In a modern world where traveling between destinations is viewed as a waste of time and resources, it is hard to actually comprehend the beauty of some of the most spectacular rides on the planet. Far less comfortable, yet far more beautiful and interesting, the time spent between two destinations is equally captivating and offers many sights and sounds.
While we are very much in a century where we have ‘no time to stand and stare’, there are still some awesome train rides across the globe where the trip itself turns into a destination. So how about hopping on these 10 grand train journeys?
Glacier Express
Arguably the slowest ‘express’ on the planet, the 180 mile ride on this delightful route takes a good 8 hours. Not that we are complaining about the pace as this offers you loads of time to catch a glimpse of the magical panorama that lies on its path, which links the two mountain resorts of St. Moritz and Zermatt in the Swiss Alps. 291 bridges, 91 tunnels and an altitude of 6,670 feet make this train ride similar to an expedition through fairyland.
Images courtesy of Puddles, +Jun+, janetmck
Spectacular, stunning and picture perfect, this is a trip that the shutter bugs will really love!
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Linking some of the best cities of Europe including London, Venice, Rome, Budapest or Prague, the Orient Express is the most charming way to travel on tracks. With scores of movies, novels and romantic Hollywood scenes captured on this luxurious trip, this is one for those with deep pockets. The three day trip past the beautiful countryside of France, Switzerland and Austria will cost well over 2,000 Euros for the old-age charm of the Orient Express.
Pride of Africa
The Pride of Africa is a train journey that no nature lover should ever miss if they wish to explore the beauty, majesty and the hidden grandeur of the spectacular Dark Continent at a leisurely pace. Apart from the impeccable comfort it has to offer, the once in a year trip planned on the ‘Pride of Africa’ will take you on a 14-day epic expedition through Cape Town, Dar Es Salaam, Kimberley, Pretoria, the Kruger National Park, Beit Bridge, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, Lusaka and through Tanzania to Dar Es Salaam.
Images by Rovos Rail
Billed as the most luxurious train in the world, you’d better not lose the opportunity if you’re planning a romantic vacation through the heart of Southern Africa.
Eurostar
Image by lewishamdreamer
While not many will really be happy with the fact that you get to spend plenty of time in the Eurostar under the sea, it sure offers a great mix of comfort and class. Apart from getting you to your chosen destination in a pretty short time, it is a much better option compared to choosing the flight between London and Paris. Innovative …
Flam Railway
Remember the awesome Norwegian Fjords? Well, here is a train ride through the world’s longest fjord Sognefjord, where on a 20 kilometer trip you’ll get to see an amazing descent from an altitude of almost 3,000 feet into the fjords of Flam. The ride looks both enthralling and hair-raising with its narrow passage way and the unforgettable sights.
Images by Sugeo, Laurakgibb, kurlvink
A popular tourist attraction in Norway, this is all about exploring unadulterated beauty of nature at a leisurely pace.
Palace on Wheels
Images courtesy of nzer and rdtc.in
Step on the Palace on Wheels and you will find exactly what you have been promised with the name. The train that starts from Delhi in India and ends up in the royal state of Rajasthan, offers complete luxury on tracks, much like the pampering enjoyed by royal kings in the days long gone. Just to roll back time, a steam engine is used to pull the train initially out of Delhi, adding further to the experience. An elephant welcome in Jaipur, lunch at the Lake Palace in Udaipur, a camel safari near Jaisalmer and an afternoon at the Taj Mahal; the Palace on Wheels is the most comfortable way to explore India.
Eastern & Oriental Express
All images courtesy of Orient-Express Images
Stretching between the ultra-modern Singapore and Bangkok, and traveling through lush green tropical forests, the Eastern and Oriental Express is modern, stylish and comfortable.
Apart from all the delights it offers in terms of cuisine and hospitality, the train journey presents a perfect window into South-East Asia, its changing topography and the contrast between its urban present and its naturally-endowed past.
