Destinations

9 Best Train Journeys in the World

posted in Destinations, FCS . posted by Alex Ion on February 04, 2009 . 233 Comments

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

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.

glacier-express

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

Images by Stef Flater (1 + 2)

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

flam-railway_1

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.

flam-railway_2

flam-railway_3

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

palace-on-wheels_2

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

eastern-oriental-express_1

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.

eastern-oriental-express_2

eastern-oriental-express_3

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.

royal-scotsman_2

royal-scotsman_3

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.

trans-siberian-railway_3

trans-siberian-railway_4

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?

Popularity: 100% [?]

Liked this post? Share it with others!

233 Comments for "9 Best Train Journeys in the World"

Jeff Paulett says on February 5th, 2009 at 9:12 am:

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.

Joel Schnoor says on February 6th, 2009 at 3:52 pm:

These train rides sound incredible! I have friends who have ridden the Trans Siberian and they thought it was absolutely amazing. Great article!

Kate says on February 6th, 2009 at 8:37 pm:

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.

david verge says on February 6th, 2009 at 11:16 pm:

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

david verge says on February 6th, 2009 at 11:18 pm:

long live long train rides,

Vishal says on February 7th, 2009 at 11:59 am:

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.

Mike Johnson says on February 7th, 2009 at 3:25 pm:

Nice selection of trains. One you missed is South Africa’s Blue Train. Check it out at http://www.bluetrain.co.za/.

Tim says on February 7th, 2009 at 6:36 pm:

You are definitely forgetting the Tranz-Alpine Railway from Greymouth to Christchurch in New Zealand.

Jeremy says on February 7th, 2009 at 9:17 pm:

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!

jasmin says on February 8th, 2009 at 1:43 am:

wow, absolutely amazing pictures. THx

Stephen says on February 8th, 2009 at 3:11 am:

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.

Margaret says on February 8th, 2009 at 4:45 am:

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.

Fernando says on February 8th, 2009 at 7:24 pm:

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.

tommy says on February 9th, 2009 at 1:26 am:

Great collection. thanks for collecting and posting.

Joe Fitzpatrick says on February 9th, 2009 at 2:48 am:

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

company says on February 9th, 2009 at 7:05 am:

oh this is a great article, thanks for sharing.thumbs up on SU..

vetements says on February 9th, 2009 at 10:01 am:

This is indescribable. I wonder when can I ride such as these train. They are terrific.

Aathira says on February 9th, 2009 at 1:07 pm:

Hopefully, one day, someday I shall have made enough money to go on at least one of these luxury trains.

Annalysse says on February 9th, 2009 at 4:02 pm:

Amazing, but I think you’re missing out in the Qingzang Railway
http://www.dayrecipe.com/2008/04/13/tibet-part-iii-qingzang-railway/

loopydoopy says on February 9th, 2009 at 5:00 pm:

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…

Issac says on February 9th, 2009 at 5:56 pm:

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.

Nuno Lagoa says on February 10th, 2009 at 12:05 am:

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!

deepika says on February 10th, 2009 at 7:32 am:

2nd pic is superb

marrakech travel guide says on February 10th, 2009 at 9:51 am:

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?

Bunny got Blog says on February 10th, 2009 at 10:00 am:

trains are the best especially when they are on time.

princessr says on February 10th, 2009 at 1:31 pm:

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!

Marie says on February 10th, 2009 at 7:49 pm:

I have worked onboard The Royal Scotsman and it is a fantastic train!! Wish I had the money to be a guest on it…

coque says on February 11th, 2009 at 3:31 am:

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!!!

airconditioners says on February 11th, 2009 at 5:02 am:

this cool.really likes trains,,thanks for sharing this…

Sandra says on February 11th, 2009 at 9:16 am:

Those are the most amazing trains!!!

Himanshu says on February 11th, 2009 at 9:44 am:

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….

Miguel says on February 11th, 2009 at 9:52 am:

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…

Jero says on February 11th, 2009 at 5:31 pm:

Your forgot the Mexican Chihuahua-Pacífico…

mistercompass says on February 12th, 2009 at 1:18 am:

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.

Malooks says on February 12th, 2009 at 7:29 am:

Hopefully, one day, someday I shall have made enough money to go on at least one of these luxury trains.
(¯`·._.• M@|_o0k$ •._.·´¯)

A.S.V.RAMANA RAO says on February 12th, 2009 at 6:18 pm:

REALLY FANTASTIC! AFTER HAVING SEE THIS IT IS THE LUCKIEST PART OF MY LIFE IF I COULD ABLE TO JOURNEY ONCE IN MY LIFE!

Will Gooding says on February 13th, 2009 at 6:40 pm:

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’ }

airbeds says on February 14th, 2009 at 4:41 am:

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.

Einar Tveten says on February 14th, 2009 at 8:08 am:

Especially I recommend the Norwegian trip with the “Flåmsbanen”! Include also the trip Asmara-Massawa in Eritrea, if it is presently operative.

Mark H says on February 14th, 2009 at 11:41 pm:

I’ve travelled Flam and Galcier Express – superb scenery. Also missing are the great Australian journeys: the Indian-Pacific and The Ghan.

Edgar says on February 15th, 2009 at 7:23 am:

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.

iMarcos says on February 15th, 2009 at 10:38 pm:

I want Microsoft Rail Simulator 2009!!!!!!!!!!!

rob says on February 15th, 2009 at 11:35 pm:

what about the hogwarts express?

margaret king says on February 16th, 2009 at 3:44 am:

the train from chile to la paz, bolivia. memorable, in so many ways. also south from santiago chile is great.

One week in Istanbul says on February 16th, 2009 at 6:06 am:

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..

COverton says on February 16th, 2009 at 4:11 pm:

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.

sir jorge says on February 19th, 2009 at 3:26 am:

i feel like I’m missing out on so much.

mel says on February 22nd, 2009 at 8:50 pm:

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!!

Raymond Adams says on February 24th, 2009 at 3:57 pm:

Don’t forget the VISTADOME train by PERU RAIL to Machupicchu from Ollantaytambo:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/raymondadamsphoto/2449782056/in/set-72157604782385235/

Alex Ion says on February 26th, 2009 at 12:04 pm:

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!

Hotel Search Booking says on February 26th, 2009 at 1:44 pm:

so impressive.. thank you for the article…and photos..

brknhrt says on March 4th, 2009 at 2:19 am:

The Rocky Mountaineer train in Canada was an amazing and true luxury trip. I hope to take another trip with them.

Swedes Love Fashion says on March 5th, 2009 at 1:07 pm:

i like the train pic that is enetering the mountain.. cool

fiona says on March 17th, 2009 at 8:11 am:

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

Cute Easy Hairstyles says on March 19th, 2009 at 2:29 pm:

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!!

Neeraj says on April 12th, 2009 at 9:18 am:

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.

Neeraj says on April 12th, 2009 at 9:23 am:

Trains are really good and well maintained, the train glacier Express is really good

Mirza Ali says on April 18th, 2009 at 4:25 pm:

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.

Gina Alessia says on April 21st, 2009 at 4:19 pm:

Traveling by traing can be a lot of fun if you go with more friends not just in 2

Frances says on April 22nd, 2009 at 1:09 am:

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.

salou holiday says on April 25th, 2009 at 6:50 pm:

Great post man, shamefully I live in Scotland and did not know of the 4 dayroyal scotsman trip, but do now.

Japanese words says on April 28th, 2009 at 3:28 am:

I am surprised a Shinkansen didn’t make the list. Nothing amazing, but pretty fast.

Dj says on April 28th, 2009 at 10:39 am:

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.

dexter2x4 says on June 12th, 2009 at 3:37 pm:

i hate te trains in my country and had a bad impression of them but i think train travelling is luxurious

offtoeurope.com says on June 29th, 2009 at 4:37 am:

One of the nicest train rides I have taken was from Milan in Itaky to Bern in Switzerland. The journey through Switzerland was breathtaking.

sara says on August 8th, 2009 at 3:10 pm:

sweet!i will love to sleep on train!!

train rides says on August 13th, 2009 at 10:49 am:

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!

vincentyeong.com says on September 5th, 2009 at 3:11 am:

the only vehicle i can sleep comfortably, besides, i can have lovely view of the pastures, farms, mountains and rivers, occasionally, wild life

Stangman74 says on December 8th, 2009 at 5:28 pm:

Im interested in trains,although they could crash! Maybe because they’re romantic and sexy.

