12 Epic Train Journeys You Need to Experience
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All aboard, adventurers! If you’re sick of the rush of air travel and ready to experience the world on a more laid-back schedule, then train travel might be your ticket to wanderlust. According to the University of Oxford, train travel is more environmentally friendly than flying or driving, decreases stress, and increases well-being for passengers.
Cozy up to a nice seat, a hot drink in hand, as the most beautiful landscapes on earth scroll by the window. Around the world, from Switzerland’s snowy peaks to Australia’s arid outback, trains provide a way to experience the world’s natural beauty. Here are 12 super train journeys that are simply spectacular.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
If there is a name to beat when it comes to luxury train travel, it’s the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Picture this: Fine dining, timeless atmosphere harking back to the golden age of travel, and Art Deco interiors. This iconic train meanders its way through some of Europe’s most historical, romantic cities: Venice, Paris, and Istanbul.
What is special about the Orient Express is that while it trips across modern landscapes, it takes passengers back in time. This is a nostalgia con through and through, one drawn by the nostalgia but also the allure of elegance. If you thought trains were just for getting places from A to B, then you may need to readdress that after this trip – this isn’t just a train ride; this is an experience involving all of the senses, from the taste of gourmet dishes to the sight of breathtaking European vistas.
Travelers looking for adventure combined with a hint of sophistication will find no better railroad experience than that on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. It’s a great opportunity to dress up and eat well and see Europe as it is at its most glamorous.
Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is called “the slowest express train in the world” for a very good reason. This scenic train travels between St. Moritz and Zermatt on its route over the Swiss Alps.
The Glacier Express is beautiful because its views are awesome, and it’s also beautiful because it’s so slow taking you through the snow covered alps. Panoramic windows let you see every snow covered peak and slogging waterfall along each mile.
The ride on this train is a peaceful refuge from the day to day insanity, affording travelers the opportunity to float and fawn on the peacefulness of the mountains. Regardless of when you’re headed out, the scenes are just as captivating and will definitely enchant you.
Alaska Railroad
If you’re looking for a front-row seat to some of the most rugged and raw landscapes America has to offer, the Alaska Railroad is for you. Denali National Park, with its wild and untrammeled terrain, is the domain of this rail line, which runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks.
The passengers of the Alaska Railroad can run into the unexpected, such as the sight of a grizzly bear or the fleeting view of Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley), north America’s tallest mountain. The wildlife and natural beauty of this train ride is so diverse, it’s a bucket list favorite for nature lovers.
You will venture through towering forests, sparkling rivers, endless tundras, and more as you make your journey. It’s a way to take a break from all the screens and spend some time in nature. Come aboard your unforgettable Alaskan adventure!
California Zephyr
Traveling from Chicago to San Francisco, California Zephyr is one of the most scenic train rides you can have in the U.S.
The name for this epic route is a heartland of America, connecting passengers in the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada. The high mountain ranges and sweeping plains on offer from each twist and turn present a new, more spectacular view.
When you take the California Zephyr, you get a front-row seat to all the diversity of American landscapes: bustling cities and serene countrysides. It’s all the good the country has to offer, squished together in this tiny place, and a fantastic way to experience how big this country is.
Lake Titicaca Train
If you’re looking for one of Peru’s hidden luxury gems, look no further than the Lake Titicaca Train in the Andean highlands. While technically, this is a train ride, it is much more than that; it is a cultural immersion experience from Cusco to Puno.
You glide past terraced farms and snow-capped mountains, as, of course, does Lake Titicaca itself, the highest lake navigable in the world. Every step of this process is intended to captivate your senses and inspire your imagination.
An attraction in itself, the train has lovely interiors that take pride in Peru’s rich cultural heritage. And when you add in gourmet meals, and music performed live, round that off with a Peruvian adventure you’ll never forget.