Royal Scotsman
If you are getting on board the Royal Scotsman, then you must have really deep pockets - it’s the most expensive train ride on the planet. Just consider the fact that a 4-day trip on the Royal Scotsman costs more than an entire 19-day first-class trip on the Trans-Siberian, and you will get the idea. The observation car accommodates 36 passengers (yes, only 36 passengers allowed) in comfortable armchairs along with cabins specially designed for dining and other purposes.
Images by lolothian, christymacintosh, jeffmcneil
The train pulls over at night when you need to sleep and while the trip offers a great passage through little known waterfalls, mountains and valleys, it is obviously not for everyone.
Trans-Siberian Railway
There is hardly any doubt that a 6000 mile ride across the vastness of Russia that carries you over a distance of one-third the planet is the grand daddy of them all. The Trans-Siberian train ride is a journey that has already achieved a mythical status for the vastness it encompasses and the magnitude of brilliance that it has in store.
Images by yeowatzup, brostad, 14589121@N00 (1 +2)
From Vladivostok across Siberia to Moscow and then to St. Petersburg, the 19-day ride offers more than you could ever find on any other train. Carriages once used by the Politburo are fitted with two bedrooms, a bathroom and a sitting/dining-room, complete with private chef. Carrying you in comfort across seven time zones, this is the ultimate experience on tracks.
It is a unique feeling to carry home when your whole journey becomes your destination as there is never a dull moment on your trip. Instead of waiting for fun and good times to start rolling as you sit in your airline seat, the great train journeys turn every moment into a memory you can cherish for a lifetime.
Have you checked our follow-up article about 9 more amazing journeys on tracks?
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I have to say I am a great fan of these luxurious trains such as the Orient-Express and Rovos Rail - a superb legacy from the great age of steam travel. Can’t think of a better way to journey and see the sights of the countries you are passing through.
These train rides sound incredible! I have friends who have ridden the Trans Siberian and they thought it was absolutely amazing. Great article!
You’re forgetting the Alaska Railroad, from which you can get to Anchorage, Whittier, Seward, Fairbanks, and the stunning Denali National Park, home of Mount McKinley. Go to http://www.alaskadenalitours.com/alaska_travel/alaska_railroad.html.
they all look incredible and FANTASTIC, i just wish i could afford one of those rides these days. i’m more like the night train from paris to lisbon, which was not tooo shabby mind you, and the night train from paris to munich, on that i slept. your photos are beautiful.
david
long live long train rides,
I have travelled in FLAM in Norway, and is one of the best scenic routes. The best time to visit would be around June July.
Nice selection of trains. One you missed is South Africa’s Blue Train. Check it out at http://www.bluetrain.co.za/.
You are definitely forgetting the Tranz-Alpine Railway from Greymouth to Christchurch in New Zealand.
What about the world’s worst trains??? that’s a photo essay I would like to see…
I was on a train from Hanoi to Sapa with 3 bunks high, the top bunk I could not sit up, because I had about 20 inches clearance to the ceiling… and there was a man who was sitting on my wife’s bunk chain smoking all night, and the windows were sealed!
wow, absolutely amazing pictures. THx
This is a really nice and informative post. And the photographs are stunning. I am going to put a link to this on my website http://www.goroundtheworld.com, which I am launching this week… BTW I am new to StumbleUpon, does anyone know if the links are somewhat permanent? I think this is a great article and would like to put it on my site as a permanent link.
In 1999, I travelled from Oslo to Bergen overnight just so I could make the return journey during the day on the Flam Railway. It was amazing.
We also stayed in Switzerland on often travelld on the Glacier Express - also amazing.
Nice selection. I would recommend the CHEPE train (chihuahua-pacific express) in Mexico. It is not a luxurious ride but it has amazing views all the way from the copper canyon to Los Mochis, Sinaloa where you can find nearby beaches and other nice attractions.
Great collection. thanks for collecting and posting.
They all look absolutrly fantaastic ! However I would llike to know the price of all of them, at least a rough estimate, it would help my planning. Thanks
oh this is a great article, thanks for sharing.thumbs up on SU..
This is indescribable. I wonder when can I ride such as these train. They are terrific.
Hopefully, one day, someday I shall have made enough money to go on at least one of these luxury trains.
Amazing, but I think you’re missing out in the Qingzang Railway
http://www.dayrecipe.com/2008/04/13/tibet-part-iii-qingzang-railway/
Wow, I will kill for a seat on any of those trains, or the routes they take! They are amazing views. Yet quite scary too…
I agree that these are great trips.
But if you are in the US and if you do not want an expensive ride, the best one would be Southwest Chief from Chicago to LA with a stop in Flagstaff to see the Grand Canyons.
Tickets are very reasonable and the trip is amazing. Not a luxury thing though, just a poor man’s trip.
I rided the Flam train a few years ago and I can say it is a seriously overrated. At one point it actually felt like, and was, a tourist trap, with a woman dancing from inside a waterfall. Creepy!
You have however ‘unforgivably’ missed the Douro Valley train ride, from Oporto to Régua, in Portugal. The sights are unforgettable, with the vineyards in steps from the top to the bottom of the mountain and the Douro river at the bottom. The train stations are decorated with beautiful white and blue tiles. Check it out!
2nd pic is superb
great article. as a multi propose traveler i try to enjoy all possible ways of transportation. i made 3 interrails across europe when i was a teenager. the most interesting for me on this list was the trans siberian. does anyone knows if during those 19 days the train stop for a couple of hours suitable for a quick city sightseeing? somewhere?
trains are the best especially when they are on time.
My friend had the opportunity to work for Rovos rail as a hostess and one day she took me onto one of their trains. Wow! so beautiful!
I have worked onboard The Royal Scotsman and it is a fantastic train!! Wish I had the money to be a guest on it…
nothing about the train ride to macchu picchu in peru ?
the ride is absolutely spectacular and the train stops in the middle of the trip for local indigenous people to come on and sell white corn. the best corn you have ever had!!!
this cool.really likes trains,,thanks for sharing this…
Those are the most amazing trains!!!
Very nicely collected article on Luxury train rides. I have traveled on “Palace on Wheels”. Truely amazing experience. I felt like I am the king, superb cousine, and great to travel the world’s most Royalistic Place… RAJASTHAN!
You dare to miss this, in case you are in India….
What about the train from Cusco to Puno (Lake Titicaca) in Peru? It’s amazing and should be on this list. Certainly much better than the eurostar…
Your forgot the Mexican Chihuahua-Pacífico…
When you make love on a train you will discover a magic that creates something incredible happen between two people. Women particularly explode with the rocking rhythms of the rail.
Hopefully, one day, someday I shall have made enough money to go on at least one of these luxury trains.
(¯`·._.• M@|_o0k$ •._.·´¯)
REALLY FANTASTIC! AFTER HAVING SEE THIS IT IS THE LUCKIEST PART OF MY LIFE IF I COULD ABLE TO JOURNEY ONCE IN MY LIFE!
Beautiful marketing for a form of travel which should enjoy the same luxuries of our contemporary ’short-sighted’ automobile corporations. { Referring to Daimlyer-Chrysler in particular v.v’ }
Thanks for the great list of train journeys. I was happy to see the Glacier Express included as I have great memories of riding that. The Trans Canada Railway is another worthy one, especially the part through the Canadian Rockies and British Columbia.
Especially I recommend the Norwegian trip with the “Flåmsbanen”! Include also the trip Asmara-Massawa in Eritrea, if it is presently operative.
I’ve travelled Flam and Galcier Express - superb scenery. Also missing are the great Australian journeys: the Indian-Pacific and The Ghan.
Well I have to recommend the chepe route on chihuhua at the north pacific in mexico..it is considered the 2nd most beautyful route by train…it is also have amazing landscape views…it’s quite slow but it will be arrive just on time, so be patient.
