The Most Scenic Train Rides In The World, According To Travel Experts

As the climate impact of flying becomes more evident, trains are once again attracting more travelers. Plus, flying seems to be getting more chaotic (lost luggage, anyone?) and more uncomfortable (those seats are definitely shrinking) by the minute, essentially making it a less appealing option. 

According to train expert Mark Smith of Seat 61, "People want to cut their carbon footprint, and they want to avoid the hassle [...] They're looking for a more relaxing alternative" (via Smithsonian Mag). From Europe's new sleeper trains to a growing interest in train travel in the U.S, it's also getting easier to plan long-distance train journeys — which ultimately does both you and the planet a favor.

Better yet, trains are arguably one of the most scenic ways to travel because you can essentially watch entire landscapes shift and change without ever leaving your seat — but only if you know where to go. The question is: which ride actually makes the view worth it? With that in mind, here are 15 of the world's most scenic train rides, traversing jungle and desert, mountain and coastline, and everything in between.

Although it's not always one people associate with trains, Norwegian train expert Jan Helge Østlund notes: "Norway is an excellent European rail destination. They may have faster trains further south, but we rank highly in terms of history, interesting stops, and beautiful nature along the tracks" (via Visit Norway). 

With that in mind, it's likely no surprise that one of the world's most beautiful train rides is located in Norway. The Flåm Railway, considered one of Norway's prime sights for your first trip, is a steep journey, traversing up mountains and past waterfalls from the fjord-side town of Flam up to Myrdal. Running for just over an hour, the ride is guaranteed to keep your nose glued to the window. 

Many travelers choose to ride the Flam Railway as part of their "Norway in a Nutshell" experience, which takes visitors from Bergen to Oslo (or vice-versa) across the country's incredible fjords on buses, trains, and boats. However, it's also worth a trip on its own — especially in sunny weather — to experience what some consider the pinnacle of Norway's natural beauty. 

Connecting Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles by train, USA's Coast Starlight travels past some truly magnificent Pacific scenery — from the snowy Cascades to the lush forests of Oregon to the sunny beaches of SoCal — not to mention some of the most beautiful cities in the U.S. 

While California's iconic Route 1 is a bucket-list road trip, taking the train is a much more laid-back way to see pretty much all the same sights — with a significantly lower amount of stress compared to driving the winding coastal highway yourself. One of the most scenic Amtrak routes in North America, Coast Starlight is also one of the country's most historic trains. Originally debuting in 1937 as the Coast Daylight, and traveling between L.A. and San Francisco, the route quickly gained recognition as "one of America's most beautiful train rides," per USA Today. The route's expansion further north, covering a whopping 1,337 miles over 35 hours, has only enhanced the scenery in magnificent ways. 

While it's possible to hop on and off as the train makes its way north, if you're up for the full journey, make sure to book a sleeping berth. Once onboard, don't skip having a drink on the train's observation deck to truly appreciate the view.

Switzerland has some truly astounding vistas as part of its top tourist attractions you can't miss, and one of the best ways to experience the Swiss Alps is to add in a little bit of Italy, too, on the Bernina Express. Rail expert Everett Potter agrees, telling National Geographic: "For train fanatics, the Bernina Express ranks very high... It's packed with glaciers, snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and alpine meadows." Marc Sison, a local travel expert, also votes the Bernina Express as his favorite, noting, "I particularly love the Bernina Express, a component sometimes referred to as 'from glaciers to palm trees' because it fully captures the diversity of Switzerland" (via Go Way).

The Bernina Express is so renowned for its beauty, history, and impressive engineering that it received a coveted spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List back in 2008. The route travels from Chur, in Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy, or vice versa, and takes approximately four hours to traverse 76 miles.  That said, the journey can also be completed in smaller sections. If you visit in the summer, make sure to sit in one of the seasonal open-top carriages for a full immersion in the awe-inspiring Swiss (and Italian) countryside.

One of Asia's most gorgeous regions is the land of Tibet. Home to Lhasa, the sky-high capital where you'll find Potala Palace, considered one of China's major tourist attractions for your first visit. While it's possible to fly into Lhasa nowadays, you can also take the world's highest train ride from Xining, in the Qinghai province, to Lhasa, stretching far across the Tibetan Plateau. This route is called the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, but it's more famously known as the "Road to the Sky." 

For years, it was thought that a train across the plateau was impossible, thanks to imposing mountains and a landscape made of permafrost. However, in 2006, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway was inaugurated, with then-president Hu Jintao proclaiming it "a magnificent feat in China's history of railway construction" (via the BBC). 

Today, the train climbs as high as 16,640 feet above sea level at its highest point over Tanggula Pass, and takes around 20 hours to reach the so-called "Roof of the World." Along the way, expect to see desolate beauty, giant lakes, jaw-dropping mountains, and a whole lot of yaks. According to the deputy director of Tibet tourism, "Riding on the trains, the highest in the world, is a rare experience." (via Xinhuanet). 

