The 5 Most Spectacular Train Rides in the World
As a passionate train traveler with unforgettable journeys across Europe, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, the U.S., and Peru, I can confirm that rail travel delivers unmatched scenic beauty and adventure. Here are five world-class train routes that belong on every bucket list.
From luxurious panoramas to epic cross-continental treks, these journeys showcase nature's finest vistas.
Discover the top five below and plan your next rail adventure.
The World's 5 Best Train Rides
1. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
The Rocky Mountaineer offers a luxurious journey from Vancouver on the Pacific Coast to Banff in the Rocky Mountains.
Expect unforgettable sights: glaciers, dense forests, snow-capped peaks viewed from oversized windows in SilverLeaf cars or glass-domed GoldLeaf carriages. Gourmet meals by executive chefs enhance the experience. Key highlights include Hell's Gate in Fraser Canyon, Thompson River rapids, an overnight in Kamloops, turquoise lakes, and occasional bear sightings—with drivers slowing for photos.
2. The Ghan, Australia
Australia's iconic Ghan traverses the Outback in style, covering nearly 2,000 miles from Darwin to Adelaide over three days. Enjoy premium amenities with four-hour stops in Alice Springs and Katherine for excursions. Marvel at Northern Territory's tropical coast, southern plains, vivid red Outback hues, and MacDonnell Ranges' striking rocks.
3. Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia
This legendary 5,772-mile epic from Moscow to Vladivostok spans eight days, revealing Russia's vast scale through diverse landscapes. Highlights: Lake Baikal (world's deepest freshwater lake), the 3,227-foot Ob River bridge, Siberian taiga forests, and Ural Mountains.
4. Glacier Express: Zermatt to St. Moritz, Switzerland
Gliding through the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express feels like a living postcard—jagged peaks, verdant valleys with grazing herds, and charming chalets. The seven-hour route from Zermatt to glamorous St. Moritz passes 91 tunnels, 291 bridges, Oberalp Pass (6,706 feet, the highest point), alpine lakes, and the iconic 200-foot, six-arch Landwasser Viaduct.
5. West Highland Line, Scotland
This mountainous Scottish route rivals the best, departing Glasgow for lochs, Highlands wilderness, and Mallaig. Iconic sights: Glenfinnan Viaduct (famed from Harry Potter), Ben Nevis views (Scotland's tallest peak), and Loch Shiel.
Love train travel? What's your most memorable rail journey?