Reunification Express
Ride the Reunification Express from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam. Riding this train offers a glimpse into the wide spectrum of the country’s scenery, from lush riced paddy fields to crowded metropolises.
It is more than a transport option: it is a reflection of Vietnam’s generations and history. Throughout you’ll be passing through ancient towns, modern cities, and all along Vietnam’s stunning coastline.
For those of you wondering how you can experience the contrasts in Vietnam, this train ride is for you. Every stop is a chance to find new story, and make memories. This is no rail adventure of nothing but surprises.
TranzAlpine
TranzAlpine, New Zealand, is a must ride for anyone wanting to travel on the edges of the dramatic South Island landscapes. This train runs between Christchurch and Greymouth and crosses the Southern Alps, with absolutely spectacular views along the way.
With its onboard visual banquet of lush rainforests, towering peaks and serene lakes, the TranzAlpine is justifiably a journey of at least 4.5 hours. It’s a paradise for a photographer and a dream come true for a nature lover.
It is truly such a unique opportunity to ride the train in New Zealand – you get to see its untouched beauty.
The Ghan
The Ghan, from Australia, takes you on an legendary transcontinental rail adventure from Darwin to Adelaide. The iconic train ride provides a very different perspective on Australia’s wildly variegated landscapes: tropical coastlines; dry, arid outback.
Across the Red Centre, there are ancient landscapes and indigenous cultures, which you will see when you are onboard. With off-train excursions on offer every day, each day is a chapter in Australia’s story.
The Ghan is not only about the train ride, it’s an experience that ties you well into the heart of Australia. The Ghan features something for every history buff, nature lover, or those just looking for adventure.
Rocky Mountaineer
The Rocky Mountaineer is all set for a luxury rail experience. Pass by towering peaks, glacial lakes, and thick forests on this train through the Canadian Rockies.
Legendary for its well-known Remarkable Service, the Rocky Mountaineer handles its passengers in a relaxed and memorable manner. Experience Canada’s breathtaking landscapes through panoramic windows for meals prepared by Gastó chefs.
This train ride is for those who wish to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without having to sacrifice comfort. It’s a train trip, as much about the journey as the destination.
Bergensbanen
Ride on Norway’s Bergensbanen, from Oslo to Bergen, and see some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. The Bregensbanen train between Oslo and Bergen takes about 7 hours, between 180 tunnels and 22 stops on the way. The trip takes this route across the Hardangervidda plateau, one of Europe’s largest mountain plateaus.
You will get to see snow-clad mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and pretty villages. A chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and to enter into the nature of Norway.
A ride on this train provides a distinctive way of touring the vast country’s extensive back drop of cultures. Regardless of whether you are flipping through Bergensbanen’s pages for the first time or have been a steady traveler on the contrast, it catches you by amazement.
The Blue Train
The Blue Train in South Africa is a luxurious ride through the country from Pretoria to Cape Town. According to the Blue Train holiday packages, it travels this 1600 km (994 Miles) journey in just 31 hours. The ride on this train combines opulence and adventure, transporting passengers across exciting landscapes while also giving them a flavor of high life.
In the elegance and world-class service of its onboard service, you will experience its gourmet dining and the elegance of its interiors. Views over the Great Karoo desert and the lush Cape Winelands make the experience.
Exploring South Africa in style? Then this train ride is for you. The Blue Train has everything to offer when you are celebrating a special occasion or want an unforgettable experience.
Bernina Express
Finally, there’s the Bernina Express, the train adventure through Switzerland and Italy. Crossing the Alps in spectacular fashion, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed route runs from Chur to Tirano along this route.
Its panoramic carriages lets you marvel at the awe inspiring alps regardless of where your ticket is. Every view is, without exception, more breathtaking than the last: viaducts and glaciers alike.
An extraordinary way to travel the beauty of two countries in one epic journey is this train ride. If you’re a nature lover or a adventurer, you won’t be disappointed because the Bernina Express will provide a travel experience like no other.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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