Hop on to a Train Journey of a Lifetime
Train travel gives you time to breathe. It’s slower, yes, but that’s the point. You get to watch the land shift, see people board and wave goodbye, and notice the small things that planes skip over. Some trains climb mountains. Others cross deserts or coastlines.
This guide covers 20 rail journeys from around the world. They take you through cities, valleys, forests, and faraway places. Some are luxurious. Some are simple. All give you space to be present while moving forward.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
This train is like stepping into another era. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express connects cities like Paris, London, and Venice in restored 1920s carriages. Inside, you’ll find polished wood, white tablecloths, and staff who treat every guest like a VIP.
Meals are formal and multi-course, often with live music in the bar car. Some trips last two days, while others take you all the way to Istanbul. It’s not about speed. It’s about soaking in the scenery with a sense of occasion.
The Belmond Royal Scotsman
This train travels through the Scottish Highlands, offering a quiet and elegant way to see the country. Its vintage Pullman cars have been turned into cosy, luxurious rooms. Think soft lighting, tweed, and wood panelling.
Itineraries vary from two to seven nights and include stops at castles, whisky distilleries, and scenic spots. For many passengers, it’s a slow, personal tour of Scottish life and land.
The Blue Train, South Africa
The Blue Train links Pretoria and Cape Town in 27 hours of pure comfort. It’s often called a hotel on wheels, and it feels like one. Rooms come with bathtubs. There’s a butler. Meals are prepared fresh and served in a dining car with silver cutlery.
Outside the windows, you’ll pass everything from grasslands to vineyards and mountains. This train shows you South Africa’s varied landscapes while giving you time to reflect, rest, and enjoy the rhythm of rail travel.
The Glacier Express, Switzerland
The Glacier Express moves slowly through the Swiss Alps, taking eight hours to connect Zermatt and St. Moritz. This isn’t a high-speed train—it’s designed to let you see every detail. You’ll cross 291 bridges and go through 91 tunnels.
Panoramic windows give you a front-row view of snowy peaks, deep valleys, and tidy villages. Onboard, you can order local dishes made fresh. It’s a peaceful way to see one of Europe’s most beautiful regions without rushing past it.
The Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy
In just four hours, the Bernina Express takes you from the glaciers of Switzerland to the vineyards of northern Italy. The route begins in Chur and ends in Tirano, passing waterfalls, stone viaducts, and alpine forests.
It’s a UNESCO-listed line for good reason. The scenery changes fast but never feels jarring. It’s perfect for travellers who want to see a lot in one day without needing to fly or drive. The train’s big windows make sure you don’t miss a thing.
The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
This two-day train connects Vancouver to Banff or Jasper, passing through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Its glass-dome coaches give you clear views of turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and wildlife like bears and elk.
There’s no overnight service—you stop and sleep in a hotel—so your views are always in daylight. Meals are cooked on board. Staff share stories about the land you’re crossing. It’s a journey that feels part train ride, part nature documentary.
The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia
The Trans-Siberian is one of the longest train rides in the world, running over 9,200 kilometres from Moscow to Vladivostok. It takes about a week. Most people don’t ride it straight through. They hop off in cities or remote towns along the way.
This train shows you the scale of Russia. You’ll pass forests, rivers, and wide-open skies. You’ll meet travellers from all over and hear local stories in the dining car. It’s a slow, steady immersion in distance and difference.
The Ghan, Australia
The Ghan crosses Australia from south to north, travelling between Adelaide and Darwin in three days. The route cuts through the country’s red centre, with stops in remote places like Alice Springs and Katherine.
Off-train excursions let you explore canyons, caves, and indigenous culture. Onboard, you’ll sleep in private cabins and eat regionally inspired meals. The landscapes are vast and open. If you’ve ever wanted to feel the scale of Australia without driving it, this is the way.
The California Zephyr, USA
The California Zephyr runs between Chicago and San Francisco, crossing plains, deserts, and mountains along the way. The trip takes about 52 hours. It’s not a luxury train, but it’s rich in views and character.
Observation cars have big windows and seats that swivel so you can face the scenery. You’ll see the Rockies, Sierra Nevada, and wide stretches of countryside in between. This is a classic American train journey—low-key, scenic, and deeply relaxing if you let it be.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India
Nicknamed the “Toy Train,” this narrow-gauge railway climbs from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling over seven hours. It winds through tea plantations, misty hills, and small mountain towns.
The views of the Himalayas, including Mount Kanchenjunga, are part of the draw. The rest is the train itself—slow, cheerful, and full of charm. It’s a living piece of colonial-era engineering, still running and still beloved by travellers and locals alike.
The West Highland Line, Scotland
This route runs from Glasgow to Mallaig through Scotland’s Highlands. It passes lochs, moors, and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct—the one seen in the Harry Potter films.
You can take the regular service or ride the Jacobite Steam Train for extra flair. Either way, it’s a scenic, no-fuss way to see some of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes. The quiet and raw beauty of this line makes it easy to sit back and just watch.
The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia
This train travels between Bangkok and Singapore, passing rice paddies, jungles, and rivers along the way. It blends vintage charm with Southeast Asian elegance, from carved wood details to curated local menus.
Journeys usually last three nights and include stops at heritage sites and local markets. It’s a slower way to cross countries, with time to learn about culture and history between the meals and the views.
The Pride of Africa, Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa offers routes across southern Africa. The carriages are vintage and beautifully restored. Some trips run from Pretoria to Victoria Falls or even all the way to Namibia or Tanzania.
Expect wood-panelled suites, slow travel, and staff who know your name by the end. The routes are long and unhurried, with off-train safaris and vineyard visits. It’s a thoughtful, well-paced way to experience Africa without rushing past it.
The Shinkansen, Japan
Japan’s bullet trains are famous for being fast, but they’re also calm and deeply efficient. The Shinkansen network covers the country, connecting cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.
These trains are part of the culture. They run on time, cleanly, and quietly. Windows show a blur of city, field, and mountain. If you want a balance of speed and reliability while seeing Japan from the ground, this is it.
The Art of Slow Train Travel
Train journeys invite stillness. Unlike planes or highways, they give you windows that stay wide and open for hours. You can read, sleep, eat, or just stare outside without needing to be anywhere fast.
That stillness makes room for conversation, reflection, or nothing at all. And that’s the beauty of it. You arrive not just at a destination, but in a different mindset—one that remembers what travel is really about.
Every journey leaves a mark, and small choices can make a big difference. Choosing eco-friendly stays, supporting local communities, and being mindful of plastic use help preserve the beauty of the places we visit. Respecting wildlife, conserving resources, and travelling sustainably ensure future generations can experience the same wonders. By treading lightly and embracing responsible travel, we create meaningful connections and lasting memories. Here’s to adventures that inspire and footprints that honour our planet. Safe and mindful travels!
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