There’s something undeniably romantic about a long train journey. Far more than a means of transportation, these trips are a rare invitation to slow down and travel with intention around the world. From engineering marvels that wind through mountains and lush valleys to luxurious sojourns that offer a taste of the historical grandeur of iconic trains, these journeys celebrate the spirit of adventure.
While some of the following routes reveal breathtaking destinations often inaccessible by other modes of transportation and others allow passengers to immerse themselves in the culture of the regions they pass through, they’re all resplendent rides that should be on your radar.
Vancouver-Banff: The Rocky Mountaineer
Embark on the Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West route for a remarkable two-day trip between Vancouver and Banff that grants you a front-row seat to the most stunning landscapes in the Canadian Rockies. Travel this historic route, famous for connecting Canada from east to west, in luxurious glass-dome coaches, where you’re deeply immersed in panoramic views that show off the verdant fields of the Fraser Valley, the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate, the astounding Spiral Tunnels, the rugged Kicking Horse Canyon, as well as historic sites like Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven.
Take in the sights with Rocky Mountaineer’s SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf services. The former features single-level dome coaches with oversized glass-dome windows and the latter offers a bi-level dome with seating on the upper floor (with full glass-dome windows and a glass roof) and a dining room on the lower portion. For a bit of fresh air, visit the outdoor viewing platform.
Expect comfortable reclining seats and high-end service with regionally inspired two- or three-course gourmet meals prepared from local ingredients and premium beverages, all served at your seat or in the dining room. Knowledgeable onboard hosts share stories of the region’s history, culture and wildlife.
Myrdal-Flåm: The Flåm Railway, Norway
For travelers keen on experiencing Norway’s highlights, the Flåm Railway offers the perfect excuse to take the slow and scenic route from Oslo to Bergen. Begin with a few nights in Oslo, where the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Amerikalinjen promises a comfortable NYC-themed stay with its elegant design and basement jazz club in a neo-baroque building.
Once on the train, you’ll make your way to Bergen with a stop in the village of Flåm. There, you can go on a fjord cruise aboard a zero-emission electric catamaran to explore the spectacular beauty of the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord.
Considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, this route, part of the Norway in a Nutshell tour, involves going from Oslo to the village of Myrdal (3,172 feet above sea level) via the Bergen Railway. You’ll hop onboard the vintage Flåm Railway (also called the Flamsbana) carrier to reach Flåm, which stands at the end of Aurlandsfjord.
On the hour-long, 12-mile jaunt from Myrdal to Flåm (or vice versa), you’ll pass through 20 tunnels, be mesmerized by snow-blanketed mountains and village farms, and have a photo opportunity at Kjosfossen waterfall.
Istanbul-Paris: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Travel back to the golden age of train expeditions on a five-night journey from Istanbul to Paris aboard Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Begin in Turkey, immersing yourself in the city’s rich history with a stay at the Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus.
The legendary train has transported royalty, movie stars, spies and dignitaries; hosted grand parties; and, of course, was an inspiration for Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. Its art deco carriages were crafted between 1926 and 1949 and restored in the 1970s. The train’s lavish interiors are marked by hand-blown Italian glass, Chinese lacquer work, plush velvet and intricate wood paneling.
Wake to French breakfasts and enjoy gourmet meals curated by chef Jean Imbert in the exquisite dining cars. Mingle over cocktails and midnight brunches in the bar car. In the historic cabins, bask in the comfort of your cozy double banquette by day. When night falls, watch your space transform into a bedroom with berths topped with soft bedding. Or you can opt for a Grand Suite with a double bed, en-suite facilities, private dining and lounge areas.
Marvel at the storybook charm of Peleș Castle in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, wander the streets of Bucharest with local guides, appreciate Budapest during a panoramic cruise on the Danube and gaze at picturesque Swiss backdrops as the train heads to Paris.
