Top 10 of the World's Most Spectacular Scenic Train Journeys
Train travel weaves a spell like no other. Inside, it fosters connections with fellow passengers amid the soothing rhythm of wheels on rails. Outside, it unveils dramatic landscapes, offering profound insights into a nation's soul.
Draw inspiration from these extraordinary routes featured in the acclaimed book Amazing Train Journeys.
The World's Most Amazing Scenic Train Journeys
The Reunification Express, Vietnam
Start – Ho Chi Minh City; End – Hanoi; Departs daily; Distance – 1072 miles (1726km); Duration – two days
Renowned as Southeast Asia's premier rail experience, the Reunification Express—also called the North-South Railway—spans over 1,000 miles from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. This historic line passes through vibrant cities, stunning coastlines, and diverse cultures, providing an immersive journey into Vietnam's heart.
More info: 12Go or Baolau
The California Zephyr, USA
Start – Chicago; End – San Francisco; Departs daily; Distance – 2438 miles (3924km); Duration – 52hrs 40mins
Amtrak's California Zephyr delivers an iconic three-day odyssey across North America's diverse terrains: vast prairies, arid deserts, the majestic Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada. Highlights include panoramic views from the lounge car's expansive windows, especially the thrilling 185-mile stretch from Denver to Glenwood Springs along the Colorado River.
More info: Amtrak
Baikal–Amur Mainline, Russia
Start – Tayshet; End – Sovetskaya Gavan; Departs daily; Distance – 2687 miles (4324km); Duration – four days or more
Parallel to the famed Trans-Siberian, the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM) traverses over 2,500 miles of remote Siberian wilderness. Enduring extreme conditions down to -60°C, this engineering marvel offers untouched scenery rarely explored by tourists.
More info: Russian Railways
PeruRail’s Lake Titicaca Railway, Peru
Start – Puno; End – Cuzco; Departs three times a week; Distance – 241 miles (388km); Duration – 10hrs
This scenic route crosses the Altiplano from Lake Titicaca to Cusco, winding through Andean peaks and valleys. Aboard PeruRail's luxury train, enjoy fine dining, entertainment, and open-air views of traditional communities and llamas.
More info: Peru Rail
Beijing to Lhasa Express, China
Start – Beijing; End – Lhasa; Departs daily; Distance – 2330 miles (3750km); Duration – 40 hours
The Z21 train bridges Beijing's modern marvels with Lhasa's spiritual wonders, ascending to 16,400ft on the Tibetan Plateau. Passengers witness yaks, prayer flags, and snow peaks while sharing meals with bunkmates.
More info: China Tibet Train Tours
London to Fort William on the Caledonian Sleeper, UK
Start – London (Euston); End – Fort William; Departs daily; Distance – 509 miles (819km); Duration – 13hrs 30 mins
This overnight journey transforms London's urban bustle into the Scottish Highlands' dramatic vistas. Savor the romance of rail with cozy cabins, whisky nightcaps, and dawn views of granite peaks—Britain's premier train ride.
More info: Caledonian Sleeper
The Bergensbanen, Norway
Start – Oslo; End – Bergen; Departs four times a day; Distance – 308 miles (496km); Duration – 6hrs 30 mins
A 19th-century engineering triumph, the Bergensbanen showcases Norway's natural wonders: canyons, rivers, mountains, and icy plateaus in just over six hours—a gateway to pristine Nordic landscapes.
More info: The Vy Group
The TranzAlpine, New Zealand
Start – Christchurch; End – Greymouth; Departs daily; Distance – 139 miles (223km); Duration – 4hrs 30 mins
One of the world's top one-day scenic trains, the TranzAlpine crosses New Zealand's South Island microclimates: plains to Southern Alps, via thrilling tunnels to West Coast rainforests and coasts.
More info: The Great Journeys of New Zealand
Tazara Railway, Tanzania and Zambia
Start – Dar es Salaam; End – Kapiri Mposhi; Departs twice a week; Distance – 1160 miles (1860km); Duration – 46 hours
Africa's leisurely 46-hour epic offers wildlife sightings, rural life glimpses, and vibrant stops along this vital Tanzania-Zambia link—perfect for immersive adventure.
More info: Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority
