Top 10 Scenic Train Routes Around the World

Embark on a picturesque journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world with scenic train routes that offer unparalleled views. From towering mountains to tranquil oceans, these train rides provide a unique perspective of nature's beauty. Experience the magic of these scenic train routes and create memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Glacier Express (Switzerland)

Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz Duration: 8 hours Distance: 291 km

The "slowest express train in the world" winds through the Swiss Alps, crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels. Known for its panoramic cars with floor-to-ceiling windows, the journey showcases dramatic mountain vistas, pristine Alpine villages, and engineering marvels like the Landwasser Viaduct.

Best Time to Travel: Winter for snow-capped peaks, Summer for green valleys

Highlights:

• Landwasser Viaduct
• Matter Valley
• Rhine Gorge (Swiss Grand Canyon)
• Oberalp Pass

2. Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)

Route: Vancouver to Banff/Lake Louise Duration: 2 days Distance: 941 km

This luxury train offers daylight-only travel through the Canadian Rockies, with overnight stops in mountain towns. The glass-domed cars provide spectacular views of glaciers, lakes, and wildlife.

Best Time to Travel: May to October

Highlights:

• Fraser Canyon
• Hell's Gate
• Spiral Tunnels
• Castle Mountain

3. Trans-Siberian Railway (Russia)

Route: Moscow to Vladivostok Duration: 7 days Distance: 9,289 km

The world's longest railway journey crosses 8 time zones and offers an incredible perspective of Russia's changing landscapes, from the Ural Mountains to Lake Baikal and the Siberian wilderness.

Best Time to Travel: May to September

Highlights:

• Lake Baikal
• Ural Mountains
• Yekaterinburg
• Siberian forests

4. Bergen Railway (Norway)

Route: Oslo to Bergen Duration: 7 hours Distance: 496 km

Northern Europe's highest railway journey crosses the Hardangervidda plateau, offering stunning views of fjords, mountains, and some of Norway's most dramatic landscapes.

Best Time to Travel: June to August for the midnight sun, Winter for Northern Lights

Highlights:

• Hardangervidda National Park
• Voss mountains
• Flåm Railway connection
• Aurland fjord

5. Bernina Express (Switzerland/Italy)

Route: Chur (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy) Duration: 4 hours Distance: 144 km

This UNESCO World Heritage journey offers an incredible Alpine crossing featuring dramatic changes in landscape from glaciers to palm trees.

Best Time to Travel: Year-round

Highlights:

• Bernina Pass (2,253m)
• Brusio Spiral Viaduct
• Morteratsch Glacier
• Val Poschiavo

6. TranzAlpine (New Zealand)

Route: Christchurch to Greymouth Duration: 4.5 hours Distance: 223 km

Traversing the Southern Alps, this journey is considered one of the world's greatest train trips, offering views of the Canterbury Plains, Arthur's Pass, and native beech forests.

Best Time to Travel: December to March

Highlights:

• Canterbury Plains
• Arthur's Pass
• Waimakariri River
• Lake Brunner

7. West Highland Line (Scotland)

Route: Glasgow to Mallaig Duration: 5.5 hours Distance: 264 km

Featured in Harry Potter films, this route passes through some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery, including lochs, moors, and mountains.

Best Time to Travel: May to September

Highlights:

• Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Rannoch Moor
• Loch Lomond
• Ben Nevis

8. Qinghai-Tibet Railway (China)

Route: Xining to Lhasa Duration: 21 hours Distance: 1,956 km

The highest railway in the world crosses the Tibetan Plateau, reaching elevations of over 5,000m, with specially designed pressurized cars.

Best Time to Travel: April to October

Highlights:

• Tanggula Pass
• Kekexili Nature Reserve
• Qinghai Lake
• Kunlun Mountains

9. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (USA)

Route: Durango to Silverton, Colorado Duration: 3.5 hours Distance: 72 km

This historic steam train winds through Colorado's San Juan Mountains, following the Animas River through spectacular canyons.

Best Time to Travel: May to October

Highlights:

• San Juan National Forest
• Animas River Gorge
• High Line track
• Historic steam locomotives

10. Kuranda Scenic Railway (Australia)

Route: Cairns to Kuranda Duration: 2 hours Distance: 37 km

This historic railway winds through tropical rainforest, offering views of waterfalls and gorges while climbing from sea level to 328m.

Best Time to Travel: April to September

Highlights:

• Barron Falls
• Stoney Creek Falls
• 15 tunnels
• Rainforest views

Travel Tips

• Book well in advance, especially for popular routes
• Consider season-specific weather conditions
• Check if meals are included
• Pack appropriate clothing for climate changes
• Bring camera equipment for photography
• Consider which side of the train offers better views
• Check if stops allow for brief exploration

Photography Tips

• Clean windows before shooting
• Avoid shooting through glass when possible
• Use fast shutter speeds
• Consider polarizing filters
• Watch for reflections in panoramic windows
• Time photos for golden hour when possible

Whether you choose to journey through the mountains of Canada, the fjords of Norway, or the rainforests of Australia, each scenic train route offers a unique adventure filled with stunning landscapes and unforgettable moments. So, pack your bags, sit back, and let the beauty of the world unfold before your eyes as you travel from mountains to oceans on these incredible train journeys.