Seward to Fairbanks via Anchorage, Hurricane, and Denali. Its flagship route is the Denali Star, from Anchorage to Fairbanks.
Although the Anchorage to Fairbanks line is open year-round, there are more frequent services in the summer season, from mid-May to mid-September.
The Alaska Railroad stretches 470 miles (756 km) from Seward in the south of the state to Fairbanks in its Interior region. The most popular trek — the Denali Star route from Anchorage to Fairbanks — is a 12-hour immersion into Alaska’s untamed majesty. Watch the mighty Knik River flow with the Chugach Mountains as its backdrop, and be awed by the imposing grandeur of Denali. Beyond Talkeetna, the journey takes a wild turn through the Hurricane area, where you’re treated to stunning vistas from a 296-foot-high bridge. As you hit Broad Pass, prepare for a visual feast — the Alaska Range unfolds in a panoramic display of rugged beauty.
The Riviera Railway route:
Marseille to Ventimiglia, via Cannes, Antibes, Nice, and Monte Carlo.
Best time to travel the Riviera Railway:
With 300 days or more of sunshine per year, there is no bad time to go, but spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the most pleasant.
Hop on the Riviera Railway for an exhilarating journey from South of France’s polished coast to Italy’s rustic charm, hugging the sparkling Ligurian Sea. This train ride is like a secret passage through the Mediterranean’s hidden gems — Cagnes-sur-mer, Juan les Pins, Antibes — where vibrant pink bougainvillea spills over walls, and the sea’s aroma mingles with the clatter of pétanque. Glide through the glitz of Nice and Monaco, where luxury yachts and Lamborghinis are the norm. As the train approaches Italy, witness a captivating transformation from the ritzy Riviera to quaint, old-world Italian allure.
Journey through the Australian outback on a train.
The Ghan route:
Adelaide to Darwin via Alice Springs and Uluru.
Best time to travel the Ghan:
The cooler winter months (June to August) are the most comfortable.
The Ghan is a legendary journey through authentic Australia — a three-day adventure from South Australia’s greenery almost 3,000 kilometers to the Northern Territory. Setting off from Adelaide, you’re in for one of the world’s most captivating rail experiences. As you travel, the outback begins to show off, from the golden spinifex plains and shimmering salt pans to the rugged MacDonnell Ranges. The journey culminates in the lush tropics of Darwin and the Top End. Alice Springs serves as your gateway to the Red Center’s marvels, including Palm Valley, the majestic Uluru, and the imposing King’s Canyon.
5. Glacier Express, Switzerland
Explore the Swiss Alps via The Glacier Express, one most beautiful train rides in the world.
The Glacier Express route:
Zermatt to St. Moritz through the three cantons of Valais, Uri, and Graubünden.
Best time to travel the Glacier Express:
Winter. The extra snow makes it all the most magical.
Switzerland’s Glacier Express is a slow-moving panorama of Alpine splendor. From Zermatt to St. Moritz, this train weaves a path through the heart of the Swiss Alps. It’s a journey of contrasts, from the shadow of the Matterhorn in Valais to the highest point at Oberalp Pass, and then down to the depths of the Rhine Gorge. Skylight windows bring the majesty of the Alps inside, offering a moving picture show of Switzerland’s finest vistas.
6. Lake Titicaca Railway, Peru
This Peruvian railway journay peaks at over 14,000 feet (4,200 meters).
The Lake Titicaca Railway route:
Puno to Cuzco, through the Andes.
Best time to travel the Lake Titicaca Railway:
The dry season from April to October promises the best views.
The Lake Titicaca Railway is a high-altitude adventure that has redefined train travel. Styled like a 1920s Pullman, it weaves through the Andes from Puno to Cuzco, peaking at over 14,000 feet (4,200 meters). This 10-hour expedition is an indulgence in luxury — think gourmet meals, traditional Peruvian performances, Pisco sour demonstrations, and vistas that never quit. Onboard, it’s about sipping drinks in the bar, savoring fine cuisine, and soaking up views in the open-air observatory.
7. The Caledonian Sleeper, the UK
Go to bed in London, wake up somewhere in the Scottish Highlands with the Caledonian Sleeper.
The Caledonian Sleeper route:
London to Fort William, Inverness, Aberdeen, Glasgow, or Edinburgh.
Best time to travel the Caledonian Sleeper:
Summer is the most popular time, but there are trains year-round, every night except Saturdays.
The Caledonian Sleeper is your overnight express to a different world. Depart from the electric buzz of London and wake up to the tranquility of the Scottish Highlands. While there isn’t much to see, it makes the arrival even more of a surprise as you’re greeted by the peaks and lochs surrounding Fort William, where you can catch a train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct for peak Harry Potter vibes. It costs more than a daytime train, but it’s also your hotel for the night.
8. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Venture into the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and discover why this route is so famous.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express route:
Various routes, including Venice–Amsterdam, Paris–Rome, and Istanbul–Paris.
Best time to travel the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express:
Routes operate March–November, and avoiding the height of summer makes for a more comfortable trip.
Probably the most famous train journey on Earth, stepping aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is to be catapulted back to the Golden Age of rail travel. Luxury is the essence of your experience, gliding through the Dolomites and Swiss Alps in elegant, historic compartments. Dining here is a grand affair, with each meal a celebration of the finest cuisine. As evening falls, the bar car comes alive with the melodies of a grand piano, setting the stage for a night of early-20th-century-style revelry.