You have to make anticipate reservations with 3 months earlier.
I want Microsoft Rail Simulator 2009!!!!!!!!!!!
what about the hogwarts express?
the train from chile to la paz, bolivia. memorable, in so many ways. also south from santiago chile is great.
I did a fantastic European tour by train via London-Paris-Munich-Vienna-Budapest-Bucharest-Istanbul we did it other a month then spent a month visting Istanbul and the surronding area, easily the best train journey of my life..
I have been on trains in the Peruvian Andes, in the Balkans, and in Canada, and never had a ride I didn’t enjoy immensely. The Fraser River route in southern British Columbia is spectacular, as is the route east through the Selkirk Mountains and on to Calgary, AB. I do understand and approve of the selections above given the criteria. But there are others.
i feel like I’m missing out on so much.
The Ghan which goes from Adelaide (at the bottom) to Darwin (at the top) in Australia is also an amazing train journey!! You can’t beat the red dirt, Uluru and a landscape unlike anywhere else on the planet!!
Don’t forget the VISTADOME train by PERU RAIL to Machupicchu from Ollantaytambo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/raymondadamsphoto/2449782056/in/set-72157604782385235/
We appreciate all your comments and suggestions. That’s why we decided to make the list longer. Here are 9 more amazing journeys on tracks | based on your suggestions.
Thank you!
so impressive.. thank you for the article…and photos..
The Rocky Mountaineer train in Canada was an amazing and true luxury trip. I hope to take another trip with them.
i like the train pic that is enetering the mountain.. cool
train travelling could be quite enjoyable afterall,
but honestly, with merely 15 days of holiday each year, we do need to consider traveling in the fastest fashion
Wow!! Great pics!! My husband and I are planning to do backpacking trip in east Asia. We are gonna only use sea or ground transportation. I can’t wait to ride on trains like that!!
These are like a wonders of world. The train ‘Palace on Wheels’ is great. The Trans-Sibrean Express that travells for 8 days in Russia is Great Job and a great train. Even all trains are nice.
Trains are really good and well maintained, the train glacier Express is really good
Unfortunately we in India does not have this kind of luxury trains, although we have the largest network of railways in the world.
Hopefully one day, yes one day we will be able to fulfil our dreams.
Traveling by traing can be a lot of fun if you go with more friends not just in 2
I’ve always thought the Glacier Express was overrated. The Bernina Express, on the other hand, is spectacular and the train is usually uncrowded. The BVZ line and Albula Line (two parts of the Glacier Express) are amazing, but I’d take a pass on much of the Glacier Express route.
Other spectacular train trips missing from the list: the narrow gauge line to Schynige Platte in the Bernese Oberland; the West Highland Line from Fort William to Mallaig in Scotland (including the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is featured in the Harry Potter movies); the White Pass & Yukon Railway in Alaska (rustic, but the best scenery — and the best story — ever); and the Rocky Mountaineer from Calgary to Vancouver.
Great post man, shamefully I live in Scotland and did not know of the 4 dayroyal scotsman trip, but do now.
I am surprised a Shinkansen didn’t make the list. Nothing amazing, but pretty fast.
I have traveled in Scotsman, Glacier and V-S Orient. Absolutely amazing experience on them. The most ultimate was the Glacier exp. The views of the Alps was mind blowing.
i hate te trains in my country and had a bad impression of them but i think train travelling is luxurious
One of the nicest train rides I have taken was from Milan in Itaky to Bern in Switzerland. The journey through Switzerland was breathtaking.
sweet!i will love to sleep on train!!
i love train traveling! all these train rides look fantastic and I wish to take some of these rides oneday!.The Glacier Express train looks amazing! great post and excellent blog!
the only vehicle i can sleep comfortably, besides, i can have lovely view of the pastures, farms, mountains and rivers, occasionally, wild life