"riad marrakech" says on January 6th, 2010 at 7:16 pm:

Some stunning images. The scenery from the train between Marrakech and Tangiers, while not beginning to come close to those listed above, is quite beautiful in the northern part of Morocco.

Modern Zen Architecture says on January 12th, 2010 at 8:02 am:

Thank you for this post! Amazing!

Prasanyta says on January 18th, 2010 at 7:05 am:

Some of the trains are truly fantastic. Do not agree with Mirza that India does not have its equvilents – Palace On Wheels, Royal Rajasthan, The Golden Chariot, The Deccan Odyessy and now The Maharaja Express are there. For sheer experience try The Golden Chariot both for the route it traveses and the awsome cuisine, facilities and service it offers – it truly is a value for money experience.

Susana Bernstein says on January 25th, 2010 at 9:52 pm:

You forgot the Chihuahua-Pacifico (copper canyon) train. It’s not as luxurious as this but nobody is looking inside, everyone wants to be out watching the scenery. You can take your RV or special customized car on the train.train

Riads in Fez says on January 26th, 2010 at 5:09 pm:

I was quite impressed by a railroad in Montenegro. It was built almost a hundred years ago in the mountains about 1 km high, but the most impressive is that mostly it goes through tunnels and bridges.

Marrakech Riad says on February 25th, 2010 at 10:36 am:

Awesome train’s photo. Palace on Wheels of India is my favorite. facility in this train is wonderful and affordable cost.

lucusq says on March 16th, 2010 at 8:09 am:

Staying at hotels near train stations is awesome.

Nicoleta says on March 22nd, 2010 at 10:21 am:

Nairobi -Mombasa to Nairobi ‘Express’
If you’ve got time and a longing for the colonial days ride on the train!!!!This train is the JAMBO KENYA DELUXE, Nairobi-Mombasa
Taking the Train from Mombasa to Nairobi kenya Train Travel booking and reservation agent
Making bookings and reservations for Nairobi Mombasa train and Train from Mombasa to Nairobi also book and travel by rail from Nairobi to Kisumu train station

Book your train Ticket or Nairobi JKIA airport shuttle transfers from Nairobi airport to Nairobi railway station or from Nairobi city hotels to train station also find cheap,budget hotels to book while on travel with train either to Mombasa or Kisumu from Nairobi

Find tips,prices,rates and train travel information,timetable,schedules of train booking and reservations travel choice of 1st and 2nd class passangers train service.Which includes dinner,bed and breakfast.

http://www.kenyatraintravel.com

Ram Meshram says on March 30th, 2010 at 2:00 pm:

Dear Ram,

see here some intersting train journey history.

Regards,
Raj

Bennie Lava says on August 11th, 2010 at 9:58 am:

I would have liked to see one of the “Toy” mountain trains of India here. Especially the Ooty train. It is the only train line that is an UNESCO world heritage site.

Jack Dorson says on September 24th, 2010 at 7:01 am:

its been wonderful journey traveling in palace on wheels in india.A great piece of hospitablility offered by indians all the till the journey ends.

Jay Bruce says on October 12th, 2010 at 3:50 am:

I traveled by rail London to Hong Kong, 60 days. Stops in 12 cities in between. Best vacation.

Lisa says on April 8th, 2011 at 2:59 am:

I love the photos of the Flam Railway, the Norway Fiords look stunning! Great piece!

Never Grow Up says on May 8th, 2011 at 3:39 pm:

You forgot the Hogwarts and Polar express.

dr mirza sawaid abbas says on August 1st, 2011 at 3:59 pm:

from 1979 to 1985 we were offered multiple times from russian govt to take a free trip from moscow to vladivastok . we were studying at that time in ussr . i missed. now i will.from pakistan

Carolina Oehninger says on August 25th, 2011 at 3:36 pm:

I am a writer and live in La Serena, Chile. What a specially wonderful article. You have just strongly inspired me to take each and every one of these notable trains, one at a time over the next 10 years, no joke!

Destinations

9 Best Train Journeys in the World

Related Posts

Liked this post? Share it with others!

233 Comments for "9 Best Train Journeys in the World"

Trackbacks

Leave your Comment

Latest from the RatesToGo Blog

Latest from the Asia Hotels Blog