman (Scotland): Explore the Scottish Highlands in style on this luxurious train. Think private cabins, gourmet meals, and excursions to castles and distilleries.
Rovos Rail (South Africa): This train journey takes you through some of South Africa's most stunning landscapes, with luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and off-train excursions.
Maharajas' Express (India): Experience India like a maharaja on this opulent train. Think lavish suites, gourmet meals, and personalized service.
Seven Stars in Kyushu (Japan): This luxury train offers a unique way to explore the island of Kyushu, with stunning scenery, exquisite cuisine, and top-notch service.
European Adventures: Iconic Rail Journeys in Europe
Europe is made for train travel. It's got an extensive rail network, stunning scenery, and charming cities to explore. These are some of the most iconic routes, offering you the best of scenic train routes.
The Glacier Express: (Mentioned above, so reinforce).
Amazing train journeys don't have to break the bank. Here's how to explore by rail without breaking the bank. These are tips to help you explore the best train journeys.
Regional Trains: Slower regional trains are often more affordable than high-speed trains, and they frequently travel through more scenic routes.
Rail Passes: If you're planning on doing a lot of train travel, a rail pass (like Eurail or Interrail) can save you money.
Off-Season Travel: Traveling during the shoulder season (spring or fall) or the off-season (winter) can mean lower prices and fewer crowds.
Book in Advance: Train tickets, especially for popular routes, tend to be cheaper when booked in advance.
Pack Your Own Food: Train food can be overpriced and not always the best. Pack your own snacks and drinks to save money.
Sleep on Track: Night Trains Worth Taking
Night trains are a genius way to travel. You save money on accommodation, and you wake up in a new destination, ready to explore. These are among the best train journeys in the world.
Caledonian Sleeper (London to Scotland): This is a classic night train that takes you from London to various destinations in Scotland (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, etc.). You can book a sleeper cabin with a bed or a reclining seat for a more budget-friendly option.
Paris to Venice:
Nightjet (various routes in Europe): Operated by Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), Nightjet offers a network of night trains across Europe, connecting cities like Vienna, Berlin, Zurich, Rome, and more.
Madrid to Lisbon
Pack Smart: Packing Tips for Train Travel
Nobody wants to be that person struggling with a giant suitcase on a crowded train. Here's how to pack like a pro for the best rail trips:
Pack Light: Seriously, less is more. You'll be carrying your luggage on and off trains, and storage space can be limited.
Backpack or Rolling Suitcase: Choose whichever is more comfortable for you, but make sure it's easy to maneuver.
Daypack: A smaller backpack for day trips and excursions.
Comfy Clothes and Shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfort is key.
Entertainment: Books, magazines, downloaded movies, podcasts – whatever keeps you entertained on long journeys.
Snacks and Drinks: Essential for avoiding overpriced train food.
Travel Pillow and Blanket: Especially important for overnight trains.
Earplugs and Eye Mask: For blocking out noise and light on overnight trains (or any train, really!).
Universal Travel Adapter
Ticket to Savings: How to Get the Best Train Ticket Deals
Snagging a cheap train ticket is like winning the lottery. Here's how to increase your chances of having the best train journeys:
Book in Advance: Train tickets, especially for popular routes and high-speed trains, tend to be cheaper if you book them early.
Comparison Websites: Use comparison websites to compare prices from different rail operators.
Discounts: Look for discounts for students, seniors, or groups.
Rail Passes: If you're planning on doing a lot of train travel, a rail pass (like Eurail or Interrail) might be worth it.
Flexibility: Be flexible with your travel dates and times. Mid-week travel is often less expensive than travel on weekends.
Email Alerts: Sign up for email alerts from rail operators to be notified of sales and special offers.
Conclusion
Train travel is more than just a means of getting from point A to point B – it's an experience. It's a chance to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and connect with the world in a way that you just can't do on a plane. So, go and find yourself the best train journeys and enjoy the most unique scenic train routes.