New Zealand isn't just one of the safest countries in the world to visit in 2026 — it's also one of the most scenic. From the top of North Island to the tip of the South, you're spoiled for choice in this distant corner of the world. And while there are a lot of ways to experience New Zealand's beauty, one of the most iconic is aboard the Tranzalpine Railway. After all, you won't just get views of the mountains on the Tranzalpine Railway — you'll be in them. Passing over bridges and in tunnels, through gorges, and past the stunning Southern Alps. 

A 4.5-hour journey traversing 139 miles between the picturesque city of Christchurch and the coastal town of Greymouth, Smith notes on his website that the Tranzalpine is "a fantastic trip that easily lives up to its reputation," so you know you're in for a treat. The journey starts in the plains before heading into the mountains and eventually ending in the rainforest, a stunning example of New Zealand's gorgeous diversity. 

North America's Rocky Mountaineer trains are known the world over for their scenic journeys, crossing Canada and the American West. Perhaps the most famous Rocky Mountaineer trip, the First Passage to the West, travels from the city of Vancouver to the famously beautiful Banff National Park near Calgary. With its iconic panoramic windows, the route takes you through some of Canada's most spectacular scenery, starting at the coastal rainforest and ending in the epic Rockies. 

The well-traveled duo from Nomadasaurus report that: "Having travelled by train all over the world, we can honestly say that Rocky Mountaineer's iconic journeys across Canada's most spectacular landscapes are some of the best rail trips on the planet" (via Canadian Affair). 

The First Passage to the West departs from Vancouver twice a week between mid-April and mid-October, with a third date added from May through September. It takes two days to cover 594 miles, with an overnight stay in Kamloops in between. Expect logic-defying bridges and thrilling tunnels, a bevy of wildlife, comfortable seats, excellent service, and, of course, glorious vistas. 

The Jacobite Steam Train, also known as the "Train to Hogwarts," is more than just an iconic prop from a movie — it's also a seriously picturesque, old-fashioned steam train cruising through the famous Scottish Highlands, one of Europe's most scenic destinations. The 84-mile (round-trip) Jacobite line runs from Fort William to Mallaig between April and October. The trip includes the return journey, with an hour-and-a-half stopover in the charming town of Mallaig before departing.

One of its most famous stretches is the historic Glenfinnan Viaduct, one of Scotland's top-tier tourist attractions. The elegant arches of the bridge cross over lush hills, green fields, and past rivers, lakes, and mountains. Some visitors prefer to see the train from a nearby viewpoint to take in the iconic image of the old-fashioned train — steam included — chugging over the viaduct, but the views are just as incredible on board. As one local train worker told The Guardian: "I have never needed a book to read on a train here. The view is quite enough."

Arizona's glorious Grand Canyon can be seen from many different vantage points, but the Grand Canyon Railway offers a once in a lifetime view — with an extra splash of Western flavor. As noted by the railway's general manager, Jeff D'Arpa: "By traveling aboard Grand Canyon Railway you are not only experiencing an entertaining and historic journey, but you are also doing your part to help preserve the pristine beauty of the Grand Canyon" (via The Train). 

The Grand Canyon Railway departs from Williams, Arizona, a charming, retro American town that feels stuck in time. Traveling 65 miles toward the Grand Canyon Depot, the two-plus-hour journey includes on-train entertainment from troubadours and outlaws. Once at the Grand Canyon Depot, you'll have three hours to explore before heading back to Williams. Alternatively, you can spend the night in one of the nearby historic lodges, like the Bright Angel Lodge. 

The lush island of Sri Lanka is known for its scenic train journeys, and the route between Kandy and Badulla is considered one of the most beautiful of the bunch. Passing through rainforests and iconic tea fields, the trip's famous Nine Arch Bridge lies just after Ella, where many passengers disembark to snap pictures from various viewpoints. However, if you'd like the chance to actually cross the bridge, stay onboard until you reach Badulla. 

As one local train expert told the BBC: "The journey is so enthralling that you don't want to take your head out of the window... It makes you feel constantly in awe. You wonder about what comes next — is it a waterfall? A stupa-like tea garden? Or is it mist-clouded peaks? You never know. You just have to keep looking."

For an even longer journey, board the train in Colombo, Sri Lanka's largest city, and home to the main international airport, where you'll travel from coast to jungle to mountains. The full route from Colombo to Badulla takes approximately 10 hours, while Colombo to Kandy is a three-hour journey, and Kandy to Badulla takes approximately eight hours.

One of Australia's most famous train journeys is actually considered a national treasure. Taking travelers from Darwin to Adelaide through the famous Australian Outback, The Ghan offers views of far-flung corners most people never get to see. As Mal Rogers noted for the Daily Mail, "The Ghan is an astonishingly attractive way to see the forbidding landscape of Australia, and some of its more climatically aggressive areas — the Outback, the bush, the desert, the endless plains... from a comfy chair."