Explore the Rocky Mountains in an amazing train journey.
The Rocky Mountaineer route:
Moab to Denver. There are also routes in Canada, from Vancouver to Banff or Jasper.
Best time to travel the Rocky Mountaineer:
April to October — the fall months are arguably the most scenic.
The Rocky Mountaineer, with its almost entirely glass luxury carriages, was made with the incredible Rocky Mountains scenery in mind. Its latest route is a daylight spectacle showcasing the raw beauty of the American West. This trip runs to Denver, along the Colorado River, carving its way through canyons with steep, rugged walls. Every window frames a postcard-worthy scene of mountain vistas, desert cliffs, and rock formations. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep in the high passes — this route is as wild as it gets.
10. The Reunification Express, Vietnam
The Reunification Express will take you on one of the most scenic train rides in the world.
The Reunification Express route:
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City via Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang.
Best time to travel the Reunification Express:
November to April are the coolest, driest months to visit Vietnam.
The rail adventure from Hanoi to Da Nang brings you face-to-face with Vietnam’s dynamic culture and stunning landscapes. End your day observing city life in Hanoi, then wake inside the hilly jungle with banana leaves fluttering against your window. The Reunification Express train snakes through lush scenery and busy villages, giving you a unique perspective of Vietnam’s diverse landscapes. As you approach Da Nang, the South China Sea greets you with golden sands and azure waters. It’s a fitting climax to a thrilling rail adventure, but you’ll probably be tempted to keep going — the route extends all the way south to Ho Chi Minh City.
11. The Bergensbanen, Norway
The Bergensbanen is an exploration of Norway’s natural wonders with breathtaking moments at every turn.
The Bergensbanen route:
Oslo to Bergen, through the highlands — it’s northern Europe’s highest railway.
Best time to travel the Bergensbanen:
Summer is the most popular time to travel, as the weather is mild and the days are long, providing plenty of daylight to enjoy the scenery.
Board the Bergensbanen for a high-octane journey through Norway’s untamed landscapes. This engineering marvel of the 19th century takes you on a six-hour, 300-mile (490-kilometer) blitz through some of Norway’s most breathtaking scenery from Oslo to Bergen. Prepare for a ride that’s as exhilarating as it is picturesque, traversing deep canyons, wild rivers, and rugged mountain tunnels.
12. The Blue Train, South Africa
photo: 2010 World Cup - Shine 2010
The Blue Train brings luxury in one of the most scenic train rides in the world.
The Blue Train route:
Pretoria to Cape Town.
Best time to travel the Blue Train:
Spring (September–November) and fall (March–May) are ideal times, with the most enjoyable weather.
South Africa’s Blue Train is a rolling luxury hotel, offering a journey that’s as much about the experience as the destinations. From Pretoria to Cape Town, traverse nearly 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) of scenic track. Zip through the Cape Winelands, past vineyards and Cape Dutch towns, and into the heart of Cape Town. The Great Karoo Desert stretches out before you, a vast expanse of open plains and savannah, adding a touch of nostalgia to a journey punctuated by fine wine and upscale meals.
13. Bosnian Talgo Train route, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Talgo route is known for its modern comfort and scenic views of the Bosnian countryside.
The Bosnian Talgo train route:
This route connects the capital city of Sarajevo with the coastal city of Mostar.
The best time to travel the Bosnian Talgo train route:
Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather and vibrant scenery. Traveling during these seasons allows you to enjoy the lush greenery and colorful foliage without the summer heat or winter chill.
Traveling on the Bosnian Talgo train is a journey through history and nature. The train glides through valleys and along rivers, offering views of medieval castles and charming villages. The route is a testament to Bosnia’s resilience and beauty, having been revitalized with modern Talgo trains that provide a smooth and comfortable ride. As you travel, savor the local snacks and enjoy the panoramic views from the large windows, and maybe turn this into a ski vacation.
14. The Bernina Express, Italy
Sip coffee in the onboard café or snap photos of the peaks: the Bernina Express is a journey to remember.
The Bernina Express route:
The Bernina Express runs from Tirano in Italy to St. Moritz in Switzerland, crossing the Bernina Pass.
The best time to travel the Bernina Express:
Summer and winter both offer unique experiences. In summer, the lush alpine meadows and clear skies are stunning, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland.
The Bernina Express is more than just a train ride; it’s an alpine adventure. This UNESCO World Heritage route climbs up to 7,391 feet (2,253 meters) at the Ospizio Bernina, offering unparalleled views of the Swiss Alps. The train’s panoramic windows ensure you don’t miss a moment of the spectacular scenery, from the shimmering glaciers to the iconic Landwasser Viaduct.
15. The Kandy Route, Sri Lanka
The train journey from Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka is one of the most scenic in the world.
The Kandy route:
The train journey from Kandy to Ella winds through lush tea plantations, misty mountains, and charming villages.
The best time to travel the Kandy route:
Traveling between December and March offers the best weather conditions, with clear skies and cooler temperatures perfect for enjoying the views.
The Kandy to Ella train ride is a vibrant tapestry of Sri Lanka's natural beauty. As the train climbs through the highlands, passengers are treated to views of cascading waterfalls and verdant tea estates. The journey is slow-paced, allowing you to soak in the sights and sounds of this tropical paradise. Onboard, you can enjoy local snacks and refreshments, making it a delightful cultural experience.