Colombo-Badulla: Sri Lanka
The breathtaking train journey from Colombo to Badulla is on many train lovers’ bucket lists — and for good reason. This scenic 180-mile route, a relic of Sri Lanka’s colonial past developed by the British mainly to transport coffee, takes you through 46 tunnels and weaves through verdant landscapes with misty peaks, rugged cliffs, plunging waterfalls, tropical forests, lush tea estates and quiet villages. Notable highlights include the famous Nine Arches Bridge in Ella, Nanu Oya, where many visitors disembark to tour tea estates, and the Demodara Loop, where the train circles a hill and passes through a tunnel underneath the station.
On this passenger train, you can choose first-, second- or third-class seating. First-class has air-conditioning and reserved seats. The train can get quite crowded, especially with its growing popularity on social media for the dramatic views and photography ops, so be mindful of that if you’re considering the other seating tiers. While the route from Colombo to Badulla takes nearly 10 hours, many visitors do the seven-hour section from Kandy to Ella for the best vistas.
Lugano-Lucerne: Gotthard Panorama Express
Beginning in Lugano, Switzerland, the Gotthard Panorama Express chugs north through the historic Gotthard Tunnel, which was constructed in 1882. As the train ascends the Alps, expect up-close views of mountains, turquoise lakes and the famous Baroque church of Wassen, seen from three different angles thanks to the ingenious loop tunnels along the route. The train ride ends in Flüelen, where travelers continue to the pretty lakeside town of Lucerne by steamboat across Lake Lucerne.
The two-hour-and-30-minute trip between Lugano and Flüelen takes place in the train’s lavish, modern first-class-only compartments that offer luggage racks, complimentary Wi-Fi and an onboard menu selling coffee and light snacks. Don’t forget to visit the photo compartment with retractable windows to take crisp, reflection-free pictures. While the Swiss Travel Pass covers panorama trains, you must make a seat reservation to guarantee a spot. Note: the Gotthard Panorama Express is on hiatus through April 2025.
Singapore-Malaysia-Singapore: Eastern & Oriental Express
Set off on a three-night journey aboard Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express, a luxurious train and sister to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. You’ll begin your adventure in Singapore in carriages designed with opulent touches such as polished wood paneling, hand-painted lacquered panels, silk furnishings and teak floors. Nosh on fine Malaysian cuisine by acclaimed chef André Chiang, unwind with a massage at the onboard Dior Spa, appreciate stunning vistas of tea plantations and forests in the observation car, and cap off your evening with cocktails and live piano in the jazz-inspired bar car.
En-suite accommodations include the vintage-inspired Pullman Cabins with twin beds on upper and lower berths and ample natural light, spacious State Cabins with two floor-level single beds and the Presidential Suite with a large bathroom and additional perks.
In Malaysia, you’ll admire diverse rural terrain, visit Taman Negara — one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world, it allows photography, foraging and wildlife excursions — and explore UNESCO World Heritage Site George Town in Penang through the lens of art or cuisine on guided tours.
Christchurch-Greymouth: The TranzAlpine
Experience one of the world’s most scenic train rides aboard the TranzAlpine, traversing the gorgeous Southern Alps on New Zealand’s South Island. Departing from Christchurch, the train ventures west across the expansive Canterbury Plains before ascending through the river gorge and valleys of the Waimakariri River toward the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass. The route through the imposing Torlesse mountains, between Springfield and Arthur’s Pass, is a remarkable feat of engineering. Feel the thrill of crossing the magnificent Staircase Gully viaduct, which stands more than 200 feet above a stream.
The trip continues through lush beech forests, with highlights such as the historic Otira Tunnel, the quaint town of Moana and the idyllic Lake Brunner. Ultimately, the TranzAlpine train arrives in Greymouth on the west coast, from which you can travel to Punakaiki and the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers.
On the train, you’ll gaze at the scenery through non-reflective panoramic windows and wear headphones to listen to commentary in five languages. For not-to-miss photo opportunities, head to the open-air observation carriage to admire striking views of Mount Binser at Cass and the Waimakariri River.
Opt for the Scenic Plus experience for elevated meals prepared onboard from fresh local ingredients, paired with regional wines, served at your seat. Other beverages, snacks and light meals can also be bought at the café carriage.