The historic Ghan, named after the so-called Afghan camel riders who once guided travelers through the Outback, arrows straight through the center of the country and takes a minimum of two days (54 hours) from southern to northern coast. The route also passes through the historic outpost of Alice Springs, the "Gateway to Australia's Red Centre." From there, you can visit the famous Uluru (Ayers Rock), one of Australia's prime attractions for tourists to explore.

Traveling between Cape Town and Pretoria, two of South Africa's three capitals, the trip aboard the opulent Blue Train provides an unprecedented "window to the soul of Africa." The two-night journey, lasting roughly 54 hours, traverses 994 miles through mountains, across rivers, and past picturesque vineyards. 

The Blue Train is also noted for its luxe experience, as the author behind Seat 61 told Matador Network: "My best, most luxurious train ride has to be South Africa's superb Blue Train from Cape Town to Pretoria, with windows tinted with real gold to keep down the glare... It's the only train on which I've ever had a bath (as opposed to shower) in my private bathroom." This scenery and luxury comes at a price, of course: tickets for a double berth, with superb food and drinks included, start at $4,000 — and that's in the low season.

Peru's most famous sight is undoubtedly the former Inca city of Machu Picchu, one of the world's most iconic attractions to add to your bucket list. Despite modern infrastructure, reaching Machu Picchu is still quite a trek — even if you forgo the four-day trip along the Inca Trail. That said, the safest and most reliable way to reach the iconic site from Cusco is by train to Aguas Calientes, followed by a short bus ride or hike up to the citadel. 

There are a variety of trains available, but taking the Hiram Bingham Train through this incredible landscape means elevating the whole experience. Available in several options, including a seasonal 12-hour package that leaves Cusco in the morning and returns after an awe-inspiring rendezvous through the countryside and a spiritual experience at Machu Picchu. There are also one-way packages, as well as routes that depart from the magical town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Whichever you choose, it's guaranteed to be an incredibly scenic, memorable trip. 

One travel advisor noted that she'll always remember a "moment in the observation car, pisco in hand, watching Peru unfold before me while connected to a century of travelers who've made this same pilgrimage. It was magical" (via Travel Associates).  

Brazil's most famous train trip, the Serra Verde Express, takes you past misty rainforests, rushing rivers, cascading waterfalls, riverside villages, and colonial cities. Designed in the 1880s by André and Antônio Rebouças, two of the country's first Black engineers, the three to four-hour trip takes passengers through 14 tunnels and over 30 bridges, each its own engineering marvel. It winds deep in Brazil's Atlantic Forest, considered one of the oldest rainforests in the world. 

The train travels between Curitiba and Morretes, and is known for its historic carriages and admittedly slow speed. As travel expert Brendan Salisbury noted for Lonely Planet: "The journey is more about scenery than speed." After gaining recognition as one of the top 15 train journeys in the world, the general director of the Serra Verde Express agreed that "Everyone should do [the trip] at least once in their life" (via Folha do Litoral News).

Another country likely to have many scenic train rides is India, due to the fact that it has one of the largest train networks on the planet. As local train expert Swaroop Rao notes in conversation with the BBC: "I can guarantee that you will see some of the world's best scenery... from the misty/rainy western ghats, to the deserts of Rajasthan, to the snowy mountain caps of the Himalayas in the north/east." 

Without a doubt, one of the most scenic train rides in all of India is the Himalayan Queen. Traveling between Kalka and Shimla, it's so scenic and historic that it made the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008.

Also known as the Shimla-Kalka Toy Train thanks to the quaint carriages, the route takes five hours and covers 60 miles through the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh, in the foothills of the Himalayas. Thanks to the steep mountains, the elevation change from 2,150 feet to 6,807 feet above sea level is, needless to say, dramatic. The train route reflects this, with a total of 103 tunnels, 988 bridges, and 917 curves.

You can't have a list of scenic train rides without including Japan, home to some of the world's fastest and most efficient trains. One of the country's most beloved routes is the Resort Shirakami, which takes you from coast to mountains between Akita and Aomori on northern Honshu Island. 

Unlike bullet trains, the Resort Shirakami is one of Japan's "Joyful Trains" — a slower service that celebrates the journey. As told to the BBC by train manager Naoki Ootomo: "People yearn to travel slowly in Japan... Life moves too fast and train travel should help capture a special place in time." 

The Resort Shirakami winds between the Sea of Japan and the UNESCO-listed Shirakami Mountains, home to rare beech forests, providing endless views and the occasional peek of the famous Mount Iwaki. Depending on whether you decide to sightsee along the way, the journey takes around five hours to cover approximately 91 miles.

For this article, we utilized information from local travel specialists, as well as international travel and train experts, such as National Geographic and Seat61.com. We also sourced data from travel news sources like The New York Times and the BBC, in addition to the writer's personal experience. As for rankings, we also gleaned information from review websites and travel blogs that cover scenic train journeys around the world. Finally, we consulted the official websites of each country and specific train companies to ensure accurate, up-to-date information.